Frozen Strawberries from Egypt Linked to 134 Hepatitis A Cases

In early September, an outbreak of Hepatitis A linked to frozen strawberries was identified.  As of October 20th, there are 134 cases identified all linked to frozen strawberries served in smoothie drinks (fresh blended fruit and vegetable drinks) served at Tropical Smoothie Cafes.

The frozen strawberries were sourced from Egypt.  FDA issued an import alert for detention without physical inspection of frozen strawberries from Egypt, even though the Egypt Ministry of Climate Change and Environment "claimed Frozen Egyptian strawberries are free from Hepatitis A..".

 

FDA Release

 http://www.fda.gov/food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm518775.htm

FDA Investigates Outbreak of Hepatitis A Illnesses Linked to Frozen Strawberries

October 20, 2016

Rancidity of Tortilla Chips Leads to Outbreak of Gastrointestinal Distress

Approximately 77 people became ill in a correctional facility in Wyoming after eating rancid tortilla chips.  Rancidity is the breakdown of oils and fats that occurs when fats and oils were extensively heated.  Debris and moisture in the oil facilitates that breakdown.  This oil breakdown impacts flavor and quality, and as seen here, can lead to gastrointestinal distress.   In this case, the tortilla chips were probably fried in oil that had been used too long.

Generally indicators of rancidity are measured to detect the level of rancidity, in this case, hexanal and peroxide.  By measuring these indicators, firms know when oil is beginning to go bad and then replace the oil.  For smaller firms without the capability of conducting measurements, they replace oil after a certain time or amount of usage.  Others replace oil when the oil in the fryer begins to darken, smoke or smell 'off'.  Continuing to use oil after it goes rancid leads to off-flavors in the food, and more importantly, illness.

As noted in the MMRW article, this is one of the first documented cases of illnesses related to rancid oil.  But a good guess would be that this happens more frequently than reported.  How many times have you gone to a fair or a greasy spoon burger joint and ate fried food that had an off-flavor?  Then a hour or two later your stomach starts to roll.  Too often, purveyors try to use oil longer than it should be used.  In some cases, the consumer notices the flavor and throws the food out, but in other cases, when really hungry, they choke it back.

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6542a4.htm?s_cid=mm6542a4_w
Gastrointestinal Illness Associated with Rancid Tortilla Chips at a Correctional Facility — Wyoming, 2015
Weekly / October 28, 2016 / 65(42);1170–1173
Tiffany Lupcho, MPH1; Alexia Harrist, MD, PhD1,2; Clay Van Houten, MS1

 Summary

What is already known about this topic?
Although consumption of rancid food can cause gastrointestinal illness, few outbreaks have been documented.

Free Range Chickens and Bald Eagles - High Cost of Organic Farming

An interesting read in Audubon Magazine about the impact of bald eagles on a free range chicken farm in Georgia.  Each year, this farm has an increasing number of bald eagles overwintering around the farm and feasting on high priced organic chicken.  There are now approximately 75 eagles, eating 3 or 4 chickens per day and costing the farm about $1000/day.  (Don't worry too much for the farm, the taxpayers pick up a good portion of that bill...and many of them don't even eat organic / free range chicken).

In addition to the loss by the eagles, free range farming has higher mortality rates...usually about 18% compared to 4% for conventional chicken farming.  "Even discounting the three or four chickens each eagle takes every day throughout the winter, Coady thinks the farm’s chicken-mortality rate is too high. It’s roughly 15 percent throughout the year, though some weeks it’s higher and some weeks it’s lower. He’d like it to be somewhere around 10 percent—far below the estimated 18 percent mortality rate the USDA expects for free-range chickens (for comparison, it’s 4 percent for confined chickens)." 

 The farmer's solution - "Harris has his own ideal solution, and it has nothing to do with noise-makers or reimbursement programs or tourism. If everyone farmed in the nature-first way he does, he says, eagles wouldn’t concentrate on his farm. Flocks of chickens scattered across the Georgia countryside would naturally cause eagles to disperse into smaller, healthier populations."  I guess I am missing something here...so yes the eagle population would spread out..for now, but what would limit eagle population growth if farms all over became raptor dinner tables?  And with an unchecked eagle population explosion, what else will be on that dinner table....little Sparky and Mr. Tibbs?

Audubon Magazine
http://www.audubon.org/magazine/fall-2016/an-organic-chicken-farm-georgia-has-become-endless
An Organic Chicken Farm in Georgia Has Become an Endless Buffet for Bald Eagles
By Susan MatthewsFall 2016

Bacillus cereus in Refried Beans Responsible for Mighty Taco Outbreak

A NY taco chain has been connected to over 160 people becoming ill with Bacillus cereus toxin.  Cases have occurred in two counties  and it appears that a 'handful' of the Mighty Taco locations have been involved.  The symptoms are nausea and vomiting.

The source of the illness was refried beans.  Bacillus cereus is a sporeforming organism and these spores can survive the cooking process.  If that food is then temperature abused, the organism will sporulate and grow in the food if that food is at elevated temperatures.  As the organism grows to high numbers, it produces a toxin.  So we would expect that the beans would have been temperature abused somewhere along the supply chain, including distribution down through store level.  (This is where the FSMA Sanitary Transport rule becomes important).

Cooked rice is another product often associated with Bacillus cereus related illness.  In a similar fashion, the cooked rice is left at room temperature for an extended period, allowing growth of the organism which produces toxin.

WGRZ Channel 2 News
http://www.wgrz.com/news/toxic-bacteria-identified-as-likely-source-of-mighty-taco-outbreak/337094922
Toxic Bacteria Identified As Likely Source Of Mighty Taco Outbreak
Steve Brown, WGRZ 8:33 AM. EDT October 19, 2016

Pulsenet - Tracking of Foodborne Disease

The US surveillance system for tracking foodborne illnesses, or PulseNet, is 20 years old.  Through time, the technology has improved and its reach is now global. 

