Demystifying The Melamine Muddle

When I was a youngster, my mother had a set of Melmac dishes - the unbreakable, plastic dishware that was popular in the 1950's and 1960's among families with young children. Those cups, bowls and plates were made from melamine. Unknown to Mom, as the Melmac aged, it probably released trace amounts of melamine into our food and beverages – especially into the acid beverages like sodas and orange juices.

In the 1950's researchers at Dow Chemical Company obtained the first in a series of US patents describing the use of melamine as a feed component for ruminant animals (i.e., cattle, goats and sheep). The United States does not now permit the addition of melamine to animal feeds. 

Melamine is a permitted component of adhesives in the United States and is considered an indirect food additive for that reason.

Melamine is generated by plants, goats, hens and rats as a breakdown product of the pesticide cyromazine. 

In short, there are many ways in which trace amounts of melamine can enter our food. The presence of tiny quantities of melamine – less than 1 ppm – may be undesirable, but its not necessarily the result of deliberate deception or adulteration. 

Why, then, all the fuss over trace amounts of melamine reported this week in infant formulas manufactured in the United States? Simply, we consumers don't like to be patronized or lied to by the government officials who are supposed to protect the safety of our food supply. Let's review how the story unfolded.

September 12, 2008. In response to the initial reports out of China, FDA issued its first Health Advisory statement, assuring US consumers that "... there is no known threat of contamination in infant formula manufactured by companies that have met the requirements to sell infant formula in the United States."

While FDA didn't specifically say that infant formula manufactured in the United States was melamine-free, the wording of their statement implied this to be the case. 

October 3, 2008. FDA posted an Interim Safety And Risk Assessment for melamine, concluding that, for infant formulas, "... FDA cannot establish a level of melamine and its analogues in these products that does not raise public health concerns." And in a FAQs page posted on the FDA site (no publication date indicated), FDA also said:

"There is too much uncertainty to set a level in infant formula and rule out any health concern. However, it is important to understand this does not mean that any exposure to any detectable level of melamine and melamine –related compounds in formula will result in harm to infants."

November 26, 2008. Associated Press broke the story that FDA had begun testing domestic infant formula for the presence of melamine and cyanuric acid (a related compound that often is a fellow-traveller) in September, and had found trace amounts in samples from two different manufacturers. The information was obtained by AP following their submission of a Freedom of Information request.

November 28, 2008. FDA updated its Interim Safety and Risk Assessment as a result of having found trace amounts of melamine and cyanuric acid in US-manufactured infant formulas. The revised statement says:

"Because FDA has found infant formula where just melamine or just cyanuric acid was present, it is updating the safety/risk assessment. These findings were in U.S.-manufactured infant formula products, and only extremely low levels of melamine or cyanuric acid have been detected in them."

and

"The safety/risk assessment assumes the analogues to have equal effect. Thus, levels of melamine or one of its analogues alone below 1.0 ppm in infant formula do not raise public health concerns."

Conveniently, the revised safety assessment corresponds to the 1.0 ppm limit adopted as an interim standard by other countries around the world – including China. The revised assessment gives the reader an impression that FDA established a "safe" level for melamine, only because some domestic products were found to contain trace amounts of the contaminant.

There is a lot that is still unknown about the risks to human health of trace levels of melamine and cyanuric acid in food. The World Health Organization is convening a meeting of experts this week (December 1-4, 2008) to review the available data and – one hopes – provide guidance to food safety agencies worldwide.

In the meantime, we shall all continue to be exposed to very low levels of melamine, cyanuric acid, and thousands of other chemicals – natural and man-made – that are present in the environment. 

FDA put its foot in its mouth with its initial implication that domestic infant formula was not involved in the melamine problem. The agency compounded its error by not telling the American public that it was screening domestic brands of infant formula for melamine contamination. And it stuffed a second foot into its mouth by its clumsy handling of the information release and the revised Safety and Risk Assessment. 

FDA also has been slow to alert consumers to some of the melamine-contaminated products from China that were sold in the United States. US consumers deserve better from the federal agency that has primary responsibility for the safety of the country's food supply.

