Food Safety News

Bauman’s County Meat Shop is recalling certain summer sausage products because testing by the Canadian government has shown contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

The implicated products were distributed in Ontario.

The recalled summer sausage can be identified by the following label information:

BrandProductSizeUPCCodesAdditional InformationBauman’s Country Meat ShopLarge Summer Sausage1 count (~7 lb)0200200 338006Packed On 2024.JA23 Best Before 2024.AU10Sold at Bauman’s Country Meat Shop, 824 Elderslie Arran Line, Dobbinton, OntarioBauman’s Country Meat ShopSmall Summer Sausage1 count (~3 lb)0200202 422000Packed On 2024.JA23 Best Before 2024.AU10Sold at Bauman’s Country Meat Shop, 824 Elderslie Arran Line, Dobbinton, Ontario

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 recalled product and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten 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.

Rizo-López Foods Inc. is recalling 61 of its dairy products after government testing linked some of its cheese to a deadly, decade-long Listeria outbreak.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the outbreak Feb. 6.

For a list of recalled products provided be the company, click here.

The recalled products were distributed nationwide. Products also were sold at retail deli counters including at the following stores and under these brands:

• Campesino
• Casa Cardenas
• Don Francisco
• Dos Ranchitos
• El Huache
• Food City
• La Ordena
• Rio Grande
• Rizo Bros
• San Carlos
• Santa Maria
• Tio Francisco
• 365 Whole Foods Market

In January 2024, the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Food and Drug Branch collected a sample of aged cotija cheese product made by Rizo-López Foods during routine sampling. Testing identified the outbreak strain of Listeria in the product.

The U.S. FDA conducted inspections at the Rizo-López Foods facility and collected food and environmental samples for testing. FDA found the outbreak strain of Listeria on a container where cheeses are kept before they are packaged.

Whole genome sequencing has linked the cheese to illnesses dating back to 2014, with the more recent patient having become ill in December 2023.

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 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 eaten 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.

Federal officials are investigating a deadly outbreak of Listeria infections traced to certain cheese products made by Modesto, CA-based Rizo-López.

The outbreak began in 2014 with the most recent patient having become sick in December 2023. At least two people have died. On Monday, Feb. 5, Rizo-López recalled 61 products in connection with the outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As of Feb. 6, there have been 26 people confirmed as outbreak patients, with 23 having been hospitalized. The patients are stretched across 11 states.

Most recently recalled products were sold nationwide under these brands and at deli counters:

• Campesino
• Casa Cardenas
• Don Francisco
• Dos Ranchitos
• El Huache
• Food City
• La Ordena
• Rio Grande
• Rizo Bros
• San Carlos
• Santa Maria
• Tio Francisco
• 365 Whole Foods Market

“CDC investigated this outbreak in 2017 and 2021. Epidemiologic evidence in previous investigations identified queso fresco and other similar cheeses as a potential source of the outbreak, but there was not enough information to identify a specific brand. CDC reopened the investigation in January 2024 after new illnesses were reported in December 2023 and the outbreak strain was found in a cheese sample from Rizo-López Foods,” according to the outbreak announcement posted today.

“The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Listeria. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.”

Investigators from the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration are interviewing patients about what foods they ate before they became sick. This can be difficult because it can take up to 70 days for symptoms of Listeria infection to appear after ingestion of the pathogen.

Of the 22 people interviewed, 16 reported eating queso fresco, cotija, or other similar cheeses. Among people who remembered specific brands, three people who got sick between 2014 and 2022 reported Don Francisco brand queso fresco or cotija. Don Francisco is one of the brands of recalled cheeses.

The sick people range in age from less than 1 year old to 88 years old, with 58 percent being female. The sick people live from coast to coast.

Public health officials are using a nationwide database to help locate patients.

Whole genome sequencing showed that bacteria from sick people’s samples from 2014 to present are closely related genetically. This suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from the same food.

In January 2024, the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Food and Drug Branch collected a sample of aged cotija cheese product made by Rizo-López Foods during routine sampling. Testing identified the outbreak strain of Listeria in the product.

The U.S. FDA conducted inspections at the Rizo-López Foods facility and collected food and environmental samples for testing. The FDA found the outbreak strain of Listeria on a container where cheeses are kept before they are packaged.

On Jan. 11 this year Rizo-López Foods, Inc. recalled the aged cotija cheese product after Hawaii state officials found Listeria in it. On Feb. 6, 2024, Rizo-López Foods, Inc. recalled all cheese and other dairy products made in their facility. They have also temporarily stopped producing and distributing these products while their investigation is ongoing.

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 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 eaten 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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Ron DeSantis is back to doing what Governors do as he left the Presidential campaign trail.  And Gov. DeSantis has just made it clear that he looks warmly on two bills in the Florida Legislature that ban the cultivation and sale of lab-grown meat products.

House Bill (HB) 435 and Senate Bill (SB) 586 would suspend any Florida establishment’s restaurant or retail license in the lab-grown meat trade.

“I know the Legislature is doing a bill to protect our meat, DeSantis said in a public statement last week.  “You need meat, OK?  We are going to have meat in Florida.  We are not going to do that fake meat.   Like that doesn’t work.”

HB-435 and SB-586 are opposed by the lab-meat industry, which is funded by venture capitalists seeking to take over an entire Agriculture sector.

They already gained approvals from the  Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) for selling cultivated meat from Good Meat Inc. and Upside Foods.

However, reviews by the FDA and FSIS may not have been as complete as the European Food Safety Authority’s application for a novel food review, which the cultivated meat and poultry companies have so far avoided.

DeSantis sees “fake meat” as part of the hedge-fund-led “ESG” campaign to dictate the “environmental, social, and governance “of corporations.  He says ESG is a scheme to impose an agenda on society by the economy.

“They want to go after agriculture…They want to blame agriculture for global warming,” the Florida governor says.

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According to the Scottish food agency’s annual report, a challenging economic climate has led to tough decisions about work priorities.

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) mentioned the knock-on effects of leaving the European Union and a prioritization exercise following a reduced budget. The agency also flagged the “huge amount of already limited resources” that were “unnecessarily” pulled into planning around the Retained EU Law (REUL) (Reform and Revocation) Bill.

The prioritization work identified activities that will be continued and those that should be halted, paused, scaled back, or not started while ensuring the agency maintained its statutory obligations.

