Food Safety News

— OPINION —

By Steven Grossman, Executive Director of the Alliance for a Stronger FDA.

What started as a crisis over the safety and supply of infant formula became a wide-ranging review of FDA’s food programs by the Reagan-Udall Foundation. In turn, those led to the creation of a new post, Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, and the publication of a sweeping reorganization plan published on Dec. 13, 2023 (proposed changes and updates).

To learn more about the re-organization plan and its impact on food and nutrition programs, you are invited to a webinar on January 19 from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Register here.

Reflecting the importance of the reorganization plan — and the benefit to FDA of discussing the plan with stakeholders — the agency is providing the Alliance for a Stronger FDA with an all-star set of speakers.  

Presentations by:  

• Principal Deputy Commissioner Janet Woodcock
• Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones
• Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs Michael Rogers 
• Chief Scientist Namandje Bumpus (who will become Principal Deputy Commissioner in February)

Available to assist with questions will be Acting CFSAN Director Don Prater and Deputy Commissioner for Operations/COO Jim Sigg. 

The co-moderators on behalf of the Alliance will be: 

• Alliance Board member Sarah Sorscher of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, and 
• John Taylor, former Acting Deputy Commissioner for Global Regulatory Operations and Policy and member of the Reagan-Udall Foundation review panel. 

The Alliance for a Stronger FDA is a multi-stakeholder coalition that advocates for increased FDA resources. We have played a key role in the doubling of FDA’s taxpayer funding.

Our other goal is to educate policymakers, media, and stakeholders about FDA’s growing mission and increased responsibilities. As part of that effort, we ran 18 webinars in 2023, all featuring senior FDA leadership. Transcripts of our webinars can be found here: www.strengthenfda.org/events.

Other Alliance webinars that are coming up soon: 

• Dr. Robert Califf, FDA Commissioner, Jan. 31 at 2:00 p.m. EST. Register here.
• Kimberlee Trzeciak, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Policy, Legislation, and International Affairs, Febr. 8 at 3 p.m. Register here

 Our webinars are free — all you have to do is register.  For more information, contact Steven Grossman at sgrossman@strengthenfda.org or Ben Dash at bdash@ofwlaw.com  

About the Alliance: The Alliance for a Stronger FDA, created in 2007,  is a multi-stakeholder organization with 150+ members devoted to advocating for increased appropriations for the FDA and educating policymakers and the public about the FDA’s mission and responsibilities. The Alliance’s unique coalition of patient and consumer groups and industry mirrors FDA’s unique role in public health, safety and commerce.

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A senator has called for the creation of an agency to deal with public health after almost 3,000 people fell ill in the Philippines.

Senator Win Gatchalian is co-author of the Philippine Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) Act, which seeks to create such an agency. The proposed center would be the technical authority on forecasting, analysis, strategy, and standards development for preventing and controlling all diseases of public health importance and health security events.

Baguio City has recorded 2,764 cases of gastroenteritis this month. Initial results of water testing showed evidence of contamination.

The Baguio City Public Information Office said a peak of cases was recorded on January 8. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.

Samples from 62 establishments, households, and institutions had been tested as of January 12 at the public health laboratory, and 18 were positive for total coliforms and eight for E. coli. A dozen positive coliform tests were from water delivery firms, and four were from food outlets.

Officials believe contaminated water is behind the illnesses but have yet to find the source of contamination.

Push to create a CDC agency
Other responsibilities of the Philippine Center for Disease Prevention and Control would include disease surveillance and field epidemiology activities, establishing and strengthening public health laboratories, and building local capacity for surveillance and health research.

The proposals also direct provinces, cities, and municipalities to adopt and localize standards that the CDC would develop. To build capacity for disease surveillance, local government units (LGUs) would be mandated to fund and establish epidemiology and surveillance units and create positions for disease surveillance officers and field epidemiologists.

In December 2022, members of the House of Representatives approved a bill to establish the Philippine Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC). The agency would be under the Department of Health (DOH). The next step is approval by the Senate.

Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, has also appealed to the Department of Health to help in the outbreak of acute gastroenteritis cases.

Go emphasized the need to identify the cause of the outbreak and ensure drinking water safety in affected areas. He called for the DOH to intensify its information drive, especially in schools and communities, and to identify and address any suspected contamination in drinking water sources.

The DOH has recommended boiling water for two minutes or using chlorine-based water disinfection solutions.

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Cidrerie Milton is recalling Réserve Festive brand Strong Cider because of possible bursting bottles.

There is also concern about non-harmful microbial contamination in the product.

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

Recalled products:

BrandProductSizeCodesUPCRéserve FestiveStrong Cider750 mlL241023L2510238 41125 07557 9

Consumers and retailers should not use, sell, serve or distribute the affected product.

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Pattison Food Group is recalling Urban Fare brand UF Chia Tropical Fruit Parfait and Yogurt Parfait from the marketplace because of possible Salmonella contamination. 

These products were made using granola recalled by Quaker Canada on Jan. 11, 2024.

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the products were distributed in Alberta and British Columbia, Canada.

Recalled products:

BrandProductSizeUPCCodesUrban FareUF Chia Tropical Fruit Parfait~385 g0 288779 908998All best before dates up to and including 2024/JA/19Urban FareYogurt Parfait330 g0 280385 706999All best before dates up to and including 2024/JA/18

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Loblaw Companies Limited, Metro Ontario Inc. and Sobeys Inc. are recalling various products containing granola from the marketplace because of possible Salmonella contamination. 

These products were made using granola recalled by Quaker Canada on Jan. 11, 2024.

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

Recalled products:

