FDA Warning Letter - King of Pops - Nasty Food Operations Exposed

FDA issued a warning letter to a GA firm after that firm inadequately responded to the findings of an FDA inspection.

The findings - pretty nasty especially considering this company is producing ready-to-eat foods, and if we had to guess because they are ice pops, will be eaten by children.

• Rodent droppings throughout the facility.
• Food residues on equipment
• Untreated and unsanitary floors
• Improper glove usage - not changing gloves after touching unsanitary surfaces.
• Inadequate floor drainage leading to standing water
• Table top surfaces not of sanitary construction - not cleanable.
• Not removing debris from production area in a timely manner.
• Large gaps in facility capable of allowing pests in.
• Exposed glass light bulbs in production areas.

Looking at the facility, it appears to be just a bad looking retail location.

But looking at the website, you can see it is a much larger operation.  Started by some young corporate-dropout types, it looks as though they never took the time to learn about safe food processing, or the need to implement food safety systems.

FDA Warning Letter
https://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2017/ucm572052.htm
August  3, 2017

This Week in Mislabeled Products - 8/12/17 - 8/18/17

A very solid week of mislabeled items with 8 different entries.  Each has its own reason for error.

A MN company is recalling their Vanilla Cherry Pecan Muesli 12 oz. pouches because it may contain undeclared almonds. "The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the product containing almonds was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of almonds. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in their manufacturing partner’s production and packaging processes."  So, the co-packer screwed up.

A NJ establishment, is recalling approximately 1,719 pounds of chicken caesar salad products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen - the product contains wheat which is not declared on the product label.  "The problem was discovered when the establishment received notification from the sole retailer of the chicken products that the incorrect ingredient label was applied to the chicken caesar salad products.  The ingredient label has a statement that the products were made without gluten containing ingredients, however, the Chicken Caesar Salad contains croutons made with wheat, and thus the wheat allergen was not declared on the label"  Ah...those darn croutons.

A NY company is recalling its 14 ounce packages of "CALIFORNIA ALOHA MIX" because they may contain undeclared tree nuts (Almonds, Walnuts and Cashews).  "The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed that the tree nut containing product was distributed in packages that did not reveal the presence of tree nuts (Almonds, Walnuts and Cashews)."  This looks to be a case of cross contact, probably in the packaging process.  NOTE - this product does have the precautionary label - "Manufactured in a facility that processes/packages products that contain peanuts, tree nuts, milk, soy, and wheat."  (picture of label below).

An IL based distributor, is recalling its 7 ounce and 14 ounce packages of “Gazab Green Raisins (Chinese)”, because it may contain undeclared sulfites. "The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the sulfite-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of sulfites. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a product packaging process when creating labels."  So the company was using generic packaging with print-on-demand labels.  Easy for these labels to not be checked well enough when being input into the machine and when selecting the right label code when printing.

A St. Louis supermarket chain is recalling two deli items due to the presence of undeclared fish (bonito, cod), undeclared lobster, crab, and shrimp in scampi butter and undeclared soy and wheat in cabernet grille butter. The recall was initiated after it was discovered by store personnel during an internal audit. "Subsequent investigation indicated the omissions were the result of ingredient changes in the products".

Litehouse Inc.. a WA based company, is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of its OPA by Litehouse Ranch because it may contain undeclared eggs.  "The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing egg was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of eggs. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a packaging error."

Another WA establishment, is recalling approximately 4,805 pounds of poultry products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The products are mislabeled as Chicken Chile Verde that contain milk and soy, but contain Turkey Meatloaf, which has additional allergens, eggs and fish (anchovies), that are not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered after the firm received consumer complaints of the wrong meal inside the retail boxes.

A Colorado company is recalling boxes of Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix because it may contain undeclared milk .  "The recall was initiated by Madhava Natural Sweeteners after it was discovered that one ingredient in the chocolate chips may include a milk product."

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm571561.htm
Dierbergs Markets Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Fish (Bonito and Cod), Lobster, Crab, Shrimp, Soy and Wheat in Product
For Immediate Release
August 14, 2017

Canada - Norovirus in Raspberry Mousse Cake

In Canada,  a norovirus outbreak associated with Raspberry Mousse cakes has been reported.  The suspect product had been shipped throughout Canada.  There is not much more information available including how the product came to be contaminated.