In the second year of the corporate plan 2021 to 2024, there were 108 topics. Around half were completed while work on most began, but some were not started due to budgetary, resource, and contractual challenges. Examples of successful work included raising awareness of Campylobacter risks in groups suffering the most significant burden of illness and a survey on the chemical contamination of oats, oat products, and plant-based milk.

Ongoing challenges

FSS has started a project to assess the viability of using data from third-party assurance schemes to inform official controls. This is also part of the Scottish Authorities Food Enforcement Rebuild (SAFER) project, which aims to modernize the delivery of official controls in Scotland. The lack of resources within local authorities for food law enforcement has been identified as a high risk.

The creation of the Scottish Veterinary Service (SVS) will also impact FSS, as animal health and welfare functions will be moved from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

One hundred thirty-nine incidents were investigated compared to 120 from 2021 to 2022. No detail was shared on their nature, but the busiest period was April to June 2022.

From 2022 to 2023, 4,755 samples were tested and reported for chemical, microbiological, substitution, and labeling, compared to 2,408 from 2021 to 2022. There were 354 completed inspections, up from 266 in 2021 to 2022.

A review of contaminants associated with fish and fishery products from UK waters was commissioned. Findings will be used to develop a risk-based sampling regime to underpin future monitoring and will be shared with industry and enforcement authorities to enable the targeting of checks on these products. The final report is due to be published shortly.

FSS has also published risk assessments on Listeria in smoked fish and blue cheese, norovirus in oysters, and allergen risks from the substitution of oils resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Glycerol update and FSA incidents

In January 2024, FSS reported it had been made aware of another illness in a child who consumed a slush ice drink. FSS and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued voluntary industry guidance in 2023 on glycerol in these drinks after children fell sick in Lanarkshire in 2021 and Edinburgh in 2022.

Glycerol is an ingredient in slush ice drinks to prevent the liquid from freezing. It is allowed as an additive, and there are no limits. Glycerine is another name for Glycerol.

Scottish local authorities were asked to contact businesses selling slush ice drinks and inform them of the guidance. It states that sales of affected drinks should be accompanied by a written warning visible at the point of sale: ‘’Product contains glycerol. Not recommended for children 4 years of age and under’’.

The FSA has also published its annual report, which shows the agency was notified of 2,038 food and feed safety incidents in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales during 2022-23. This is down from 2,336 incidents in 2021-22.

The top four hazard types were pathogenic microorganisms, allergens, poor or insufficient controls, and residues of veterinary medicinal products. Meat and meat products, except poultry, were behind the most incidents in 2022-23 and remained the top product type since 2019, partly because they are among the most frequently tested.

In 2022, reports of Salmonella increased but not to pre-pandemic levels, whereas Campylobacter and Listeria monocytogenes remained comparable to pre-COVID-19 levels. Reports of STEC O157 rose in 2022 to the highest UK rate since 2015. This increase is mostly due to two large national outbreaks in the summer, one foodborne and one person-to-person.

Between January and December 2022, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and FSA investigated more than 40 new or ongoing outbreaks linked to food.

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Three men have been sentenced after being convicted of fraud and theft relating to poultry.

Rana Dhaia, owner of Townsend Poultry in Wolverhampton, England, and Darren Williams and Elliot Smith, dispatch managers at 2 Sisters Food Group in Llangefni, Wales, were involved in the fraud.

Dhaia was sentenced to four years and three months in prison. Williams and Smith were given two years in prison, suspended for two years. Williams must do 300 hours of unpaid work, and Smith must do 250 hours of unpaid work.

Destruction of records

An audit at 2 Sisters Food Group revealed Williams and Smith supplied Townsend Poultry with chicken. Townsend Poultry was not a customer of 2 Sisters, and there were no records of any deliveries.

Inquiries with local firms used by 2 Sisters Food Group confirmed 84 deliveries from the company to Townsend Poultry worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. Williams and Smith destroyed the related records.

Forged handwritten dispatch notes were found, which indicated that £300,000 ($376,000) worth of chicken had been stolen, leading to potential traceability issues.

Williams and Smith both pled guilty to charges in March 2023 at Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court. Dhaia was convicted after a trial in October 2023 after pleading not guilty to acquiring criminal property.

“The offenses that took place not only cost the 2 Sisters Food Group thousands of pounds but also could have had far-reaching implications due to traceability issues if they had not been caught,” said Detective Constable David Hall of the North Wales Police Economic Crime Unit.

Andrew Quinn, head of the Food Standards Agency’s National Food Crime Unit (NFCU), said the custodial sentences strongly deter those considering food crimes.

“Together, we are stronger in the fight against food fraud, and we continue to work with partners to help ensure that consumers are protected. Anyone suspicious of food crime can report it safely and confidentially to the NFCU.”

The food crime unit’s latest

The annual NFCU update in late 2023 revealed that four trial dates were confirmed in 2024, linked to three investigations. 

One concern is the illegal diversion of animal by-products into the human food chain. A third is European distribution fraud involving the theft of food items with an estimated value of £520,000 ($655,000). A trial date is set for July 2024. The final case involves the alleged obstruction of an NFCU officer attempting to conduct an unannounced inspection. The suspect is due to appear in court in March.

Other investigations involve smokies and the misrepresentation of premium brand potatoes, salmon, and housed chicken as free-range.

Highlighted key food crime threats included criminality in the beef, pork, and lamb supply chains; fraud within the chicken sector; the diversion of meat and poultry animal by-products (ABP) back into the food and feed chain; the entry of illegally harvested or misrepresented shellfish into the human food chain and dangerous non-foods sold to UK consumers.

Publication of an updated food crime strategic assessment, compiled with help from the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit, is planned for spring 2024.

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— COMMENTARY —

By Davis W. Cheng, Ph. D.

The terms “Contagious Disease,” “Infectious Disease,” and “Communicable Disease” are related concepts and often used interchangeably, but there are distinctions in their meanings and subtle differences in emphasis. 

“Contagious Disease” specifically highlights diseases easily transmitted from person to person. Contagious diseases have a high potential for spreading through direct or close contact with an infected individual or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. For example, norovirus is highly contagious, particularly in settings where people are in close contact, such as crowded or close-contact settings, such as cruise ships or communal living environments. It is transmitted through consuming contaminated food or water and can spread easily from person to person. 

