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Updated: 28 min 41 sec ago

Raw milk bill filed in Wisconsin Legislature

Fri, 01/05/2024 - 00:05

State Rep. Elijah Behnke R-89th District, last month pre-filed Senate Bill (SB) 781 to reform the regulation of raw milk in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Legislature has assigned SB 781 to the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Tourism. The Senate sponsor is Duey Stroebel, R-20th District

With the Legislature underway in Madison, Rep. Behnke has taken to local media to pitch his bill. “In Wisconsin, you can regularly buy and consume raw ground hamburger from Brazil, raw oysters from Washington, raw tuna from Japan, and raw romaine lettuce from California,” he says.

“Current Wisconsin law regarding unprocessed dairy, however, sends the message that we do not trust our dairy farmers to produce a sanitary, unprocessed product and that we can’t trust consumers to make an informed health decision about the dairy products they buy,” adds Behnke.

“Wisconsin dairy farmers have access to better safety testing technology than ever before, including rapid on-farm testing. Our farmers are acutely aware that producing a safe, healthy product is vital to the success of their farms. Many consumers prefer raw dairy for various reasons, including taste, nutrition, and health benefits.

“This bill allows farmers to sell unpasteurized dairy products through additional channels, accompanied by more robust guidelines and testing requirements compared to any previous proposal authorizing the sale of unpasteurized dairy products in Wisconsin. It is long past time we trust our farmers and consumers with the sale of unprocessed dairy in America’s Dairyland.”

According to legislative staff, current law generally prohibits the sale of unpasteurized (commonly called raw) milk and other raw milk products. It prohibits the sale to consumers of milk or fluid milk products that are not grade A milk or fluid milk products. Current law requires a dairy farmer to have a milk producer license from the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and a grade A permit from DATCP to sell grade A milk and requires a butter maker or cheesemaker to have a butter maker or cheesemaker license from DATCP to engage as a butter maker or cheesemaker. Also, under current law, DATCP promulgates rules governing the operation of dairy farms and the testing and quality of milk.

“This bill, the staff report says, “allows a milk producer to receive a license from DATCP to sell unpasteurized dairy products processed on farm premises to consumers through delivery, at retail stores, or directly from a dairy farm. Under the bill, a milk producer who has a license to sell unpasteurized dairy products is not required to obtain a milk producer license, a grade A permit, or a butter maker or cheesemaker license if the milk producer does not send any milk to a dairy plant and sells no milk or milk products other than unpasteurized dairy products processed on farm premises.”

“To receive a license to sell unpasteurized dairy products, a milk producer must submit a series of samples for testing for several bacteria and coliform and standard plate counts, provide results from tests performed by a licensed veterinarian that show that the cows used to produce the unpasteurized dairy products do not have tuberculosis or brucellosis and show proof of training in raw milk safety. Additionally, DATCP must conduct an on-site inspection of the milk producer’s processing plant.”

The staff adds that ‘a milk producer licensed to sell unpasteurized dairy products must submit regular test results for coliforms and standard plate counts that show coliform levels below ten and a standard plate count below 10,000. A milk producer who only produces unpasteurized dairy products must also submit testing for other solids, somatic cell count, milk urea nitrogen, and plate loop count.

“Every three months, a milk producer must submit test results for various bacteria,” the staff continues. “Additionally, DATCP may, after giving 24 hours notice, take a sample of unpasteurized milk from the processing plant of a milk producer licensed to sell unpasteurized dairy products and test for the bacteria. If there is a positive test result, the milk producer must initiate a recall and stop all production and sale of unpasteurized dairy products until the milk tests negative.”

“All cows used to produce unpasteurized dairy products must be tested yearly for tuberculosis and brucellosis,” the staff reports. “A licensed veterinarian must administer the tests. Under the bill, unpasteurized dairy products, processing plants that produce unpasteurized dairy products, and milk producers that produce unpasteurized dairy products must meet certain standards regarding cleanliness, temperature, labeling, record keeping, and food safety planning.”

Fiscal estimates for the bill will be added to the staff report.

As “America’s Dairyland” with billions at stake, Wisconsin has long maintained one of the most robust raw milk regulations in the U.S.  The only serious attempt to up-end it came in 2010 when then-Gov. Jim Doyle vetoed a bill to weaken the state law. Attempts since then to open the raw milk spigot have not succeeded in America’s dairy state.

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Inspections find outlets can improve medium-cooked meat controls

Fri, 01/05/2024 - 00:03

According to findings of a control operation in Finland, the risk management of ground beef steaks served medium in restaurants needs improvement.

The environmental department of the Oulu region analyzed risk management processes during the preparation and serving of ground (minced) meat steaks sold medium-cooked.

Findings showed that customers received information about the degree of doneness of the steak but were not told about the E. coli risk. The microbiological quality of raw meat was good, but Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) was found in two of 12 samples. Both samples were from one restaurant, where ground beef steaks came from industrially prepared raw meat. Products were frozen, and beef originated from several EU countries.

The Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto) recommends that all ground meat products should be served properly cooked. Grinding allows any bacteria on the surface to be mixed throughout the meat, and if products are only cooked medium, bacteria can survive.

Information about cooking methods
In discussions during inspections, officials found the difference between the risks of a medium-cooked ground beef steak and a medium-cooked whole beef steak was not fully understood.

When a restaurant offers medium-cooked ground beef steaks, it must have a risk management plan to control the risk of E. coli food poisoning. Methods used by 12 restaurants were inspected in the project from July 2021 to October 2022.

Restaurants must put the risk management methods they use in writing. Inspections found that only one site had described such written measures as part of self-monitoring.

The most common method was to ask the customer how they wanted the ground beef to be served. Also, the customer was told it is offered medium unless they asked for something else. However, the client was not given written information about the E. coli risk from medium-cooked ground steaks.

Most restaurants use industrially produced ground meat to prepare medium-cooked beef products. One restaurant’s risk management method was the manufacturer’s guarantee that the ground beef steak could be left medium.

Inspectors said it was essential to familiarize staff with risk management in preparing and serving medium-cooked ground beef. The methods must be described in the self-monitoring documents to ensure consistency.

Separate control operation
Another project looked at the microbiological quality of potato products, rice, and pasta.

Environmental health monitoring units of Hamina, Kotka, and Kouvola carried out the campaign in May and June 2023. A total of 55 samples were collected. Results showed seven of moderate quality and 14 of poor quality. Samples were collected from 46 restaurants in Kymenlaakso.

The sampled rice, pasta, and potato products were cooked at the serving location and then cooled. Products had to be reheated before being served to the customer. The product’s and storage temperatures were measured during sampling, and cooling and reheating practices were investigated.

