SunOptima, Source of Sunflower Seed Recall for Listeria, Expands Original Recall, Forces Downstream Packers to Expand Recalls

SunOptima is expanding their sunflower seeds w/ Listeria recall. The initial recall was produced at their Minnesota facility in the month of February. The time frame of production recall now extends from February through April 21, the date at which the plant was closed.

 

It never seems to be a Listeria recall without having an expansion of that recall. This occurs when companies realize that they did not have real control of the organism, whether that is a contaminate within the processing environment or within purchased raw materials. Since sunflower seeds are roasted and de-hulled, it would lead one to believe it was post roasting contamination.

 

The process of making sunflower seed is similar to other processing of nut. For a nice review of the process, you can visit 'How Products are Made.  Here are the highlights from that review"

Sunflower seed production begins in early spring when the fields are prepared and the seeds are planted.

1. Sunflowers are ready to harvest when the black part of their heads turns brown. In the United States this is generally in late September or October. A special device collects the sunflower heads          
2. The seeds are rapidly dried to under 10% moisture content and then stored in grain elevators.
3. At the processing plant, they are emptied onto wire screens and shaken to remove dirt, inspected, and further cleaned.
4. The seeds are then passed on to sizing screens which separate them by size.
5. Large sized seeds go to snack food sunflower seeds are transferred through large ovens to dry roasted, reducing the moisture level in the seed further. The medium sized seeds are first sent through de-hulling machines which remove their shells. They are then roasted in oil
6. The seeds are then flavored as desired. This can be done by an enrobing process - running the warm seeds from the roasters into a large, rotating container where combined with oil the flavoring ingredients.
7. The seeds are then packaged with a focus on reducing oxidation that would promote rancidity.

The interesting thing is that one would expect that this would be a dry process, not noted for being the typical environment where Listeria would be found.

 

FDA Recall Noticehttp://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm502184.htm
Expanded Recall Period of Certain Sunflower Kernel Products Due to Possible Contamination By Listeria monocytogenes
For Immediate Release
May 18, 2016

A Salmonella Outbreak in MN Linked to Bagged Salad

Bagged salad produced by Taylor Farms are being linked to a Salmonella outbreak in Minnesota where six people have been infected.  The illness occurred in the month of April and product had been pulled from the store where purchased (Sam's Club).   The strain of Salmonella enteritidis was identified by a unique DNA fingerprint.


The Packer
http://www.thepacker.com/news/taylor-farms-linked-salmonella-outbreak
Taylor Farms linked to salmonella outbreak
By Andy Nelson May 19, 2016 | 4:45 pm EDT

A salmonella outbreak has been linked to bagged salads shipped by Taylor Farms.

In early May, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture alerted the Food and Drug Administration about salmonella infections it had linked with Organic Kale Medley Power Greens bags shipped by Salinas, Calif.-based Taylor Farms and sold at Sam’s Club stores in Minnesota, according to an FDA spokesperson.

FDA Investigation Report for Frozen Produce Facility at Center of Recall

The FDA released the inspection report of the CRF facility that was responsible for the massive frozen vegetable recall.  The inspection, conducted in March and transcribed below, found no blaring issues cited, but just some basic hits to the equipment and utensils used.  Surprising?  Not really, because a visual inspection is not going to identify low level contamination issues, such as what we expect was the case at CRF.   While you can find signs of sanitation lapses in an inspection that can lead to harborage issues or indicators of overall poor sanitation, it is really microbial sampling that will provide an idea of control.  Another important inspection is a review of the sampling being conducted by the facility - are they sampling for Listeria, how many samples, what are the results, is there corrective action, when are they sampling, who is doing the testing, how are they sampling, etc. In the end, is the facility really trying to find it, or are they doing testing just to say they are doing testing.

The transcription of the report:

Harvard Article on Food Safety Economics

Saw this piece on food safety economics released by Harvard Business Schools, and thought it might be worth the read.  In the end, meh..nothing we didn't know. 

To save you time - basically, there can be a huge economic cost of food safety lapses, such as that experienced by Chipotle.  There are a number of challenges - small producers and global sourcing where food safety systems may not be all they need to be, and news reports that highlight foodborne illness outbreaks which bring a lot of attention to these food safety lapses.  They also discuss how a company did their own testing when they could have saved money by outsourcing (my guess is that this was the focus of the research and the story was written around it). 

On the testing topic, there is more than just cost that has to be considered.

Harvard Business School
http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/food-safety-economics-the-cost-of-a-sick-customer
Food Safety Economics: The Cost of a Sick Customer

Food Trucks and Food Safety Challenges

In this LA Times piece, the food safety performance of food trucks is discussed.  It seems that in LA, food trucks have more sanitary issues than the average restaurant.  There are a number of challenges on food trucks that make managing food safety more difficult....small space with more opportunity for cross contamination, temperature control issues, etc.
 