In the US, the system is comprised by a network of 83 laboratories linked to the CDC in Atlanta.  Using genetic identification technology, including Whole Genome Sequencing or WGS, it can identify outbreak clusters through matching bacterial isolates involved in cases.  This information is then used to help identify the source of the outbreak.

This article in EMBO is a nice summary of Pulsenet and how it has impacted food safety.

EMBO Reports
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.15252/embr.201643128/full
Future challenges for tracking foodborne diseases

PulseNet, a 20-year-old US surveillance system for foodborne diseases, is expanding both globally and technologically

Authors - Efrain M Ribot and Kelly B Hise
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
First published: 19 September 2016Full publication history

Turkey Products Recalled for Unidentified Black Substance

A Michigan establishment is recalling 54000 pounds of turkey products after a customer complaint was received for a black substance.  This is a foodservice item so likely this was discovered by a retailer or foodservice operator.  The black substance has not yet been identified.



USDA / FSIS Recall Notice
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2016/recall-097-2016-release
Michigan Turkey Producers Recalls Turkey Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall 097-2016
Health Risk: High Oct 15, 2016

Popcorn Chicken Recalled Because of Foreign Material

Tyson Foods New Holland, PA facility is recalling popcorn chicken nuggets packed due plastic pieces.  According to the report - "The problem was discovered when the establishment received a consumer complaint from a school regarding foreign material, specifically hard plastic, found inside a bag of Tyson brand whole grain popcorn chicken product."

USDA News Release
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2016/recall-096-2016-release
Tyson Foods Recalls Frozen Popcorn Chicken Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall 096-2016
Health Risk: High Oct 15, 2016

Venture Capitalist Start-Up, Soylent, Recalls Meal Replacement Due to Illnesses

A venture capitalist start-up nutrition company, Soylent, is recalling their nutrition snack bar after complaints of vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea.

First, who is buying this stuff?  One look at the website and it looks like something a bunch of computer hipsters came up with.  With all these real food companies with flat or decling sales, I am not sure why people feel that a bunch of techno-geeks can make a better product.

Second, the name....didn't they see the movie?  Yeah, Soylent Green...that was a meal replacement too.  But we all know what that was.  And in case you don't, we'll let Charlton Heston tell you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IKVj4l5GU4


LA Times
http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/
Soylent stops selling nutrition bars after customers report diarrhea, other illnesses
by Paresh Dave
October 12, 2016

Meal replacement start-up Soylent halted sales of its new nutrition snack bar Wednesday and advised customers to discard any in their possession.

Michigan Cheese Company Recalls Cheese Due to Supplier Listeria Issues

 A Michigan company, Kuster's is recalling its institutional sized shredded, sliced and cubed cheese after the company was notified by their supplier, Farm Country Cheese, that there is the potential for Listeria contamination.

 

Farm County Cheese is no large industrial processor, quite the opposite.  From the Farm County Cheese website:

Tradition ~ Heritage ~ Community

For over 25 years, Farm Country Cheese House has worked in partnership with our local Amish community to create fresh, antibiotic-free, artisanal cheeses. Located in Lakeview, Michigan (northeast of Grand Rapids), we are proud of the “family” of Amish farmers and workers who make up the majority of our staff. Our culture is supportive and kind, and we work together to bring the highest-quality and freshest cheese to you, our consumer.

Our cheeses are pure, simple, and clean. We use milk made by cows on our local Amish dairy farms, and follow Amish traditions and practices. Because the health and comfort of the cows is a top priority, the small dairy farms that we work with raise herds of only 4 to 20 cows, where each cow is hand-milked twice daily. In the operation of our equipment and business, we use minimal amounts of electricity, which is supplied to us by an electric cooperative.

Sounds great, but if this is your supplier, are they controlling for Listeria?  How about a FSMA required Supplier Preventive Control.
 

FDA Recall Notice

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm525054.htm

Kuster's, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Product Because Of Possible Health Risk

For Immediate Release

October 12, 2016

Warning Letter Issued to Company for Not Verifying That Corrective Measures Worked

FDA issued a Warning Letter to a California company after that company did not adequately respond to a 483 Report issued during inspection.  The inspection was performed after the company's product was involved in a Salmonella outbreak.  During the inspection, Salmonella was found during FDA environmental sampling and this was included as a finding on the FDA 483 that was issued.  From the FDA website: "An FDA Form 483 is issued to firm management at the conclusion of an inspection when an investigator(s) has observed any conditions that in their judgement may constitute violations of the Food Drug and Cosmetic (FD&C)".  The company is then expected to send a written response to the 483 report.  "Companies are encouraged to respond to the FDA Form 483 in writing with their corrective action plan and then implement that corrective action plan expeditiously."
When a company does not properly respond and/or take appropriate corrective action, FDA will issue a Warning Letter.  From the FDA website: "When it is consistent with the public protection responsibilities of the agency and depending on the nature of the violation, it is the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) practice to give individuals and firms an opportunity to take voluntary and prompt corrective action before it initiates an enforcement action. Warning Letters are issued to achieve voluntary compliance and to establish prior notice. (Prior notice is discussed in Chapter 10.) The use of Warning Letters and the prior notice policy are based on the expectation that most individuals and firms will voluntarily comply with the law."

As we have seen in a number of other recently issued Warning Letters (Examples 1, 2, 3, 4) companies are failing to properly address the elements of corrective action.  As with this case, measures are taken, but the company fails to verify that those measures have worked.  From this report: "However, you did not provide us with documentation demonstrating the effectiveness of these changes and any other changes you have made to prevent a reoccurrence of an outbreak."   The verification that corrective measures worked is especially important after the company has had an outbreak and/or was found to have pathogen contamination issues.