BrandProductSizeUPCCodesAdditional InformationNone (Loblaw)Dragon Fruit Parfait250 gContains 244327All best before dates up to and including 2024.JA13Sold at the Loblaw banners in the list below and independent franchises in Western CanadaNone (Loblaw)Mango Parfait250 gContains 244326All best before dates up to and including 2024.JA13Sold at the Loblaw banners in the list below and independent franchises in Western CanadaNone (Loblaw)Blueberry Yogurt Parfait with Almond Granola260 gContains 234550All best before dates up to and including 2024.JA13Sold at the Loblaw banners in the list below and independent franchises in Western CanadaNone (Loblaw)Honey Greek Yogurt Parfait with Berry and Almond Granola295 gContains 255275All best before dates up to and including 2024.JA13Sold at the Loblaw banners in the list below and independent franchises in Western CanadaNone (Loblaw)Greek Yogurt Parfait with Acai and Almond Granola305 gContains 250145All best before dates up to and including 2024.JA13Sold at the Loblaw banners in the list below and independent franchises in Western CanadaNone (Loblaw)Acai Mixed with Berry Parfait and Almond Granola295 gContains 250131All best before dates up to and including 2024.JA13Sold at the Loblaw banners in the list below and independent franchises in Western CanadaNone (Loblaw)Yogurt Parfait Strawberry, “Blueberrie” and Almond Granola 295 gContains 252233All best before dates up to and including 2024.JA13Sold at the Loblaw banners in the list below and independent franchises in Western CanadaNone (Loblaw)Yogurt and Peach Parfait with Almond Granola255 gContains 250262All best before dates up to and including 2024.JA13Sold at the Loblaw banners in the list below and independent franchises in Western CanadaNone (Loblaw)Yogurt Raspberry Banana Parfait with Almond Granola 290 gContains 250148All best before dates up to and including 2024.JA13Sold at the Loblaw banners in the list below and independent franchises in Western CanadaNone (Loblaw)Yogurt and Strawberries Parfait with Almond Granola260 gContains 231027All best before dates up to and including 2024.JA13Sold at the Loblaw banners in the list below and independent franchises in Western Canada BrandProductSizeUPCCodesAdditional InformationNone (Loblaw)Acai Blend, Kiwi, Strawberry Parfait and Almond Granola300 gContains 250143All best before dates up to and including 2024.JA13Sold at the Loblaw banners in the list below and independent franchises in Western CanadaNone (Metro)Mixed Berry Yogurt Parfait w/Almonds328 gVariableAll codes sold up to and including January 12, 2024Sold at Metro stores in OntarioNone (Metro)Mixed Berry Greek Yogurt Parfait w/Almonds328 gVariableAll codes sold up to and including January 12, 2024Sold at Metro stores in OntarioNone (Sobeys)Yogurt Bowl BananaVariablePLU 35281All best before dates up to and including 2024JA15Sold at the Sobeys banners in Atlantic, Ontario, and Western Canada in the list belowNone (Sobeys)Yogurt Bowl Mx BerryVariablePLU 35283All best before dates up to and including 2024JA15Sold at the Sobeys banners in Atlantic, Ontario, and Western Canada in the list belowNone (Sobeys)Nutty Yogurt BerryVariablePLU 54557All best before dates up to and including 2024JA15Sold at the Sobeys banners in Atlantic, Ontario, and Western Canada in the list belowNone (Sobeys)Nutty Greek Yogurt BowlVariablePLU 16349All best before dates up to and including 2024JA15Sold at the Sobeys banners in Atlantic, Ontario, and Western Canada in the list belowNone (Sobeys)Yogurt Bowl Plain With GranolaVariablePLU 35282All best before dates up to and including 2024JA15Sold at the Sobeys banners in Atlantic, Ontario, and Western Canada in the list belowNone (Sobeys)Yogurt Bowl StwbryVariablePLU 35285All best before dates up to and including 2024JA15Sold at the Sobeys banners in Atlantic, Ontario, and Western Canada in the list belowNone (Sobeys)Greek Yogurt BananaVariablePLU 45891All best before dates up to and including 2024JA15Sold at the Sobeys banners in Atlantic, Ontario, and Western Canada in the list below BrandProductSizeUPCCodesAdditional InformationNone (Sobeys)GRK Yog Bowl Mx BerryVariablePLU 46071All best before dates up to and including 2024JA15Sold at the Sobeys banners in Atlantic, Ontario, and Western Canada in the list belowNone (Sobeys)GRK Yog Bowl StwbryVariablePLU 46072All best before dates up to and including 2024JA15Sold at the Sobeys banners in Atlantic, Ontario, and Western Canada in the list belowNone (Sobeys)Greek Yogurt Bowl Plain With GranolaVariablePLU 46070All best before dates up to and including 2024JA15Sold at the Sobeys banners in Atlantic, Ontario, and Western Canada in the list belowNone (Sobeys)Yogurt Granola Fruit CupVariablePLU 54568All best before dates up to and including 2024JA15Sold at the Sobeys banners in Atlantic, Ontario, and Western Canada in the list belowNone (Sobeys)Greek Yogurt Fruit BowlVariablePLU 16352All best before dates up to and including 2024JA15Sold at the Sobeys banners in Atlantic, Ontario, and Western Canada in the list belowNone (Sobeys)Yogurt Bowl Banana~300 gPLU 22267All best before dates up to and including 2024.JA15Sold at the Sobeys banners in Western Canada in the list below and wholesale accounts in AlbertaNone (Sobeys)Yogurt Bowl Mixed Berry~300 gPLU 21891All best before dates up to and including 2024.JA15Sold at the Sobeys banners in Western Canada in the list below and wholesale accounts in AlbertaNone (Sobeys)Greek Yogurt Bowl Mixed Berry~300 gPLU 22268All best before dates up to and including 2024.JA15Sold at the Sobeys banners in Western Canada in the list below and wholesale accounts in AlbertaNone (Sobeys)Parfait S/Bry Granola280 gPLU 28231All best before dates up to and including 2024JA14Sold at the Sobeys banners in Quebec in the list belowNone (Sobeys)Parfait S/BryGran Sml170 gPLU 28233All best before dates up to and including 2024JA14Sold at the Sobeys banners in Quebec in the list below BrandProductSizeUPCCodesAdditional InformationNone (Sobeys)Parfait Rasp Granola280 gPLU 28235All best before dates up to and including 2024JA14Sold at the Sobeys banners in Quebec in the list belowNone (Sobeys)Parfait Mxd Bry Gran170 gPLU 28236All best before dates up to and including 2024JA14Sold at the Sobeys banners in Quebec in the list belowNone (Sobeys)Parfait Rasp Granola170 gPLU 28257All best before dates up to and including 2024JA14Sold at the Sobeys banners in Quebec in the list belowNone (Sobeys)Mxd Berry Gran Parf280 gPLU 29192All best before dates up to and including 2024JA14Sold at the Sobeys banners in Quebec in the list below

List of Loblaw banners:

• Atlantic: Atlantic Superstore, Dominion, Atlantic Your Independent Grocer, Wholesale Club
• Quebec: Provigo, Maxi, Wholesale Club
• Ontario: Superstore, Fortinos, Loblaw, Valu-Mart, Your Independent Grocer, Zehrs
• Western Canada: Superstore, Your Independent Grocer, Extra Foods, Wholesale Club

List of Sobeys banners:

• Atlantic: Coop, Foodland, Sobeys
• Quebec: IGA, IGA Extra, IGA Express, IGA Mini, Tradition, Bonichoix, Bonisoir, Omni, Voisin, Rachelle-Béry
• Ontario: Foodland, Sobeys
• Western Canada: IGA, Safeway, Sobeys, Thrifty Foods

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Gentro Foods Inc. is recalling Eagle brand corn (frozen) from the marketplace because of possible Salmonella contamination.

This recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) test results.

According to the CFIA, the products were distributed in Ontario, Canada and possibly other provinces and territories.

Recalled products:

BrandProductSizeUPCCodesEagleCorn (frozen)1.75 kg0 55722 96964 702/01/2025

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

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

Consumers should not consume, use, sell, serve or distribute recalled products.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about certain tejocote root supplements substituted with toxic yellow oleander.

FDA analysis has determined that certain dietary supplements labeled as tejocote (Crataegus mexicana) root because they were tested and found to be substituted with yellow oleander (Cascabela thevetia), a poisonous plant native to Mexico and Central America and a toxic substance of concern to public health officials.

Ingestion of yellow oleander can cause neurologic, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular adverse health effects that may be severe, or even fatal. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cardiac changes, dysrhythmia and more.

The FDA’s warning has prompted World Green Nutrition, Inc. to recall Elv Alipotec brand Mexican Tejocote Root Supplement Pieces (Raiz De Tejocote Mexicano Suplemento En Trozos), NET. WT, 0.3 0Z (7g), due to the presence of yellow oleander in the product. The full recall can be found here.

The products subject to the warning are typically sold online through third-party platforms.

Tested Products:

To date, the FDA has tested 9 samples, representing the 9 different products listed below, and found them to contain yellow oleander. Tejocote root dietary supplements that were sampled and determined by the FDA to be substituted with toxic yellow oleander:

SELLING FIRMBRANDWEBSITE PURCHASED FROMPRODUCTAmazon.comAlipotec Tejocote RootNutraholics ELV Tejocote RootELV Nutraholics Mexican Tejocote RootELVPOTEC Tejocote RootAmazon.comGlobal Mix, Inc.Science of Alpha Mexican Tejocote RootNiwali Raiz de TejocoteEtsy.comInnovacion Natural, LLCAlipotec Tejocote RootInnovacionnatural.comPastor-Villareal, Inc. TejocotexAmazon.comAlipotec South TXWorld Green Nutrition, Inc.ELV Alipotec Raiz de Tejocotealipotecus.com

The FDA is advising consumers to stop using and dispose of these products.

The FDA advises consumers who have taken any of these products of concern to contact their health care provider immediately.  Even if these products have not been used recently, consumers should still inform their health care provider about which product they took, so that an appropriate evaluation may be conducted.

Call 9-1-1 or get emergency medical help right away if you or someone in your care has serious side effects from these products. Contact your healthcare provider if you or someone in your care recently ingested these products and have health concerns. Consumers can also contact the state poison control center.

Background:

In Sept. 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a report of several tejocote root products found to be substituted with toxic yellow oleander. Based on this report, the FDA initiated an investigation to sample and test additional tejocote root products. To date, the FDA has tested 9 samples, representing the 9 different products listed above, and found them to contain yellow oleander. Additional sample analysis is pending.

Based on the FDA’s sampling and testing results thus far, the FDA is also concerned that other products marketed as tejocote (including with other names such as Crataegus mexicana, Raiz de Tejocote, and Mexican Hawthorn) may contain yellow oleander. Consuming yellow oleander can cause severe adverse health effects and be potentially fatal.

The FDA is actively working with the third-party platforms where these products are sold.

The FDA’s investigation is ongoing, and the FDA will continue to provide information on any further actions as it becomes available. Products may be added to this advisory. The FDA is working to further address the concerns related to these products and monitoring the market for adverse events, product complaints, and other emerging issues.

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Two bills introduced into the Arizona Legislature may signal that the 2024 sessions of those “Laboratories of Democracy” will be something of an “alt-meat” grinder.

Arizona State Rep. David Marshall, R-Snowflake, and four co-sponsors have introduced House Bill 2121, prohibiting cell-cultured animal products.

HB2121 prohibits anyone in Arizona from offering to sell or produce a cell-cultured animal product for human consumption. The state is authorized to impose a civil penalty on violators of not more than $25,000 in addition to attorney fees and costs with total actual damages not to exceed $100,000.

Further, bill BB2121 allows a “person or organization whose business is adversely affected by a violation” to file a civil action for declaratory and injunctive relief and actual damages “against the person that violates this section.”

The bill defines “cell-cultured animal products” as “any cultured animal tissue produced from in vitro animal cell cultures outside of the organism from which it is derived.”

The bill says HB2121 is “a matter to statewide concern necessary to protect public health.”

A second bill, HB2244, sponsored by Rep. Huang Nguyen, R-Prescott Valley, has also been introduced but only to limit lab-grown meat from fooling consumers. Nguyen’s bill makes it illegal to intentionally misrepresent a product not derived from livestock or poultry as actually being meat.

Legislative findings in HB2121 are not likely to go over well with venture capitalists funding cell-based labs.  The findings include:
1. The regulation of cell-cultured animal products is a matter of statewide concern necessary to protect public health.
2. This state’s cattle ranching industry is integral to its history, culture, values, and economy.
3. Cattle is one of the five foundational pillars that have driven this state’s economy since the territorial days.
4. The production and sale of lab-grown, cell-cultured animal-product threatens to harm this state’s trust land beneficiaries and the highest and best use of state trust land, which includes the lease of state lands to ranchers for livestock grazing to fund public schools and other public institutions.

5. This act is necessary to protect this state’s sovereign interests, history, economy, and food heritage.

Since 2019, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and FDA have jointly agreed to regulate lab-grown meat for safety.  Since 2022, both agencies have approved applications for lab-grown products.

Not so quick with food safety approvals is the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which has not yet received a cell-cultured meat proposal. A proposal would have to go through EFSA’s novel food review, which might be more rigorous than what FSIS and FDA are doing in the United States.

In the meantime, Italy has banned cultivated meat production to protect its traditions.   The ban was adopted by the Italian Parliament, 159 to the 53.

“Italy is the world’s first country safe from the social and economic risks of synthetic food,” said the country’s Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida.

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Beef and lamb on sale in Sweden are a common source of human exposure to potentially pathogenic Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), based on findings from a study.

The work summarized the results of four surveys from different periods, which looked at the occurrence and characteristics of STEC in beef, lamb, and leafy greens on the Swedish market.

According to scientists in the International Journal of Food Microbiology, such data is required when assessing the public health risk of varying types of STEC in different foods and establishing risk management measures.

The occurrence of STEC was investigated in 477 samples of beef, 330 samples of lamb, and 630  samples of leafy greens. The detection of virulence genes such as Shiga toxin (stx) 1, stx2, and eae was performed. All STEC isolated from food samples was further characterized through whole genome sequencing.