In the samples with average and poor results, total bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and Bacillus cereus exceeded guideline values. A large amount of Bacillus cereus was only detected in one sample.

The project revealed deficiencies in self-monitoring plans, monitoring temperatures, and recording results. Storage temperatures were often too high, and microwaves were used to reheat food with sensory cues and estimations to judge if this was adequate, and some equipment was unclean.

Advice and sampling continued for catering establishments with poor results until the operating methods and sample results were considered reasonable.

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FDA steps up controls on imported food because of pesticides, Salmonella

Fri, 01/05/2024 - 00:01

The Food and Drug Administration continues using import alerts to enforce U.S. food safety regulations for food from foreign countries. The agency updates and modifies the alerts as needed.

Recent modifications to FDA’s import alerts, as posted by the agency, are listed below. 

Click here to go to the FDA page with links to details on specific alerts.

Click on table to enlarge. Use link above to go to FDA page with links to specific alerts.

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California health officials issue public warning about Shemshad products because of botulism risk

Thu, 01/04/2024 - 19:36

The California Department of Public Health is warning consumers not to eat Shemshad’s Mulberry Molasses and Mulberry Jam jarred food products because they were produced outside of the health department’s Cannery Program oversight, making them susceptible to contamination with Clostridium botulinum. 

Ingestion of botulism toxin from improperly processed jarred and canned foods may lead to serious illness and death.

There is concern that consumers may have the products in their homes because of their long shelf life.

Consumers that observe the product being offered for sale are encouraged to report the activity to the CDPH toll-free complaint line at 800-495-3232.

“At this time, Shemshad, based in Los Angeles, has not yet voluntarily recalled its Mulberry Molasses and Mulberry Jam products. This product is under the Shemshad brand name and is in 16-ounce glass jars with screw-on metal lids. The product is dated “APR 25 2025.” The health department has issued a Notice of Violation to Shemshad, and Shemshad may be subject to further action up to and including license revocation,” according to the health department warning.

The food products were sold at grocery stores in southern California, including Woodland Hills Market in Woodland Hills, Q Market in Van Nuys, and Wholesome Choice Market in Irvine.

Botulism toxin is odorless and colorless, so consumers cannot determine if their product is affected. Consumers with any of these products or any foods made with them should discard them immediately. Double bag the jars in plastic bags that are tightly closed, then place them in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash outside of the home. Consumers should wear rubber or latex gloves when handling these products or wash their hands with soap and running water for at least two minutes after handling any contaminated food or containers.

Botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. The initial symptoms frequently experienced are double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, and dry or sore throat. Progressive descending paralysis, usually symmetrical, may follow. Additional symptoms may include slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, the inability of the neck muscles to support the head, and paralysis of the extremities and respiratory muscles. Infants with botulism appear lethargic, feed poorly, are constipated, and have a weak cry and poor muscle tone.

The health department recommends that consumers experiencing any ill effects after consuming this product consult their healthcare provider. 

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Blue Ridge Beef recall expanded to include nine additional states

Thu, 01/04/2024 - 09:44

Blue Ridge Beef’s recall of 2 pound logs of Kitten Grind, Kitten Mix and Puppy Mix because of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination has been updated to include all states that may have received the recalled product lot numbers. States added to the initial recall include: Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Pets with Salmonella and Listeria infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

On Dec. 15, the firm was notified by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services that one lot of each of the products were sampled and tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. The firm is recalling all lots with the used-by dates between N24 1124 to N24 1224.

The products were distributed between Nov. 14, 2023 through Dec. 20, 2023. These products were packaged in clear plastic and sold primarily in retail stores located in Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.

The lot numbers and used by dates are located on the silver tabs at the end of the tubes.

Recalled products:

ProductSizeUPCAll Lot #/Use By Dates BetweenKitten Grind2lbs8 54298 00101 6N24 1124 to N24 1224Kitten Mix2lbs8 54298 00243 6N24 1124 to N24 1224Puppy Mix2lbs8 54298 00169 6N24 1124 to N24 1224

As of the posting of this recall, no illnesses have been reported.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to contact Blue Ridge Beef at blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com for a full refund and destroy the food in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access. 

Recalled pet food should not be sold or donated. Do not feed the recalled product to pets or any other animals. Wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers. Consumers should always ensure they wash and sanitize their hands after handling recalled food or any utensils that come in contact with recalled food.

About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.

Anyone who has handled any of the recalled products and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.

About Listeria infections

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has handled any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop. 

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses. 

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

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Charcuterie meat products recalled, possible connection to multistate outbreak

Thu, 01/04/2024 - 09:20

Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc., of Mount Olive, NJ, is recalling approximately 11,097 pounds of Busseto Foods brand ready-to-eat charcuterie meat products that may be contaminated with Salmonella, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified that a sample collected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture tested positive for Salmonella.

FSIS is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state public health partners to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella. Minnesota collected unopened ready-to-eat charcuterie sampler product as part of the investigation. The product tested positive for Salmonella. Further testing is ongoing to determine if the product sample is related to the outbreak. The investigation is ongoing.

These items were shipped to Sam’s Club distribution centers in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas.         

The ready-to-eat charcuterie sampler product was produced on Oct. 30, 2023. 

Recalled products:      

  • 18-oz. plastic tray packages containing “BUSSETO FOODS CHARCUTERIE SAMPLER Prosciutto, Sweet Sopressata, and Dry Coppa” with lot code L075330300 and “BEST IF USED BY APR 27 24.” The products are sold as a twin pack with two 9-oz. packages.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 7543B” inside the USDA mark of inspection and “EST. #47967” printed with the lot and date codes.                          

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.

Anyone who has handled any of the recalled products and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.

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Five human deaths blamed on Avian flu with no signs of letting up

Thu, 01/04/2024 - 00:05

Those Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses known as A(H5N1) that have led to the destruction of millions upon millions of birds around the world have, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), also caused 19 human illnesses in eight countries.

Nine of these sporadic human cases were severe, and five resulted in death.  Three human illnesses were mild, and seven resulted in only asymptomatic cases. Only one of those cases involved a resident of the United States, which occurred in April 2022. 

“The individual reported fatigue without other symptoms, and a low level of A(H5N1) viral RNA was detected in a single upper respiratory tract specimen, CDC reports. “It is possible that detection of A(H5N1) viral RNA resulted from deposition of non-infectious viral material in the upper respiratory tract of the individual and did not represent true infection, similar to the environmental contamination that was attributed to the two asymptomatic cases in poultry workers reported in Spain.”