 FDA Warning Letter
http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2016/ucm524491.htm
WARNING LETTER
 October 7, 2016
 

Colors and Printing on Food Packaging

An article in Food Safety Magazine, Colorants in Food Packaging: FDA Safety Requirements (Oct/Nov 2016), reviews the FDA safety requirements of food packaging colors and printing.   In summary, "The rules of thumb for determining the regulatory status of a pigment or dye are as follows: A substance that colors the food, even if it is in a packaging material, is a color additive and may be used only as permitted by an applicable FDA color additive regulation. Substances that color only a packaging material, and do not impart color to the food, are regulated as food additives if components of the substance are found to migrate into food. No premarket clearance by FDA is required, however, if the substance is not reasonably expected to become a component of food, is GRAS or is included on the list of “pre-1958 colorants.”

There are always questions about printing on the primary packaging and what is the concern.  So, the primary question is whether that printing material can migrate to the food.  If it can, then that color needs to be approved for use.

Blue Bell Expands Recall After Supplier Expands Recall of Cookie Dough, Blue Bunny and Others Also Issues Recalls

Blue Bell is expanding its recall of cookie dough ice cream after its ingredient supplier of cookie dough expanded its recall for Listeria.   Just over two weeks ago, Blue Bell issued a recall for 5 lot codes of two flavors that contained the cookie dough ingredient.  That recall now includes all product made from February 2, 2016 through September 7, 2016.
Along with this, Blue Bunny is recalling its Hoppin' Hollidoodle ice cream because it also contains the suspect cookie dough.

 We have come to expect expansions of recalls when there is Listeria contamination issues.  These recalls get expanded because the facility finds that there are underlying issues which indicate that Listeria could have been around for some time in the facility.

Other recalls affected by this supplier of cookie dough.

Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company Recalls Select Products Containing Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pieces Purchased From Outside Supplier Aspen Hills Due To Possible Health Risk

Publix Recalls Publix Premium Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Due To Possible Listeria monocytogenes Contamination From Aspen Hills, Inc. Cookie Dough Pieces

Nutrisystem Retail Division Voluntarily Recalls One Product Containing Chocolate Cookie Dough Pieces Purchased From Third Party Supplier Due To A Possible Health Risk
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm524749.htm
Outside Supplier Aspen Hills Expands Cookie Dough Recall; Blue Bell Recalls All Products Made With Aspen Hills Cookie Dough Due To Potential Health Risk
For Immediate Release
October 10, 2016

NY Taco Chain Linked to Over 150 Cases of Foodborne Illness

A NY taco chain is being linked to over 150 people becoming ill.  Cases have occurred in two counties  and it appears that a 'handful' of the Mighty Taco locations may be involved.  The symptoms are nausea and vomiting.  After removing suspect food, including refried beans, the number of cases looks to be subsiding.

An update was provided on 10/20/16.

WKBW News
http://www.wkbw.com/news/142-reported-illnesses-after-mighty-tacos-refried-beans-caused-concern-in-erie-county
142 reported illnesses after Mighty Taco's refried beans caused concern in Erie County

Cesar Brand of Pet Food Recalled for Small Plastic Pieces

Mars is recalling a limited number of Cesar Brand Filet Mignon Flavor wet dog food products due to small pieces of plastic that may be a potential choking risk.  According to the release, the small pieces of plastic entered the food during the production process.

Mars Corporate News Release
https://www.cesar.com/notice#

Micro Greens Recalled in CO for Salmonella Positive Sample

A Colorado company is recalling Organic Micro Greens sold at Whole Foods.  The recall was issued after FDA tested and found Salmonella is a sample of the product.

So what are microgreens?  They are very young plants of various vegetables, such as kale, spinach, beets, lettuce, etc, that are 7 to 14 days after germination.  Similar to bean sprouts, although sprouts are harvested 2 days after germination, so microgreens in comparison will have leaves and roots whereas sprouts will not.   However like sprouts, micro greens can be a higher risk for organisms like Salmonella.  The reason is that the conditions for growth of the micro greens will support organisms such as Salmonella.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm524638.htm
Osage Gardens Inc. Recalls Osage Gardens Organic 2oz Micro Greens Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
October 7, 2016

Chicken Salad Linked to Salmonella Outbreak in WA

Costco Chicken Salad, purchased on August 26, August 31 and September 2, 2016 in one Washington state Costco store may be linked to a Salmonella outbreak.  While the product is past the expiration date, concern would be for anyone who may have frozen the product and still have it in the freezer.

The concern still has to be how the product became contaminated.  Was the chicken undercooked?  Or was it a case of cross contamination after cooking?


FSIS Recall Notice
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/newsroom/news-releases-statements-transcripts/news-release-archives-by-year/archive/2016/pha-100916
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Chicken Product Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

Limited Amount of Lunchables Recalled Due to Allergen Mislabeling

Kraft Heinz is recalling a limited amount of Lunchables product due to a mismatched label that resulted in allergens not being declared.  According to the release  "Lunchables Ham and American Cracker Stackers” products were incorrectly labeled with the back label for a “Nacho Lunchable” product. The back label contains the product ingredient statements and as such, the “Lunchables Ham and American Cracker Stackers” products that were mislabeled do not declare wheat and soy on the label.

FSIS Recall Notice
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2016/recall-093-2016-release
Kraft Heinz Recalls Ready-To-Eat Lunchables Ham and American Cracker Stackers Product Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
Class I Recall 093-2016
Health Risk: High Oct 9, 2016

Drumstick Sundae Cones Recalled Due to Positive LM Product Contact Surface

Nestle is recalling its ice cream treat, Drumstick cones, from Best before June 2, 2017 to June 19, 2017 after testing found the food contact surface positive for Listeria monocytogenes.  No product had tested positive.  No illnesses have been reported.

In the notice, it states "The products impacted by the voluntary recall were put into distribution inadvertently."  This may suggest that the product was on a test-and-hold and was released prior to the finalized test results.   Even though the positive was found on a surface that is classified as product contact, there is a risk that the product may have been contaminated as well, at least one has to consider it.