STEC was isolated from 2 to 14 percent beef samples and 20 percent to 61 percent lamb samples, depending on the origin. STEC was not isolated from leafy greens, although stx genes were detected in 11 samples.

Imported products less compliant
Five of the 151 sequenced STEC isolates from meat contained stx2 and eae, and four had the stx2a subtype. This gene is strongly associated with severe human diseases, especially with the ease gene.

Isolates from beef belonged to 20 serotypes, including O22:H8, O26:H11, O157:H7, and O171:H2. Isolates from lamb belonged to 28 types, of which O91:H14 was the most common, followed by O128:H2 and O174:H8. Two beef and lamb isolates were O157 and contained genes for stx2 and eae.

STEC was rare in whole meat samples of domestic beef in the Swedish retail market, whereas such bacteria were frequently found in ground (minced) meat and whole meat samples of imported beef and domestic and imported lamb.

Three hundred domestic beef samples were taken from 2015 to 2016, and STEC was isolated six times. Seventeen of 135 samples of EU-imported beef were positive from 2010 to 2011, and STEC was detected in six of 42 samples from South America in the same time period. E. coli O157 was found twice—three samples from imported beef contained two or three variants of STEC isolates.

41 of 95 samples for domestic lamb were STEC positive from 2017 to 2018. In the same period, 36 of 59 imported EU samples and 30 of 149 samples, mainly from New Zealand, were also positive. STEC O157 was detected once, and 16 samples contained two different STEC isolates. No STEC was isolated from domestic, imported, or mixed-origin leafy greens in 2012 and 2013.

All analyses were performed at the Swedish Food Agency (Livsmedelsverket), except for the sample preparation for domestic beef, which was done by the National Veterinary Institute (SVA).

Belgian Listeria situation
In Belgium, another study published in the same journal looked at Listeria monocytogenes in pre-packed, plant-based ready-to-eat food with a shelf life of more than five days.

Products were vegetarian and vegan deli sandwich slices, fresh mixes of leafy vegetables, and multi-ingredient salad bowls.

During a retail survey, Listeria monocytogenes was detected in one of 51 vegetarian and vegan deli sandwich slices and six of 48 batches of multi-ingredient salad bowls. However, levels were below ten colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g).

Challenge tests were performed to determine the growth potential of Listeria in nine pre-packed, plant-based RTE food products. In six tests, growth was supported.

Researchers evaluated data from 2017 to 2022, including notifications, recalls, and outbreaks linking Listeria with such foods. They also determined the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes with a literature review and used monitoring results from the Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC).

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The number of incidents involving a global food safety network dropped slightly in the third quarter of 2023.

The International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) was part of 46 alerts from July to September 2023, down from 53 in the second and 47 in the first quarters.

Of 32 biological hazard incidents, a dozen were because of Salmonella, and ten were because of Listeria monocytogenes. Three were caused by Clostridium botulinum; Bacillus cereus and Shigella were listed twice, while E. coli, Norovirus, and Staphylococcus aureus all caused one.

INFOSAN is managed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

Hot chip challenge
Two chemical hazards involved capsaicin and chlorpyrifos. Eight mentioned an undeclared allergen or ingredient, and four were from a physical hazard such as plastic, metal, or stones.

The capsaicin alert was because of the Paqui “one chip” social media challenge. The chip contains capsaicin, a compound found in chili peppers. The challenge involves eating the spicy chip and waiting as long as possible before consuming something else.

Paqui, a subsidiary of The Hershey Company, announced the removal of the product from shelves in September 2023 following the death of teenager Harris Wolobah. The cause of Wolobah’s death remains under investigation but was linked to the challenge. A notice on the European Commission’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) lists more than 20 affected countries, including Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Food categories commonly named in incidents during the third quarter of 2023 were composite food, meat and meat products, and vegetables and vegetables.

Fish and other seafood; fruit and fruit products; snacks, desserts, and other foods; herbs, spices, and condiments; milk and dairy products; nuts and oil seeds; eggs and egg products; cereals and cereal-based products; non-alcoholic drinks; and sugar and confectionery were also mentioned in alerts.

Overall, 41 percent of incidents were reported to INFOSAN by network members, 35 percent were communicated via RASFF, and 24 percent through various other WHO channels.

Meeting highlights
INFOSAN highlighted the foodborne botulism outbreak that affected 16 people in Bordeaux in September 2023. Sick people came from Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

All patients ate the same product, homemade preserved sardines in jars, at the Tchin Tchin Wine Bar restaurant in Bordeaux. Sardine samples from five jars tested positive for type B Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) and type B Clostridium botulinum. 

INFOSAN, WHO, FAO and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) organized a virtual regional meeting in November.

The event gathered INFOSAN members from member states in the Americas, including Emergency Contact Points (ECPs) and the National Focal Points for the International Health Regulations. The focus was on implementing the regional strategy to strengthen INFOSAN in the Americas and aimed to enhance national abilities to manage food safety emergencies effectively.

FAO, WHO, and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in Korea held a hybrid meeting in December.

The event included INFOSAN members from the WHO regions of South-East Asia and the Western Pacific. The aim was to facilitate information exchange, share experiences, and develop INFOSAN national action plans to enhance food safety emergency response in the region.

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— OPINION —

During my time at Marler Clark, I have had the chance to witness and work on some of the most tragic and profoundly disturbing foodborne illness outbreaks our firm has encountered. 

Here are a few of the recent, particularly alarming outbreaks—some of which I had extensive involvement with—presented in no particular order:

• The baby food outbreaks: Infant formula shortage and cinnamon applesauce contaminated with lead

The 2022 Infant Formula crisis left a lasting impact on caregivers nationwide. It all began with an FDA investigation, prompted by reports linking powdered infant formula products manufactured by Abbott Nutrition to severe infections in children. The FDA conducted an onsite inspection of Abbott’s Sturgis, MI, facility and uncovered insanitary conditions, including the presence of the bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii. In response, Abbott voluntarily recalled the implicated products, triggering immediate and far-reaching consequences. An acute shortage of infant formula swept across the country, causing significant worry and distress among parents and caregivers. Online support communities, like the Facebook group “Baby Formula Search and Swap: Parents Helping Parents,” emerged, and platforms such as “Find my Baby Formula” were created to track and alert users about formula availability. Notably, the Biden-Harris Administration took steps to address this unprecedented formula shortage, highlighting the gravity and broad impact of the situation. Tragically, this outbreak claimed the lives of two infants.

