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Advancing food safety business leaders to drive results for maximum impact

Food Safety News - Mon, 03/11/2024 - 00:01

To become a better food safety leader, it’s important to have strong communication skills, be able to collaborate with cross functional partners and inspire trust from the team.  Learn this and more from a seasoned group of food safety professionals at the opening workshop Advancing Food Safety Business Leaders to Drive Results for Maximum Impact on Tuesday, May 7 at the Food Safety Summit. 

Targeted tools and resources will be discussed during this three-hour educational and interactive workshop, which can be applied at every level of the professional journey.

John Crabill, Chipotle Mexican Grill; Jorge Hernandez, The Wendy’s Company; Cindy Jiang, McDonalds – Retired; Deb Kane; J&J Snack Foods Corp; Spir Marinakis, Maple Leaf Foods; and Gillian Kelleher, Kelleher Consultants LLC and formerly with Wegmans, will share their insights as to why food safety leadership is critical to a successful career path and to the overall business. Topics that will be addressed include delivering messages that are crisp, clear, and powerful regardless of audience, storytelling, active listening, having difficult conversations, influencing without authority, understanding different cultural backgrounds and how to build a personal brand.  

The workshop will include two breakout sessions. The first will be led by Emma Gometz, Digital Editor with Science Friday heard weekly on NPR.  Gometz will lead an interactive session on how to communicate science to a non-technical audience. Attendees will learn how to apply the communication fundamentals to talk about food safety to various audiences from the company’s CEO to a line worker. Learn about the importance of active listening, how best to guide the conversation and walk away with tips to apply back at the office. 

Linda Manning, a leader in talent and organizational development and human resources who focuses on team dynamics will lead the second breakout session on navigating difficult conversations and tools that can be applied. Learn how to influence without authority and other development skills to become a good leader. After each breakout session, an executive summary will be provided to attendees and there will be a recap from the panelists sharing their insights as well. 

This workshop is perfect for the whole team or individuals who are actively looking to develop their leadership skills to advance in the food industry. This three-hour workshop is a wonderful professional development opportunity for food safety professionals in all sectors of the industry to learn from experts who will share their experiences, advice and lessons learned to help build up the food safety leaders of the future. 

Food safety professionals rely on strong leadership to navigate the complexities of the industry and uphold the highest standards of safety and quality. Make plans to join the Advancing Food Safety Business Leaders to Drive Results for Maximum Impact opening session from 8.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 7 at the 2024 Food Safety Summit at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL from May 6 to 9.  

The authors: Gillian Kelleher, CEO of Kelleher Consultants LLC and Spir Marinakis, Vice President of food safety, quality and technical services for Maple Leaf Foods.

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Jen's Breakfast Burritos, LLC, Recalls Ready to Eat Breakfast Burrito Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

Food Product Recall - Sun, 03/10/2024 - 08:00
WASHINGTON, March 10, 2024 - Jen's Breakfast Burritos, LLC, an Auburn, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 144 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) breakfast burrito products that may be adulterated with Listeria...

High sodium nitrite levels suspected in fatal, unintentional poisoning case

Food Safety News - Sun, 03/10/2024 - 00:03

Very high levels of sodium nitrite have been detected in samples of meat sent for analysis as part of investigations into the death of one person in Poland.

The National Veterinary Research Institute in Puławy examined products provided by investigators.

They are suspected to be behind the death of a 54-year-old from Ukraine and the hospitalization of two other people, aged 67 and 72, with food poisoning symptoms.

Stanisław Winiarczyk, director of the veterinary institute in Puławy, told local station Radio Lublin that the concentration of sodium nitrite ranged from 16,000 to 19,000 milligrams per kilogram of product.

It is believed the substance was added to the products by mistake. Sodium nitrite is used in cured meat, but not in such a high concentration. Nitrite is added to certain foods to prevent the growth of Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism poisoning.

Scientists also examined meat provided by investigators. Although trace amounts of sodium nitrite were found, the concentration was not dangerous to humans. Other results from the analysis for a range of other substances are still pending.

Two people are facing charges in connection with the incident. They are a married couple, aged 55 and 56, who sold pig meat products they made at home at the market.

The Government Centre for Security (RCB) warned people not to eat meat from unverified sources bought at a market in Nowa Dęba in Tarnobrzeg County over one weekend in February due to a health risk.

 The District Prosecutor’s Office in Tarnobrzeg is also investigating the incident.

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FDA acts against foreign firms for foods containing Salmonella, heavy metals

Food Safety News - Sun, 03/10/2024 - 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 chart to enlarge. Use link above to go to FDA page with links to specific alerts.

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Amos Miller wants to cross state lines to sell his Pennsylvania-made raw milk

Food Safety News - Sat, 03/09/2024 - 00:05

It’s been said that recent outbreaks of illness in the United States are raising renewed concerns about selling and consuming raw milk and raw milk products.

One defense is a federal law prohibiting raw milk product shipment for human consumption across state lines. And FDA regulations prohibit raw milk from interstate commerce.

Those prohibitions were upheld in 2012 by a federal court.

Yet Amos Miller is asking the state judge handling his case in Pennsylvania to permit him to sell raw milk in other states.

In the civil case filed on Jan. 24,  the Pennsylvania Attorney General is suing  Miller on behalf of the state Department of Agriculture for not having permits to sell raw milk products nor having a required retail license

Pennsylvania’s Department of Agriculture has 114 raw milk farms with these routine licenses and permits.

Lancaster Judge Thomas Sponaugle, who is hearing the Miller matter, has clarified that it is a case about the lack of permits and licenses, not raw milk.

The current injunction prohibits Miller from commercial raw and raw milk product sales until he gets the required paperwork from the state Agriculture Department.