“Infectious Disease” broadly refers to diseases caused by infectious agents like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. It encompasses conditions resulting from invading and multiplying these microorganisms within the body. Infectious diseases can be transmitted through various means, including direct or indirect contact, vectors, or contaminated food and water. For example, Salmonellosis is caused by the bacterium Salmonella. It involves the invasion and multiplication of Salmonella bacteria within the digestive system. It is an infectious disease because the bacteria invade and multiply within the digestive system after consuming contaminated food, leading to symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal cramps. 

Meanwhile, “Communicable Disease” is a broader term that includes contagious and infectious diseases. A communicable disease can be transmitted from an infected person, animal, or object to another individual, leading to the spread within a community. It encompasses a wide range of contagious and infectious agents and modes of transmission. For example, Hepatitis A is a communicable disease. It is communicable, indicating that it can be transmitted from one person to another, often through consuming contaminated food or water, as it can be transmitted from person to person through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. The virus affects the liver, and infected individuals can spread the virus to others. 

Therefore, all contagious diseases are infectious, but not all infectious diseases are necessarily highly contagious. The level of contagion depends on the mode of transmission and how easily the infectious agent can be passed from one individual to another. The terms are often used interchangeably, but understanding their nuances helps convey specific aspects of disease transmission. In practice, the identification and classification of foodborne diseases would depend on what you want to emphasize in your mind.

About the author: Dr. Davis W. Cheng is a distinguished Supervisory Consumer Safety Inspector who contributes his expertise to the FSIS-OFO-Philadelphia District. Cheng majored in Agriculture and Biological Sciences. He earned a Ph.D. in Animal Genetics and Genetic Engineering. Cheng embarked on his professional journey in 2007 as a GS11 Biologist with the USDA. He engaged in genetic and pathological research. Over the years, he has transitioned through roles such as scientist, assistant/associate research professor, and senior scientist. Notable accolades include recognition from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada for exceptional plant genome research in 2020, acknowledgment by former President George W. Bush for service to U.S. Veterans Affairs, and commendations from USDA Headquarters for outstanding job performance from 2018 to 2024. Cheng’s influence reaches beyond academia into practical applications, as evidenced by his involvement in developing or correcting business HACCP plans, SSOPs, and standards. He has played a pivotal role in solving public health and food safety challenges on the frontlines. In recent years, Cheng has assumed leadership in ensuring food and health safety in the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, particularly in poultry, meat, egg products, and other Ready-to-Eat (RTE) production plants.

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FSIS’ International Liaison Director in Mexico City, Mexico, Ciarra Toomey, began her USDA career in 2008 as a trial attorney with the Office of the General Counsel’s (OGC) Trade Practices Division, now the Marketing, Regulatory and Food Safety Programs Division. In her role with OGC, Toomey represented and provided legal counsel to USDA agencies, including the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Agricultural Marketing Service, on a variety of legal, policy and international issues as well as civil, criminal and administrative enforcement actions. She also represented FSIS in administrative and federal court matters, often bringing federal actions against establishments for regulation violations with the goal of getting establishments back into compliance.

In early 2022, Toomey learned of the international liaison director vacancy within the FSIS Office of International Coordination (OIC). Her OGC experience with APHIS involved working with Mexican authorities on a number of issues and she was intrigued. She applied for the position and accepted the job in April 2022.

Ciarra Toomey

Responsibilities

As the OIC international liaison director, Toomey oversees all aspects of directing the FSIS office in Mexico. She works very closely with FSIS’ and APHIS’ foreign counterpart, the National Service of Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety and Quality (SENASICA), an agency in the Mexican Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. She works to develop a broad, coordinated food safety program that focuses on critical mission-related activities and issues within Mexico to determine food safety performance deficiencies or underperformance in meeting FSIS’ stated public health mission and objectives in Mexico and several countries in Central America.

The international liaison director’s role carries many responsibilities. Toomey said, “Part of my role is to develop and maintain relationships with foreign government and industry officials to further FSIS’ mission in the country. My job is important to the nation because the work of our office helps to ensure that food is safe coming in and out of Mexico. We are protecting not only the public health of the United States, but internationally as well.” To achieve this, she works daily with other USDA agencies, namely APHIS and the Foreign Agricultural Service, to coordinate an approach across USDA agencies to solve complex trade problems on our shared border with Mexico.

First Year Milestones

In the past year, Toomey has conducted seminars for Mexican government officials to help them better understand FSIS export procedures and our agency as a whole, with a focus on export certification documents. She explains what happens if there is a contaminated or adulterated sample or if we receive a contaminated product on our side of the border. In this role of “helping our neighbors,” as Toomey phrases it, it is important to know who to reach out to in any given situation. She frequently works with SENASICA, building important contacts.

Another milestone involved Toomey speaking at the United Nations’ World Food Safety Day observance with local Mexican officials on June 7, 2023. Toomey represented FSIS on international matters that have an impact on food safety. Attending such events allows Toomey to build what she calls “relationships of trust.” She believes it is important to be open, transparent and a good ally with our neighbors to achieve diplomatic success.

Toomey is proud of her work because she feels like she is making a difference both domestically and internationally. Said Toomey, “FSIS’ personnel enable me to be successful in protecting public health. I have had the privilege of working with extremely knowledgeable and kind people at FSIS, from excellent supervisors to all my esteemed colleagues in OIC and all other program areas that have mentored and guided me in successfully representing the agency at an international level.”

Training

“FSIS empowers me with the necessary training, tools and approaches to be successful,” said Toomey. In particular, she feels Inspection Methods (IM) training was most helpful because her exposure to FSIS while working in OGC was very focused on regulations. IM provided a different perspective.

Toomey also benefitted from a course she took that was provided by the Mexican Embassy. The program explained the country’s politics, history, culture and government. “I need to make and carry out informed decisions that protect public health and promote food safety. I have been able to participate in Mexican study programs, which has helped me better understand our foreign counterparts and how to best reach positive results in our agricultural relationship.” In addition to building current relationships, Toomey receives support from her previous relationships and mentors, who provide her with frequent support.

Toomey’s Dream Job

Both of Toomey’s parents were civil servants — her father was a New York City firefighter, and her mother is the principal of a school in Brooklyn, New York — and Toomey is proud to continue their legacy of service. “As an attorney in the federal government, I am able to use my skills to help protect public health and serve my nation. I can get justice without compromising any values, and I am honored and privileged to be in the position. It is my dream job,” said Toomey.