According to the CDC report on human bird flu cases, from January 2022 through Dec 27, 2023, “nearly all cases reported since January 2022 had recent exposure to sick or dead poultry, and no cases of human-to-human HPAI A(H5N1) virus transmission were identified. Nine cases (four children, five adults) had severe disease, and five died.”

The geographic breakdown for the human cases outside of the United States includes:

  • Cambodia – Six cases, two in February 2023, two in October 2023, and two in November 2023. Four deaths. Two mild illnesses.
  • Chili – One critical illness in March 2023.
  • China – Two illnesses in September 2022 and January 2023.  One died, and one was hospitalized without reporting the outcome.
  • Ecuador – One critical illness survived in December 2022.
  • Spain – Two cases, in September and October, both Asymptomatic.
  • United Kingdom- Five cases, all Asymptomatic in January 2022, May 2023, and July 2023
  • Vietnam – One case In October 2022, critical illness survived.

The CDC puts the human illness data in context by reporting: “While HPAI A(H5N1) viruses are currently circulating widely in wild birds and poultry in many geographic regions, relatively few human cases of A(H5N1) have been reported in recent years.”

Going back before the current incidents, CDC reports that since 1997, a total of 902 sporadic human A(H5N1) cases have been reported from 22 countries, caused by different HPAI A(H5N1) virus clades [23,24], with a cumulative case fatality proportion of greater than 50 percent. Human A(H5N1) cases peaked in 2006 (115 cases, nine countries) and 2015 (145 cases, four countries) primarily because of a large epidemic in Egypt with 136 cases 

“Nearly all reported human A(H5N1) cases had poultry exposures, such as to sick or dead poultry or visiting live poultry markets, the CDC reports. “Rare, limited, and non-sustained instances of human-to-human HPAI A(H5N1) virus transmission likely occurred in a small number of family members following prolonged, close unprotected exposure with a symptomatic case-patient during 2004-2007 in multiple countries.

The CDC finds bird flu viruses have become widespread, causing record outbreaks in wild, backyard, village, and commercial farm birds. Over 11,400 bird outbreaks of HPAI A(H5N1) viruses were reported by 84 nations.  In the U.S. alone, avian flu has taken the lives of at least 77.8 million birds with no end in sight

Finally, the CDC notes that sporadic reports are occurring of mammals being infected by the HPAI viruses. The latest such report involves a Polar Bear. The viruses occasionally infect mammals that eat (presumably infected) birds or poultry and mammals exposed to environments with high virus concentrations.

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FSA is concerned about the lack of local authority resources

Thu, 01/04/2024 - 00:03

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has expressed concern that local authorities do not have the resources to deliver food controls.

Local authorities are responsible for enforcing compliance with food safety and standards legislation for food businesses. The FSA monitors and reports on their performance but does not decide how they are funded.

FSA said the latest data shows local authorities are “a long way off” from meeting the required frequencies of interventions at lower-risk establishments. This means some outlets in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have not been checked for many years.

Between April and September 2023, local authorities carried out 87 percent of due interventions at Category A establishments; 82 percent at Category B sites, 68 percent at Category C; 42 percent at Category D; and 18 percent at Category E establishments. Category A sites include large manufacturers, while Category E includes occasional home bakers.

Potential of risk level to change
While most sites with overdue inspections have been judged to pose a low risk to consumers, in some cases, the nature of the business may have changed, increasing the risk. Other data suggests a dip in performance in the higher-risk categories as authorities try to address the backlog. There are also about 39,000 new businesses awaiting a first inspection.

The proportion of due interventions in categories B and C has been very low for food standards since April 2023. However, changes to how checks are done are being introduced.

In October 2023, for the first six months of the reporting year, local authorities reported 17,305 samples. There has been a slight increase in formal enforcement actions but a reduction in written warnings compared to pre-pandemic figures.

Feedback from local authorities has highlighted overstretched financial resources and difficulty in recruiting and retaining competent officers. There is also a reduction in business standards, an increase in new food business registrations, and people being needed in other regulatory areas.

Local authority employees said these factors lead to challenging circumstances, such as more enforcement work, hostile food business operators, and fewer staff. 

Local viewpoint
FSA commissioned Ipsos UK to research local authority capability and capacity.

This work found the numbers starting and completing qualifications to deliver official food and feed controls are not enough to meet the demand in local authorities and that competing pressures contribute to a lack of allocated resources for food controls.

Participants attributed issues with the recruitment of potential officers to three factors, including the complexity of the qualification system with multiple pathways, which makes it hard for prospective students and local authorities to navigate.

Research revealed resource constraints act as a barrier to bringing early career professionals up to full competence, pay was viewed as relatively low, and there was a lack of awareness about environmental health and trading standards careers.

Issues negatively impacting retention of qualified staff included a lack of career progression opportunities, early retirement among experienced staff and the changing nature of the role due to the pandemic, a focus on higher-risk companies, and Brexit.

Impact of worker shortages on safe food
Other research has examined the impact of labor supply shortages on key aspects of the food system, including food safety.

Labor shortages in the meat processing industry have reduced slaughter rates, resulting in less meat entering the supply chain. Reducing the number of animals taken from farms to slaughter presents animal welfare challenges and traceability issues due to overstocking. Supply uncertainties increase vulnerability to fraud, diversion of products, and production at unapproved premises.

A rise in imports means more resources are needed for border checks. Most imported meat is processed and packed in retail form after it enters the UK. Potential delays at border control points mean meat will be in transit longer, bringing food safety risks. As meat produced abroad is outside the FSA’s inspection remit until it enters the UK, researchers argue this increases the risk of food hygiene breaches and food crime incidents.

Staff shortages in the fruit and vegetable sector mean employees work longer hours, with inexperienced workers inspecting fresh produce. A shortage of HGV drivers in 2021 led to fresh produce being moved quickly and deposited for longer on farms that lacked appropriate storage facilities.

Researchers found a relationship between consumers’ concerns about labor shortages affecting production, processing, packaging, and supermarket retailing and their concern with food safety. As their levels of concern with all these supply chain elements reduce, so does their food safety concern.

The rise in flexitarian, vegan, and vegetarian diets, substituting meat for non-meat protein or meat alternatives, has implications for the FSA regarding the skills and knowledge required for inspecting these foodstuffs, including identifying fraud and adulteration risks.

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Studies use RASFF data to analyze nut and seafood hazards

Thu, 01/04/2024 - 00:01

Two studies have analyzed data from the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) portal to examine mycotoxins in nuts and hazards in seafood.

In the first study, scientists analyzed reports from RASFF on nuts and nut products contaminated with mycotoxins, from 2011 to 2021. 4,752 mycotoxin reports were published for food products worldwide, and 3,000 were in “nuts, nut products and seeds.” They included 1,545 for groundnuts, 795 for pistachios, 311 for hazelnuts, and 149 for almonds.