“Nothing in this order is to detract from the sincerely held beliefs of individuals who believe in the benefits of raw milk products,” according to the judge’s order.

Sponaugle said Miller could resume raw milk sales quickly once he gets the same licenses and permits that Pennsylvania’s other 114 raw milk dairies operate under.

Miller claims he and his customers will face “substantial irreparable injury” if he cannot resume sales outside Pennsylvania.

Earlier, his attorney asked the judge to lift the injunction against all of Miller’s raw milk-related sales, and the request was denied.

Last month, the FDA urged consumers not to eat Raw Farm brand Raw Cheddar blocks and shredded cheese products responsible for a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7. Also, by the end of February, the FDA said 11 confirmed infections had been reported in five states: California, Colorado, New Jersey, Texas, and Utah. Five patients were hospitalized, with two developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) that can result in kidney failure. No one has died.

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Investigators confirm cheese firm’s link to deadly E. coli outbreak

Food Safety News - Sat, 03/09/2024 - 00:03

According to officials, the outbreak strain was found at a farm that supplied milk used to make unpasteurized cheese, which was linked to an E. coli outbreak in the UK.

In total, 36 confirmed and one probable Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O145 infection have been reported, with 29 in England and eight in Scotland since late July 2023, with most falling ill in November. The last reported primary patient had symptom onset on Dec. 23, 2023.

Twenty patients were female, with ages of all cases ranging from 7 to 81. Of the 31 patients with available information, 20 had bloody diarrhea, 15 were admitted to the hospital, and four also attended the hospital for their symptoms. One person developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and later died.

An investigation into the outbreak by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the local authority, Public Health Scotland, Food Standards Agency (FSA), Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and the Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA) is nearly completed.

Cheese on a train
Based on epidemiological, food chain, and microbiological investigations, Mrs Kirkham identified the vehicle as an unpasteurized cheese produced in North West England. A recall was issued in December and updated in February.

Interviews and analyses by UKHSA and PHS found that 16 out of 17 patients had consumed a menu item that contained unpasteurized cheese while on board trains operated by the same company. In another case, those who had not traveled by train consumed the same brand of unpasteurized cheese bought from a local shop.

UKHSA said STEC transmission could also occur through person-to-person contact and contact with animals and/or their environment, which likely explains why not all interviewed cases reported eating the implicated cheese. Four people acquired the infection through either person-to-person or environmental transmission.

STEC DNA was detected in two of 43 cheese samples, but only one could be cultured and sequenced. The strain was E. coli O109: H16 and did not match human cases. No STEC was detected in the bulk milk tank or filter samples used by the business when producing cheese.

Significance of negative result
During an APHA visit to the farm, 28 environmental samples were collected, including fresh and aged cattle feces from various locations on site, and two water trough sediment samples. Two cattle fecal samples tested positive for STEC O145. These isolates were genetically indistinguishable from the outbreak strain detected in human cases.

“While the outbreak strain was not detected in the milk tank or cheese samples, this is not unexpected considering the limitations of microbiological sampling during outbreak investigations. A negative test does not prove that raw ingredients or a specific food is not contaminated,” said UKHSA.

“The detection of the outbreak strain in the feces samples from the dairy herd (on the premises which supplied the milk used to make the unpasteurized cheese) provided additional evidence in support of the epidemiological and food chain investigation findings on which the food safety and health protection actions taken in December 2023 were based.”

Tina Potter, head of incidents at the FSA, said: “After a thorough response carried out by multiple agencies and the business to identify the possible source of the outbreak, microbiological evidence from samples taken from the dairy herd has proven a microbiological link between Mrs Kirkham’s Cheese and the outbreak of E. coli. This is in addition to the epidemiological and food chain links already identified early on that were relied upon and led to the initial precautionary food safety action being taken.”

Mrs Kirkham was recently allowed to resume selling batches of five raw milk cheeses made on or after Oct. 1, 2023. The company said it worked with technical experts at the Specialist Cheesemakers’ Association to review milk production and food safety management systems.

FSA urged consumers to follow the advice in the recall notice and told people not to eat the implicated items. Raw or unpasteurized milk products may contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Hence, the message is essential for groups of vulnerable people, including pregnant women and individuals with impaired immunity.

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FDA issues warning about Canadian mussels because of outbreak in Northeast U.S.

Food Safety News - Fri, 03/08/2024 - 17:56

The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning about certain mussels from Allen’s Fisheries in Newfoundland, Canada, that were imported to the United States.

On March 1 the New Jersey Department of Health advised the FDA of an outbreak of illness associated with consumption of the mussels. The patients experienced symptoms including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. 

The advisory includes mussels from Allen’s Fisheries (NL0047SP) in Newfoundland, Canada, harvested on Feb. 7 (Julian date 24038), from harvest area AQ # 15 Newfoundland, with final harvest date of Feb. 18 (Julian date 24049) and shipped to distributors in Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania on or around Feb. 21 (Julian Date 24052).

The FDA is advising restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell and consumers not to eat the implicated mussels because of possible pathogen or biotoxin contamination. The FDA is awaiting further information on distribution of the mussels and will continue to monitor the investigation and provide assistance to state authorities as needed. 

“Contaminated shellfish can cause illness, especially if eaten raw, particularly in people with compromised immune systems. Food contaminated with pathogens or biotoxins may look, smell, and taste normal. Consumers of these products who are experiencing food poisoning symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, nausea, vomiting or fever should contact their healthcare provider, who should report their symptoms to their local health department,” according to the FDA Warning.

Restaurants and retailers should dispose of any products by throwing them in the garbage or contacting their distributor to arrange for return and destruction.