A typical workday for Toomey may involve meeting with foreign government officials, non-government organizations, international organizations or industry organizations, resolving any issues through diplomacy by being trustworthy and reliable but firm.

Toomey first learned of FSIS when she worked in OGC where she worked on many international issues, mainly for APHIS. Said Toomey, “My work with APHIS brought me to Mexico many times to negotiate and conclude international agreements and work on bilateral trade issues. This position allows me to marry the skills and expertise I developed during my years at OGC, both in international affairs and representing FSIS in various administrative and federal cases.” Toomey credits much of her success to her current supervisors. Said Toomey, “They have all taught me so much about how to be successful in this position and continuously provide great support.”

“Ciarra’s combination of intelligence, a solutions-oriented and collaborative approach to work, and friendly and engaging personality, make her perfect to direct our office in Mexico City and represent FSIS in Mexico,” said Catlin.

Education

While completing her Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy, politics and law at the State University of New York at Binghamton, Toomey had the opportunity to study abroad in Valencia, Spain. Shortly after graduating in 2004, she enrolled in both the Syracuse University College of Law, where she studied abroad in Strasbourg, France and Hong Kong, and in Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, where she studied abroad in Macau, China and London, England.

In 2007, she graduated with a Juris Doctor degree and a Master of Arts degree in international relations. Toomey puts all three of her degrees to good use when teaching International Law at the George Washington University, where she has lectured virtually part-time since 2008.

Outside of Work

When she is not at work helping to ensure food safety, Toomey enjoys traveling, reading, dancing and going to the theater. She also enjoys spending time with her young son. Her career move to Mexico City has afforded them the opportunity to travel to different destinations throughout Mexico. They continue to appreciate and learn about Mexican culture and look forward to further exploring the country.

Editor’s note: Ciarra Toomey retired shortly after giving this interview, which was recently released by the USDA.

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A poll about local perceptions over the Jan. 4 search warrant of Amos Miller’s Pennsylvania farm found 85.3 percent think it was “government overreach.”

But Miller is likely feeling even more warm and fuzzy about $202,460 being raised from his friends and supporters since Jan. 4 toward a current goal of $350,000.

The current fundraising is to help Miller with the state civil action he is facing concerning the Jan. 4 search warrant. His first court appearance is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Feb. 29 before Judge Sponaugle in the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas, 50 North Duke Street, Lancaster, PA. 

Miller is also letting his supporters know they are “welcome to attend.”

Fundraising when he is the target of litigation is nothing new for Miller. During his recent federal case that ended last year, Miller collected more than $500,000 from his network of supporters.

Miller recently wrote on his current fund-raising website: “It has been a challenging month here at the farm. We are currently not allowed to sell any raw dairy products, and it breaks our hearts that the state of Pennsylvania is forcing us to turn so many of you away when you beg us for the food you depend on for your health. This ruling was put in place before our attorney, Robert Barnes, could make any argument or statement on our behalf. We hope and pray that he will be able to show the Court the truth and that we will be able to supply your needs again”

•  Until the Feb. 29 hearing, Miller, his wife, and various businesses are prohibited  from producing or selling raw milk and raw milk products because of their ”immediate and irreparable injury.”

An order by state Judge Thomas Sponaugie grants the request of the Pennsylvania Attorney General, who has a pending civil action before the court, to permanently prevent Miller and his business enterprises from selling unpasteurized, raw milk and unregulated products because he is endangering public health.

The judge’s order also requires Miller and his businesses to permit the State Department of Agriculture complete access to his records and test products.

Miller further must notify his customers that his products were traced to two recent foodborne illnesses. Further, the judge ordered him to notify his customers that raw milk collected from Miller’s farm on Jan. 4 under a search warrant tested positive for Listeria.

The attorney general has charged Miller with violating several state food safety laws.

Miller was last a defendant in a federal civil action brought after 2016 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on behalf of USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The federal citation ended with Miller and his attorney signing a lengthy Consent Decree 2023 that promises compliance with food safety laws.

Miller’s raw milk in 2016 was found to be genetically similar to the bacteria in two listeriosis cases, including a death case.

For a time in federal court, Miller claimed he was not subject to federal  jurisdiction because he was a “sovereign citizen.”

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The chief executive officer of a Norwegian company linked to a Listeria outbreak has insisted it takes comprehensive action to tackle the pathogen.

Comments from Henning Beltestad, CEO of Lerøy Seafood Group, come after scrutiny of the Lerøy Midt slaughterhouse and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority’s (Mattilsynet) follow-up on Listeria control.

Citing a notification to the company from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, Norwegian broadcaster NRK said Listeria had been detected 700 times in the production environment at the salmon slaughterhouse from August 2022 to November 2023.

“In our operations, we have always focused on minimizing the occurrence of Listeria and providing accurate and comprehensive information to our customers and public authorities. We have an integrated value chain for salmon production, which gives us the best conditions to ensure safe and healthy products for consumers,” said Beltestad.

Deadly Swedish outbreak

A Listeria outbreak was declared over in Sweden in August 2023. It affected 19 people aged 63 to 93, including 13 men and six women. People started falling sick in September 2022, but 15 cases occurred from the end of May 2023.

Seven people died. However, it was unclear what role listeriosis played in their death because most patients had other severe underlying diseases.

Fourteen patients had eaten some type of salmon from one of two different brands. Both brands are produced by the same company and Listeria was detected in products and samples in the company’s facility, according to Folkhälsomyndigheten (the Public Health Agency of Sweden).

Analysis from food, the factory and patients showed it was the same variant. The same type of Listeria was also detected in a couple of different lots of salmon raw material from a slaughterhouse in Norway.

Beltestad said it has several measures in place to prevent Listeria in raw materials and finished products.

Action taken when positives found

The company’s sampling program covers surfaces in the factory, raw materials, and finished products. Lerøy Midt said it conducts between 8,000 and 10,000 samples annually in the factory and on equipment.

“Our strategy is to search and find, and then take action. With such extensive sampling, Listeria will be found over a period, which is natural as it is present everywhere in the environment around us,” said Beltestad.

“When Listeria is detected on fish, actions are taken, and non-conformance reporting is carried out. Although the regulations do not specify any obligation to notify for a raw material supplier like Lerøy Midt, Lerøy also has its own procedure for information to the next level, ensuring food safety.”