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm524634.htm
Nestlé USA Initiates Voluntary Recall Of Nestlé® Drumstick® Club 16 Count Variety and 24 Count Vanilla Pack Due to Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
October 7, 2016

Vermont Drops Enforcement of GMO Labeling

As part of an agreement, Vermont announced that it would not enforce its law requiring the mandatory labeling of GMO foods. Put best by Pamela G. Bailey, president of GMA, the group who fought the law, “.......the Vermont law opens the door to states creating mandatory labeling requirements based on pseudo-science and web-fed hysteria......If this law is allowed to go into effect, it will disrupt food supply chains, confuse consumers and lead to higher food costs.”

Agricultural Law Weekly Review—September 8, 2016
http://www.pennstateaglaw.com/2016/09/agricultural-law-weekly-reviewseptember_8.html
GMO Labeling: GMA and Vermont Agree to Voluntarily Dismiss Litigation
Written by M. Sean High – Staff Attorney

On September 1, 2016, the United States District Court for the District of Vermont signed an order of voluntary dismissal in the state GMO labeling case Grocery Manufacturers Association v. Sorrell (Case No. 5:14-cv-117-cr, Document 161). According to the order, the parties agreed to voluntarily dismiss the action without prejudice because: (1) on July 29, 2016, President Obama signed into law S.764 which established a “National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard;” (2) on August 1, 2016, USDA stated that S.764 preempted states from requiring the labeling of any genetically engineered food or seed in interstate commerce; and (3) on August 2, 2016, Vermont’s Attorney General (Sorrell) announced that the state would no longer enforce Vermont Act 120 which required the labeling of food produced with genetic engineering.

Webinar, 'Play FDA for a Day', Drives Paranoia to a New Level

The webinar, "Play FDA for a Day: Criminalization of foodborne illness and what you can do to protect your company", is presented by a lawyer and a testing company and directs companies to do testing for outbreak-related pathogens before the FDA does.  And if FDA finds an outbreak-related pathogen in your food facility, you are as good as going to jail.  And for these outbreak-related pathogens, there is 1 million unsolved outbreaks in the FDA database just waiting to get solved.  So get a lawyer and get the test kits ASAP.  Because FDA 'investigators' are going to be busting down your door and swabbing the heck out of your facility.

A little paranoia is good, but this presentation is over the top.   There is no doubt that companies need to keep their facilities in order, including ensuring the environment is under control,  doing environmental monitoring with effective corrective action especially when there is risk (product exposed to the environment).  But to date, there have been very few cases where the Department of Justice has gotten involved in outbreak investigations.  The investigations cited were ones where pathogens were found in food and linked to outbreaks through epidemiological investigation.  Subpoenas were issued when wrongdoing was suspected.  

Testing and advice for free or just the hook?  What is an over-the-top lawyer going to tell you when you have an organism in your drain?

(Don't have the time or the will to watch the video, you can read the white paper.)

RTE Bacon Recalled After Testing Finds Listeria

A Utah establishment is recalling ready-to-eat bacon "during the company’s routine internal third party testing when a product sample collected tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes (Lm). There have been no confirmed reports of illness or adverse reactions due to consumption of these products."
 
USDA News Release
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/FSIS-Content/internet/main/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2016/recall-092-2016-release
Daily's Premium Meats, LLC Recalls Bacon Products Due to Possible Listeria Adulteration

Researchers Find Low Income Individuals Willing to Forgo Produce

In a study published in Nutrition Today, researchers investigated opinions of  low-income individuals about organic versus conventional fruits and vegetables and found that their choices are impacted by the amount of messaging they are receiving, such as EWG's Dirty Dozen.  These people felt that organic was better, but because of the cost, were more willing to forgo fruits and vegetables because of cost even though there were lower cost conventionally grown produce.

This is a topic that has been addressed from a health standpoint,  where organic was found to be no more nutritious than conventional, and more importantly from a safety standpoint, whether biological contaminates or those that can lead to cancer.  USDA testing has continually shown that pesticide levels in produce are within established limits.

The issue is that many are missing the health benefits of having produce in their diet for the sake of avoiding some infinitesimal risk.

Nutrition Today
http://journals.lww.com/nutritiontodayonline/Fulltext/2016/09000/Low_Income_Shoppers_and_Fruit_and_Vegetables__What.6.aspx
Low-Income Shoppers and Fruit and Vegetables: What Do They Think?
Huang, Yancui MS; Edirisinghe, Indika PhD; Burton-Freeman, Britt M. PhD, MS
Abstract

Eggs from Small Producer Recalled After Link to Salmonella Infections

Good Earth Egg company is issuing a recall of shell eggs after they were linked to a Salmonella outbreak.  In this outbreak, 8 individuals have become infected with Salmonella Oranienburg 

 

 Good Earth had also issued a recall in January of this year, again for Salmonella.   A warning letter issued by FDA in February indicates that the company did not have a Salmonella control program in place and faced sanitary issues including rodent control.

 

If Salmonella is not controlled within the flocks and the facility, the eggs will have Salmonella. It would be fine if eggs were handled and cooked by the consumers, but consumer don't.  Eggs are often served undercooked such as sunny side up.  They are not handled in a way that protects against cross contamination.  As studies have shown, eggs from small producers are more likely to have Salmonella present.

 

 

CDC Outbreak

http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/Oranienburg-10-16/index.html

Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Oranienburg Infections Linked to Shell Eggs

Posted October 3, 2016 5:45 PM ET

  

At A Glance

Case Count: 8  (http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/oranienburg-10-16/epi.html)

States: 3  (http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/oranienburg-10-16/map.html)

Deaths: 0

Hospitalizations: 2

Recall: No

Highlights

Read the Advice to Consumers and Retailers >>(http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/oranienburg-10-16/advice.html)

CDC Finalizes Investigation on E. coli (STEC O121) in Flour

CDC issued the final report on the E. coli STEC outbreak associated with flour.  The recall of the product was issued in May and then expanded in July.   While CDC expects more cases over time (as people may still have and use recalled flour), there have been 63 cases to date with 17 hospitalizations with one case of HUS (hemolytic uremic syndrome).