LA Times
http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-food-trucks-20160518-snap-story.html
The dark side of trendy food trucks: A poor health safety record
Ben Poston, Caitlin Plummer and Michael Radcliffe
May 18, 2016

It’s a daily culinary performance that plays out across Los Angeles: Top food truck chefs whipping up gourmet meals in spaces no bigger than a restaurant’s stockroom or walk-in freezer.

But even as the trucks have become a popular staple of the local food scene, with Twitter followers and long queues, they have been lagging behind restaurants and even sidewalk food carts in one important category -- health safety, a Times data analysis found.

About 27% of food trucks earned lower than A grades over the last two years, according to a Times review of Los Angeles County Department of Public Health data. By comparison, slightly less than 5% of brick-and-mortar restaurants and about 18% of food carts fell below that mark.

Final Rule Issued on Requirement to Label Mechanically Tenderized Beef

The final rule has been issued that requires cooking instructions for mechanically tenderized beef. It covers  needle- or blade-tenderized raw beef products product destined for household consumers, hotels, restaurants, or similar foodservice operations.  The label must say the meat is "mechanically tenderized," "blade tenderized," or "needle tenderized" and  a description of the beef component in the product name along with validated cooking instructions (minimum internal cooking temperatures and hold times).
 This has been in the works for some time and it is good to see that it is ready to be put in place.  The issue is that in the tenderization process, bacteria can be forced into the meat.  Because of this, the temperatures for cooking are more similar to that of hamburger than for intact steaks.

 USDA News Release
 http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/newsroom/news-releases-statements-and-transcripts/news-release-archives-by-year/archive/2015/nr-051315-01
USDA Finalizes Rule to Require Labeling of Mechanically Tenderized Beef Products

 

 

New labels and cooking instructions will give consumers information they need  to safely enjoy these products

WASHINGTON, May 13, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today announced new labeling requirements for raw or partially cooked beef products that have been mechanically tenderized. Consumers, restaurants, and other food service facilities will now have more information about the products they are buying, as well as useful cooking instructions so they know how to safely prepare them.

Poultry Products Recall Expanded (for 3rd Time) Due to Foreign Objects

Pilgrim's Pride has expanded its recall for cooked poultry products because of foreign material.  This is the third expansion of that recall that started on April 7,  and then was expanded on April 26.

 

This recall coordinator is just not catching a break.

  

USDA Recall Notice

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/FSIS-Content/internet/main/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2016/recall-027-2016-release-exp3

Pilgrim's Pride Corp. Expands Recall of Poultry Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

Class I Recall 027-2016 expansion-3

Health Risk: High May 13, 2016

 

Recall Cascade Continues for Frozen Produce, Walnuts, and Sunflower Seed Due to Listeria

The cascade of recalls continues...for Listeria in frozen produce, for Listeria in sunflower seeds, and Listeria in Walnuts.

LISTERIA IN FROZEN PRODUCE

Updated: Ajinomoto Windsor Recall of Products Related to CRF Frozen Vegetable Recallhttp://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm499858.htm
Ajinomoto Windsor, Inc. is voluntarily recalling various Not-Ready-To Eat frozen food items due to the potential for these products to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This voluntary action is being undertaken in cooperation with the US Food and Drug Administration because the recalled products contain vegetables that are part of the recent CRF Frozen Foods recall.

Updated: Stahlbush Island Farms, Inc. Recalls IQF Green Beans Because of Possible Health Riskhttp://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm499775.htm
Stahlbush Island Farms, Inc. (SIFI) of Corvallis, Ore., is voluntarily recalling 10 oz. Stahlbush® IQF Green Bean retail packages because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

Hy-Vee Voluntarily Recalls Frozen Hy-Vee Vegetable Fried Rice and Frozen Hy-Vee Chicken Fried Rice Due to Possible Health Risk
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm501017.htm
Hy-Vee, Inc., based in West Des Moines, Iowa, is voluntarily recalling its frozen Hy-Vee Vegetable Fried Rice and frozen Hy-Vee Chicken Fried Rice products across its eight-state region due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
The potential for contamination was discovered after Ajinomoto Windsor, Hy-Vee’s supplier, announced they were recalling specific frozen foods due to the potential for Listeria monocytogenes.

Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods, Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of Various Dr. Praeger's and Ungar's Products Related to CRF Frozen Vegetable Recall for Possible Health Risk
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm501243.htm
Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods, Inc. is voluntarily recalling various not-ready-to-eat frozen food items due to the potential for these products to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This voluntary action is being undertaken in cooperation with the US Food and Drug Administration because the recalled products contain vegetables that are part of the recent CRF Frozen Foods recall.

Voluntary Recall on Piggly Wiggly Brand Yellow Cut Corn
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm500859.htm
As part of the CRF Frozen Foods recall, McCall Farms Incorporated is notifying consumers that it is recalling Piggly Wiggly brand frozen Yellow Cut Corn due to the potential risk that it may contain Listeria monocytogenes. McCall Farms was notified by its supplier, CRF Frozen Foods, of this potential contamination. No other McCall Farms products have been affected by this recall.