Lerøy said it has a detailed system for daily cleaning and disinfection of production facilities and non-conformance handling. It has also worked with an equipment supplier to design machines that are easier to clean, to reduce the risk of Listeria occurrence.

“Lerøy produces five million meals every day, sold to over 80 countries. In the entire year 2023, we had only three recalls of small product batches. This demonstrates that our control measures are effective, and Lerøy produces safe food every day, all year round,” said Beltestad.

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Several European-funded food safety projects have officially started.

The Food Safety for Africa (FS4Africa) project is designed to address traceability, authenticity, and food safety issues in the continent.

Challenges aiming to be tackled include mycotoxin contamination in multiple food crops, pesticide residues in grains and vegetables, microbial contamination, particularly E. coli, and food adulteration. The goal is to improve African food safety systems, with attention on the informal sector, through policy development and implementation of existing policies.

With almost €5 million ($5.4 million) in funding under Horizon Europe, the project, coordinated by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Nigeria, runs until December 2027. Other partners include Wageningen University, the University of Pretoria, the African Union Development Agency, Foodscale Hub, Innovation Technology Cluster, and Bayer.

A separate project will focus on food safety practices and mycotoxin contamination in all aspects of food production, distribution, marketing, and consumption.

UP-RISE EU-African Union will include field work in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. Outputs will be demonstrated on five fermented food product value chains based on maize, millet, sorghum or milk and will be implemented in 10 SMEs in the target member states.

Efforts cover strengthening the regulatory framework with a focus on mycotoxins in formal and informal sectors; early warning to prevent mycotoxin contamination and adapt to climate change; prevention of food loss and improving food safety by providing solutions for mycotoxin reduction.

With more than €5 million ($5.4 million) in EU funding, the project, coordinated by Ghent University, also runs until December 2027. Other partners are the National Research Council (CNR), the University of Nairobi, Women in Africa, ADS Insight, and the Université de Montpellier.

Information sharing and mycotoxins in beans
Another project will try to support adoption of knowledge and innovative solutions along the value chain.

CATALYSE aims to bridge the gap between end users, innovators, practitioners, trainers, and regulators by facilitating communication among these parties while acknowledging practical needs.

Partners will provide food safety education and training, and support food business start-ups and SMEs. Data on inventions and practices related to food safety will be made available on an open access platform to support communication.

With under €2 million ($2.1 million) in funding, the project, coordinated by Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, runs until December 2026. Other partners include Nofima, the European Federation of Food Science and Technology (EFFoST), Ruokavirasto, FoodDrinkEurope, and the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES).

A fourth project will explore emerging risks due to the occurrence of mycotoxins in legumes intended as alternative plant proteins.

MYCOBEANS will bring innovation in mycotoxins diagnostics, toxicological evaluation, and biotechnological mitigation along the plant protein supply chain.

The consortium, led by the University of Parma, includes Barilla and R-Biopharm. Queen’s University Belfast, Lynn’s Country Foods, and the National Science and Technology Development Agency in Thailand are among the partners. The EU has contributed more than €700,000 ($757,000) to the project which ends in December 2027.

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Macgregors Meat and Seafood Ltd, in Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada, is recalling approximately 2,745 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat pork products that were not presented for import reinspection into the United States, according to USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The following products are subject to the recall:

• 1.5-lb. cartons containing “44TH Street Slow Cooked BABY BACK RIBS MAPLEWOOD SMOKED SAUCE” with Julian dates 3453 and 0154 printed on the side of the immediate package. The product is packed in cases marked with Cert. No. Cert 043436, Production Date 3453 with USE BY 2024 DE 10 and Production Date 0154 with USE BY 2025 JA 14.
• 1.5-lb. cartons containing “44TH Street Glazed, Slow Cooked BABY BACK RIBS HONEY GARLIC SAUCE” with Julian dates 1453 and 1593 printed on the side of the immediate package. The product is packed in cases marked with Cert. No. Cert 043436, Production Date 1453 with USE BY 2024 MA 24 and Production Date 1593 with USE BY 2024 JN 07.

The products subject to recall bear Canadian establishment number 566 printed inside the Canadian inspection mark on the label. These items were shipped to retail locations and restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

The lack of U.S. inspection was discovered when the firm notified FSIS that the product was not presented for FSIS import reinspection.

There have been no confirmed reports of illness or adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness or reaction should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS is concerned that some products may be in consumer and restaurant freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. Restaurants are urged not to serve these products. The products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify that recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to ensure the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

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The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) has opened nominations for the prestigious 2024 Black Pearl Award, recognizing outstanding commitment and achievement in corporate excellence in food safety and quality. The award is a symbol of distinction in the industry, highlighting companies that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to maintaining high standards in food safety.

The Black Pearl Award, sponsored by F&H Food Equipment Company, is a mark of excellence in the field of food safety. The 2023 recipient, Compass Group North America, was acknowledged for exemplary contributions to food safety and quality at last year’s IAFP Annual Meeting. Previous winners are also eligible to reapply for the award after a five-year interval, showcasing the sustained commitment required to achieve this recognition.

Nominations for the 2024 Black Pearl Award are currently being accepted, and the deadline for submissions is set for Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. The process is open to both members and non-members of IAFP. Interested parties can find detailed information on how to submit their nomination packets on the official IAFP website. Electronic submissions are encouraged and will be accepted.

The Black Pearl Award is just one among various accolades presented by IAFP to honor professionals and companies in the food safety domain. The association aims to recognize excellence across different categories, emphasizing that nominees need not be IAFP members. Alongside the awards, IAFP encourages its members to explore opportunities for travel awards, facilitating participation in the IAFP Annual Meeting.

About IAFP Annual Meeting
Scheduled for July 14-17, 2024, in Long Beach, CA, the IAFP Annual Meeting is a global platform attracting over 3,500 industry, academic, and governmental food safety professionals from six continents. The event serves as a dynamic hub for sharing insights into current and emerging food safety issues, featuring the latest scientific advancements, innovative solutions, and networking opportunities.

Nominations for various awards and travel scholarships are currently open, with a deadline of Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, for most award categories. Students, industry experts, and professionals in health or agricultural departments are encouraged to apply for these accolades, contributing to the continuous elevation of excellence within the food safety field.

For those interested in attending the IAFP 2024 Annual Meeting, registration details can be found on the association’s website. The meeting is anticipated to uphold its reputation as the premier global food safety conference, offering a comprehensive program, cutting-edge technology exhibits, and featuring renowned experts as speakers. The IAFP continues to play a crucial role in fostering a community dedicated to advancing food safety standards and honoring those who excel in the field.