The 2023 outbreak tied to WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce garnered significant attention because of the alarming discovery of exceedingly high levels of lead in their products. Lead poses grave health risks, especially for children. Even minute concentrations, as low as 0.035 parts per million (ppm), could impact children’s intelligence and behavior, per the World Health Organization. Elevated lead exposure can cause irreversible damage to the brain and central nervous system, leading to coma and death. The FDA’s investigation and subsequent sample testing revealed lead levels in the apple puree at 2.18 ppm, surpassing the maximum recommended limit by more than 200 times. Austrofood, the producer of the applesauce, acknowledged cinnamon from Negasmart as the likely source of the contamination. One of the cinnamon samples revealed an exceptionally high lead level of 5,110 ppm. In a more recent development, on Jan. 5 the FDA detected chromium, another metal contaminant, in Austrofood’s cinnamon, measuring at 1201 and 531 ppm. This ongoing outbreak has affected at least 86 individuals thus far, most of them infants and children. In addition to the 86 cases confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are additional reports of 209 probable cases and 26 suspected cases. Also, as of Jan. 8 the Food and Drug Administration had received 87 confirmed complaints/reports of adverse events linked to the cinnamon applesauce. Some of those reports overlap with numbers from the CDC, so the counts should not be added together.

• The world’s deadliest outbreak of listeriosis

In 2017 and 2018, South Africa faced the world’s largest and deadliest outbreak of listeriosis. The Health Minister identified Tiger Brands’ polony—a ready-to-eat, processed meat product—as the culprit and ordered an immediate recall in December 2017.

This outbreak affected multiple South African provinces, with Gauteng reporting 58 percent of cases, mainly among women aged from birth to 93. Between January 2017 and July 2018, there were 1,060 reported cases and 216 fatalities. The term “reported” is key here, as numerous affected individuals resided in rural areas with limited access to healthcare. Additionally, listeriosis was not categorized as a reportable disease in South Africa until after the outbreak, hampering data collection even from diagnosed hospital cases. 

Listeriosis, a severe foodborne bacterial illness, poses significant risks to pregnant women, individuals older than 65, and those with weakened immune systems. With a high fatality rate of 25 percent, it is associated with miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature labor. The impact on infants and children among the 216 fatalities in this outbreak was particularly devastating, underscoring the vulnerability of this demographic.

• The recurring, ongoing outbreaks: Romaine lettuce, sprouts, and cantaloupe

This trio needs no introduction. Since 2018, there have been close to a dozen outbreaks involving leafy greens — many linked to romaine lettuce — three outbreaks related to sprouts, and at least three outbreaks associated with cut melon or cut cantaloupe. I make a conscious effort to avoid these foods because of their frequent appearance on the FDA’s list of ongoing investigations.

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The number of horses likely being exported for slaughter has not dropped off anywhere near enough for animal activists. It is believed that Mexican slaughter plants during 2023 took 17,997 horses from Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, according to the non-governmental organization Animal Wellness Action. The Washington D.C.-based group says: “This was the  most significant annual percentage increase of live exports since 2012.”

It says final numbers are not yet available for live exports to Canada.

The horse slaughter business in the United States effectively ended in 2007. In most years since then, appropriations acts have prohibited the Department of Agriculture (USDA) from using federal funds to inspect horses before they are slaughtered for human consumption. 

Therefore, there are currently no USDA-inspected horse slaughter facilities in the U.S., meaning no equine products are available for human consumption.

Animal Wellness Action is pointing to the jump in horses being exported to Mexico as the reason to halt any export of live horses and other equids to Mexico and Canada for slaughter for consumption. They argue that such language should be included in the Farm Bill or a major spending bill.

“We are sounding the alarm to Congress that healthy American horses are being butchered in a secretive, inhumane trade to Mexico,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. “Not one more year of this trafficking of these iconic animals should be tolerated. The animal welfare community and the Thoroughbred racing industry are united in demanding an end to this archaic, miserable, sickening trade.”

In December, New York joined California, Texas, and Illinois — four of the five most significant states in the nation — in forbidding the slaughter of horses for human consumption.

However, the Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act — to codify a ban on the slaughter of horses in the United States and to ban live exports has picked up a lot of co-sponsors —226 to be exact — without really moving much.

Elements of the SAFE Act include:

—Permanently prohibits the slaughter of equines (e.g., horses and mules) for human consumption. Current law prohibits the slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption. This bill extends the prohibition to equines.

—Prohibits a person from knowingly

• slaughtering an equine for human consumption or
• shipping, transporting, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donating an equine to be slaughtered for human consumption or equine parts for human consumption.

—Violators would be subject to fines.

—The bill applies to conduct in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. However, it does not apply to an activity carried out by an Indian for a religious ceremony.

“If it is wrong to slaughter horses in Dallas or Yuma or DeKalb, it is wrong to slaughter them in cities in Calgary or Quebec City,” added Pacelle. Congress has approved the domestic ban on horse slaughter through the appropriations process for nearly 15 consecutive years. In 2021, the House unanimously passed a ban on live exports of equines.

 Testing of slaughtered horses bound for Mexico found drug residues in horse meat unfit for human consumption. 

The number of horses shipped to Mexico from Texas increased from 13,081 in 2022 to 13,725 in 2023. 

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As part of its enforcement activities, the Food and Drug Administration sends warning letters to entities under its jurisdiction. Some letters are not posted for public view until weeks or months after they are sent. Business owners have 15 days to respond to FDA warning letters. Warning letters often are not issued until a company has been given months to years to correct problems.

Kyawkhin Inc.
Fort Wayne, IN

A food firm in Indiana is on notice from the FDA for not having FSVPs for several imported food products.

In a Sept. 20, 2023, warning letter, the FDA described an Aug. 15-17, 2023, Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) inspection of Kyawkhin Inc. in Fort Wayne, IN.

The FDA’s inspection revealed that the firm was not in compliance with FSVP regulations and resulted in the issuance of an FDA Form 483a. The significant violations are as follows:

The firm did not develop, maintain, and follow an FSVP. Specifically, they did not develop an FSVP for each of the following foods:

• Balachong fried chili paste imported from (redacted), located in (redacted)
• Peanut snack imported from (redacted), located in (redacted)
• Cypro tone beverage base imported from (redacted), located in (redacted)

The full warning letter can be viewed here.

Distribuidora Jocorena Inc.
Deer Park, NY

A food firm in New York is on notice from the FDA for not having FSVPs for several imported food products.

In a Nov. 30, 2023, warning letter, the FDA described an Aug. 21 through Sept. 8, 2023, Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) inspection of Distribuidora Jocorena Inc. in Deer Park, NY.