LISTERIA IN WALNUTS

HMSHost Recalls Multiple Brands of Cape Cod Cranberry Trail Mix Because of Possible Health Riskhttp://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm501041.htm
HMSHost of Bethesda, Maryland is recalling multiple brands of trail mix, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. HMSHost was recently notified by one of its snack manufacturers, Woodstock Farms Manufacturing, that during their routine testing, the presence of Listeria monocytogenes was revealed in two lots of walnuts used in one of its trail mixes

 LISTERIA IN SUNFLOWER SEEDS

The Quaker Oats Company Issues Voluntary Recall of Quaker Quinoa Granola Bars Due to Possible Health Risk
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm501248.htm
The Quaker Oats Company, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, Inc., today announced a voluntary recall of a small quantity of Quaker Quinoa Granola Bars after an ingredient supplier was found to have distributed sunflower kernels that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (L.mono).

National Academy of Science Finds GMOs Generally Safe

GMO or Genetically Modified Foods....a very controversial topic.  Well, the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine concluded that this food is generally safe.  In their report "no substantiated evidence that foods from GE [genetically engineered] crops were less safe than foods from non-GE crops,".  Still, they are not the panacea.

Even the Center for Science in Public Interest (CSPI) was not overly hostile to the this announcement, and posted this:

CSPI supports the report’s call for transparency and public participation in the oversight of GE crops and for the federal agencies to do more to communicate their regulatory decisions to the public. However, it is disappointing that the report does not recommend that FDA’s oversight change from a voluntary to a mandatory process. That would have been consistent with the report’s acknowledgement that federal oversight is important to ensure both safety and public confidence.

As for me, I am old fashion and feel that one shouldn't fool with Mother Nature too much. Selective breeding is one thing, but insertion of genes into other species that we are going to eat, that is another thing.

"Feed me.."
 


CBS/AP
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/genetically-modified-foods-are-safe-to-eat-report-finds/
Major science group weighs in on safety of genetically modified foods
May 18, 2016, 11:58 AM

FDA Issues Draft Guidance on Qualified Facilities within the Preventive Controls Rule

As part of the Preventive Controls Rule, FDA establishes 'Qualified Facilities' as those facilities exempt from having to establish HACCP based systems (Preventive Controls), but only having to comply with GMPs. But in order to become 'Qualified', they must submit a form to FDA attesting to their status as 'Qualified". This guidance provides detail on how to submit the required form, Form FDA 3942.

‘Qualified Facility’’ as defined by FSMA:
• Business with average annual sales of <$500,000 and at least half the sales to consumers or local retailers or restaurants (within the same state or within 275 miles); or.
• Very small business, which the rule defines as a business (including any subsidiaries and affiliates) averaging less than $1,000,000, adjusted for inflation, per year, during the 3-year period preceding the applicable calendar year in sales of human food plus the market value of human food manufactured, processed, packed, or held without sale (e.g., held for a fee).

You can access that document here.

Kale Edamame Salad Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination in Kale

Trader Joe's is recalling Kale and Edamame Salad after the supplier of the kale notified the salad manufacturer, WCD Kitchens, that the kale may have Salmonella.

Retails such as Trader Joe's, who utilize a lot of small firms to provide their stores unique products seem to have more than their share of recalls.  This is certainly the challenge of working with firms that may have supplier issues of their own.

Another issue here is testing of product with short shelf-life.  By the time tests are taken and then confirmed, that product is already out in the market.


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm500286.htm
World Class Distribution Issues Voluntary Recall on Kale & Edamame Salad Due to Possible Health Risk
May 10, 2016

Contact
Consumers WCD Kitchen, LLC  (909) 574-4140 

Media Paul Mestas (909) 574-4140

Announcement
View Product Photos

WCD Kitchen, LLC of Fontana, California is voluntarily recalling Trader Joe’s Kale & Edamame Salad (UPC 00967112), sold only in the Midwest, with a “USE BY May 05, 2016 through May 14, 2016”, because the product may be contaminated withSalmonella. No illnesses have been reported to date.

Listeria Tracking and Whole Genome Sequencing - How Close is Close

As the CRF frozen produce recall has resulted in a cascade of recalls and millions of pounds of produce being pulled from shelves across the country, one can look at what triggered this - an Ohio Lab finding Listeria in frozen foods and an investigation of a frozen food plant that led to finding the organism in the plant.

According to CDC: Epidemiological and laboratory evidence available at this time indicates that frozen vegetables produced by CRF Frozen Foods of Pasco, Washington and sold under various brand names are one likely source of illnesses in this outbreak. This is a complex, ongoing investigation, and updates will be provided when more information is available.