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is out with its ” key achievements” for 2023 that protected public health through food safety and strengthened the food supply chain.

“USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is focused on protecting the American public, and in 2023, we continued to advance initiatives toward this goal, including by empowering small establishments in producing safe food and meeting consumer expectations on labeling claims,” said USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Emilio Esteban. “As we reflect on the past year’s accomplishments, we remain committed to preventing foodborne illness, ensuring the safety of the nation’s food supply, and strengthening the food supply chain.”

Empowering small and very small establishments through comprehensive outreach to strengthen the food supply chain
FSIS continued the agency’s targeted outreach efforts to help small and very small plants produce safe food. This was achieved by hosting five roundtables, reaching nearly 400 participants with virtual and in-person attendance. The goal was to increase access to regulatory information and best practices to maintain and enhance food safety and strengthen the supply chain. FSIS implemented options for interpretation, translation, and sign language services to ensure the roundtables were accessible to all small plant attendees.

In July, FSIS launched a monthly newsletter for small and very small establishments to help them stay on top of the latest developments that may impact their operations. In addition, FSIS used funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to assist more than 2,900 small and very small plants by reducing overtime and holiday inspection fees, giving these small businesses economic flexibility through saved operational costs.

To meet smaller producers’ need for specialized outreach and guidance materials, FSIS released three new guidance documents to help the industry, including small plants, in producing safe and adequately labeled food, and hosted webinars to assist the industry in understanding the guidelines: FSIS Guideline for Label Approval; FSIS Ready-to-Eat Fermented, Salt-Cured, and Dried Products; and FSIS Guideline to Control Salmonella in Swine Slaughter and Pork Processing Establishments.

Affirming FSIS’ commitment to strengthen tribal sovereignty and self-sufficiency 
FSIS is dedicated to expanding collaborations that increase food security, respect traditions, and serve Tribal nations. In partnership with USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, FSIS incorporated culturally appropriate food safety information in boxes delivered through the Food Distribution Program in Tribal communities.

In addition, FSIS participated in the launching of the Bison Pilot Project, which represents an essential collaboration between USDA agencies that will promote equity and remove barriers to USDA services and programs for Indian Country while still ensuring that food safety standards are met. This pilot will allow for state or federal inspection of Tribally produced bison meat, removing a significant barrier to selling this meat to USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service.

FSIS also assisted two Tribal establishments — one within the Muscogee Creek Nation, the other within the Cherokee Nation — by applying for federal inspection to slaughter and process cattle, sheep, goats, and swine.

As Tribes work to preserve their traditions and expand their meat and poultry processing capacity, FSIS is fully committed to listening to and understanding diverse Tribal perspectives. FSIS presented at two meetings with Tribal leadership, communities, and businesses. These events create a space for direct communication, strengthen trust, and ensured FSIS policies and programs adequately consider Tribal interests, needs, traditions, and culture. FSIS also launched a new enhancement to its publicly available Meat, Poultry, and Egg Product Inspection Directory to visualize the boundaries of Tribal land.

Meeting consumer expectations on labeling claims 
FSIS published the results of a nationwide consumer survey that revealed that the current “Product of USA” claim is misleading to most consumers. The consumer survey results informed a new proposed rule with requirements for the use of the voluntary Product of USA claim on FSIS-regulated products.

In addition, FSIS is strengthening the substantiation of animal-raising claims by partnering with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service to conduct a sampling project to identify if antibiotic residues are present in cattle destined for the “raised without antibiotics” market. FSIS also reviews and updates its guidance documents regarding animal-raising and environmental claims.

Developing a new strategy to Target salmonella in poultry to protect consumers from illness better
After announcing its intent to propose a regulatory framework to reduce Salmonella infections linked to poultry products, FSIS completed a peer-reviewed risk profile for Salmonella subtypes and collaborated on peer-reviewed quantitative risk assessments for Salmonella in chicken and turkey to inform new Salmonella policies.

FSIS continued to hold meetings with stakeholders, including a virtual public meeting on Reducing Salmonella in Poultry and a meeting with small and very small establishments. All comments received in these forums were reviewed and considered in developing a formal regulatory proposal, which is expected to be published in early 2024.

By the Numbers: Safeguarding food safety across all federally inspected establishments 
FSIS protected public health by conducting antemortem and post-mortem inspections of 161 million head of livestock and 9.8 billion poultry carcasses. Approximately 304 million pounds of inspected catfish were produced in 2023. Additionally, FSIS inspected 2.7 billion pounds of liquid, frozen, and dried egg products.  FSIS staff also conducted 7.7 million food safety procedures to verify that systems at all federally inspected facilities continued to maintain food safety and wholesomeness requirements. FSIS continues its commitment to modernize inspection systems and operations to enhance efficiencies without compromising food safety.

Raising consumer awareness of food safety 
FSIS’ actions to protect public health extend to consumers through strategic outreach and education activities. FSIS responded to 11,740 inquiries through the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline, and more than 7.9 million consumers accessed the self-service food safety resource database. In addition, AskFSIS responded to nearly 36,000 customer questions, and FSIS Q&As posted on the AskUSDA website were viewed more than 341,000 times.

FSIS proactively shared vital food safety information with media outlets, reaching over 27 million consumers through numerous high-profile outlets. In addition, FSIS executed new strategic partnerships with national food delivery service companies that culminated in new outreach to consumers across 29 states through more than 165,000 meal delivery boxes during the Thanksgiving season.

FSIS also released the results from the final year of its 5-year observational study on behaviors that impact food safety during meal preparation. FSIS uses the study results to adjust its messaging to consumers on safe food handling practices.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans daily. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

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Four ways to improve food safety and enhance trade have been put forward in a policy brief.

The document discusses trade and food safety links and highlights the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) role.

While trade can provide consumers with sufficient, diverse, and nutritious food, it can also contribute to the increased availability of unsafe food, said Markus Lipp, Vittorio Fattori, and Cosimo Avesani.

The brief suggests that to facilitate trade and ensure safe food for all at all times, countries must take further steps to improve food safety at the national, regional, and international levels and ensure the proper application and harmonization of food standards. 

The authors said investment in food safety is essential, and capacity-building support from FAO and other organizations is key.