The FDA’s inspection revealed that the firm was not in compliance with FSVP regulations and resulted in the issuance of an FDA Form 483a. The significant violations are as follows:

The firm did not develop, maintain, and follow an FSVP. Specifically, they did not develop an FSVP for each of the following foods:

• Pinole (corn flour) imported from (redacted), located in (redacted)
• Frozen corn tamale imported from (redacted), located in (redacted)
• Dry red beans (kidney beans) imported from (redacted), located in (redacted)

The full warning letter can be viewed here.

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Almost 1,000 people fell ill in a Campylobacter and Sapovirus outbreak in China in 2021, according to a recently released study.

The outbreak involved 996 patients and had two peaks over a 17 day period. Through case-control studies, scientists identified exposure to water from a secondary water supply system as a significant risk factor.

Among 83 patients, 49 samples tested positive for Campylobacter coli, 39 tested positive for human Sapovirus, and 27 were positive for both pathogens.

Details on the first reported outbreak in China with infection by Campylobacter coli and Sapovirus were published in the journal China CDC Weekly.

In July 2021, a hospital in Beijing identified 13 patients with acute gastroenteritis in the same school. Epidemiological investigations later revealed 996 patients, including 958 students and 38 staff members. 

The most common symptoms were abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever. A total of 828 questionnaires were completed, including 341 gastroenteritis cases and 487 controls.

Water contamination source
One direct drinking water (DDW) system supplied by a secondary water supply system (WSS-S) was identified in the school building. This DDW system offered unboiled direct drinking water (UDDW) and boiled. The water source for WSS-S is a groundwater source well (WSW) within the campus. One hotel on the same campus also has its own secondary water supply system (WSS-H), which uses the WSW as its water source.

Both WSS-H and WSS-S have separate facilities including a water storage tank, water pump, and pipeline. The WSS-H conducted disinfection using chlorine dioxide and the storage tank and pump were inside the hotel. The water quality from WSS-H was supervised effectively.

However, the water storage tank and pump of WSS-S was not inside the school and lacked effective management. The sewage well was uncovered and did not have protective facilities during rainfall, said researchers.

Based on findings from case-control studies, exposure to unboiled direct drinking water from the contaminated secondary water supply system increased the risk of illness. The nearby garbage station and sewage well were likely sources of contamination.

After a rainstorm, some students reported the water in the school appeared turbid and had an unpleasant odor. After drinking water was replaced with commercially bottled water, the number of patients decreased significantly. 

The antibiotic resistance profile of 17 Campylobacter coli isolates showed co-resistance to nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, streptomycin, and tetracycline.

“Results of aerobic plate counting and coliform detection indicated that the water samples from the WSS-S were of poor quality. But neither Campylobacter coli nor human Sapovirus were identified in the water samples. Waterborne outbreaks often occur on a large scale and involve complex processes of pathogen examination and tracing. This report emphasizes the significance of ensuring the safety of drinking water, particularly in secondary supply systems,” said scientists.

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

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

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

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

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An outbreak of norovirus infections has spurred a warning from the Food and Drug Administration about certain oysters from Mexico.

The FDA is advising restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell and to dispose of oysters and consumers not to eat oysters from Sociedad Acuicola GolPac (MX 06 SP) harvested from Bahia Salina, Sonora, Mexico on Dec. 18 , 2023, or Dec. 27, 2023 because they may be contaminated with norovirus.

On Jan. 10, the California Department of Public Health notified the FDA of an outbreak of norovirus in San Diego County, CA, that has been linked to consumption of oysters tracing back to the harvest location in Mexico. 

An investigation is ongoing and the number of illnesses is being tracked.

Mexican Shellfish Authorities have initiated an investigation into the source of the illnesses and closed the Bahia Salina growing area to harvest on Jan. 12.

The FDA is awaiting further information on distribution of the oysters harvested and will continue to monitor the investigation and provide assistance to state authorities as needed.

Restaurants and retailers should not serve or sell the potentially contaminated oysters. Restaurants and retailers should dispose of any products by throwing them in the garbage or returning them to their distributor for 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.
• Regular frequent cleaning and sanitizing of food contact surfaces and utensils used in food preparation may help to minimize the likelihood of cross-contamination.

About norovirus
Symptoms of norovirus infection may include vomiting and/or diarrhea, nausea, muscle aches, fever, and headache, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms typically start 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can last for one to three days. Most people recover without treatment, however some may need medical attention for dehydration.

People with norovirus infections can spread the infection easily to others. The virus can live o n surfaces for long periods of time.

To prevent others from getting sick always wash hands carefully with soap and warm water after using the bathroom or changing diapers.

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Quaker Canada is recalling various Quaker and Cap’n Crunch brand products because of Salmonella contamination.

This recall follows multiple recalls in the U.S. of Quaker brand products.

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

Recalled products:

BrandProductSizeUPCCodesQuakerHarvest Crunch Original Granola Cereal475 g0 55577 10540 5All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including July 09, 2024 QuakerHarvest Crunch Dark Chocolate Cranberry Almond Granola Cereal470 g0 55577 10541 2All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including July 09, 2024 QuakerHarvest Crunch Raisin Almond Granola Cereal 510 g0 55577 10542 9All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including July 09, 2024 QuakerHarvest Crunch Light and Crisp Honey Nut Granola Cereal400 g0 55577 10543 6All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including July 09, 2024 QuakerHarvest Crunch Light & Crisp Raisin Almond Granola Cereal425 g0 55577 10544 3All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including July 09, 2024 QuakerHarvest Crunch Apple Crumble Granola Cereal470 g0 55577 10549 8All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including July 09, 2024 QuakerHarvest Crunch Original Granola Cereal1.8 kg0 55577 31255 1All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including July 09, 2024 QuakerHarvest Crunch Original Granola Cereal1.4 kg0 55577 10550 4All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including July 09, 2024 QuakerHarvest Crunch Canadian Maple Cereal475 g0 55577 10551 1All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including July 09, 2024 QuakerHarvest Crunch Cereal Light and Crisp Honey Nut Value Pack1.2 kg0 55577 10552 8All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including July 09, 2024  QuakerChewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars120 g (5 bars)0 55577 12010 1All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including September 07, 2024 QuakerChewy S’mores Granola Bars120 g (5 bars)0 55577 12011 8All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including September 07, 2024 QuakerChewy Rocky Road Granola Bars 120 g (5 bars)0 55577 12012 5All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including September 07, 2024 QuakerChewy Apple Fruit Crumble Granola Bars 120 g (5 bars)0 55577 12014 9All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including September 07, 2024 QuakerChewy Fruit Crumble Peach Granola Bars120 g (5 bars)0 55577 12015 6All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including July 09, 2024 QuakerChewy Caramel Chocolate Granola Bars120 g (5 bars)0 55577 12017 0All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including July 09, 2024 QuakerChewy Fruit Crumble Strawberry Granola Bars120 g (5 bars)0 55577 12019 4All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including July 09, 2024 QuakerChewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars960 g (40 bars)0 55577 12020 0All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including September 07, 2024 QuakerChewy Smore’s Granola Bars960 g (40 bars)0 55577 12021 7All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including September 07, 2024 QuakerChewy Chocolatey Fun Granola Bars960 g (40 bars)0 55577 12023 1All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including July 09, 2024  QuakerChewy Fruity Fun Granola Bars960 g (40 bars)0 55577 12024 8All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including July 09, 2024 QuakerChewy Fruity Fun Granola Bars1.15 g (48 bars)0 55577 33107 1All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including July 09, 2024 QuakerChewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars36 bars x 26 g0 55577 78177 7All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including September 07, 2024 QuakerDipps Caramel Nut Granola Bars156 g (5 bars)0 55577 10970 0All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including October 07, 2024 QuakerDipps Chocolate Chip Granola Bars 156 g (5 bars)0 55577 10971 7All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including October 07, 2024 QuakerDipps Rainbow Chip Granola Bars150 g (5 bars)0 55577 10972 4All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including October 07, 2024 QuakerDipps Chocolate Fudge Granola Bars150 g (5 bars)0 55577 10973 1All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including October 07, 2024 QuakerDipps Peanut Butter Granola Bars156 g (5 bars)0 55577 10974 8All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including October 07, 2024 QuakerDipps Cookies and Cream Granola Bars150 g (5 bars)0 55577 10979 3All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including October 07, 2024 QuakerDipps Salted Butterscotch Crunch Granola Bars155 g (5 bars)0 55577 10980 9All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including October 07, 2024  BrandProductSizeUPCCodesQuakerDipps Granola Bars Variety Pack935 g (30 bars)0 55577 31253 7All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including October 07, 2024 QuakerDipps Granola Bars1.12 kg (36 bars)0 55577 31222 3All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including October 07, 2024 QuakerYogurt Strawberry Granola Bars175 g (5 bars)0 55577 10743 0All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including October 07, 2024 QuakerYogurt Vanilla Granola Bars175 g (5 bars)0 55577 10744 7All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including October 07, 2024 QuakerYogurt Blueberry Granola Bars175 g (5 bars)0 55577 10757 4All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including October 07, 2024 QuakerYogurt Variety Pack – Strawberry, Blueberry, Vanilla Granola Bars1.05 kg (30 bars)0 55577 31131 8All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including October 07, 2024 QuakerYogurt Variety Pack Granola Bars1.19 kg (34 bars)0 55577 31221 6All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including October 07, 2024 Cap’n CrunchTreat Bars – Berry Bar110 g (5 bars)0 55577 11041 6All best before dates from January 11, 2024 up to and including July 09, 2024 

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

Consumers should not consume, use, sell, serve or distribute recalled products.

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

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

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

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

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

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The Quaker Oats Company is expanding their Dec. 15, 2023, recall to include additional cereals, bars and snacks because of potential Salmonella contamination. 

The products listed below are sold throughout the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and Saipan. 

This recall applies to the specific products listed below, in addition to the products announced on Dec. 15, 2023. A combined list of recalled products is available on www.QuakerRecallUSA.com.

RECALLED PRODUCTS: Product DescriptionSizeUPC“Best Before” Date Between:GRANOLA BARSQuaker Chewy Granola Bars (Fruity Fun) Amazing Apple0.84 oz 6 Count030000571750Jan-11-24 and Sep-01-24Quaker Chewy Granola Bars (Fruity Fun) Splendid Strawberry0.84 oz 6 Count030000571767Jan-11-24 and Jul-03-24Quaker Chewy Granola Bars (Fruity Fun) Amazing Apple and Splendid Strawberry Variety Pack0.84 oz 48 Count030000572979Jan-11-24 and Jul-03-24Quaker Chewy Granola Bars Yogurt Strawberry Flavor1.23 oz 12 Count030000315675Jan-11-24 and Oct-01-241.23 oz 5 Count0300003128031.23 oz 1 count030000000410Quaker Chewy Granola Bars Yogurt Blueberry Flavor1.23 oz 1 Count030000000465Jan-11-24 and Oct-01-241.23 oz 5 Count030000312827Quaker Chewy Granola Bars Yogurt Variety Packs1.23 oz 10 Count030000575741Jan-11-24 and Oct-01-241.23 OZ 21 Count03000056908541.8 oz 34 Count0300005762361.23 oz 14 Count030000321362CEREAL BARSCap’n Crunch Treats Crunch Berries Cereal Bar0.84 oz 8 Count030000572726 OR 030000574065Jan-11-24 and Oct-31-242.11 oz 1 Count0300000041111.79 oz 12 Count0300005727880.84 oz 16 Count030000572764Cap’n Crunch Treats Bars Variety Pack0.84 oz 32 Count030000572849Jan-11-24 and Oct-01-24Cap’n Crunch Treats Peanut Butter Crunch Cereal Bar0.84 oz 8 Count030000574072 OR 030000572740Jan-11-24 and Oct-01-242.11 oz 1 Count0300000041282.11 oz 12 Count030000572801Cap’n Crunch Treats Original Crunch Cereal Bars0.84 oz 8 Count030000576601Jan-11-24 and Jul-03-240.84 oz 16 Count030000576618CEREALSQuaker Chewy Granola Breakfast Cereal Chocolate & Strawberry Variety Pack12.6 oz 2 Pack030000577578Jan-11-24 and Jul-03-24Quaker Chewy Granola Breakfast Cereal Chocolate12.6 oz030000576922Jan-11-24 and Jul-03-2412.6 oz 2 Pack030000578209Quaker Chewy Granola Breakfast Cereal Strawberry13.6 oz030000576939Jan-11-24 and Jul-03-24Quaker Oatmeal Squares Cinnamon14.5 oz030000061534Jan-11-24 and Oct-1-2421 oz03000032073043.5 oz 3 Pack030000577707 OR 030000566497Quaker Oatmeal Squares Brown Sugar14.5 oz030000064412Jan-11-24 and Oct-1-2421 oz03000006403029 oz 2 Count03000044061243.5 oz 3 Pack030000566480Quaker Oatmeal Squares Honey Nut14.5 oz030000313282Jan-11-24 and Oct-1-24Cap’n Crunch OOPS! All Berries Cereal10.3 oz030000573235Jan-11-24 H and Oct-1-24 H (Best Before Date must include “H” after dateCap’n Crunch Cinnamon Crunch Cereal11.2 oz030000578124Jan-11-24 and Jul-3-2419.3 oz030000578131Cap’n Crunch Sea Berry Crunch Cereal15.5 oz030000578186Jan-11-24 and Jul-3-24Gamesa Marias Cereal11.4 oz030000576946Jan-11-24 and Jul-3-2411.4 oz 2 Count030000577172 OR 030000577400CAP’N CRUNCH INSTANT OATMEALCap’n Crunch Instant Oatmeal8.5 oz030000577103Jan-11-24 and Oct-1-24Cap’n Crunch OOPS! All Berries Instant Oatmeal8.5 oz030000577110Jan-11-24 and Oct-1-24GATORADE PROTEIN PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE BARSGatorade Protein Bar Peanut Butter Chocolate2.8 oz052000010121JAN 11 24 through APR 10 242.8 oz 6 Count0520000411322.8 oz 12 Count052000010138SNACK MIXMunchies Snack Mix (Munch Mix)0.875 oz 104 Count028400672405JAN 11 24 through May 7 24