While the raw materials may have been contaminated, it seems much more likely that this situation is the result of a norovirus-infected employee handling the finished product.  People who become infected with norovirus illness can develop symptoms as fast as 12 hours after exposure and those symptoms can last 24 hours or longer.  These symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps. As they shed the virus through either portal, (and even after they are feeling better), the virus can get on hands or other surfaces, where it can makes its way to the food.   On surfaces, it can last for weeks, unless that surface is properly cleaned.  This is why it is critical to have sick employees (especially those who are vomiting, have diarrhea or jaundice), stay away from food.

CFIA Release

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/newsroom/food-recall-warnings/complete-listing/2017-08-16/eng/1502920045247/1502920045783
Updated Food Recall Warning - Raspberry mousse cakes recalled due to norovirus 

Recall date: August 16, 2017 

Reason for recall:  Microbiological - Other Hazard classification:
Class 3 Company / Firm:
Industry Distribution:
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Possibly National, Quebec, Saskatchewan Extent of the distribution:

FDA Guidances for Bridging FSMA with Seafood HACCP, Juice HACCP, and LACF

The biggest impact with FSMA on juice, seafood, and LACF processors is the requirement for employees and supervisor personnel (1) be a qualified individual as defined in 21 CFR 117.3, i.e., have the combination of education, training, and/or experience necessary to manufacture, process, pack, or hold clean and safe food as appropriate to the individual’s assigned duties (21 CFR 117.4(b)(1)); and (2) receive training in the principles of food hygiene and food safety, including the importance of employee health and personal hygiene, as appropriate to the food, the facility, and the individual’s assigned duties (21 CFR 117.4(b)(2)).  So training of employees and managers is required, with the appropriate documentation to demonstrate that.

A NM Bakery Issued a Warning Letter - Issues with Sanitation and Lack of Management Training

A New Mexico bakery was issued a warning letter from the FDA.  Most of the issues cited involved basic sanitation, and they were issues that were also noted in a 2014 inspection...thus the issuance of the Warning Letter.  To look at the facility from Google Street view (below), it looks like a legit operation (compared to this)

Many bakeries may be new to FDA inspections, although it was noted that this firm had a previous FDA inspection in 2014 (and unfortunately, didn't make much progress from that time...or so it seems).  But one of the items that is most interesting involves training, or the lack of training, specifically of management (see further down).

• Unsanitary condition noted on 1) walls, overhead door, and cooling fan in areas used to cool baked bread., 2) condenser fans and support pole in walk-in refrigerator used to store uncovered apple pies, and 3)  3-Compartment sink used to clean in process equipment.
• Peeling paint in the incoming supply room above ingredient containers which had broken lids, no lids, lids not fully covering materials. Additionally, peeling paint was observed on the ceiling of the walk-in refrigerator used to store uncovered apple pies.  
• Fresh and dried dough on the ceiling above an uncovered mixer and along the rim of the (b)(4) bucket. (b)(4) is used as a processing aid in the production. 
• Condensation issues  with buildup inside the proofing  along the ceiling, sides of walls, and along the door frame. As the uncovered dough enters the  proofing (b)(4), condensation drips directly onto uncovered dough.  Dark brown condensation buildup was observed in the production area on the ceiling above the proofing  and the final bread rolling area.  Condensation buildup was observed in the walk-in freezer fans located above finished product.
• Inadequate screening or other protection against pests - the outer door and warehouse garage doors were open during food production activities without adequate protection to prevent entry of pests into the production facility.
• The procedure used for cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and utensils has not been shown to provide adequate cleaning and sanitizing treatment - the 3-compartrnent sink was set up in the following incorrect order: wash, sanitize, and rinse. Utensils were then immediately used without allowing them to air dry. At the final dough, recently used trays covered with residue were slammed on the floor to remove particles and then placed onto the cart, without washing, to be reused. Our investigator observed fresh dough immediately placed on these trays and sent to proofing .   In the proof , there is no evidence that the conveyor trays used to transport the dough from the extruder to the are sanitized.  The firm’s water filters have not been changed since 2013. There was dark brown and slimy residue in the filter. The filtered water is used in the production of dough, to clean large pieces of equipment, and used in the 3-compartment sink.