Food safety requirements can raise production costs, affect the reputation of a product, and limit access to some markets. According to the brief, such measures and controls need to protect public health while avoiding unnecessary costs and trade barriers.

Four areas of focus

The document mentions Codex standards and the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, produced ahead of WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi from Feb. 26 to 29.

Lipp, Fattori, and Avesani said efforts to improve food safety and enhance trade should focus on four areas. The first was a strong and effective national food control system.

“While the task is on the food industry to produce safe products, governments have a responsibility to provide a well-functioning national food control system,” said the brief.

The second was sound scientific advice and evidence, given the pace of scientific innovation, new food technologies, and changing trade dynamics.

“To proactively address the changes in our evolving agrifood systems, scientific advice on food safety must keep abreast of these emerging issues and provide a sound basis for regulatory frameworks and decision-making processes. It is also important to promote the harmonization of standards to reduce compliance costs,” said the brief.

The other two areas were intergovernmental and multi-stakeholder engagement at the national and international levels and public and private stakeholder collaboration.

German funding and climate change in focus

Meanwhile, the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is to donate €1.95 million ($2.12 million) to the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF).

The money will strengthen the ability of small-scale farmers and producers to access global and regional markets for food and agriculture products through sanitary and phytosanitary projects. The projects will pilot approaches to facilitate safe trade in a way that helps reduce the risk of pests and diseases, contributing to safe food systems and mitigating the impact of climate change on food security.

“By aligning with international food safety standards, developing countries will be better positioned to access global markets, promoting economic growth, sustainability and job creation. This contribution will fund targeted initiatives, training programs and capacity-building efforts tailored to the unique challenges faced by these countries to meet international SPS standards,” said Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General.

Developing and least developed countries (LDCs) can apply for SPS project and project preparation grants from the STDF. The next deadline for funding proposals is March 1. STDF was established by the FAO, the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank Group, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and the WTO. 

In November 2023, STDF published a briefing note on SPS systems and climate change.

Challenges include rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and variations in temperature, humidity, and rainfall, affecting the persistence and occurrence of foodborne bacteria, viruses, and parasites, according to the document.

“Extreme weather events, droughts, and rising temperatures affect distribution patterns of pests and diseases and contribute to increased and new food safety risks. The effects on food safety and animal and plant health are already noticeable and will intensify further. Changing climactic factors also affect the prevalence of chemical hazards such as harmful algal toxins, mycotoxins, and methylmercury in food.”

The briefing note also focuses on what needs to be done to address the challenges.

“Discussions on climate change should prioritize efficient food safety, animal and plant health systems, resulting in more political attention and subsequent much-needed funding. Improving monitoring and surveillance capacity will be fundamental to detecting, managing, and controlling increased and new SPS risks posed by climate change, to inform risk assessments, and to reduce their uncertainty.” 

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Wisconsin’s health department has launched a system to help people report foodborne illnesses to more quickly identify outbreaks.

In the form of an online survey, the system allows people who suspect their illness might be from eating or drinking something contaminated to report symptoms, recent food items eaten, and places visited before becoming sick, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health.

“By using this tool, Wisconsinites can help other people in their community from getting sick and prevent outbreaks,” said DHS State Health Officer Paula Tran. 

“Ingesting contaminated food and water may cause just a little stomach upset for some; for others, it can lead to hospitalization and be life-threatening. We’re asking people — to report it quickly when you’re feeling sick.”

The questionnaire can help officials identify a source of contamination and learn more about water and food-related illnesses, as officials believe they are underreported, given that those infected often feel better without seeking medical treatment.

Foodborne illnesses can be challenging to diagnose, so people with classic symptoms should seek medical attention and ask for specific tests if they believe they have become sick because of a specific illness.

Typical symptoms of foodborne illnesses include severe diarrhea that can be bloody. Abdominal cramping and vomiting may also be present and do not subside in two or three days.

The WDH explained the online tool is especially important to help fight against norovirus, as cases typically spike in the winter. According to the CDC, norovirus is very contagious and easily spreads through contact with someone who has the virus, sharing food, or eating food they handle. Symptoms often include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain.

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A Norwegian company has revealed that it sold frozen salmon for several years, which was not suitable for human consumption.

Findings come from an internal investigation by the board of Pure Norwegian Seafood (PNS) into suspected irregularities in the sale of frozen salmon. Prior regulatory inspections, controls, and audits had not discovered the issues.

The board of PNS said it first suspected something at the end of October 2023. The sale of frozen salmon was halted, affected products were recalled, and the frozen salmon storage was sealed. Two individuals in the company were suspended. 

There are no reports of related illness

PNS was found to have sold frozen salmon that, according to Norwegian regulations, is not suitable for human consumption. This includes self-dead fish, floor fish, and sexually mature fish. The sale of these categories is illegal. Affected fish should have been discarded or subject to secondary processing before export.

Experts commissioned by PNS thawed frozen salmon of the types sold from the warehouse and examined them. No samples tested positive for Salmonella. The percentage of samples with Listeria monocytogenes was higher than what was expected. Listeria was only detected on the outside of fish. There are no reports that anyone’s health has been affected. 

Sales occurred to around 20 customers, especially in Eastern Europe. Findings from the investigation suggest these firms were aware of what they were buying and asked for frozen salmon in these categories. It has not been possible to determine what happened to the final products.

Estimates suggest that sales of salmon not fit for human consumption constituted just under 1 percent of the total volume of fish in PNS between 2020 and 2023, amounting to around 500 tons.

PNS also exported fish without it being processed domestically according to regulations. This kind of salmon is not unfit to eat but has external damages that must be corrected in Norway before export. The investigation indicated that between 300 and 400 tons of production fish had been exported in the past four years.

Findings ‘serious and disappointing’
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) was notified early in November. Authorities have also been informed about the findings and conclusions.

“This is a very serious matter. The investigation is not a verdict and does not give final answers, but it documents surprising and disappointing activities. Considerable work has been done to address these issues, and we are continuing those efforts,” said Helge Kvalvik, chair of the board at PNS.

“The most severe issue, in our opinion, is that the investigation uncovers systematic and concealed sales of salmon that should not have gone to human consumption. Upon request, specific customers can purchase frozen salmon that is self-dead, damaged, sexually mature, or so-called floor fish.

“In addition, production fish has been exported. This category of salmon is suited for human consumption but must be processed and corrected in Norway before export, according to Norwegian regulations.”

