Food Safety News and Resources | November
November 2024
25 November | Food Safety News and Free Resources1 |
Children’s deaths from food-related incidents (South Africa) - more information |
Listeria recall: ready-to-eat poultry and meat products with very long shelf life (USA) |
H5N1 virus: survival and thermal inactivation in milk (new research) |
Safety of chemicals in food and food packaging – comments closing soon (USA) |
Another cinnamon recall due to lead (USA) |
Webinar - How Digital Technology is Transforming Modern Environmental Monitoring Programs, 27th November |
Webinar - Awareness Session on Role of Codex Alimentarius Commission in Global Food Safety Standards, 29th November |
💀 Children’s deaths from food-related incidents (South Africa) - further information
The national government has declared a national disaster and the most populous province in South Africa, Gauteng, which encompasses large cities including Johannesburg and Pretoria, has suspended the sale of food at schools after a spate of food poisoning among school children in recent months. At least 890 people have been sickened, and 23 children have died.
One report suggests that eleven deaths in Soweto are due to the ingestion of carbamate insecticides in food purcahsed from a spaza (informal) shop, with the report suggesting that the spaza shop owners were spraying the pestiticde indiscriminantly on food and utensils.
A different report says the president blamed the deaths on a pesticide used to fight a rat infestation and that traces of a further pesticide, terbufos, an organophosphate insecticide, were found in six children who died last month. Aldicarb, a carbamate pesticide for insects and rodents, that was banned in 2016, was found in other victims.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/23/world/africa/south-africa-food-poisoning-kills-children.html
🍗 Listeria recall: ready-to-eat poultry and meat products with very long shelf life (USA)
A range of ready-to-eat poultry and meat products have been recalled after at least 11 illnesses and 1 death due to Listeria monocytogenes. The products are packed in pouches, with the label stating “Vaccum packaging extends shelf life” and “Keep refrigerated”. The recalled products have expiry dates up to August 2025.
🥛 H5N1 Virus particles survival and thermal inactivation in milk (new research)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published the results of new research into the thermal inactivation of Avian Influenza A (H5N1) viral particles in milk. They used spiked milk samples, not naturally contaminated samples.
Key findings:
The virus remained infectious in unpasteurized milk for more than 4 days, except when stored at very warm to hot temperatures (storage at 63oC inactivated the virus within 24 hours).
Heat treatments at 63oC, 72°C and 91°C all reduced the viability of the viral particles within the milk, with various exposure durations, sample volumes and pre-heating criteria assessed.
There is compelling evidence of virus inactivation under real-life high-temperature short-time pasteurization conditions (72°C for 15–20 seconds), suggesting it can effectively lead to complete virus inactivation (previous study).
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/30/11/24-0772_article
📢 Safety of chemicals in food and food packaging – comments closing soon (USA)
The US FDA is accepting comments on their proposed post-market chemicals assessment program, to be established under the new FDA Human Foods Program. Comments about the systematic approach are being accepted from interested parties until 6th December 2024.
https://www.regulations.gov/document/FDA-2024-N-3609-0001
⚠ Another cinnamon recall due to lead (USA)
Routine testing by the Arkansas Department of Health revealed elevated levels of lead in dried cinnamon powder of one brand, sold in multiple states. The product is being recalled.
https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2024/11/cinnamon-recalled-because-of-excessive-levels-of-lead/
🎓Webinar - How Digital Technology is Transforming Modern Environmental Monitoring Programs, 27th November
Join the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology on this insightful webinar highlighting the growing impact of digital solutions in food safety management, as shared through the team's experience at McCormick Foods' facility in Australia.
Register here: How Digital Technology is Transforming Modern Environmental Monitoring Programs
🎓Webinar - Awareness Session on Role of Codex Alimentarius Commission in Global Food Safety Standards, 29th November
IFSQN hosts this webinar to empower FBOs and Food Safety Professionals by providing insights into the practical utilization of Codex standards within their respective industries.