Restaurants and retailers should also be aware that shellfish may be a source of pathogens and should control the potential for cross-contamination of food processing equipment and the food processing environment. They should follow the steps below:

  • Wash hands with warm water and soap following the cleaning and sanitation process.
  • Retailers, restaurants, and other food service operators who have processed and packaged any potentially contaminated products need to be concerned about cross-contamination of cutting surfaces and utensils through contact with the potentially contaminated products.
  • Retailers that have sold bulk product should clean and sanitize the containers used to hold the product.

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Castle Importing cheeses recalled over Listeria concerns

Food Safety News - Fri, 03/08/2024 - 11:31

Castle Importing, Inc. of Fontana, CA is recalling certain cheese products because of potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

According to the details posted online by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), the recall was initiated on Feb. 5, 2024, and is ongoing.

The recalled products were distributed in California, Ohio, Connecticut, Florida, Texas, Washington and Illinois.

Recalled products:

Crumbled Cotija Net Wt. 5.6 lbs (300/0.3oz), Net Wt. 7.5 lbs (300/0.4 oz) Fontana, CA 92336 Plant #06-00333

Classic Castle Brand Crumbled Cotija Net Wt. 20 lbs, Net Wt. 5 lbs Fontana, CA 92336 Plant #06-00333

Classic Castle Brand Grated Cotija Net Wt. 20 lbs, Net Wt. 5 lbs Fontana, CA 92336 Plant #06-00333

  • Product Quantity: 8,886 cases
  • Recall Number: F-1038-2024
  • Code Information: CASTLE CRUMBLED COTIJA 4/5LB 00791-24IN4/5-PH2 56006 Customer Lot # 23285 23285 23296 23306 23306 23317 23317 23338 23338 23338 23338 23349 23356 23356 23356 23360 23361 24011 24017 24017 24018 24018 24018 24031 24032 24922 CRUMBLED COTIJA 300/.3oz 00791-7LNRS300/.3oz-PH2 76002 Customer Lot # 23299 23300 23300 23304 23307 23313 23313 23320 23320 23333 23333 23342 23342 23347 23348 23349 23352 23352 23354 23355 23355 23356 23360 23361 24011 24012 24015 24016 24017 24022 24023 24024 24029 24030 24534 CRUMBLED COTIJA 300/.4oz 00791-7LNRS300/.4oz-PH2 76023 Customer Lot # 23333 23334 23361 23362 24012 24015 24015 24016 24026 24029 24029 24030 24031 24032 24033 CASTLE GRATED COTIJA 4/5 00650-7-24IN4/5 76036 Customer Lot # 23313 23320 23332 23333 23361 24017 24024 24030 CASTLE GRATED COTIJA 4/5lbs 00650-0-24IN4/5 76034 Customer Lot # 23293 23296 23355 23356 24011 24029 24030 24031 24032

Classic Castle Brand Shredded Three Cheese Blend Net Wt. 20 Lbs, Net Wt. 5 lbs. Fontana, CA 92336 Plant #06-00333

  • Product Quantity: 667 cases
  • Recall Number: F-1039-2024
  • Code Information: CA SHR 3 CHS BLND 4/5lbs 00754-2-24IN4/5 70095 Customer Lot # 23290 23312 23325 23354 23354 23355 24003 24033

Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to their place of purchase.

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

Also, anyone who has eaten 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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Sausages recalled after consumers find pieces of rubber in product

Food Safety News - Fri, 03/08/2024 - 07:16

Salm Partners, LLC, of Denmark, WI, is recalling approximately 35,430 pounds of Johnsonville turkey kielbasa sausage that may be contaminated with foreign materials, specifically pieces of rubber, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The problem was discovered after the firm received complaints from consumers reporting they found pieces of rubber in the ready-to-eat turkey kielbasa products.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators.

The turkey kielbasa sausages were produced between Oct. 30-31, 2023.

These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

Recalled products:

  • 12-oz. vacuum-packed packages containing a single piece of “Johnsonville POLISH KIELBASA TURKEY” sausage and best by dates “05/17/24” and “05/18/24” printed on the side of the packaging.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P-32009” printed on the side of the packaging.

As of the posting of this recall, there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions or injury due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury should contact a healthcare provider.

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.

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Meat recalled as Finland deals with hepatitis E rise

Food Safety News - Fri, 03/08/2024 - 00:05

Finnish officials are investigating the connection between a hepatitis E-positive meat product and a rise in infections in the country.

Between January and February, 81 hepatitis E cases from different parts of Finland have been reported to the infectious disease register. Half of these people have required hospital treatment. 20 and 60 hepatitis E cases are reported to the Infectious Disease Register annually. In 2023, there were 30 cases. In January 2023, only one Hepatitis E infection was reported in the register.

In laboratory tests by the Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto), the hepatitis E virus was found in a product made by a domestic manufacturer. These items have been recalled and are no longer on sale.

Kotivara withdrew six products sold since early November 2023 in retail stores and wholesalers. Most items have passed their shelf life date, but two last until March 19, 2024.

Of 30 patients interviewed by the National Institute of Health and Welfare (THL), 27 mentioned consuming different brands of mettwurst or salami before they got sick. However, meat products are commonly consumed foods, so clarification was needed on the significance of this finding. This was why the Finnish Food Agency examined various food samples based on the brands recorded in THL’s reports.

From 44 patients, the median age of those affected is 64 and 70 percent are men.

THL is in the process of genotyping the hepatitis E viruses found in samples from patients to compare them with the recalled positive product.

Ruokavirasto, THL, and local food control authorities are looking into the source of hepatitis E infections. This includes determining how many patients the recalled products may have caused and if there are other contaminated items.

THL has typed the hepatitis E viruses found in the samples of 13 patients. The most common genotype was HEV-3f, which formed three clusters. HEV-3f was last detected in Finland in 2019. Between 2019 and 2022, HEV-3e and HEV-3c were the most common genotypes in patient samples.