 

 Dough is meant for cooking, not eating raw or playing with.  Unfortunately, there are those out there who will continue to eat raw dough (you know who you are).  But please don't pass this habit onto the youth.  One, they are at higher risk.  Two, if you are willing to get sick, then fine, but let's not make a new generation of raw dough eaters.  

  

CDC Outbreak Update

https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2016/o121-06-16/index.html

Multistate Outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli Infections Linked to Flour (Final Update)

Posted September 29, 2016 12:45PM EST

Onion Rings Recalled Due to Allergen Mislabeling - Reason for Implementing Preventive Controls

McCain Foods issued a recall notice for Onion Rings and then reissued the notice to expand the recall to additional labels.  The pre-labeled packaging did not list milk on the label although it was included in the formulation.

This is the type of recall that the Preventive Controls rule was designed to help prevent.  By having a formalized check of the labels at the receipt of those labels and then again at the time of packaging would have provided 2 opportunities to compare the label to the formulation.  Of course, it is important to have the sub-ingredients listed, in this case, they are probably purchasing the breader / batter that will be used to coat the onion rings.

Instituting such a check is not overly difficult. It just takes a few minutes to compare the label to the formula.   However, the cost of recall resulting from non-compliance can run into the millions of dollars.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm522476.htm
McCain Foods USA, Inc. Announces a Product Recall Impacting Frozen Onion Rings Sold and Distributed Under Four Separate Private Label Retail Brands
For Immediate Release
September 23, 2016

Enforcement of Rule for Ground Meat Logs Starts Oct. 1

 On October 1, USDA FSIS will begin enforcement of the rule requiring establishments and retail stores that grind raw beef for sale in commerce to maintain a log of the lot information on which raw materials were used to produce that ground meat.  Specifically:

1. The establishment numbers of the establishments supplying the materials used to prepare each lot of raw ground beef product; 
2. All supplier lot numbers and production dates; 
3. The names of the supplied materials, including beef components and any materials carried over from one production lot to the next; 
4. The date and time each lot of raw ground beef product is produced, and 
5. The date and time when grinding equipment and other related food-contact surfaces are cleaned and sanitized. 

  

FSIS Notice

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/931c84b3-cc2e-4a10-9108-806bfab661b0/75-16.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE WASHINGTON, DC FSIS NOTICE 75-16 9/28/16 

NOTE: DO NOT IMPLEMENT THIS NOTICE UNTIL OCTOBER 1, 2016. 

Kids Sick from Poisonous Mushrooms - The Potential Perils of Community Gardens

Seventeen school-aged children became sick after eating poisonous mushrooms.  According to the report, "...a volunteer thought the mushroom - later identified as green-spored parasol, a common poisonous wild mushroom - was an edible part of the garden. Seventeen students ate it and suffered various symptoms. Several of the students had severe reactions."

Community gardens are great for learning, but it is important to remember that the food safety basics still apply.    And for those that put the effort into planning, growing, and harvesting, effort has to go into training.   While this incident with poisonous mushrooms is probably a worst case scenario (having a truly uninformed volunteer give kids poisonous mushrooms), there are still other areas that need attention, including all the components of GAPs - good agricultural practices to include fertilizing properly, washing hands, washing produce before consumption, using potable water for watering, and cleaning food contact surfaces.  It is too easy to see where people get stupid ideas - fertilizing food with fresh manure (manure needs to be properly composted), watering crops from a pond or a unclean rain bucket (where that water is harboring harmful bacteria), etc.   It must be remembered that many of those visiting or consuming from these gardens are children.  Pre-school aged children, considered 'high risk', are of most concern because their immune systems are still under development.

Unlike a person's home garden, these foods go to a broad group of people, often outside of those people who were involved in growing and harvesting. It is the responsibility of those involved in growing and harvesting to follow practices that will minimize risk.


The Packer
http://www.thepacker.com/news/students-ill-after-eating-mushrooms-community-garden-la
L.A. school district issues safety alert on wild mushrooms after students fall ill
By Ashley Nickle September 26, 2016 | 4:55 pm EDT

Chicken Nuggets Recalled Due to Plastic Pieces

Tyson is recalling 132, 520 pounds of cooked chicken nuggets for plastic pieces.  Product was packed in an institutional 20lb size that was shipped to Pennsylvania and the 5lb retail pack was shipped nationally.

The recall was initiated after consumer complaints were made.  According to the report "the plastic material ranged in size from 21mm in length and 6.5mm in diameter and may have come from a round, hard plastic rod used to connect a plastic transfer belt. The firm said the products pass through a metal detector, but the plastic is not detectable to this technology".
In May, Foster Farms recalled chicken nuggets due to foreign material.  And in March, Purdue recalled chicken nuggets due to plastic pieces.  In 2014, Tyson recalled chicken nuggets due to plastic pieces.  It may make sense for those making chicken nuggets to invest in X-ray technology.

FSIS Recall Notice
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/931c84b3-cc2e-4a10-9108-806bfab661b0/75-16.pdf?MOD=AJPERES
Tyson Foods Inc. Recalls Chicken Nugget Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall 089-2016
Health Risk: High Sep 27, 2016

Ham Products Recalled Due to Foreign Material

A Canadian company is recalling ham products after a complaint was received that there were rubber pieces in the ham.  These restructured hams are fully cooked / ready-to-eat.  The meat items were imported into the US and were sold at Costco and Sam's club

 

FSIS Recall Notice
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2016/recall-085-2016-release
502 Boundary Blvd. Recalls Black Forest Ham Products Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class II Recall 085-2016
Health Risk: Low Sep 21, 2016

Blue Bell Recalls Two Ice Cream Products due to Potential Listeria Contamination

Blue Bell Ice Cream is recalling two flavors of product for potential Listeria contamination.  There have been no illnesses reported.  According to the company's press release, product was shipped to 10 states, primarily in the Southeast US.