Consumers should check their pantries for any of the products listed below and dispose of them. Additionally, consumers with any product noted below can contact Quaker Consumer Relations (9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CST, Mon.-Fri.) at 1-800-492-9322 or visit www.QuakerRecallUSA.com  for additional information or product reimbursement.

Consumers can scan the SmartLabel QR code on the product package to determine if it has been recalled. Click here for information on how to use SmartLabel.

Consumers should check their pantries for any of the products listed below and dispose of them. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. Trading Company of Hayward, CA is recalling Dragonfly jelly bars because they contain konjac powder and may present a choking hazard.

Konjac powder’s texture and consistency could pose a choking hazard to small children as well as adults with functional and/or anatomic abnormalities.

The recall was initiated after New York State Agriculture Department of Agriculture and Markets collected a sample of the jelly containing konjac powder. Based upon the products containing the ingredient konjac powder and the dimensions, FDA has determined that the products present a choking hazard.

The recalled jelly bars were distributed to retailers nationwide.

The jelly bars are individually packed in small handbags and small backpacks. 

Recalled products:

BrandProduct NameSizeUPCDragonflyJelly Handbag11.64oz721557357156DragonflyJelly Handbag17.63oz721557357163DragonflyJelly Backpack7.93oz721557357170DragonflyJelly Backpack28.22oz721557357187

As of the posting of this recall, no incidents of consumers choking have been reported.

Consumers who have purchased these products should return them to the store of purchase for a refund.

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— OPINION —

As 2024 unfolds, there are ongoing stories that will continue to take shape, including one that impacts everyone’s daily life in the United States.

The reorganization of the Food and Drug Administration’s human foods program began in 2023 with the appointment of Jim Jones to be the agency’s first-ever deputy commissioner for human foods. Jones is a 30-year veteran of the Environmental Protection Agency.

FDA Commissioner Robert Califf created the new deputy commissioner post after internal and external reviews showed the food side of the FDA had no transparent chain of command and other deficiencies. The FDA began studying those deficiencies in May 2022 after Califf was grilled by a congressional committee investigating the infant formula debacle.

This year, Jones will continue to review the problems under his jurisdiction. He has begun to address them by changing the names and responsibilities of some offices — the Office of Regulatory Affairs is now the Office of Inspections and Investigations. He says that will strengthen the FDA’s field-based oversight program. 

The proposed reorganization of the FDA also includes creating new offices and shifting responsibilities from some offices to others.

While the changes may sound like Jones and Califf are merely shuffling the deck of bureaucracy within the agency’s food operations, I am hopeful that the changes will make a difference. 

Jones has consolidated some operations and established a clear chain of command so that office directors under his purview will no longer have to look sideways to finish their work. 

Hopefully, Jones will also address problems that seem like small details but, in actuality, can cause big problems. One issue that came to light during the infant formula crisis of 2022 was that a crucial whistleblower document was caught up in a mailroom snafu and didn’t reach the appropriate people until months later. That document outlined significant breaches of food safety protocols and regulations at an infant formula production plant that later caused the plant’s closure and recall of millions of pounds of powdered formula.

Also expected in 2024
The 24th year of the 21st Century also holds food safety dangers that have plagued U.S. residents since the beginning of the 20th Century and longer.

Foodborne illness outbreaks will continue — full stop. There is no doubt more people will become ill, and some will die merely because they ate food. This is a fact. Pathogens contaminate everything from meat to produce to ice cream.

The good news is that food producers can mitigate contamination. The bad news is that most of them won’t take steps to protect consumers. For example, food producers could initiate test and hold procedures to help avoid selling contaminated food. Most producers don’t want to do this because time is money, and illnesses are less likely to break the bank.

Traceability measures could also be put into place. Modern technology makes this a mere detail of operating a business, but most food producers and sellers just haven’t taken the time or money to put traceable information on their products. They would, of course, have to have a computer to track that information, but who doesn’t have computers in their business operations at this point? Better traceability could help decrease the number of sick people in outbreaks and help reduce the number of products in recalls.

Food producers and handlers could also make sure their physical operations are clean. If this sounds like a no-brainer, it is. But, money again rears its ugly head, and operators too often cut corners when keeping things clean. 

Some consumers believe that government inspections take care of such things. Still, the simple truth is that public health operations from the local level up to the top federal agencies don’t have enough people to do the job. For example, in many local health jurisdictions, the goal is to inspect each food facility once every three years. All too often, that goal is not met because of staff shortages.

Another given for 2024 is that more people will fall ill because they drink unpasteurized, raw milk. And more children will become sick because their parents gave them unpasteurized milk.

This is fact, not fiction. The fiction comes into the equation when raw milk proponents say raw milk is not contaminated and that it cannot possibly harm you because people have been drinking raw milk for centuries.

The fact is that the advent of pasteurization has been saving lives for a century. With today’s product testing and whole genome sequencing of pathogens, it has been proven that raw milk is more often than not contaminated with dangerous bacteria and viruses.

Many states have laws against selling raw milk, and there is a federal ban on selling it across state lines. These are examples of how the government works to protect people, including the most vulnerable people — children.

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study found that the number of outbreaks linked to raw milk has increased. From 1998 through 2018, 202 outbreaks and 2,645 outbreak-associated illnesses occurred from drinking raw milk. Areas where raw milk was legally sold had 3.2 times more outbreaks than areas where the sale of raw milk was illegal.

Once again, there is good news. All that is needed for illnesses traced to raw milk to end is for people to stop drinking it. Unlike food, people can live without raw milk, so the consumer has as much burden as the producer.

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