Wider EU issue
In February, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said it monitored the situation after some countries reported a spike in hepatitis E infections.

More patients than usual had been seen in January in Belgium and the Czech Republic. More than 350 patients were recorded in Germany, 63 in the Czech Republic, and 36 in Belgium.

In January 2024, 520 hepatitis E virus infections were noted in 10 countries. No connection had been established between all these cases. In Belgium, genotype 3c was the most frequently identified among patients with available information. Genotyping of the virus was ongoing in Spain.

Hepatitis E infection is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Advice to avoid infection includes thoroughly cooking all meat, especially pork, before eating it and washing hands after touching uncooked meat or meat products.

The mean incubation period for HEV is five to six weeks, with a range of two to nine weeks, and can persist for one to four weeks. Symptoms include fatigue, poor appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and jaundice. However, some people, especially young children, have no symptoms.

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Increased poultry line speeds will likely continue with USDA extensions

Food Safety News - Fri, 03/08/2024 - 00:03

The dismissed federal case of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) v. Sonny Perdue is returning. The U.S. District Court for Northern California has scheduled a case management conference for June 13.

Around that date, look for the non-profit’s plaintiff activists, the Humane Society of the United States, Animal Outlook, the Government Accountability Project, Mercy for Animals, and Marin Humane, to join in an amended complaint against USDA.

In the meantime, poultry plant evisceration lines will continue to operate at speeds up to 175 birds per minute under USDA waivers. Certain food safety inspections take place on the lines.

Those higher line speeds expire at the end of March, but Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack recently said extensions will be granted.

Vilsack promised the Senate Agriculture Committee that the extensions were in the offering and would help determine whether increased line speeds contribute to worker injuries or safety.

Vilsack said he wants to make decisions based on the facts, but he does not yet have all the facts.

Some in Congress, however, are questioning why the Biden Administration continues to study the line speed issue. Rep. David Rouzer, R-NC, suggested in a House Agriculture Committee meeting that the University of California study is biased against the poultry industry.

The 175 per minute line speed, up from 140, has existed for 25 years. At present, 47 poultry plants operate at the higher speeds.

Rouzer points out that existing line speed waivers were granted only if an “opt-in” to the ongoing worker safety study was accepted.

The USDA will use the study of increased poultry line speed in future rule-making.

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EU reveals results of vet drug residues in food and animals

Food Safety News - Fri, 03/08/2024 - 00:01

The latest data showing levels of residues from veterinary drugs and other substances in animals and animal-derived food in 2022 in Europe has been published.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) report looks at hormones, antibacterials, environmental contaminants, prohibited substances, and other veterinary drugs. It includes data reported by EU member states, Iceland, and Norway.

The presence of unauthorized substances, residues of veterinary medicinal products or chemical contaminants in food may pose a risk to public health.

In 2022, the percentage of non-compliant samples was 0.18 percent, comparable to 0.17 percent in 2021.

The level of non-compliance in targeted samples, which are taken to detect illegal use or check non-compliance with maximum permitted levels, was 0.27 percent, slightly higher than 0.24 percent in 2021.

Example violations
A total of 600,320 samples were reported to the European Commission. They were mainly targeted samples, but almost 4,000 were suspect samples. Others were collected at import, and over 250,000 were collected as part of programs developed under national legislation.

The 919 non-compliant targeted samples were found in bovines, pigs, poultry, sheep, goats, and horses. For beta-agonists, there were six non-compliant samples, three for clenbuterol and salbutamol and two for ractopamine, all in bovines. The clenbuterol and ractopamine results were in Portugal. Four suspect samples were also positive for clenbuterol in Portugal.

Targeted sampling revealed phenylbutazone once each in bovines in Northern Ireland and Spain and horses in Germany.

Prohibited substances identified included chloramphenicol, semicarbazide, metronidazole, furaltadone, and nitrofurazon.

The highest frequency of non-compliant samples for antibacterials was found in honey. Of the 3,056 honey samples analyzed, 42 were non-compliant, with 97 non-compliant results. Ten countries reported them. Glyphosate was found in two samples – one in Austria and the other in Lithuania.

In other substances and environmental contaminants, chemical elements had the highest overall percentage of non-conforming samples, with cadmium, copper, lead, total mercury, and zinc most frequently identified.

Results for food
For mycotoxins, 30 non-compliant samples were reported for bovines, horses, milk, pigs, and poultry, with those identified being zearalenone, aflatoxin M1, ochratoxin A, aflatoxin (sum of B1, B2, G1, G2), and aflatoxin B1.

For dyes, 20 problem samples were reported for aquaculture by six countries. Substances found were the sum of malachite green and leucomalachite green, the sum of brilliant green and leucobrilliant green, and the sum of crystal violet and leucocrystal violet.

Of the 20,974 milk samples analyzed, 47 were non-compliant, leading to 203 non-compliant results. 14 countries reported them. Of the 12,035 egg samples analyzed, 35 were non-compliant, giving 52 non-compliant results. 14 countries reported them.

Of the 1,928 samples analyzed for wild game, 123 were non-compliant, with 150 non-compliant results. 11 countries reported these. For the farmed game, 21 of the 1,426 samples tested were non-compliant. Four countries reported them.

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Illinois company recalls imported cinnamon after FDA warns public about lead in product

Food Safety News - Thu, 03/07/2024 - 18:37

Raja Foods LLC of Skokie, Il, is recalling its 3.5-ounce packages of “Swad Cinnamon Powder” because it has the potential to be contaminated with lead. 

The products included in this recall are, Swad Brand Cinnamon Powder in clear plastic 3.5 OZ bags, UPC 0-51179-34280-4, from either of the following two batches and Best Before Dates: Batch KX21223 Best Before July 2026 and Batch KX08123 Best Before March 2026.