Last year, Blue Bell shut down its 3 plants after their ice cream product was linked to a Listeria outbreak where 10 people were infected.  The company reopened the plants with increased controls and under increased government scrutiny.  In January of 2016, the company issued a release that their controls were effective, although they were still finding Listeria in the environment.

In this particular case, it looks as though the supplier of the cookie dough, Aspen Hills, may be at fault.  Blue Bell discovered the issue through testing of incoming products and notified Aspen Hills who then issued a recall.  This recall notice is posted on the Blue Bell website.  Unfortunately, product was released before these test results came to light.  Although Blue Bell states they do test and hold (product is not released before results come back), that test and hold looks to have been focused on finished product testing (and perhaps not ingredient testing?).

Of course this cookie dough is not technically raw.  It is product that is made to resemble raw cookie dough, but is a ready-to-eat product.  Being that it is ready-to-eat, it should be free of pathogens such as Listeria.

KHOU News Release
http://www.khou.com/news/health/blue-bell-issues-recall-for-ice-cream-with-cookie-dough/323180943
Blue Bell recalls ice cream over listeria concerns
KHOU.com Staff , KHOU 11:59 PM. EST September 21, 2016

Goat Cheese Recalled Due to Listeria Positive Sample

 A small Pennsylvania goat cheese manufacturer is recalling goal cheese products after PA Dept of Ag tested and found Listeria in the product.   No illnesses have been reported.


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm521592.htm
Apple Tree Goat Dairy Recalls Four Goat Cheeses Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
September 20, 2016

Eggo Waffles Recalled for Potential Listeria Contamination

Kellogg's is recalling Eggo Waffles after internal testing found a potential for Listeria contamination. While the release did not say exactly where the sample was located, it may have been a positive environmental sample on or near a product contact surface.
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm521434.htm
Kellogg Company Recalls Limited Number of Kellogg’s® Eggo® Nutri-Grain® Whole Wheat Waffles Due to Potential Health Risk
For Immediate Release
September 19, 2016

First Day of Preventive Controls Compliance - What Do You Need to Know

September 19, 2016 marks the compliance day when larger facilities making human food must meet preventive controls and Current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements (CGMPs) and larger animal food facilities must meet CGMPs.

So what should one expect?  FDA issued two letters today.  To summarize from the many words in those documents:

At this point, the FDA is still learning so "the FDA’s primary focus will continue to be on education, training and technical assistance to help companies comply with the new requirements." 

Does your Food Safety Plan have to be perfect at this point - "Many businesses of that size already have a HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) program; we don’t expect them to need to make many changes to come into compliance. Aspects of the CGMP and preventive controls rules are similar to HACCP, a food safety system that started with industry."

 But FDA will still evaluate the facility in order to make safe products. "The best thing that people in the food industry can do is take the measures required by the new rules – not just the letter of the law but what it represents in terms of transforming the food safety system. They should look at the big picture, at areas in which they could be vulnerable and proactively take action. Promptly responding to problems, even if they aren’t yet violations, can prevent them from getting to the point at which there is a concern about the safety of the food."
 
"In addition, facilities should set up a thorough system for documenting what they do."

FDA is still learning as well.


FDA News Release
http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/ucm521171.htm
What to Expect Now that the First Big FSMA Compliance Dates Are Here
Questions and Answers with Joann Givens

Backyard Chickens and Eggs - Beware of the Salmonella Risk

In two news stories this week - one on raising chickens at home and the other on eggs from small chicken flocks - there is discussion on the higher risk for Salmonella.

In the Post article, people raising chickens at home threat the chickens more like pets.  Many people will cuddle or kiss baby chicks and nearly half of the patients who contracted Salmonella from the chickens allowed the chickens into the house (and some into the bedroom).

Penn State conducted a large survey looking at the prevalence in Salmonella in eggs which were purchased from farm stands across the state.  These eggs were from small chicken flocks and fall outside of regulations for controlling Salmonella.  The survey found that 2% of the eggs tested were positive for Salmonella.  The contamination was primarily found inside the egg.  For commercial egg producers, this number is less than 0.5%.

Salmonella is a natural contaminate of chickens, and unless carefully controlled, it can be passed to humans through handling of the chickens or through mishandling or undercooking of the eggs.   Commercially, Salmonella is controlled through diet (including probiotics), house maintenance procedures, and Salmonella testing.  With backyard flocks, these controls are normally not in place.  Another risk, not discussed in these articles, is Campylobacter.  This has been shown to have a higher prevalence in small flocks as well.

This is not saying that people should not raise chickens or consume their eggs, but people have to be aware of the risk.  Keep chicken in the coup.  Wash your hands after handling the chicken.  Cook the eggs and the chicken to the proper temperature.  No Rocky breakfast drink with these eggs, not unless you plan your next bout at the American Standard Bowl.

Penn State News
http://news.psu.edu/story/425880/2016/09/14/research/eggs-small-flocks-just-likely-contain-salmonella-enteritidis
Eggs from small flocks more likely to contain Salmonella enteritidis
By Jeff Mulhollem
September 14, 2016

Coliform Positive Sample in Well Water Results in Product Recall

A PA meat establishment is recalling pork products after inspectors found the facility's water test results had been positive for coliform bacteria.  These test results would classify the water as non-potable.

While the risk is probably low to non-existent (the fresh pork itself would have coliforms), the water used to make that product is deemed as non-potable.  While the presence of coliforms in themselves are not a hazard, their presence could indicate that other pathogenic bacteria could be present.  More importantly, their presence could indicate that  a contamination pathway could exist linking the water supply to a contamination source - surface water, septic system, animal waste, etc.

Corrective action needs to be taken immediately upon these types of results. This is normally done by dosing or shocking the well with chlorine. or even better for protecting a business is continuous disinfection.
 