A total of 95 percent, or 2,669 reports, were from aflatoxins. More than half of these were reported for groundnuts, and 441 notices were for groundnuts from China. Border rejection was reported for 91 percent of the nuts and nut products exported to EU countries.

Groundnuts are susceptible to contamination because they grow in soil where the aflatoxin-producing fungus thrives.

The study, published in Food Research International, also covered Aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A, with 105 and 26 notifications, respectively.

Decline because of tighter controls
The frequency of RASFF notifications for nuts and nut products increased from 233 in 2012 to 443 in 2018 and decreased to 179 in 2021. Border rejections followed the same trend, likely due to stricter regulations issued by the EU Commission in 2019, said researchers.

The largest proportion of mycotoxin notifications received for groundnuts were exported from China, followed by Argentina. The United States was fifth. For pistachios, the U.S. was third, behind Iran and Turkey. The U.S. was the top place of origin for almonds, followed by Australia.

To tackle the issue, the Almond Board of California (ABC) ensures aflatoxin testing of almonds destined for export to the EU. 

Stringent EU mycotoxins regulations mean developing countries have to export their highest-quality nuts to prevent economic losses. However, this also means they may be consuming contaminated products internally.

“To prevent escalation of frequency of RASFF notifications, exporting countries must guarantee that their sampling procedures, validation of methods and results, and reporting comply with the regulation requirements enforced by the EU Commission. Rejected shipments should be adequately followed up to assess the root causes of contamination and in carrying out preventive measures,” said researchers.

Seafood findings
Meanwhile, another study published in Water analyzed RASFF notifications for seafood from 1996 to 2020. It covered hazard, year, product, notifying country, country of origin, notification type and basis, distribution status, and action taken.

The primary reported hazards were microorganisms such as Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli, Vibrio, norovirus, and histamine; heavy metals like mercury and cadmium; veterinary products including nitrofuran, chloramphenicol and leucomalachite green; poor temperature control and hygiene; parasites such as Anisakis and additives or allergens including sulfites. 

Listeria was reported primarily in salmon over a wide range of time. This product was notified by Italy and originated mainly from Poland Denmark, Germany, and Vietnam.

Histamine was reported mainly in tuna and sardines. Italy and concerned products primarily transmitted notifications from Spain, Morocco, and Asian nations Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. Notifications on heavy metals covered almost a fifth of all seafood alerts.

Anisakis was found mainly in mackerel and hake but also in anchovies, anglerfish, and squid. Italy, Greece, and Spain reported it in products originating from Croatia, Denmark, France, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.

Other notifications included carbon monoxide in tuna, benzo(a)pyrene in sprats, Diarrhoeic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) toxins in mussels, health certificates, packaging and foodborne outbreaks.

RASFF annual reports include information on the ten most frequently reported hazards. Common problems include mercury in fish from Spain and pathogens, such as E. coli and norovirus, in bivalve mollusks.

“To minimize or eliminate risks, it is important to have the right activity of control authorities, appropriate legislation at the European and national levels, and awareness at the different stages of the food chain,” according to the study.

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Looking ahead into 2024: UK import checks and companies facing court dates

Wed, 01/03/2024 - 00:05

Long-awaited checks on imports from Europe by the United Kingdom and World Food Safety Day are among the highlights for the coming year.

2024 marks 45 years since the launch of the EU’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) and five years since the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) was founded.

It is also a decade on from when the EU Food Information Regulations and new rules on allergen labeling began to apply. Since then, we had Natasha’s Law in 2021 and at a meeting in December, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) backed calls for Owen’s Law, meaning written allergy information may soon be compulsory in restaurants and coffee shops.

At the bottom of this article is a selection of events, outside the United States and Canada, in date order to help fill your calendar.

UK import rules and border checks
After a number of delays, post-Brexit checks on imports from the European Union are set to come into force. Beginning Jan. 31, food and drink from the EU will be categorized into high, medium and low risk categories under the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).  

This date marks the introduction of health certification on imports of medium risk animal products, plants, plant products and high risk food of non-animal origin from the EU. Document and risk-based identity and physical checks on such products will start at the end of April.

The Retained EU Law (REUL) Bill also caused a lot of worry but removal of the so-called sunset clause provided clarity for food businesses on any changes to the regulations. The Bill ends the special status of retained EU law in the UK statute book and will enable such law to be more easily amended, revoked, and replaced.

The legal side
Strauss Group is scheduled to begin a mediation process this month as part of a Salmonella chocolate incident and recall in 2022. In September 2023, the Jerusalem District Court ruled that four of seven motions for class certification would be struck out, and the three others combined to be heard jointly, on the basis of one pleading that had already been filed.

Tayto Group is set to face trial in late 2024 in relation to a Salmonella pork scratching outbreak in the UK in 2021. There were up to 534 people sick with the first patient in September 2020. It was said to be the largest outbreak of Salmonella infantis ever reported in Europe. 

We haven’t heard anything more so presume Ferrero is still being investigated by the Luxembourg public prosecutor’s office for the Salmonella in chocolate outbreak that sickened more than 450 people, and proceedings are ongoing against Nestlé in France because of an E. coli outbreak associated with frozen pizza in 2022 that included 59 patients and two deaths. Nestlé France agreed a compensation package for some people affected in the outbreak.

While there were developments in civil cases involving Backer in Brazil and Magrudis in Spain, criminal cases are ongoing. A trial in Austria involving Käserei Gloggnitz will also continue in 2024. The dairy was linked to a multi-year Listeria outbreak with 10 patients and three deaths.

The Tiger Brands Enterprise polony Listeria outbreak in South Africa with 1,065 cases and 218 deaths was in 2017 and 2018 but we have yet to get to the first stage of trial. Here’s hoping 2024 will see that happen and the class action can move forward.

World Food Safety Day

On June 7, World Food Safety Day, promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), will be marked for the sixth time. There were more than 500 events in 139 countries, according to a report on the 2023 edition.

We are also edging closer to the release of updated foodborne illness estimates which are planned for 2025. WHO’s Foodborne Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference Group (FERG) published the often-quoted 600 million illnesses and 420,000 deaths statistics in 2015 based on 2010 data.

Revised Listeria rules in Europe?
There have been whispers that the European Commission is looking at changing Listeria rules in regulation 2073/2005 with challenge testing or moving away from the 100 colony forming units per gram (CFU/g) stance to either a lower or a zero tolerance/not detected in 25-gram approach. The Chilled Food Association has been leading the way ahead of an expected consultation. 