Further in that report

Whole genome sequencing showed that the Listeria isolate from the frozen corn was closely related genetically to seven bacterial isolates from ill people, and the Listeria isolate from the frozen peas was closely related genetically to one isolate from an ill person. This close genetic relationship provides additional evidence that some people in this outbreak became ill from eating frozen vegetables produced by CRF Frozen Foods.

Whole genome sequencing has had a huge impact on outbreak investigations.  It allows investigators to match the organism involved in an outbreak back to the organisms found in the plant.  Using this output, one can look in time to past illness and do the same matching, what is termed retrospective analysis. But just because that organism is found in food or in the food plant, does that implicate that food? And how close is close when CDC says there is a close genetic relationship? We asked Dr. Edward Dudley of Penn State to provide some insight.

"A 5 base pair difference (or 5 SNPs) is strong evidence that the two are related. [Listeria has 3 million base pairs]  Even within an outbreak, it isn’t unusual for clones to vary by a few SNPs. This is one of the reasons the FDA is sequencing large collections of food borne pathogens including Listeria, in order to get a handle on how much genetic variation exists in natural populations. As we collect more of this data, it will tell us how quickly the DNA of these pathogens change in foods, food processing environments or during an outbreak, informing us how many SNPs should be allowed for us to still make strong case that two isolates are related."

"Keep in mind though, that genome sequencing should not be used by itself to make any conclusions. We still need the epidemiological (epi) data that provides a statistical link between the patient and an event, for example "did patients with Listeria eat frozen vegetables more commonly than healthy individuals during the time frame of the outbreak?”. The genome sequencing of isolates obtained from patient and foods is used to support the conclusions of the epi investigation when isolates from linked sources are found to be highly related on the DNA level."

So in the end, old fashion epidemiological evidence is still needed.   And there is still understanding is needed.  As for produce, many of the companies forced into a recall are doing so without knowing if there is actually Listeria in their product and in the absence of illnesses associated with their product.

Chipotle Retains Food Safety Gurus as Board Wants Ability to Pick Executive Board

Chipotle shareholders approved a proposal to give the chain's board approval to be able to nominate directors to the board.  At the same time, the chain acknowledge that it had hired two additional food safety experts.

Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-chipotle-shareholders-idUSKCN0Y2049
Business | Wed May 11, 2016 6:22pm EDT
Chipotle shareholders vote for more power to pick board
LOS ANGELES | By Lisa Baertlein

CRF Recall Triggers Recalls by Additional Processors and Retailers

A number of other packers of frozen foods issued recalls after an ingredient supplier, CRF issued a recall last week.  What started off as a massive recall continues to get bigger as product produced by CRF was repacked by other frozen food companies.

The list below in includes recalls from Stahlbush Island Farms, Harris Teeter, Twin Cities, Pictsweet, and NORPAC.

Walnuts Recalled Due to Listeria

A Woodstock, NJ company is recalling various Walnut products purchased from Gibson Farms after a sample of that product tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.   This comes after another recall last week for sunflower seeds, although there does not appear to be any real connection.

Makes you wonder whether people will start testing the heck out of nut products for Listeria?  These products, because of low moisture / water activity, will not support the growth of Listieria.  And because they are produced in a dry environment, one would expect that environmental contamination would be minimal.  That being said, one would expect levels to be very low.

The biggest risk for these nuts would be if they were added as an ingredient to a product that supported growth.  And depending on the level, which would be expected to be very low, would only be a risk to those with a highly impaired immune system.

With two recalls, more research is needed to understand how Listeria is getting onto nuts, the levels present, and what real risk it poses.


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm500345.htm
United Natural Trading LLC Announces Voluntary Recall of Walnuts
For Immediate Release
May 10, 2016

Hoijicha Tea Recalled Due to Salmonella in Ingredient

Frontier Natural Product Co-op based in and a self proclaimed 'major supplier in the booming natural products industry', is recalling Organic Hojicha Tea due to potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The recall indicates the recall was initiated after an ingredient tested positive for Salmonella. (While it seems the supplier did the testing, it is hard to determine from how the notice was written.)..

So what is Hojicha tea? Good question.  Well, Hojicha tea is a roasted tea that is more mild and has less caffeine. The roasting process makes the tea leaves reddish in color and gives the tea a ' a toasty, slightly caramel-like flavor'. Because of the lower caffeine level, it is often served with dinner.

So how would Salmonella get in the Hojicha?  Another good question.  If the tea supplier was responsible, and being the leaves were roasted, it would have to be a case of cross contamination in the post-roasting environment.