Product was distributed through retail grocery stores in the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast regions of the United States, according to the recall notice from the company and posted by the Food and Drug Administration. The recall is the result of a routine sampling program by the FDA.

Consumers who have purchased “Swad Cinnamon Powder 3.5OZ” are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 847-972-2865.

The sampling program that discovered the elevated levels of lead in the Swad brand ground cinnamon is in response to the problem with elevated levels of lead in cinnamon in children’s applesauce and recalls of products in the fall of 2023. The FDA issued warnings on March 6 about the Swad cinnamon and several other brands, some of which are being recalled.

The products are not targeted toward children, but are used as ingredients in foods that consumers may make and serve to children.

“Consistent with the agency’s Closer to Zero initiative, which focuses on reducing childhood exposure to lead, the agency is recommending voluntary recall of the products because prolonged exposure to the products may be unsafe. Removing the ground cinnamon products in this alert from the market will prevent them from contributing elevated amounts of lead to the diets of children,” according to the FDA warning.

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.

Florida firm recalls cinnamon named in FDA warning about elevated levels of lead

Food Safety News - Thu, 03/07/2024 - 18:26

El Chilar Rodriguez LLC of Apopka, FL, is recalling more than 1,500 bags of El Chilar Ground Cinnamon “Canela Molida” sold in 1.25-ounce bags, because it may contain traces of lead. 

The product was distributed by La Raza LLC of Forestville, MD, which distributes to brick-and-mortar retail stores within the state of Maryland.

The product can be identified by the lot codes D300 EX1024 and F272 EX1026, which is stamped on the front side of the packaging.

The recall was initiated after the Maryland Department of Health collected product samples and analysis came back with elevated concentrations of lead. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem might be caused by potentially adulterated raw material from the supplier.

Consumers who have purchased El Chilar Ground Cinnamon “Canela Molida” with lot code D300 EX1024 and F272 EX1026 are urged to stop using the product immediately and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Parents and caregivers of toddlers and young children who may have been exposed to lead should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care. Consumers with questions may contact El Chilar Rodriguez LLC at 407-880-6007.

The sampling program in Maryland that discovered the elevated levels of lead in the El Chilar brand ground cinnamon is in response to the problem with elevated levels of lead in cinnamon in children’s applesauce and recalls of products in the fall of 2023. The FDA issued warnings on March 6 about the El Chilar cinnamon and several other brands, some of which are being recalled.

The products are not targeted toward children, but are used as ingredients in foods that consumers may make and serve to children.

“Consistent with the agency’s Closer to Zero initiative, which focuses on reducing childhood exposure to lead, the agency is recommending voluntary recall of the products because prolonged exposure to the products may be unsafe. Removing the ground cinnamon products in this alert from the market will prevent them from contributing elevated amounts of lead to the diets of children,” according to the FDA warning.

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.

Over 10,000 cases of shredded cheese products recalled over Listeria contamination

Food Safety News - Thu, 03/07/2024 - 07:04

Sargento Foods, Inc. of Plymouth, WI, is recalling certain shredded cheese products over potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

According to the details posted online by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), the recall was initiated on Feb. 5, 2024, and is ongoing.

The recalled products were distributed in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.

Recalled product:

#Product DescriptionRecall NumberClassificationCode InformationProduct QuantityReason for Recall1Cotija cheese packaged in the following configurations: 1. Sargento Course Grated Cotija Cheese Pack Size 6/5 lb. Material #10002578, UPC 46100352601. 2. Sargento Coarse Grated Cotija Cheese. Pack Size 500/0.5 oz. Net Wt. 15.625 lbs. Material #10003245, UPC 46100355176. 3. Sargento 25015 Grated Cotija Cheese. Pack Size 400/1 oz. Material # 10003379, UPC 46100355831. Keep Refrigerated. Product of USA. Distributed By Sargento Foods Inc, Plymouth, WI 53073 USA.F-1009-2024Class IBatch / Use By Dates: Product 1: 02203898 / Use By 02/05/24; 02205996 / Use By 02/17/24; 02207027 / Use By 02/24/24; 02209043 / Use By 03/06/24; 02210169 / Use By 03/17/24; 02211178 / Use By 03/23/24; 02212562 / Use By 03/30/24; 02213262 / Use By 04/06/24; 02216473 / Use By 04/27/24; 02218540 / Use By 05/12/2024; 02221035 / Use By 06/02/2024; 02224663 / Use By 06/25/24; 02226594 / Use By 07/07/24; 02228944 / Use By 07/20/24. Product 2: 02223954 / Best By APR/17/24; 02225676 / Best By MAY/01/24; 02229084 / Best By MAY/22/24. Product 3: 02216808 / Best By FEB/28/24; 02224928 / Best By APR/25/24; 02225677 / Best By MAY/01/24; 02226672 / Best By MAY/07/24.2,038 casesListeria monocytogenes2Parmesan cheese packaged in the following configurations: 1. Sargento Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese Pack Size 500/0.5 oz. Material #10000278, UPC 46100348659. 2. Sargento Part #10132 Fancy Shredded Parmesan Cheese Pack Size 500/0.5 oz. Material #10000284, UPC 46100334997. 3. Sargento Part #22997, Sargento Fancy Shredded Parmesan Cheese. Pack Size 400/1 oz. Material # 10001116, UPC 46100330302. 4. Sargento Fancy Shredded Parmesan Cheese. Pack Size 500/0.75 oz. Net Wt 23.438 lbs. Material #10003382, UPC 46100355596. Keep Refrigerated. Product of USA. Distributed By Sargento Foods Inc, Plymouth, WI 53073 USA.F-1010-2024Class IBatch / Use By Dates: Product 1: 02205604 / Best By FEB/11/24 Product 2: 02216813 / Best By APR/28/24; 02223948 / Best By JUN/16/24 Product 3: 02212620 / Best By MAR/31/24; 02224173 / Best By JUN/17/24; 02225135 / Best By JUN/25/24; 02226667 / Best By JUL/06/24; 02226905 / Best By JUN/25/24. Product 4: 02224929 / Best By JUN/24/241,791 casesListeria monocytogenes3Swiss cheese packaged in the following configurations: 1. Sargento Fancy Shredded Swiss Cheese, Pack Size 400/1 oz. Net Wt 25.000 lbs. Material #10000390, UPC 46100349816. 2. Sargento Fancy Shredded Swiss Cheese, Pack Size 500/0.5 oz. Net Wt 15.625 Material #10001021, UPC 46100334997. Keep Refrigerated. Product of USA. Distributed By Sargento Foods Inc, Plymouth, WI 53073 USA.F-1011-2024Class IBatch / Use By Dates: Product 1: 02224170 / Best By MAY/18/24 Product 2: 02212841 / Best By MAR/02/24; 02224429 / Best By MAY/19/24; 02226155 / Best By JUN/02/241,143 casesListeria monocytogenes4Asiago cheese packaged in the following configurations: 1. Sargento Part #10197, Fancy Shredded Fresh Asiago Cheese Pack Size 500/0.75 oz. Material #10001006, UPC 46100342688. 2. Sargento Shredded Fresh Asiago Cheese. Pack Size 400/1 oz. Net Wt 25.000 lbs. Material #10003176, UPC 46100354865. Keep Refrigerated. Product of USA. Distributed By Sargento Foods Inc, Plymouth, WI 53073 USA.F-1012-2024Class IBatch / Use By Dates: Product 1: 02225879 / Best By JUN/01/24 Product 2: 02224176 / Best By MAY/18/24; 02225887 / Best By JUN/01/24264 casesListeria monocytogenes5Monterey Jack cheese packaged in the following configurations: 1. Sargento, Part #23602 Deep V Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese Pack Size 500/0.5 oz. Material #10001592, UPC 46100343999. 2. Sargento Fancy Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese Pack Size 400/1 oz. Net Wt 25.000 lbs. Material #10003458, UPC 46100356753. Keep Refrigerated. Product of USA. Distributed By Sargento Foods Inc, Plymouth, WI 53073 USA.F-1013-2024Class IBatch / Use By Dates: Product 1: 02224434 / Best By APR/19/24 Product 2: 02217002 / Best By FEB/29/241,104 casesListeria monocytogenes6White Cheddar cheese packaged in the following configurations: 1. Sargento Part #23340 Fancy Shredded Sharp White Cheddar Cheese. Pack Size 500/0.5 oz. Material #10001126, UPC 46100329313. 2. Sargento Fancy Shredded Mild White Cheddar Cheese. Pack Size 500/0.5 oz. Net Wt 15.625 lbs. Material #10001452, UPC 46100346136. 3. Sargento Fancy Shred Mild White Cheddar Cheese. Pack Size 400/1 oz. Net Wt 25.000 lbs. Material #10001696. UPC 46100350829. Keep Refrigerated. Product of USA. Distributed By Sargento Foods Inc, Plymouth, WI 53073 USA.F-1014-2024Class IBatch / Use By Dates: Product 1: 02213015 / Best By MAR 03 24 Product 2: 02212842 / Best By MAR/02/24; 02224657 / Best By MAY/20/24; 02226159 / Best By JUN/01/24; 02227341 / Best By JUN/09/24. Product 3: 02225136 / Best By MAY/26/242,633 casesListeria monocytogenes7Cheddar cheese packaged in the following configurations: 1. Sargento Deep V Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese. Pack Size 450/1 oz. Net Wt 28.125 lbs. Material #10000537, UPC 46100348611. 2. Sargento Part #29313, Thick “N Hearty Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese Pack Size 500/0.5 oz. Material #10003561, UPC 46100356432 Keep Refrigerated. Product of USA. Distributed By Sargento Foods Inc, Plymouth, WI 53073 USA.F-1015-2024Class IBatch / Use By Dates: Product 1: 02217213 / Best By MAR/31/24 Product 2: 02217212 / Best By MAR/31/24; 02224659 / Best By MAY/20/24349 casesListeria monocytogenes8Sargento Part #10129 Fancy Shredded Bistro Blends Nacho & Taco Cheese Blend. Pack Size 500/.75 oz. Material #10000281, UPC 46100334157 Keep Refrigerated. Product of USA. Distributed By Sargento Foods Inc, Plymouth, WI 53073 USA.F-1016-2024Class IBatch / Use By Dates: 02217733 / Best By MAR/03/2493 casesListeria monocytogenes9Italian Cheese Blend packaged in the following configurations: 1. Sargento Part #23613, Fancy Shredded Italian Cheese Blend Pack Size 500/0.5 oz. Material #10000946, UPC 46100344583. 2. Sargento Fancy Shredded Italian Cheese Blend. Pack Size 400/1 oz. Net Wt 25.000 lbs. Material #10003284, UPC 46100355343. Keep Refrigerated. Product of USA. Distributed By Sargento Foods Inc, Plymouth, WI 53073 USA.F-1017-2024Class IBatch / Use By Dates: Product 1 02225878 / Best By MAY/02/24 Product 2 02225889 / Best By MAY/02/2497 casesListeria monocytogenes10Sargento Deep V Shredded Taco Cheese Blend Material #10002484, UPC 46100352281. Pack Size 500/.6 oz. Net Wt 18.750 lbs. Keep Refrigerated. Product of USA. Distributed By Sargento Foods Inc, Plymouth, WI 53073 USA.F-1018-2024Class IBatch / Use By Dates: 02217224 / Best By MAR/01/24; 02217503 / Best By MAR/02/24.956 casesListeria monocytogenes11Sargento Bevel Shredded Queso Quesadilla Cheese. Pack Size 450/1 oz. Net Wt 28.125 lbs. Material #10003481. UPC 46100356593. Keep Refrigerated. Product of USA. Distributed By Sargento Foods Inc, Plymouth, WI 53073 USA.F-1019-2024Class IBatch / Use By Dates: 02225891 / Best By MAY/02/24.30 casesListeria monocytogenes

Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to their place of purchase.