There were several events in 2023 that touched on Listeria, organized by the Society of Food Hygiene and Technology, Royal Society for Public Health and Teagasc’s Symposium on Listeria monocytogenes in food. In September 2024, the Quadram Institute will host the International Symposium on Problems of Listeria and Listeriosis (ISOPOL), so we may well know more by then.

2024 events:

BRC Connect Europe Feb 7-8 in Warwick

GHI World Congress March 18-20 in Rotterdam

GFSI Conference April 8-11 in Singapore

IAFP EU Symposium April 30-May 2 in Geneva

Turkish Food Safety Congress May 9-10 in Istanbul

International Congress on Toxoplasmosis May 26-30 in Berlin

International Symposium on Food Safety and Control May 27-31 in Vienna

Food Safety Summit SA May 29-30

Food Safety Kongress June 4-5 Berlin

Proactive Food Safety Conference June 6 in London

Food Safety Innovation Conference June 14 in Lincoln

Food Sure Summit June 20-21 in Madrid

Food Micro July 8-11 in Burgos

CIEH Food Safety Conference July 9-10

World One Health Congress Sept. 20-23 in Cape Town

EHEDG World Congress Oct. 2-3 in Nantes

International Workshop on Campylobacter, Helicobacter + Related Organisms October in Perth

China International Food Safety and Quality Conference Oct. 30-31 in Shanghai

Recent Advances in Food Analysis (RAFA) Nov. 5-8 in Prague

IAFP’s Latin American Symposium Nov. 11 to 14 in Sau Paulo

ESCAIDE Nov 20-22 in Stockholm

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More children identified in outbreak of lead poisoning traced to applesauce

Wed, 01/03/2024 - 00:03

The number of children affected by extremely high levels of lead in cinnamon applesauce pouches continues to grow.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are now reporting a total of 287 patients, up from its count on Dec. 22 when 251 patients from 34 stats had been reported to the agency.

The Food and Drug Administration had received reports of 82 reports of children with lead poisoning as of Dec. 26. The agencies use different reporting methods so their numbers may overlap in some cases and should therefore not be added for a total.

The outbreak has been traced to three brands of cinnamon applesauce, Wanabana, Schnucks and Weis. All three were produced by Astrofoods in Ecuador and all three used cinnamon from the supplier Negasmart. The recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches were made with cinnamon containing as much as 2,000 times the recommended amount of lead. These products have a long shelf life. Consumers should check their homes and discard these products.

The cinnamon in the applesauce has been found to be the problem by U.S. and Ecuadoran officials. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is testing other products and only the recalled cinnamon applesauce is showing elevated levels of lead. 

Recalled products still on store shelves
WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches are sold nationally individually and in three-packs and have been available through multiple retailers, including Amazon and other online outlets, as well as Dollar Tree and Family Dollar/Dollar Tree combination stores.

The FDA found, as of Dec. 13, recalled WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Puree products still on the shelves at several Dollar Tree stores in multiple states. 

As of Dec. 19, the FDA also received a report that recalled WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Puree products may still be on shelves at Family Dollar/Dollar Tree combination stores. Consumers should not purchase these products.

Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety packs were sold at Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores. They have been removed from store shelves

Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches are sold at Weis grocery stores and have been removed from store shelves.

About lead poisoning
Parents and caretakers should consult a healthcare provider and ask for blood tests if they suspect a child may have been exposed to the recalled cinnamon applesauce products. 

Short-term exposure to lead could result in the following symptoms: headache, abdominal pain/colic, vomiting, and anemia. 

Longer-term exposure could result in additional symptoms: irritability, lethargy, fatigue, muscle aches or muscle prickling/burning, constipation, difficulty concentrating/muscular weakness, tremors, and weight loss. 

Permanent consequences can lead to developmental delays and brain damage.

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AFDO’s 2024 conference set for Grand Rapids

Wed, 01/03/2024 - 00:03

The Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) has released most of the details for its 128th Annual Educational Conference. The June 9-12 event is scheduled to be held in Grand Rapids, MI.

AFDO’s Annual Educational Conference will be held at the Amway Grand Plaza, in the heart of the downtown Grand Rapids business and entertainment district. The hotel is 18 minutes from the Gerald F. Ford International Airport.

AFDO has not released the agenda for the 2024 event but explains that the Annual Educational Conference “partners with regional AFDO affiliates to present this learning experience in a different geographic area annually. For five days each June when meeting in person, the AFDO conference  is the center of the food safety world for professionals from government, states, academia, consumer groups, and manufacturing.”

According to AFDO, “subject matter experts convene for the educational conference ready and willing to share their knowledge. These are dozens of national and international experts on more than 40 topics in food manufacturing, food retail, produce, cannabis, and body art.”

AFDO also hosts pre-conference in-depth workshops and training opportunities on many topics adjacent to the annual conference. A special first-time attendees session and communications help newcomers make the most of their conference experience. 

Anyone with questions about the conference may contact  AFDO with your question and contact information, including name, phone number, and email address by sending messages to afdo@afdo.org ,  AFDO promises to respond as soon as possible.

The York, PA-based Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) is a regulatory organization that connects food and medical-products safety stakeholders and impacts the regulatory environment by shaping sound, science-based rules, laws, and regulations, and sharing best practices that protect public health.

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DG Sante audits show Austria, Slovakia can improve raw milk controls

Wed, 01/03/2024 - 00:01

The European Commission’s health and safety division has published findings from two assessments looking at controls on milk and dairy products in Austria and Slovakia.

A DG Sante audit in January 2023 made seven recommendations in Austria, including attention to raw milk.

Austrian legislation sets conditions for raw milk sold to consumers and prohibits sale of raw milk and cream to schools and crèches. Other catering companies can only use it after heat treatment.

The exchange of information between the veterinary service and public health service at state level has gaps that reduce the effectiveness of controls, said auditors.

Auditors found authorities do not keep business approvals under review in an effective manner, so are not aware of all changes in activities. For example, one site produced a non-dairy product, which was not included in the approval and the responsible authority was not aware of it.

Findings at site linked to raw milk outbreak
Methods for testing raw milk for antibiotic residues detect only a limited range and the way testing is implemented cannot guarantee that milk containing such residues is not being used to make dairy products for human consumption, said auditors.

DG Sante examined the file of a dairy plant linked to a Listeria outbreak in 2020 to 2022 with 10 cases and three deaths. Käserei Gloggnitz had a poor compliance history and an inspection in 2020 identified several major deficiencies. Results of an inspection one year later were equally serious.

However, those findings did not lead to an increased control frequency or enforcement until an epidemiological link between infections and the company was established in autumn 2022 and authorities ordered production to be stopped.