But this is the item to note - "Personnel responsible for identifying sanitation failures and food contamination lack a background of education and experience to provide a needed level of competency as required by 21 CFR 110.10(c). Specifically:

•  The production manager did not know the correct order of operation to properly clean and sanitize utensils at the 3-compartment sink. The 3-compartrnent sink was set up in the following incorrect order: wash, sanitize, and rinse. During the inspection, the rinse water was observed to be cloudy and dirty, providing a possible source of cross-contamination.
• The production manager did not know what the adequate sanitizer concentration should be; there were no test strips available to verify the concentration, and he relied solely on placing one capful of bleach into water
• The president of the company lacks basic sanitation knowledge. For example, when asked about the sanitation procedures, he commented on cleaning the floors and was not aware of equipment cleaning and maintenance schedules. He also did not know the required sanitizer concentration and did not provide test strips to employees for verification."

As we know, as part of 21CFR117, it is required that management be adequately trained in food safety.

Finally - the firm failed to provide appropriate training in food handling techniques and food protection principles have not been provided to food handlers 1) an employee touching ready to eat bread rolls with bare hands to determine if they were cool enough for packaging. 2) an employee in the packaging area wearing only one glove, on the right hand. The employee was manually sorting bread into final packaging with both the gloved and bare hands.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2017/ucm570807.htm
July 5, 2017
WARNING LETTER
Brent A. Bischoff
President
K & B Company Inc.
109 Arnold St.
Gallup, NM 87301

Virginia Peanut Company Issued Warning Letter - A Cat for Pest Control? The Risks of Ordering Food Online

FDA issued a warning letter to a Virginia peanut products company.    A summary of the key findings:

• A cat as pest control.  And cat feces in the facility.
• Sliding doors not sealed providing an opening to the outside
• Employees not properly washing hands
• Employees using tobacco in food contact areas
• Food residues left on equipment
• Old, unused equipment stored throughout facility
• Air flow blowing peanut dust around.
• Employees not wearing hair restraints.
• Labeling issues involving nutrient claims, ingredient statements, and company listing.

It seems that they sell products online, and looking at their website (http://www.epeanuts.com/), it seems like a legitimate company.   However, entering the address into google street view, this is the picture that comes up..

While I am not sure if this is the processing facility or facilities, it does seem to match the description painted by the warning letter.

Really makes you think twice about ordering food online, doesn't it?


FDA Warning Letters
https://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2017/ucm569815.htm
Coleman Peanut Company 8/2/17
August 2, 2017

Peas at Farmers' Market Responsible for Salmonella Infections - Wisconsin

Loose, shelled peas sold at a Wisconsin farmers' market are responsible for causing 7 cases of Salmonella infection, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health.

As a raw agricultural commodity, the peas fall outside of regulatory oversight.  

The name of the vendor has not been released, so this impacts all vendors selling peas at the Green Bay Farmers' Market, as well peas sold by vendors at another nearby farmers' market.

Peas are often cooked before heating, and this would have most likely eliminated the pathogen, but we know that many people use them raw without cooking. Certainly they should have been first washed, but this may not have removed the pathogen especially if present in high numbers. but it would have helped.

ABC News 2 - Wisconsin
Salmonella outbreak linked to peas sold at Farmers Markets
By Brittany Schmidt |
Posted: Fri 1:44 PM, Aug 11, 2017 |
Updated: Fri 10:43 PM, Aug 11, 2017

Doughnuts Gone Bad - Norovirus Outbreak Linked to Ohio Doughnut Shop

In Ohio, over 250 have become infected with norovirus linked to a doughnut shop - Mama C's Donuts.  Symptoms of norovirus, which include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, and body aches can last as long as 24 hours.  The highly contagious virus spreads easily, so the health department is concerned about secondary infections.

So instead of a cruller, you get a crueler.   Hey, a new way to make coconut glaze.


The Blade
http://www.toledoblade.com/Medical/2017/08/10/Number-of-norovirus-cases-linked-to-Mama-C-s-Donuts-rises-to-nearly-240.html
266 norovirus cases linked to Maumee doughnut shop 
By Lauren Lindstrom  | BLADE STAFF WRITER

Europe - Eggs Contaminated with Pesticide Removed from Shelves

In Europe, eggs (and products made from eggs) from farms in the Netherlands and Belgium are being pulled from store shelves after it was found that those farms used a banned pesticide, Fiponil, a substance used to kill lice and ticks in chickens.  Product was shipped to  countries that have received the eggs are the UK, Sweden, Austria, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Denmark and Switzerland.

Brittan’s Food Standards Agency says it is "very unlikely" there is any health risk.  However it is caused quite a stir throughout the EU.

BBC News
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-40896899
Eggs containing fipronil found in 15 EU countries and Hong Kong
8/11/17