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

Also, anyone who has eaten 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.

(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)

Salm Partners, LLC, Recalls Johnsonville Polish Kielbasa Turkey Sausage Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

Food Product Recall - Thu, 03/07/2024 - 07:00
WASHINGTON, March 7, 2024 - Salm Partners, LLC, a Denmark, Wis., establishment, is recalling approximately 35,430 pounds of Johnsonville turkey kielbasa sausage that may be contaminated with foreign materials, specifically...

Scientists find Listeria in Spanish meat products

Food Safety News - Thu, 03/07/2024 - 00:05

Researchers in Spain have revealed Listeria monocytogenes in various pork and poultry meat products.

184 meat samples were collected from different retailers in La Rioja. Listeria spp. and  monocytogenes were detected in 45 and 19 samples, respectively. 

The dominant Listeria species depended on the meat type, said researchers in the International Journal of Food Science and Technology.

Listeria monocytogenes was the top Listeria type found in chicken, quail, and pork meat, while Listeria innocua and Listeria welshimeri were the predominant species in duck and turkey meat, respectively.

Meats included 35 chicken, 37 quail, 31 duck, 37 turkey, and 39 pork samples from different retailers in La Rioja. In 30 of 45 samples, more than one species of Listeria was identified. A total of 164 strains were isolated from the 45 positive samples.

Positives by meat type
Listeria was detected in nine of 35 chicken samples, 13 of 31 duck samples, seven of 37 quail samples, seven of 51 turkey samples, and nine of 30 pork samples

Listeria monocytogenes was found in six of 35 chicken samples, seven of 37 quail samples, two of 51 turkey samples, and four of 30 pork samples.

“Special measures should be taken to reduce meat contamination such as adequate handling, correct preparation (enough cooking), and cleaning and disinfection to avoid cross-contamination,” said scientists.

Of 59 Listeria strains, 33 were multi-drug resistant, so they were resistant to more than three families of antibiotics. The highest multi-drug resistant rates were observed in Listeria monocytogenes at 14 of 19 strains.

The highest resistance rates were found in quail with six of seven strains multi-drug resistant, followed by chicken with six of 12, duck with nine of 19, turkey with four of nine, and pork with four of 12.

One Listeria monocytogenes strain from turkey was resistant to five antibiotics, and one from chicken was resistant to six antibiotics.

No strain was resistant to any antibiotic tested from the aminoglycoside or glycopeptide family. Resistance to ampicillin and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole was found in Listeria monocytogenes strains isolated from chicken, which is of concern since these antibiotics are used in treating listeriosis, said scientists.

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, other complications, and death. 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.

(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)

The ‘Glove Guy’ calls upon his industry to ban the sale of vinyl gloves

Food Safety News - Thu, 03/07/2024 - 00:04

Steve Ardagh is the founder and CEO of Eagle Protect, a leading glove. He is known as “The Glove Guy” for his food safety leadership.

In the glove world, the toxic chemical of the moment – phthalates – is a crucial ingredient often found in vinyl gloves. It is estimated to be used by two-thirds of the 200,000 quick service restaurants (QSR) in the U.S. 

In a recent open letter to the glove industry, “The Glove Guy” called on his colleagues to stop selling vinyl gloves because of long-term contamination issues of phthalates to food and glove wearers.

He wrote: “In 2018, my company Eagle Protect stopped selling vinyl gloves after we saw mounting research about their food safety implications, adverse effects on glove user health, and concerns over the environmental impact of toxic pollution during manufacture and disposal.

“Six years down the track, I am urging you to do the same — stop selling vinyl gloves,” he said.

“I think you already know the story,” he continues. “Toxic chemicals known as phthalates could be present in the vinyl (PVC) gloves you supply. Plasticizers, the most common of which are phthalates, make PVC flexible and make up to 41 percent of a glove’s weight. Phthalates can leach from vinyl gloves into food and the skin of the glove wearer, causing long-standing systemic toxicity.”

“The most recent consumer report (2024) tested grocery stores and fast foods and found phthalates in almost every food item of the 100 tested, often at high levels,” he continues.  “Multiple vinyl glove research studies over two decades, including this most recent report, highlight their contamination risks.”

Among the facts that caused him to call for a ban on vinyl gloves:

1.          Phthalates leach into food from food preparation gloves. Consumers are then contaminated when food is ingested. Vinyl glove phthalates also contaminate glove wearers through skin absorption. Health problems have been shown to develop slowly, sometimes over decades, with long-standing vinyl glove use or food consumption, particularly fast food.

2.          QSR food has 24 to 40 percent higher levels of phthalates than home foods, which are believed to be in part due to glove use.

3.          With environmental, social, and governance goals becoming ingrained into business practices, the direct and complete environmental impact of glove use is being considered. Numerous highly hazardous chemicals are utilized or released during vinyl gloves’ manufacture, use, and disposal. Production starts with chlorine, which requires asbestos, mercury, or PFAS, depending on the technology. 

Ardagh continued to share his reasoning and research that caused him to call for the Vinyl glove ban:

Consequences Far and Wide
The health consequences linked to phthalate exposure in vinyl gloves can be considerable and include certain cancers, neurotoxicity, endocrine (hormonal) system disruption, infertility and birth defects, liver impairment, heightened susceptibility to asthma and thyroid disorders, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.