The audit team found shortcomings in official controls to verify the compliance and effectiveness of HACCP-based programs, especially in relation to Listeria and temperature requirements. Pest control programs were in place but in one site visited, auditors noted rodent droppings in a storage room. There were also some issues with traceability, labeling and identification marking of dairy products.

Slovakian assessment
A DG Sante audit in Slovakia in March 2023 found the system for official controls related to the safety of milk and dairy products was largely effective.

Raw milk can be sold to consumers by registered holdings that follow certain conditions and with a notice about boiling before consumption. There are 500 such operators in the country. Documented evidence was available of warning letters sent to farmers, and in all cases examined by the audit team, corrective measures taken at the holding level were effective.

At the time of the audit there was a shortage of qualified staff, mainly due to the wages offered despite an increased budget for recruitment. Officials told auditors that retired colleagues and staff on maternity leave had not been replaced. At one site, two official veterinarians were doing the job of six people. Prioritization of activities, joint inspections covering several topics and relaxing the frequency of certain official controls were among actions taken to deal with staff shortages.

In 2021, the number of establishments with shortcomings found after official controls was 55.

Food businesses did not always carry out sampling in five units, as required by EU regulation. Environmental monitoring did not follow the EURL guidelines. Of the sites visited, drains had never been sampled for Listeria monocytogenes, except at one factory. In one plant, drains had been sampled for Salmonella instead of Listeria.

The State Veterinary and Food Administration (SVPS) said training has been undertaken and a presentation given by the National Reference Laboratory for Listeria monocytogenes in the country to address these issues.

The audit team examined a case of Listeria monocytogenes detected in cheese made with raw sheep’s milk. The pathogen was found in four of five units of an official sample, and Staphylococcus aureus was detected above 50,000 units/g in three of five units. A ban on production and sale was imposed until satisfactory analytical results were received.

As Listeria monocytogenes was found in further samples, stricter measures were imposed on the company, which carried out cleaning and disinfection with different products before further samples were negative. Restrictions were lifted two months after the case was opened. After the incident, the firm changed the specification of CCPs, set new and stricter hygiene procedures for staff and provided training for employees.

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Publisher’s Platform: Remembering another Valley Meats E. coli recall

Tue, 01/02/2024 - 20:39

— OPINION —

The sad thing about doing this kind of work for over 30 years is that my memory still functions and I recall too much.

On New Years Eve Day, FSIS push out the following recall notice: 

Valley Meats, LLC, a Coal Valley, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 6,768 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 5712” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distributor locations in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan for further distribution to restaurants and other institutional users.                                

The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS that samples of ground beef products submitted to a third-party laboratory for microbiological analysis tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider. E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2–8 days (3–4 days, on average) after exposure the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

And here is where I wish I could forget a few things. 

On April 11, 2009, John Strike, a veteran and grandfather, became ill with an E. coli O157:H7 infection three days after eating a cheeseburger at the VFW post in North Olmsted, Ohio. He was admitted to the hospital, where tests revealed a severe infection and lower intestinal bleeding, and eventually kidney failure. John was in the hospital for almost a month before he was well enough to be released to a rehabilitation facility.

While John’s battle with E. coli was coming to a close, albeit leaving severe health repercussions in its wake, his granddaughter Abby’s was just beginning. It was a battle the 7-year-old girl would eventually lose.

Abby Fenstermaker was admitted to the hospital on May 11, 2009 after ongoing diarrhea left her severely dehydrated and 2 pounds lighter than her usual weight. Her body hurt so badly that she sometimes cried out in pain. Urine analysis determined that Abby had developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening complication of E. coli infection. Abby’s kidneys began to shut down. A chest x-ray revealed fluid building up around her lungs. She was eventually put on oxygen to facilitate breathing. The next day found Abby minimally responsive, and a brain scan revealed that she had likely suffered a massive stroke. She then slipped into a coma. Her condition declined further over the next two days until doctors finally proclaimed her brain-dead. On May 17, Abby’s parents requested that she be removed from life support, and, along with family and friends, said goodbye to their only daughter.

Marler Clark represented Abby’s parents and her grandfather in claims against Valley Meats, the company that produced the E. coli-contaminated hamburger that sickened John, whose infection then spread to his granddaughter.  Their claims were resolved in 2010.

Several state health departments reported illnesses associated with Valley Meats’ ground beef products in the middle of May, 2009. The products were distributed nationwide both as hamburger patties and un-formed ground beef.  The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a recall of 95,898 pounds of Valley Meats’ ground beef on May 21, 2009, four days after Abby Fenstermaker’s death.

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Meat samplers sold at Sam’s Club linked to illness from Salmonella contamination

Tue, 01/02/2024 - 19:51

Public health officials in Minnesota are warning the public to not eat Busseto brand Charcuterie Sampler that contain prosciutto, sweet sopressata, and dry coppa because of Salmonella contamination.

The implicated sampler products were sold at Sam’s Club locations. The investigation is ongoing. No photos of the implicated products were available at the time of the posting of the public warning.

“One Minnesotan reported becoming ill in December after consuming a Busseto brand Charcuterie Sampler purchased at Sam’s Club. The person was not hospitalized. Minnesota Department of Agriculture staff collected and tested an unopened package of Busseto brand Charcuterie Sampler from the person’s home. The product tested positive for Salmonella,” according to the public warning.

There is concern that consumers may still have the product in their homes because of its long shelf life.

Health officials recommend not eating any Busseto brand Charcuterie Sampler from LOT number L075330300 with the expiration date of April 27, 2024. It is not yet known which of the individual components of the sampler may have been the source of contamination or whether similar products are affected.

Since many cases of Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) do not seek health care and get tested, the number of ill people is likely to be larger than the identified case, according to the warning. 

Approximately 1,000 Salmonella infections are reported each year in Minnesota. More information on Salmonella and how to prevent it can be found on the Minnesota Department of Health website at Salmonellosis (Salmonella).

About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.

Anyone who has eaten any implicated product and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.

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Infant formula recalled in Canada over possible Cronobacter contamination

Tue, 01/02/2024 - 09:44

Mead Johnson Nutrition (Canada) Co is recalling certain Enfamil brand Nutramigen A+ LGG Hypoallergenic (infant formula) from the marketplace because of possible Cronobacter sakazakii contamination.

Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition (MJN) also recalled select batches of Enfamil brand Nutramigen Powder in the U.S.

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the recalled products were distributed nationally in Canada.

Recalled products:

BrandProductSizeUPCCodesEnfamilNutramigen A+ LGG Hypoallergenic (infant formula)561 g0 56796 00498 2Item# 3230626
Expiry 01-JA-2025
Batch # 0704376 (ZL3FVY)EnfamilNutramigen A+ LGG Hypoallergenic (infant formula)4 x 561 g0 56796 90498 5Item# 3230626
Expiry 01-JA-2025
Batch # 0704376 (ZL3FVY)

As of the posting of this recall, there have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.