Måsøval acquired 65 percent of PNS in June 2021. Kvalvik is also the CEO of Måsøval, which has been a supplier of salmon to PNS. 

“These activities have been kept concealed. Neither the board of PNS, Måsøval as a supplier, nor the auditors have discovered it until now. There have been inspections and controls from the Norwegian authorities in recent years, but the activities have not been possible to uncover.”

Remy Strømskag, acting CEO of PNS since October 2023, said it had been a hard few months for everyone working there.

“It is tough to acknowledge that the company has exported frozen salmon that does not meet our standards. This should have been reported and addressed earlier. We are working together to ensure that something like this will never happen again.”

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Nam & Son of MD of Jessup, MD, has expanded a recall of one-pound bags of soybean sprouts, with the sell-by date of Dec. 21, 2023, because testing has shown contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

The product was distributed to retail stores in Maryland on Dec. 14, 2023, according to the company’s recall notice posted by the FDA on Feb. 1, 2024.

The affected product is packaged in 1-pound plastic bags labeled under the Nam & Son of MD DBA Sam Sung S & M Food and have a “Sell By” date of Dec. 21, 2023.

No illness has been reported to date in relation to the product. However, it can take up to 70 days after exposure for symptoms of Listeria infection to develop.

The recall was initiated after a random sample was collected and analyzed by the state of Maryland, which resulted in confirmation of presence Listeria Monocytogenes in the product. The company has actively started investigating the root cause of the problem. 

All retail stores who have this “Sell By” date on the packaging should remove this product from their shelves. Consumers should not consume the products and should discard this product or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers should contact their health provider with any illness concerns. Consumers with questions about the warning may contact Nam & Son at 443-896-6738.

Link to First Recall

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 recalled product and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten 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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A bipartisan pair of U.S. Senators have introduced legislation banning the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) from including cell-cultivated meat products on its menu.

The NSLP is the federally assisted meal program in public and nonprofit private schools and residential childcare institutions. It serves more than 4,9 billion lunches annually to more than 30 million children in about 100,000 schools.

U.S. Senators Mike Rounds, R-SD, and Jon Tester, D-MT, are sponsoring The School Lunch Integrity Act of 2024 to prevent lab-grown protein from being served in the School Lunch and Breakfast Programs.

Cell-grown meat has been in the active research and development stage since around 2013 but is not yet available in any commercial sense.

Rounds and Tester want to ban NSLP from offering lab-grown meat because USDA has not published any guidance on cell-cultivated protein. In addition, they argue that there is a lack of demonstrated studies showing the safety of lab-grown meat.

“Our students should not be test subjects for cell-cultivated ‘meat’ experiments,” said Rounds. “South Dakota farmers and ranchers work hard to produce high-quality beef products. These products are often sold to South Dakota schools, where they provide the necessary nutrition to our students. With high-quality, local beef readily available for our students, there’s no reason to serve fake, lab-grown meat products in the cafeteria. I’m pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation that benefits South Dakota producers and protects students from the unknown effects of cell-cultivated ‘meat’ products.”

“Montana ranchers grow the best meat in the world, that’s a fact – and our students ought to be getting the best in their school breakfasts and lunches daily,” said Tester. “This commonsense bill will ensure our schools can serve real meat from our ranchers, not a fake substitute grown in a lab.”  

The two “cattle-country” Senators have successfully united the Top 3 associations behind the bill.  The legislation is endorsed by the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, R-CALF USA, and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

“The federal government should not allow lab-grown protein in school lunch and breakfast programs without knowing the long-term health effects on children,” said Ethan Lane, Vice President of Government Affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “The lack of nutrition and allergen research related to lab-grown proteins creates unnecessary risks for children, while traditional beef provides essential nutrients that benefit children. School cafeterias are not test labs, and we appreciate Senator Rounds and Senator Tester for standing up for our children and cattle producers.”

As the Senate’s only working farmer, Tester has led the charge to support Montana ranchers and increase competition for American family farms and ranches. Last year, Tester introduced bipartisan legislation to ban Paraguayan beef imports and suspend Brazilian beef imports until experts can systematically review the commodity’s impact on food safety and animal health. Tester has repeatedly pressed USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack on suspending Brazilian beef imports to the U.S. and addressing consolidation in the ag industry, citing that JBS – one of the four big packers controlling more than 80 percent of the beef industry – is based in Brazil. 

Tester has also introduced his bipartisan Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act to increase market transparency by establishing minimums for negotiated sales and requiring transparent reporting of marketing contracts. His Meatpacking Special Investigator Act to combat anticompetitive practices in the meat processing industry by appointing a USDA special investigator with subpoena power to enforce the nation’s anti-trust laws. Last January, Tester introduced his bipartisan American Beef Labeling Act to reinstate mandatory country of original labeling (MCOOL) for beef.

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A multi-year outbreak of Listeria infections traced to peaches, nectarines, and plums has been declared over by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In its final update, the CDC reported that the seven-state outbreak had sickened 11 people and killed one. One of the patients was pregnant and went into pre-term labor.

All of the patients except one were hospitalized. The CDC says many more people were likely sickened in the outbreak but were not reported because they did not seek medical attention or were not tested explicitly for Listeria.

Listeria infection can be challenging to diagnose, and it can be hard to identify outbreaks because symptoms can take up to 70 days after exposure to develop. Patients are generally identified through testing because of symptoms. They are interviewed about the foods they ate before becoming ill.

Analysis showed that people in this outbreak were 18 times more likely to eat peaches, nectarines, or plums than sick people not in this outbreak. Sick people’s samples were collected from Aug. 22, 2018, to Aug. 16, 2023.

“On Oct. 23, 2023, the FDA collected a sample of HMC Farms peaches for testing and found Listeria. On Nov. 6, 2023, whole genome sequencing showed that the Listeria in the peaches were closely related to bacteria from sick people. This means that people likely got sick from eating those peaches,” according to the CDC’s final outbreak report. 

On November 17, 2023, HMC Farms recalled whole peaches, plums, and nectarines sold in stores between May 1 and November 15 in 2022 and 2023.

This outbreak is an example of how whole genome sequencing can identify outbreak patients separated by long periods. Using the technique, investigators can match new cases with previous ones by comparing samples in a database. Then, finding a match between contaminated food and a patient sample reveals the source of an outbreak.

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