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm500342.htm

Frontier Co-op Initiates Voluntary Recall of Organic Hojicha Tea Due to Possible Health Risk

CRF Vegetables Leads to Recall of Fried Rice Product Which Leads to Recall of Chicken Fried Rice Product

In a series of recalls following the CRF vegetable recall - Ajinomoto Windsor, Inc recalled its fried rice products because they had CRF as a supplier of the vegetables used in the rice mixes.  This then triggered Garland Ventures LTD, a Garland, Texas establishment to recall 114,870 pounds of chicken fried rice products.  Both items are considered not ready-to-eat.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm499858.htm
Ajinomoto Windsor Recall of Products Related to CRF Frozen Vegetable Recall
For Immediate Release
May 7, 2016

Sunflower Seed Recall Forces a Large Cascade of Recalls

After SunOptima issued a recall for Listeria in sunflower seed, a number of their customers issued recalls.  Probably more to come?

One this that would be good to know is how the sampling / testing occurred after product had shipped and was utilized by their customers.

Recalls listed below:

Related Frozen Foods Recalls Point to Weakness in Supply Chain Controls - Only as Good as Your Supplier's Supplier

Two recalls for Listeria have been announced in wake of the CRF frozen produce recall, with probably more to come,   One is from ConAgra Foods for organic frozen corn and peas sold under the Trader Joe's and Watts Brother labels.  The other issued recall was by a Texas firm that is recalling fresh corn relish and bean salad.  There will no doubt be more recalls to come as companies evaluate their supply chain.

At the heart of this is a very complex supply chain. CRF and Oregon Potato, two frozen food companies based in the Northwest are ground zero.  The problem is that these companies produce product not only for retailers, but also for other manufactures through sales of bulk frozen product.  What happens is this...as these seasonal produce items are harvested, much of it goes into bulk.  Bulk allows manufacturers to repack product as needed to meet customer demand throughout the year. Within a given season, one company may pack more corn than they have sales for, so they sell bulk product to someone else who needs that product to fill their own orders.  These transfers occur throughout the year and allow companies to be efficient in meeting the demand of their customers.  That is the good part.

The problem arises when one of the companies has an issue, say Listeria, that then affects the whole chain.   For example, Company A is repacking some mixed vegetable product and needs to purchase bulk peas or onions form Supplier B to help fill the order..  Now Company A, who has a great internal Listeria program, purchases Supplier B who may or may not have a good Listeria Program.. Supplier B provides a COA showing that lot was good (Listeria negative).  But FDA makes a visit to Supplier B and in conducting environmental testing, they find Listeria in Supplier B's facility..  It could even be that Supplier B sold product to another company who is then implicated in an outbreak that traces back to Supplier B.  In these cases, Company A must conduct a recall.

This can even go further back.  Supplier B was a little short on onions and purchased onions from Supplier C to help fill their order to Company A. And it is found that Supplier C has an issue.  That issue now becomes a problem for Supplier B as well as Company A.  And if Company A is producing product for 10 different retailers, now you have a whole lot of retailers having to recall product.  And if Supplier C was also selling bulk product to two other repacking companies who were producing product for a dozen more retailers, we can easily see how this can expand.

It is difficult to ensure that suppliers are adequately controlling risk, it can even be harder to make sure that the supplier's supplier is adequately controlling risk.  Unfortunately, as logistics / purchasing people look to take advantage of co-packing opportunities, the true cost of risk control may not be considered.  These costs can include extensive product testing, on-site visits, insistence that supplier institute aggressive Listeria control programs, etc.  To be fair, Listeria control was probably not on many people mind when these deals were made.  However, moving forward, it must become a part of the picture.


FDA Recall Notices
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm499623.htm
Company Announcement
When a company announces a recall, market withdrawal, or safety alert, the FDA posts the company's announcement as a public service. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.
Watts Brothers Farms Organic Mixed Vegetables, Organic Super Sweet Corn, And Organic Peas And Trader Joe's Organic Super Sweet Corn Recalled Because Of Possible Health RiskFor Immediate Release

Nut Products Recalled After Sunflower Seed Supplier Notifies of Potential Listeria Contamination

Tree House Foods is recalling a wide variety of snack bars and nut / trail mixes after receiving notification from their supplier that the sunflower seed may contain Listeria monocytogenes.  Sun Optima, a Canadian firm, is also recalling sunflower seed products.

Sunflower seed would be considered a low risk product since they would not support growth, however the ingredient would be added as a RTE ingredient.

 
PRN Newsire
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/treehouse-foods-issues-voluntary-product-recall-due-to-possible-health-risk-300262111.html
TreeHouse Foods Issues Voluntary Product Recall Due to Possible Health Risk

Case of Intentional Contamination in Michigan - Man Sprays Salad Bars with Chemical Mixture

In Michigan, a person was arrested after intentionally contaminating salad bars in local restaurants with a chemical mixture that included mouse poison.  There have been no injuries reported.

This is a reminder that intentional contamination can occur and that employee in food establishments must always be on the lookout.