The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. They are also verifying that industry is removing recalled products from the marketplace.

Consumers should check to see if they have recalled products. They should not consume, serve, use, sell or distribute recalled products. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased.

About Cronobacter
Food contaminated with Cronobacter may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious illness. In rare cases it can cause fatal infections. Cronobacter can cause rare bloodstream and central nervous system infections and has been associated with severe intestinal infection (necrotizing enterocolitis) and blood poisoning (sepsis), especially in newborns. Severe cases often lead to death.

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Infant formula recalled over Cronobacter concerns

Tue, 01/02/2024 - 09:22

Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition (MJN) is recalling select batches of Nutramigen Powder, a specialty infant formula for the dietary management of Cows Milk Allergy (CMA) in 12.6 and 19.8 oz cans from the U.S. market because of possible contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii in product sampled outside the U.S. 

According to the recall, all products in question went through extensive testing by MJN and tested negative for the bacteria.

Nutramigen in 12.6 and 19.8 oz containers was manufactured in June 2023 and distributed primarily in June, July and Aug. 2023. Based on the limited availability of the remaining stock of this special infant formula, it is believed that much, if not all, of the products recalled in the United States have been consumed.

As of the posting of this recall, there are no reports of illnesses or adverse events to date. The products were distributed through retail stores nationwide. The batch code on the bottom of the container can identify the batches in question.

The following recalled product batch codes and can size associated with each batch were distributed in the U.S.:

  • ZL3FHG (12.6 oz cans);
  • ZL3FMH (12.6 oz cans);
  • ZL3FPE (12.6 oz cans);
  • ZL3FQD (12.6 oz cans);
  • ZL3FRW (19.8 oz cans); and
  • ZL3FXJ (12.6 oz cans).

The products have a UPC Code of 300871239418 or 300871239456 and “Use By Date” of “1 Jan 2025”.

Consumers who purchased Nutramigen should check the bottom of the can to identify whether the batch number is affected. Products with the batch codes listed above should be disposed of. The company can be contacted for a total refund at 866-534-9986 or by email at consumer.relations@rb.com.

About Cronobacter
Food contaminated with Cronobacter may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious illness. In rare cases it can cause fatal infections. Cronobacter can cause rare bloodstream and central nervous system infections and has been associated with severe intestinal infection (necrotizing enterocolitis) and blood poisoning (sepsis), especially in newborns. Severe cases often lead to death.

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California’s Prop 12 is now the law of the land

Tue, 01/02/2024 - 00:12

Those well-funded animal activists ran a marathon ending Jan. 1 with full implementation of California’s Proposition 12.  The first day of 2024 marks the successful end to more than six years of political efforts.

Proposition 12 was a 2018 ballot measure passed overwhelmingly by California voters.  Prop 12 put unprecedented prohibitions on selling food from farm animals not housed under specific standards.

Prop 12’s egg and veal requirements went into effect some time ago, but the pork provisions, which were to begin last August, were then delayed to allow non-compliant pork to make it through the supply chain.

But after New Year’s Day, 2024, only compliant products can be sold in the Golden State. It means the marathon is over, giving animal activists something to celebrate.

The pork industry fought Proposition 12 the whole way, ending up with the Supreme Court, which ruled states are free to limit meat sales.

“We are thrilled that Proposition 12, the nation’s strongest farm animal protection law, is finally fully implemented. No animal deserves to spend her life in a cage where she’s virtually immobilized,” said Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States. “From drafting the ballot initiative to successfully defending the measure in courts up to the U.S. Supreme Court, the Humane Society of the United States has been at the center of fighting for this landmark law.” 

Proposition 12 prohibits producing and selling products in California involving the extreme confinement of mother pigs, egg-laying chickens, and calves used for veal. It bans the use of gestation crates, which are metal cages that are so small they prevent mother pigs from being able to turn around.

During the past six years, opponents of Prop 12 said the measure has caused high egg prices and shortages in California. The state consumes about 13 percent of the U.S. bacon market, which continues to be supplied.

Extreme confinement of animals in our food system carries significant public health risks, according to HSUS

Locking farm animals in tiny cages increases the risk of food safety threats like salmonella and E. coli while increasing the risk of another pandemic. The American Public Health Association, Infectious Diseases Society of America, and Center for Food Safety voiced their support for the constitutionality of Proposition 12. They stated that when mother pigs are locked in crates that prevent them from turning around, their immune systems become severely suppressed.

 This makes both them and their offspring “more susceptible to disease.” These diseases can spread to humans since pigs are “ideal mixing vessels for various strains of influenza virus, including human influenza.”  

After Prop 12 in California, 14 other states have passed similar laws.

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Faces of Food Safety: Meet Cedric Hardy of the FSIS

Tue, 01/02/2024 - 00:05

Program Analyst Cedric “Ced” Hardy proudly retired from the U.S. Air Force after serving for 20 years. He followed his military service with a 20-year executive career in the private sector. Hardy’s “third act” began in October 2020 with FSIS’ Office of Investigation, Enforcement and Audit (OIEA).

LEPS Program Analyst Duties

As a program analyst within OIEA’s Litigation and Enforcement Programs Staff (LEPS), Hardy’s responsibilities include collecting data and analyzing and reporting federal plant enforcement activities. He also manages all meat and poultry handler (MPH) registrations under LEPS. The Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act require certain businesses, such as wholesalers, public warehouses and brokers, to register with FSIS if they deal in meat or poultry products or Siluriformes, in or for commerce, and are not operating under federal inspection.

Hardy has reviewed and verified more than 1,900 registrations submitted by meat and poultry handlers nationwide. This includes reviewing the accuracy and content of the forms submitted by prospective registrants and, when needed, researching the nature of the business operations and how it is handling meat and poultry products. After verifying that the organization’s operations involve meat or poultry, Hardy then enters the establishment’s information into our system, AssuranceNet, a web-based tool that allows FSIS to input data and run real-time reports. Hardy also uses the AssuranceNet software to perform data analytics.

Periodically, LEPS receives requests for information from organizations on how they can bring their businesses into compliance with FSIS regulations. Hardy responds to questions about the types of firms required to be registered, overall MPH requirements, and when the businesses may need to contact the District Office to obtain a grant of inspection. He also instructs businesses on how they can find such information through FSIS’ website and district points of contact when it appears they are seeking to obtain federal inspection services.