FSIS News Release
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/FSIS-Content/internet/main/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2016/recall-082-2016-release
Bunge's Meats Recalls Pork Products Formulated With Water That Did Not EPA Meet Drinking Water Standards
Class I Recall 082-2016
Health Risk: High Sep 16, 2016 

FDA Issues Warning Letter to RTE Facility with LM Issues

FDA issued a warning letter to a Saranac Foods for an inspection completed in February.  We have seen a number of similar types of Warning letters issued.  In this one, inspectors found LM in a facility making RTE product, and  then conditions that would support the spread of that organism (issues with hose usage, condensation, and airflow).  While the company did respond, the response was lacking in terms of a 'complete' corrective action.

 

Listeria

FDA found 3 of 89 samples positive for Listeria monocytogenes. all non-contact but in the ready-to-eat pasta and deli salad production room.

1. Floor near food carts and the 2-compartment sink;
2. The floor alongside of the interior legs of stand mixer;
3. An area of the floor under the 1-compartment sink where a leak is present.

Although the company took corrective action, the FDA stated: FDA is unable to evaluate the adequacy of your response because it does not provide specific details of your corrective actions and steps taken to prevent contamination of food. 

  

GMP Issues

Hepatitis A in Frozen Strawberries Infects 89 People

CDC reported that 89 people contracted Hepatitis A from frozen strawberries.  The outbreak was initially reported two weeks by the Virginia Department of Health.  In most all cases, the infections were linked to the strawberries being served in smoothie drinks served by Tropical Smoothie Café.

Smoothies, the blending of fruits and vegetables into a nutritious yet tasty beverage, can be an issue if any of the fruit and vegetable ingredients harbor pathogenic bacteria.  The risk can be made worse if the smoothie product is temperature abused.  The hard part when buying from a commercial smoothie producer is knowing where they source their ingredients.  In the past, had been an issue pomegranate sourced from the middle east.  That too was a source of Hepatitis A.
 

CDC Outbreak
http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/outbreaks/2016/hav-strawberries.htm
August 2016 - Multistate outbreak of hepatitis A linked to frozen strawberries
Posted September 8, 2016 10:15 AM ET

At a Glance

Case Count: 89

States: 7

Deaths: 0

Hospitalizations: 39

The Rise of the Grocerant and Addressing Food Safety Issues

An article in the Wall Street Journal addresses the food safety issues for grocers that are moving into more sophisticated prepared meals to-go.  These hybrid operations, dubbed 'grocerants' by some, are both grocery store and restaurant.  As consumers demand more of these fresh ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat offerings, store operations will  have to address the food safety challenges that comes with these types of processes.

According to the graphic in the article, sushi and soups are currently the type two types of foods.  But there is an increase in operations making more complex meals.
Here are some of the challenges:

Who Knew This Poop - The Dangers of Raccoon Feces

In this edition of MMWR, we learn that raccoon feces can be a source of a particularly dangerous roundworm - Baylisascaris procyonis.  It can lead to severe neurologic issues, including blindness, or even death if it is not treated rapidly.

The worm's eggs are passed in raccoon feces and can remain infectious for  months.  People, including children, become infected when soil or materials contaminated with raccoon poop containing the eggs are accidently ingested, such as when children stick their fingers in their mouths after playing with little logs in the dirt.

There have not been many cases of this in the US, but this is some serious poop.  Who the heck wants to go blind from raccoon infested poop?    So if you have raccoons scurrying around your yard at night, perhaps they found that special spot to use as a latrine (aka potty), then time to take some corrective action.  A number of websites offer solutions to rid your homestead of that pesky worm-ridden procyonid .  And sure, some of those solutions may work, but this is what you really need - the Black and Tan Coon Hound.

Might just need to get one as a preventive control...an environmental preventive control.  (That's  FSPCA, not SPCA).  So one of the best dogs known to man or blindness?..I think that is an easy choice.

CDC MMWR
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6535a2.htm?s_cid=mm6535a2_e
Raccoon Roundworm Infection Associated with Central Nervous System Disease and Ocular Disease — Six States, 2013–2015

Internet Soups Recalled Due to Improper Process

A New York firm is recalling soup packed in jars after FDA found that the company was not using validated processes.  The product were marketed and sold via the internet.

By regulation, companies processing canned soups, which are generally low acid canned foods, must have a validated (or tested) process and that process must be filed with the FDA.  With more companies using non-traditional channels to sell products, such as the internet or farmers' markets,  it is easier for companies to get products into commerce and avoid oversight.  Then we end up with cases like this.

A process must be validated to show it can achieve a 12 log reduction of Clostridium botulinum spores.  If a process has not been validated to accomplish this, then is impossible to know whether the product will be safe.  Validation includes determining where the cold point is on the jar and then determining the processing time needed in order to achieve sufficient amount of heat at that cold spot.

Looking at the Island Soup website and the Team page, there seems to be a lot of chiefs, but no technical person listed as part of the team.  This too is occurring more often.  Entrepreneurs come up with new products, but fail to research them properly.

FDA Website
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm519531.htm
Island Soups Company, Inc. Recalls Six Varieties of Island Soups Brand Products Because of Possible Contamination With Clostridium Botulinum
For Immediate Release
September 7, 2016

Wisconsin Dairy Recalls Cottage Cheese Due to Possible Under-Pasteurization

A Wisconsin dairy is recalling cottage cheese after the state tested and found alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme naturally present in raw milk that is used as a measure of pasteurization in that it should be eliminated if processed properly.  Since the enzyme was found to be present, this would mean that the milk used to make the cottage cheese was not properly pasteurized, and because of that, foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella could be present.  It seems the dairy tested the cottage cheese and found no pathogens.