 

 

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development News Release

https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/0,4610,7-125-1572_3628-383985--,00.html

Advisory: Consumers Urged to Throw Away Potentially Contaminated Foods

Agency: Agriculture and Rural Development

Chicken Nuggets Recalled Due to Foreign Material

Foster Poultry is recalling 220,000 lbs of chicken nuggets because of the potential for foreign material - blue plastic and black rubber.  The problem was discovered due to consumer complaints received by the company.

So far this year there have been a number of recalls due to foreign materials inclusion in product including another cook poultry product last month.  These are extremely expensive mistakes that may not be given their due when complaints are received.  These recalls should be a siren to evaluate consumer complaints and ensure that corrective action is being completed.

  

FSIS News Release

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2016/recall-033-2016

Foster Poultry Farms Recalls Poultry Products Due To Possible Foreign Materials Contamination

Class I Recall 033-2016

Health Risk: High Apr 29, 2016

En Español

 

Important Points in FSMA Final Rule on Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food

Earlier this month, FDA issued the FSMA Final Rule on Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food.  What are some interesting points you should know?

This rule defines transportation as “any movement of food in commerce by motor vehicle or rail vehicle” and establishes requirements for sanitary transportation practices applicable to shippers, loaders, carriers by motor vehicle and rail vehicle, and receivers engaged in food transportation operations.  The rule address vehicles and transportation equipment; transportation operations; training; records; and waivers.

The goal is to ensure that practices are in place that prevents food from becoming adulterated during transport from such issues as failure to control temperatures or cross contamination or cross contact (allergens) from inadequate cleaning.  

The rule makes the shipper responsible for compliance to the rule.  The shipper is defined as the one who arranges for the transportation of food by the carrier. The shipper could be the manufacturer or a freight broker. By rule, the shipper  must develop and implement procedures for required parameters such as temperature control and cleanliness of the vehicle. The shipper can transfer some of this responsibility to the ‘loader’ or the ‘carrier’ based upon contractual agreement. They must have documentation to demonstrate this.

The rule is not prescriptive in that FDA does not establish mandatory procedures; rather it allows industry to use best practices to do this. So there are no regulatory requirements for continuous temperature monitoring, or the sharing of documentation for each load, or how a truck should be cleaned. Rather, it requires the shipper determine what is best in order for that food to be transported without becoming adulterated.

While there are some exemptions from the rule for food that is transported, such as farm activities, most other transport is covered including intra-company transport and food destined for food banks.

What about food that arrives and is out of temperature?  According to the rule "An inconsequential failure by a carrier to meet the shipper's temperature control specifications will not necessarily create a per se presumption that the affected food has become adulterated. However, if a person subject to this rule becomes aware of an indication of a possible material failure of temperature control or other conditions that may render the food unsafe during transportation, the person must take appropriate action to ensure that the food is not sold or otherwise distributed, unless a determination is made by a qualified individual that the temperature deviation or other condition did not render the food unsafe. Failure to take such action may render the food adulterated."

For Loaders, those who put product onto the trucks, they must check the vehicle for sanitary condition and ensure proper temperature control prior to loading.

For receivers, those who unload the product, they must ensure that the product was not temperature abused and intact. 

Carriers, those transporting product, must meet conditions established by the shipper – to include having the right equipment to meet sanitary and temperature requirements. The must also provide cleaning as required.

When carriers have responsibilities put on them by the shippers, their employees must be trained about potential food safety problems and basic sanitary practices. This must be documented.

Here is a link to the final rule.

Justice Department Investigates Salad Plant After Listeria Outbreak

 The US Justice Department is investigating the Dole with regard to the Salad / Listeria outbreak.  The question being raised is 'what did they know'?  This comes after an FDA inspection of the facility found Listeria monocytogenes.

The outcome of this investigation is important for processors who manufacturer products that can be affected by Listeria, especially those that had been regarded as lower risk (do not support appreciable growth).  Why?  Many manufacturers have Listeria Control Programs that have verification monitoring that focuses on Listeria species testing before production, or pre-operational, on non-food-contact environmental surfaces.  If found, then corrective action focuses on cleaning that area.

The concern is that this may not be aggressive enough.  We have now seen that Listeria can be an issue in product that supports minimal to no growth.  For one, we do not know how the consumer is going to handle products - perhaps using them as an ingredient in foods that better support growth, and in light of the Blue Bell outbreak, what minimal levels can cause illness in those at highest risk.  A more aggressive sampling would look at sampling during production and looking more at food contact surfaces.

Can you fault the plant?  Not based upon the current FDA Listeria Control Guidance.  What will it look like going further?