Hardy authors the Confidential Enforcement Report, a weekly internal agency report that informs FSIS management of key administrative, criminal and civil enforcement actions. The report includes a summary of all administrative enforcement actions taken by FSIS against federal establishments (suspensions, notices of intended enforcement), warning notices received by firms in commerce for violations of FSIS statutes, as well as any potential criminal or civil actions such as indictments, injunctions and others taken by the Department of Justice for noncompliance with food safety laws. Hardy continues to assess ways to streamline the process of preparing the report and disseminating information while also ensuring continued accuracy and transparency related to FSIS enforcement actions.

Hardy participates in an AssuranceNet working group, as well as working groups in data analytics, SharePoint, budget, records management and networking. These working groups meet on a weekly, monthly, quarterly or ad hoc basis.

Military Service to FSIS

Hardy joined the Air Force at age 17 because, in his words, he was “heading down the wrong path and needed to get out of the South Side of Chicago.” The Air Force provided opportunities for Hardy, whose original military occupational specialty was in personnel. He later transitioned to “contingency war planning” (or “contingency operational readiness” in private industry).

Hardy attended the Community College of the Air Force, then went on to complete his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Peru State College in Nebraska. He earned his master’s degree in procurement and acquisition with a certificate in government contracting from Webster University in 2019. “Education has been a part of most of my career; they go hand-in-hand,” said Hardy. Currently considering whether to pursue a doctorate degree, he said, “It’s never too late!”

In the Air Force, Hardy learned how to implement a total quality management approach to reviewing processes and streamlining administrative and operational programs to improve efficiency without compromising the integrity of the system. Later, in private industry as the director of operations for a medical evaluation company, Hardy continued to use his skills to lead, evaluate and improve processes. When he joined LEPS, Hardy was impressed with how streamlined and professional the team and its processes were. 

Said his supervisor, OIEA Program Manager Valerie J. Neris-Blankenship, “Mr. Hardy is a knowledgeable, talented and dedicated professional. In everything he does, he brings an energy and positive spirit that inspires his coworkers. He is a patriot, family man and hard worker. He is the ultimate team player who is always willing to do the extra work to help a colleague, no matter the challenge.”

In 2006, after spending 19 of his 20 years with the Air Force overseas, Hardy retired from military service, having fulfilled his dream “to see the world.” Said Hardy, “My military experience provided me with the discipline and loyalty to accept, evaluate, process and excel in just about any task or challenge presented to me.”

Upon retirement from his second career in private industry, Hardy realized, “Retirement is overrated.” Twice retired, Hardy realized he has always wanted to serve our country, so he applied for a job with FSIS and joined the agency in late 2020. While his goal may not be to complete another 20-year career in his latest position, Hardy is grateful to be with FSIS. “The entire FSIS team is amazing, and my coworkers are some of the best professionals I have worked with during my 40+ years of employment.” he said.

Additionally, Hardy believes mentors — including Senior Compliance Specialists Ryan Cast and Shannon Ashby — ensured his smooth transition to FSIS. Said Hardy, “I am humble and grateful for their willingness to share their knowledge and advice.”

Accountable, Collaborative, Empowered and Solutions-Oriented 

Regarding FSIS core values, Neris-Blankenship confirms, “Mr. Hardy exemplifies FSIS core values in all his activities. His military service and upbringing have enabled him to understand the efforts needed to serve an organization and the public beyond what’s required. He demonstrates accountability by continually seeking feedback from his supervisor and peers to help improve his outcomes. He collaborates with his colleagues and members of the public by educating them on mission critical activities and helping address questions and challenges. His significant knowledge and work experience also ensure he is empowered and can take a solutions-oriented approach to both big and small work challenges.”

Personal Time

Hardy enjoys preparing meals for himself and his wife, Sheri Armstrong-Hardy. Since his two children, son Shaun and daughter Shaiann, are adults, he is happy to answer their phone calls asking for food safety advice. In addition to cooking, Hardy enjoys volunteering and traveling during his time outside the office.

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Austria reveals results from controls on a range of products

Tue, 01/02/2024 - 00:03

The safety of raw milk, fish, chicken, and produce were some of the products checked in recent controls in Austria.

Results of the inspection campaigns were published by the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES).

One control was done to get an up-to-date overview of the prevalence of Campylobacter in chicken meat. All but one of the 97 samples came from Austria. 

The proportion of Campylobacter positives was 84.5 percent. A quantitative study on 95 samples found two levels above 1,000 colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g) at 1,200 CFU/g and 8,000 CFU/g.

In 2020, the prevalence of raw commercial chicken meat was 54 percent, and 76.5 percent in 2022. The rate of positive self-control samples in 2022 was 52.1 percent, with 30.7 percent over 1,000 CFU/g.

Tuna and raw milk checks
Another assessment looked at biogenic amines and the hygiene of tuna from or in already opened cans or open containers in the catering industry. The campaign was carried out due to a high complaint rate of 17 percent when such products were tested in 2020. 

From 101 samples, two were judged unfit for human consumption or the intended use. One did not comply with the regulations as storage temperatures were too high. No samples were rejected due to high histamine levels.

The non-conformance rate increased to 24.8 percent, with the same reasons, including microbial contamination and lack of hygiene, being mentioned in 2020.

Officials also reviewed the effectiveness of measures taken on farms that had problems as part of past campaigns on the microbial quality of raw milk from vending machines.

Fifteen of 44 samples did not comply with the raw milk regulations because the maximum level for mesophilic aerobic germs was exceeded. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) was detected in one sample. This came from a vending machine with a notice informing people that raw milk should be boiled before consumption.

The non-compliance rates from four campaigns in different years ranged from 29.7 to 38.3 percent.

Produce and RTE food controls
Another action included microbiological testing of mixed salads. Sixty samples from Austria were tested, with 13 judged unfit for consumption. Listeria monocytogenes was detected once at levels below 10 CFU/g, so a follow-up sample was requested. Salmonella was also found once.

Frozen fruits, vegetables, and herbs were also tested for pathogens, hygiene indicators, and viruses.

Only one of 95 samples was unsuitable for human consumption due to the exceeded warning value for E. coli. Viruses, such as norovirus and Hepatitis A, were not detected.

A different control looked at ready-to-eat foods from kindergartens, crèches, after-school care centers, and schools. Testing assessed the microbiological status of starchy foods that had already been prepared in terms of spoilage and hygiene indicator germs and pathogens.

From 195 samples, one Spinach spaetzle dish had a very high content of Enterobacteriaceae. This indicates contamination after cooking and issues with operational and personal hygiene. A vanilla cream sample had high presumptive Bacillus cereus levels, suggesting improper storage. Four other samples had high counts of mesophilic aerobic germs and Enterobacteriaceae.

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