Register here: Awareness Session on Role of Codex Alimentarius Commission in Global
📌 Food Fraud News 📌
In this week’s food fraud news:
📌 Untargeted testing with GC-MS;
📌 False organic sugar;
📌 Mineral water, Mac & Cheese, seafood, honey, canned fish;
📌 Updates for fertiliser and more.
Become a paid subscriber to access The Rotten Apple’s food fraud news.
18 November | Food Safety News and Free Resources |
Deaths from Chemical Poisonings (South Africa) |
Recall: Carrots for E. coli O121:H9 (USA) |
McDonald’s E. coli O157:H7 outbreak update (USA) |
Gluten analytical methods – call for comment |
Guidance: Food Safety for Nuts |
Guidance: Supplement for 2022 Food Code (USA) |
Webinar - Addressing Food Racism and Discrimination within Food Safety Systems, 22nd November |
Webinar - Facilities Focus: Food Safety Factors to Consider in Hygienic Design and Infrastructure, 3rd December |
💀 Deaths from chemical poisonings (South Africa)
Police in South Africa have arrested four people and discovered a chemical at a food store which they believe is linked to the death of six children in Soweto who died after allegedly eating snacks from a store. In a separate incident, a child has died and her mother is critically ill from suspected poisoning after eating snacks in Alexandra, South Africa.
🥕 Recall: Carrots for E. coli O121:H9 (USA)
Organic packaged carrots grown in California have been recalled after multiple illnesses from Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O121:H9. Total Illnesses: 39; hospitalisations: 15; Deaths: 1. Multiple brands are affected, but all carrots came from one farm. The products were distributed to the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
🍔 McDonald’s E. coli O157:H7 outbreak update (USA)
As per the most recent update from the US FDA (13th Nov), the number of cases in the McDonald’s E. coli O157:H7 outbreak is now 104, including 34 hospitalisations, with 4 cases of haemolytic uremic syndrome and one death. Tests have been performed on recalled slivered onions and on environmental samples from McDonald’s stores, distribution centres and other companies but no samples contained the outbreak strain of E. coli.
🧪 Gluten analytical methods – call for comment
The AOAC has published a draft Guideline for the Validation of Quantitative Gluten Methods, with Specific Examples for ELISA Assays. The draft is in the review stage and can be reviewed at the link below.
🥜 Guidance: Food Safety for Nuts
The Peanut and Tree Nut Processor’s Association has launched a new version of their food safety handbook ‘The Handbook for the Safe Handling and Processing of Nuts’ which includes updates for allergen preventive controls; traceability and guidance for importers and exporters.
https://www.ptnpa.org/page/IndustryResources
📖 Guidance: Supplement for 2022 Food Code (USA)
Recommendations from regulatory officials, industry and academia have been collated in an FDA-published guidance document which updates the 2022 Food Code. The guidance includes advice on refilling and reusing containers, disinfection of surfaces, food defence awareness and employee illness testing.
https://www.fda.gov/media/183271/download?attachment
🎓Webinar - Addressing Food Racism and Discrimination within Food Safety Systems, 22nd November
Join IFSQN for this thought-provoking webinar, which will address the systemic challenges marginalized communities face and explore how these issues intersect with food safety, access, and equity.
Register here:
Addressing Food Racism and Discrimination within Food Safety Systems
🎓Webinar - Facilities Focus: Food Safety Factors to Consider in Hygienic Design and Infrastructure, 3rd December
Examine key elements for establishing hygienic design criteria based on common principles, considering the intended use of food manufacturing equipment and facilities in this webinar hosted by Food Safety Magazine.
Register here:
Facilities Focus: Food Safety Factors to Consider in Hygienic Design and Infrastructure Registration
📌 Food Fraud News 📌
In this week’s food fraud news:
📌 Wine authentication;
📌 Honey controversy;
📌 Pet food supplements, lizard meat fraud;
📌 Warning for butter.