In the U.S., the annual cost of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) is estimated at $340 billion (more than 2 percent of GDP). Phthalates are now banned or restricted from use in various products worldwide, including vinyl disposable gloves. When phthalates were banned in Japan, a 33 percent drop in EDC exposures was noted, indicating that the continued usage of phthalates in vinyl gloves may amount to several billion dollars in healthcare and productivity costs in the U.S. Since January 2022, the state of Maine has banned DEHP and other phthalates from disposable gloves and food packaging.

Self-regulation is the only way
A glaring gap in FDA regulations relating to imported gloves – 90 percent of the U.S. supply – means it is up to glove suppliers to ensure the gloves they sell are truly safe, not just rely on manufacturers’ paperwork. The unregulated glove industry was exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic and described as “an industry riddled with fraud. My advice is simple: vinyl gloves are neither food-safe nor safe for the glove wearer. They should be banned. Your due diligence of the products you sell could save lives. What must you do?:

1 Understand, audit, and test the toxins in the gloves you supply. Are you prepared to cast a blind eye and continue supplying gloves known to contaminate food and the consumer? 

2 Review your glove supply chain, especially quality control and ethical sourcing certifications, to eliminate phthalates and harmful chemicals from your supply chain.

3 Review your nitrile glove supply chain as a safer material for food service industry gloves. 

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FSA highlights the difference between ‘vegan’ and ‘free-from’ terms

Food Safety News - Thu, 03/07/2024 - 00:03

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched a campaign to explain the difference between free-from and vegan labeling.

Vegan labels are used to support a dietary choice and do not intentionally contain products of animal origin. However, vegan food could still be prepared alongside eggs, milk, fish, crustaceans, or mollusks.  

To use a free-from label, businesses must follow processes to manage the risk of cross-contamination so they do not contain any of the ingredients they claim to be free-from.  

An FSA-commissioned survey found many people didn’t know that vegan products might not be suitable for those with food hypersensitivities to allergens of animal origin and that they need to check for precautionary allergen labeling, such as “may contain” on vegan products. 

Cross-contamination risk
Emily Miles, FSA CEO, said findings from the survey were concerning,

“Unfortunately, the reality of food production means there is still a risk of cross-contamination with animal-based allergens in vegan and plant-based products if produced in the same factory as animal-based products,” she said.  

The survey was conducted online in December 2023 with 4,085 adults, aged 16 to 75, living in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. A total of 821 respondents reported either experiencing reactions to allergens of animal origin and/or regularly shopping for someone who does.

It found there was misplaced confidence that the term vegan means a product is safe for those with food hypersensitivities to allergens of animal origin.

Only 53 percent of those with food hypersensitivity and 50 percent of those who shop for someone with one were aware that vegan products might not be suitable for them due to a risk of cross-contamination.

62 percent of all respondents were confident that vegan food was safe for those with food hypersensitivities to allergens of animal origin.

Free-from indicates safety
The survey found widespread misunderstanding about what different labels, such as free-from, vegan, or plant-based, mean for the safety of those with food hypersensitivities.

Some people are using vegan labeling as a proxy for allergen labeling. Only 55 percent of those who used vegan labeling were at least sometimes aware that vegan products may not be suitable for those with food hypersensitivities to allergens of animal origins due to cross-contamination risks.

The three main UK allergen charities — Allergy UK, Anaphylaxis UK, and the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation — said raising awareness of the issue will help people with allergies choose safe food.

“This worrying research shows that many people with allergies to products of animal origin are buying vegan and plant-based food and assuming it is safe to eat, without taking further precautions to check the label.”  

Claire Ogley, head of campaigns, policy, and research at the Vegan Society, said: “Our Vegan Trademark shows products are vegan to our rigorous standards as far as is practical and possible, and efforts have been made to avoid cross-contamination. However, people must understand that a vegan label does not necessarily mean the product is allergen-free, and people with allergies should always check the allergen labeling on products before consuming them.”

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Webinar on FDA’s food chemical safety initiatives to feature Deputy Commissioner Jim Jones

Food Safety News - Thu, 03/07/2024 - 00:01

The reorganization of the Food and Drug Administration’s human foods programs was urgently needed and a long-time coming. The full plan still needs to go through review by Office of Management and Budget and then Congress. 

Fortunately, the Department of Health and Human Services and FDA have authority to implement some of the plan in the interim. The first notable sign of change was the appointment of ex-EPA executive, Jim Jones, to the newly created post of Deputy Commissioner for Human Food Programs. 

During a November 2023 webinar with the Alliance for a Stronger FDA (transcript here), the new deputy commissioner talked about his experiences during his first six 6 weeks and outlined many of his priorities going forward.  

Notably, food chemical safety was near the top of his list — which drew strong interest from both consumer and industry groups. 

The deputy commissioner committed to a program just on food chemical safety and the Alliance has scheduled the session for Friday, March 8 at noon EST. Register here.

In his opening remarks to the Alliance, he has promised to address four program areas that are of considerable interest to the stakeholder community: 

  • Chemical Review Under HFP
  • Post-Market Assessment of Chemicals in the Food Supply (recent announcement)
  • PFAS in Food Packaging (recent announcement)
  • Closer to Zero

Afterward, there should be more than 30 minutes for moderator and audience questions. 

On behalf of the Alliance, we hope you will be able to join us for this important webinar event.

By Alison Bodor of the American Frozen Food Institute, Thomas Gremillion of the Consumer Federation of America, and Sarah Sorscher of the Center for Science in the Public Interest. The authors are members of the board of the Alliance for a Stronger FDA. For any editorial questions, please contact: sgrossman@strengthenfda.org 301-257-9660.

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