Wall Street Journal
http://www.wsj.com/articles/dole-food-under-investigation-over-listeria-outbreak-linked-to-salads-1461966955#:tqCQf4DgV4N9hA
Business
U.S. Probes Dole Food Over Listeria Outbreak Linked to Salads
Samples suggest Dole had evidence of bacteria at Ohio plant a year earlier

Massive Recall of Frozen Vegetables Follows Linkage to Listeria Outbreak

A Washington state frozen food manufacturer is recalling frozen vegetable products affecting approximately 2 years of production, 358 consumer products sold under 42 separate brands

This was an expansion of a recall that was issued on April 23rd after the Ohio state health officials reported the finding.  Since that time, it had been linked to 8 cases.  (2 deaths are listed on the CDC website, but they state it was not due to Listeria.  Complications from Listeria?).  CRF had suspended operations after the first recall in April and had not resumed production.  FDA did isolate Listeria monocytogenes from the facility and "...... were found to be closely related genetically to seven of the isolates of ill people associated with this outbreak."

In the CDC report [below], a linkage was made after the Ohio state isolated the organism from frozen product.  It does not appear this product was sampled because of linkage to the outbreak in that the report states there were no reported illnesses.   It is also important to not that while 2 cases were from 2016, the other cases were said to have been done in a 'retrospective analysis' where the DNA from the isolated organism was matched against past outbreak cases.


According to the CDC Report, "Whole genome sequencing showed that the Listeria isolate from the frozen corn was closely related genetically to seven bacterial isolates from ill people, and the Listeria isolate from the frozen peas was closely related genetically to one isolate from an ill person.  The way his case has unfolded looks very similar to the Blue Bell outbreak/recall.

The products include organic and non-organic broccoli, butternut squash, carrots, cauliflower, corn, edamame, green beans, Italian beans, kale, leeks, lima beans, onions, peas, pepper strips, potatoes, potato medley, root medley, spinach, sweet potatoes, various vegetable medleys, blends, and stir fry packages, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, peaches, raspberries, and strawberries.  Brands include Trader Joes, Kirkland, and Great Value as well as others.

There are some things that would be good to know.
1)  The products in question required cooking....were they cooked by the consumers who became ill?
2)  The report states that he Listeria isolated from product and in the outbreak cases were closely related.  How close is close?
3) What type of Listeria Control Program did the facility have?



FDA News Release
http://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm499157.htm
FDA Investigates Listeria Outbreak Linked to Frozen Vegetables

May 4, 2016

What is the Problem and What is Being Done About It?

The FDA, CDC and state and local officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of listeriosis identified in March 2016.

Thriving in a Post-Chipotle World

In light of their food safety gaffs, the restaurant chain Chipotle is still struggle to recover.  In their first quarter report, sales are down 30% in same-store sales and their share price is down about 40%.

But where there is decline for one, others have thrived.  Panera sales have increased, with same-stores increase of 4.7%

Business Insider
http://www.businessinsider.com/panera-benefits-from-chipotles-downfall-2016-4
PANERA PRESIDENT: 'We live in a post-Chipotle world'
Kate Taylor
 
Apr. 27, 2016, 10:57 AM

As Chipotle struggles, Panera is thriving.

FDA Inspection Report from Salad Facility Responsible for Listieria Outbreak

Earlier this year, bagged salads produced by Dole in their Ohio facility, were involved in a Listeria outbreak.  According to the CDC Final Report, issued March 31 2016, 19 people became infected and there was 1 death.  In Canada, the CFIA reported 14 cases  and 3 deaths, although stated that the deaths may or may not be related to Listeria monocytogenes (LM).

FDA conducted an investigation of the facility and during that investigation, completed environmental sampling.   A 483 report was issued, and thanks to the Marler Blog, that report was posted (a 2014 report was also included there, but was not included here).  In reviewing this 483 report, there were some important findings.   A summary of those below as well as reports.
(An FDA 483 Report 'lists observations made by the FDA representative(s) during the inspection of your facility. They are inspectional observations, and do not represent a final Agency determination regarding your compliance')

OBSERVATION 1
Failure to perform microbial testing where necessary to identify sanitation failures and possible food contamination.

Cooked Poultry Products Recalled Because of Foreign Material

Pilgrim's Pride is recalling 4.5 million pounds of cooked chicken products, institutional or foodservice packs, due to the potential for foreign matter.  The issue was initially identified by customer complaints received by the company, and after notifying FSIS, FSIS then identified additional consumer complaint issues.  No injuries have been reported.

The recalled product has the EST. 20728 posted, indicating the product came out of their Waco TX processing facility.  The period of time is 18months from August of 2014 to March of 2015.

This is a surprising amount of product in a very large time frame to be included in a Class 1 recall, especially considering there were no injuries reported.  This is the expansion of the April 7th recall that focused on institutional packs of chicken nuggets.



USDA Recall Notice
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2016/recall-027-2016-expanded
Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. Recalls Poultry Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall 027-2016 EXP
Health Risk: High Apr 26, 2016

Tea Bags Recalled for Salmonella After Ingredient Tests Positive for Salmonella

 CVS Pharmacy is recalling tea bags after an ingredient produced by the manufacturer’s raw material supplier tested positive for Salmonella in another company’s product.