Become a paid subscriber to access The Rotten Apple’s food fraud news.
11 November | Food Safety News and Free Resources |
H5N1 Avian influenza (bird flu) in dairy foods update (USA) |
Four mystery outbreaks (USA) |
Peanut contamination in mustard powder – new information (UK) |
Guidance: Compliance for scombrotoxin (histamine) in fish) |
Webinar - Reducing Recalls: Tackling the Top 2 Food Safety Issues Impacting the Industry, 13th November |
Webinar - Unpeeling the Science: Onions, Food Safety and the Fight Against Foodborne Pathogens, 10th December |
Webinar - PFAS: Navigating regulations, challenges, risk management and testing in the food supply chain, 11th December |
🥛 H5N1 Avian influenza (bird flu) in dairy foods - update (USA)
The United States Department of Agriculture has announced a monitoring program that involves the collection of milk samples to check for the presence of H5N1. The milk will be sampled from bulk lots at the regional level, supplemented by sampling at farms if needed. Details of the program will be released soon.
🔎 Four mystery outbreaks (USA)
Last week, Food Safety News shared news of four mystery outbreaks in the USA.
An E. coli O121:H19 outbreak with 33 patients is being investigated and food tracebacks have identified a possible food source but this has not been revealed by the FDA.
An E. coli O26:H11 outbreak with 9 patients is being traced back and samples have been collected from a site but the food(s) and site have not been revealed by the FDA.
A Cyclospora outbreak with 47 patients is being traced and samples and on-site testing has begun but the food(s) and site have not been revealed.
A Listeria monocytogenes outbreak that affected 4 patients is declared over. Samples of food were tested after a traceback but the food type and results were not reported by the FDA.
https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2024/11/fda-identifies-new-outbreak-of-e-coli/
🥜 Peanut contamination in mustard powder – new information (UK)
The United Kingdom’s Food Standards Agency (FSA)has shared information from the company responsible for the mustard recalled due to peanut contamination.
This relates to the October 2024 withdrawal of all batches of mustard powder, flour, seeds, and blends containing mustard from a single company that supplied to both wholesale and retail customers.
The company revealed that the peanut, in quantities reported as “traces”, contaminated the mustard at “agricultural levels”, presumably meaning the contamination occurred during on-farm or close-to-farm-gate handling or processing.
The company says it purchased most of its mustard from an Indian supplier and did not include peanut protein presence/absence in its purchasing specifications and/or check material specifications when purchasing from alternative suppliers based in the UK.
The company says it identified a gap in its allergen control systems where precautionary allergen information received from its suppliers was not passed on to its customers, and these gaps have been addressed. It also says it has implemented additional allergen testing for mustard products and added “May Contain” statements to bulk and retail packs where necessary.
https://www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/media/document/Withdrawal%20Notice%2016.10.24.pdf
📗Guidance: Compliance for scombrotoxin (histamine) in fish
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a compliance policy guide for scombrotoxin (histamine)-forming fish and fishery products. The guidance document includes a lowered level for the histamine criteria for decomposition.
🎓Webinar - Reducing Recalls: Tackling the Top 2 Food Safety Issues Impacting the Industry, 13th November
Hosted by IFSQN, the webinar will dive into the root causes behind the widespread food safety challenges in the US.
Register here: Reducing Recalls: Tackling the Top 2 Food Safety Issues
🎓Webinar - Unpeeling the Science: Onions, Food Safety and the Fight Against Foodborne Pathogens, 10th December
Dive into the fascinating science of onions and food safety in this webinar hosted by Virginia Tech.
Register here: Webinar Registration - Zoom
🎓Webinar - PFAS: Navigating regulations, challenges, risk management and testing in the food supply chain, 11th December
Join New Food for the upcoming virtual panel to hear from industry experts as they discuss the new regulations around PFAS, along with the challenges and approaches to managing the issues.