 

In reading the notice posted on the FDA website, it is hard to determine what the issue is.  Going back to the Warning Notice published by WI Dept. of Ag, the issue is better detailed.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm519395.htm
Westby Cooperative Creamery Issues a Voluntary Product Retrieval Notice on a Specific, Single Production Lot of Cottage Cheese Product
For Immediate Release
August 27, 2016

FDA Draft Guidance - Hazard Analysis Risk Based Preventive Controls for Human Foods

On 9/23/16, FDA issued the Draft Guidance for Hazard Analysis and Risk Based Preventive Controls for Human Foods.   The guidance was put together to help people who are developing their FDA mandated Food Safety Plan. It can be found here.

Upon review, this document will serve as a resource for those writing their plans.  For those who took the FSPCA training, you will find that this document pretty much mirrors the FSPCA Participant Manual.  In fact, many of the tables are the same ones found in the FSPCA Participant Manual. 

This is a draft guidance, so FDA will be taking comments and making modifications.  Hard to imagine there will be any major revisions.


FDA Website
http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/ucm517412.htm
Draft Guidance for Industry: Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food

Cashew Product Recalled Due to Possible Allergen Contamination with Peanuts

 An Ohio Company is recalling 10 ounce stand-up pouches (SUPs) of cashews after it was determined that there could be peanuts present.

While peanuts and cashews are both allergens, they are not the same allergens.  Thus this is an allergen issue and requires corrective action.  There can be some cross-reactivity - people who are allergic to one can  be allergic to the other.  

Cross contact of peanuts and tree nuts can be an issue in facilities that handle both types of nuts.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm519248.htm
Kanan Enterprises Conducts Voluntary Recall of Cashews with Sea Salt
For Immediate Release
September 3, 2016

Ravioli and Brownies Recalled After Complaints of Plastic Pieces

Two different recalls were initiated after consumer complaints were registered about plastic pieces found in the product.  One was for ravioli containing white plastic and the other was for small pieces of plastic in Entenmann’s muffins and brownies.

The recalls are unrelated.  No injuries have been reported.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm519172.htm
Wegmans Announces Voluntary Recall for One Date Code of Wegmans Italian Classics Striped Ricotta & Spinach Ravioli, Which May Contain Pieces of White Plastic
For Immediate Release
September 2, 2016

Chocolate Products Recalled After a Positive Salmonella Result Found

A Pennsylvania firm is recalling chocolate products after one internal test result was positive for Salmonella.  There have been no illnesses reported.


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm519188.htm
Asher's Chocolates/Lewistown, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Candy Products Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
September 2, 2016

Improving Knowledge of Antibiotic Resistance - What You Should Know

This month's Food Protection Trends has an article by a group of experts on the topic of antibiotic resistance and the impact on human and animal health.  The goal was to provide knowledge to professionals in an way to counter the many misstatements being made in the news media by uninformed 'professionals.'

First, there are four main themes that should highlight communications:

Packages of Cut Fresh Vegetables Recalled Due to Listeria Positive Sample

A Texas firm is recalling various fresh diced and sliced vegetables after the Georgia Department of Agriculture sampled product and found it was positive for Listeria monocytogenes.  The date range for production lots recalled is about two weeks with use by dates from 8/7 to 8/19/16. At this point, no illnesses have been reported.

The reason for the broad range of items is that there must be concern for cross contamination in the facility.  Being that there are sliced and diced vegetables, the equipment used for processing, the cutting equipment, the flume lines for transferring, and the packaging equipment can be areas for cross contamination or even be a harborage site for the organism if it was not properly cleaned.


FDA Recall Notice

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm518335.htm
Country Fresh Recalls Product Because Of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
August 26, 2016

FSMA Compliance Date Schedule - September 18th for General Compliance

FDA's FSMA compliance dates are nearing.  Take a few minutes to review to see if you are where you need to be.

Source - GMA website
http://www.gmaonline.org/file-manager/GMA%20Summary%20Reference%20Sheet%20for%20FSMA%20Compliance%20Dates.pdf

*Farms have an additional 2 years to comply with certain water-related requirements. Separate compliance date applicable to sprouts.

**PC Human: Supply Chain Program general compliance is (1) 3-17-17 (9-18-17 for small business) OR (2) six months after a supplier is required to comply with the applicable rule. PC Animal: Supply Chain Program general compliance is (1) 9-18-17 (9-17-18 for small business) OR (2) six months after a supplier is required to comply with the applicable rule.

†All importers must comply with FSVP requirements by 5-30-17 OR 6 months after their foreign suppliers’ reach their FSMA compliance deadlines, whichever is later. “Very small importers” and “importers of food from very small foreign suppliers” are subject to modified requirements.

‡ 3PAC’s provisions are effective immediately following the final rule, but can only be implemented after publication of Model Accreditation Standards, which are yet to be released by the FDA.

EpiPen Price Hike Impacts People with Food Allergies

EpiPens, those self-given injection needles to prevent allergic reactions, have gone up in price to over $600 for a set of pens..  Even with insurance, the price can be as much as $200 to $300 per set.   And considering these pens have a limited shelf-life of a year, this is a reoccurring cost.

EpiPens deliver epinephrine, a drug that slows the symptons of the immune response such as swelling.  In those people that are highly allergic to an allergenc such as peanuts or crustacean shellfish,  swelling of body tissue including the throat can be life threatening.  So these folks need to carry EpiPens.

NY Times
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/08/22/epipen-price-rise-sparks-concern-for-allergy-sufferers/?_r=0
EpiPen Price Rise Sparks Concern for Allergy Sufferers
By Tara Parker-Pope and Rachel Rabkin Peachman August 22, 2016 6:05 pm August 22, 2016 6:05

A steep increase in the price of the EpiPen, a lifesaving injection device for people with severe allergies, has sparked outrage among consumers and lawmakers who worry that parents won’t be able to afford the pens for children heading back to school.

Frozen Chicken Entrees Recalled Due to Foreign Material

Another recall due to consumer complaints on foreign objects in product.   In this case, a GA company is recalling chicken entrees with glass or hard plastic.

FSIS 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-074-2016-release
Sentry Foods Recalls Frozen Chicken Entrées due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class II Recall 074-2016