The tea, if prepared with boiling water, would eliminate the pathogen.   However, it is one of the reasons why drinking sun tea is not a good idea.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm497299.htm
CVS Pharmacy Announces Voluntary Recall of Gold Emblem Abound Organic Spiced Herbal Tea Due to Possible Health Risk

Frozen Vegetables Recalled due to Positive Listeria Tests

 A Washington state firm is recalling frozen vegetables after a lot of IQF organic peas and a lot of IQF organic corn tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.  The testing was completed by Ohio state health officials.  There have been no injuries to report.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm497297.htm
CRF Frozen Foods Recalls Frozen Vegetables Due to Possible Health Risk

Earth Day - Reducing Food Waste and the Challenge for Food Safety

One of the challenges that will increasingly challenge food safety professionals is the increased pressure on becoming more sustainable, especially on reducing food waste.  As people are told to reduce their food waste, there will be more pressure to keep food longer than it should be, or to use food that may not be as good as it should be (trying to rescue decaying fruit for example).  Throw in the fact that there are more agricultural commodities coming from organic practices which can have higher rates of product deterioration.

Much of this will come down to improving our systems from farm to table.  Culling systems that can remove real spoilage issues at the farm and packing house.  Improved logistics to move product quickly and under the right conditions to the point of sale or processing.  An understanding by consumers of what is actually bad versus not pretty but okay to eat.  Planning by the consumer is another important control....that is, don't buy so much or make too much of something that you get to the spot when you have to decide if it is still good because of shelf-life.  We answer so many questions from people who are worried about a chicken dish they made days ago or a jar of pickles that is two months past the shelf-life.  The key is to manage what you have so you never get to that point.

Then there are some who insist that the issue is the shelf-life dates used by manufacturers.  Correct, these dates are mainly based on quality, not safety.  However, increasing the date could mean that you get a lower quality product.  Did you ever taste a shelf-stable juice product in a plastic container past the shelf-life...it may be safe, but it tastes...well, it doesn't taste...no flavor.


USDA News Release
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/newsroom/news-releases-statements-transcripts/news-release-archives-by-year/archive/2016/nr-041816-01

USDA Tips for Reducing Food Waste and Preventing Illness

 

Small Firm Recalls Vegetable Soup Due to Improper Processing

A small Lancaster, PA firm is recalling jars of vegetable soup because it was determined they were not following regulations for processing this type of product.

Vegetable soup is normally a low acid product, (finished equilibrium pH greater than 4.6 and a water activity greater than 0.85).  To make this product, a manufacturer must follow the Low Acid Canned Food Regulations (LACF) which requires that a firm have an established process and that process is filed.  Generally, small firms are limited to canning high acid foods or acidified foods that have a pH of 4.6 or less.    
In this case, the product was close to the pH of 4.6 so perhaps their goal was having an acidified food where the acid portion, perhaps a tomato base and some added acid, was expected to reduce the pH below 4.6.  However, this was not being achieved.  Another important element is that it is the particulates in the soup that must also reach an equilibrium pH of less than 4.6....not just the broth.  (Hard to tell what was actually being measured from the report).

It is important for small firms to understand canning regulations.  This is not the first instance of a company producing low acid foods - whether they did not know the regulations, or the process they used did not achieve the pH they wanted.  This can be an issue with small firms who want to make products for sale at farmers' markets.


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm496909.htm
Mary's Home Canning Recalls Mary's Home Made Vegetable Soup Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
April 15, 2016

Hepatitis A Outbreak Linked to Frozen Berries - Canada

An outbreak of Hepatitis A in Canada has been linked to bags of mixed frozen berries.  From the label on the package, it appears that the berries are, at least in part, imported berries.

How does this occur?  Most likely an infected worker handling the fruit, probably at the point of harvest or initial processing, would have contaminated the fruit.  Because the fruit is often used without any further processing, there is no point for reduction of the virus. 

How can it be prevented?  This is a RTE product.  So strategic sourcing is critical.  Have the farms implemented GAP procedures, especially those controls for farm employee health and exclusion of ill employees?  This can be a more difficult issue with Hepatitis A where an employee can be contagious and not yet show signs of illness. 

This has not been the first issue associated with frozen fruit products, so this indicates that there is more work to do with sourcing fruit from farms with good practices.

What is the impact?  Hepatitis A is highly infectious.  There is a period of time, about two weeks, from when a person is exposed where a vaccination can be helpful.  The challenge is getting word out to those who purchased product.  Once infected, the symptoms can vary from fever, low appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, to jaundice.  Long term liver damage can be a risk for those high risk individuals.
 
The Star (Canada)
 http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/04/19/recalled-costco-frozen-berries-linked-to-13-cases-of-hepatitis-a.html
Recalled Costco frozen berries linked to 13 cases of Hepatitis A
Store is offering vaccinations to those who may have eaten its Nature’s Touch Organic Berry Cherry Blend that was recalled Saturday by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

By: The Canadian Press, Published on Tue Apr 19 2016