Register here: PFAS: Navigating regulations, challenges, risk management and testing in the food supply chain - New Food Magazine
In this week’s food fraud news:
📌What Trump’s win could mean for food fraud - 3 perspectives and one developing threat
📌New information for food fraud in salmon and turmeric
📌Disambiguation re. plant-based “steak” rules, Europe
📌Food fraud resilience tool updated
📌Children’s vitamins; man arrested for producing counterfeit copies for 20 years
4 November | Food Safety News and Free Resources |
Recall roundup |
Deadly Mcdonalds Burger-Onion Outbreak Update (USA) |
PFAS in tap water and bottled water (UK and China) |
Peanut allergies linked to air pollution exposure (Australia) |
Guidance: How to Mitigate Heavy Metals in Foods |
Webinar - Revolutionizing In-house Food Safety Training: Harnessing Innovation for Effective Staff Education and Compliance, 8th November |
Webinar - Bridging GFSI and GMPs: Roadmap to Continuous Food Safety Success, 13th November |
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📢 Recalls: Just the usual sad story this week
No unusual recalls or large outbreaks crossed my desk this week, just the usual sad roundup of (mostly) preventable problems 😒, including another brand of cinnamon with elevated levels of lead, foods recalled for foreign objects like glass, wood and insects, labelling errors such as sugar-free labels on sugar-containing products, E. coli in soft white cheese and Listeria in salads and taco kits
💀 Deadly McDonalds Burger-Onion Outbreak Update (USA)
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that case numbers have increased to 90, with hospitalisations increasing to 27 since last week. The FDA has confirmed that slivered onions, served raw on burgers including Quarter Pounders, but not diced onions, are the likely source of the outbreak.
https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/e-coli-O157.html and https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-onions-october-2024
🚰 PFAS in tap water and bottled water (UK and China)
A new study explored the presence of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in tap water and bottled water in the United Kingdom and China and found perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in more than 99 percent of samples of bottled water purchased in the UK and China (n = 112). In tap water, Chinese samples had higher concentrations of PFAS compared to the UK. Most samples had concentrations below health advisory levels.
🥜 Peanut allergies linked to air pollution exposure (Australia)
A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology explores the link between the exposure of babies and young children to air pollution and their food allergies. Peanut allergies were linked to air pollution but egg allergies were not.
https://www.mcri.edu.au/news-stories/air-pollution-linked-to-peanut-allergy-during-childhood
📖 Guidance: How to Mitigate Heavy Metals in Foods
The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has published a white paper that explores solutions to reducing heavy metals in the food supply chain. “From farmers measuring soil concentration to consumers cooking at home, reducing dietary exposure to heavy metals is a challenge that will require all facets of the global food system to solve,” said IFT Chief Science and Technology Officer Bryan Hitchcock. “This white paper offers potential solutions to this issue that impacts every part of the farm-to-fork journey.”
https://info.ift.org/heavy-metals
🎓Webinar - Revolutionizing In-house Food Safety Training: Harnessing Innovation for Effective Staff Education and Compliance, 8th November
Hosted by IFSQN, the webinar will discuss innovative strategies for enhancing staff education and ensuring compliance.
Register here: Revolutionizing In-house Food Safety Training: Harnessing Innovation
🎓Webinar - Bridging GFSI and GMPs: Roadmap to Continuous Food Safety Success, 13th November
AIB International is offering a free webinar on how one company seamlessly integrated GFSI audits with its GMP program to drive lasting food safety excellence, achieve exceptional food safety standards, and build a culture of continuous improvement.
Register here: Generic Webinar Template
📌 Food Fraud News 📌
In this week’s food fraud news:
📌 Stolen cheese;
📌 Fraud in plant-based food names;
📌 Incidents with sugar, sauces, Italian dairy foods and more;
📌 Warning for meat.
Become a paid subscriber to access The Rotten Apple’s food fraud news.
Past Issues of Food Safety News
Food Safety News, October 2024