Blimpie Sandwich Portions Recalled: Listeria monocytogenes

Home Market Foods, Inc. (Norwood, MA) has recalled 5,250 pounds of ready-to-eat frozen beef sandwich portions after the company's own testing uncovered the potential for Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

The sandwich portions, which were produced on November 14, 17, 18 and 20, were distributed in the Atlanta, GA metropolitan area, as well as in the states of California, Florida, Illinois and New York. They can be identified as follows:

3.5-ounce individually wrapped packages of "Blimpie FULLY COOKED SEASONED BEEF SHAVED STEAKS Thinly Sliced with Onions." Each label bear the establishment number "EST. 2727" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a printed Julian date of "3198," "3228" or "3238," on the products available for consumer purchase.

While no illnesses have been reported, Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious illnesses in the elderly, very young children, and immune-compromised individuals. In addition to being at risk of severe illness herself, a pregnant women may pass the infection to her unborn child, resulting in stillbirth, premature birth, or birth of a critically ill newborn infant.

Anyone who thinks they may have eaten a sandwich containing this meat and who begins to experience symptoms of a Listeria monocytogenes infection should contact a health practitioner without delay. For more information on this recall, contact the company's Customer Relations Manager, Deborah Schoeller, at (781) 948-1585.

Allergy Alert: Undeclared Sulphites in Wine

Morrisons has withdrawn Miramonte Ridge brand Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon wines due to the presence of undeclared sulphites in the wines, according to the UK Food Standards Agency.

The 75cl (750mL) bottles are being removed from store shelves. Customers who purchased these wines can return them to the store for a refund.

Individuals who are sensitive to sulphites may experience an allergic type reaction upon consuming a sulphite-containing food or beverage. Morrisons urges anyone with a sulphite sensitivity to not drink these wines.

Italian Style Bacon Recalled In UK

Richard Woodhall Ltd. has recalled one batch of traditional dry cured (smoked) Cumbrian Pancetta after low levels of Listeria monocytogenes were detected in a sample of the Italian style bacon, according to a Food Alert issued today by the UK Food Standards Agency.

Consumers who purchased 100-gram packages of Richard Woodhall Cumbrian Pancetta, Traditional Dry Cured (smoked) with a best before date of 30 November 2008 should return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Alternatively, Richard Woodhall invites its customers to return the recalled product directly to the company by mail for a full refund. For more information, please telephone the company at 01229 717237, ext 386 between the hours of 9am and 5pm.

Listeria monocytogenes typically produces no more than mild gastrointestinal or flu-like symptoms in healthy adults, but can cause life-threatening illness in the elderly, immune-compromised individuals, young children and pregnant women. In addition, pregnant women risk infecting their unborn children, premature birth, or stillbirth. Anyone who may have consumed the recalled product and begins to experience any symptoms of listeriosis should contact his or her primary care physician immediately.

Orijen Pet Food Recalled In Australia

In a classic illustration of the law of unintended consequences, an attempt by the Australian government to ensure the microbiological safety of a premium pet food imported from Canada may have resulted in the illness and death of a number of Australian cats.

Described by the manufacturer as a "biologically appropriate real-food kibble," Orijen pet food is processed using a proprietary low temperature (90ºC) steam-cooking procedure. The pet food is produced in Alberta, Canada and sold in 50 countries around the world.

In the 9 months since Orijen dry pet foods have been available in Australia, at least 40 cats have been stricken with a form of paralysis. Five of the cats had to be euthanized. The manufacturer (Champion Petfoods, Alberta, Canada), while recalling all outstanding Australian stock of its cat and dog foods, is pointing an accusatory finger at the government's import policies.

Because of the relatively mild heat treatment used in the production of Orijen foods, Australian import rules mandated that the pet foods be irradiated at a level of 50 kGray (5 Mrad) upon arrival. Champion claims that the high-dose radiation treatment is destroying vitamin A and promoting free-radical formation in the pet foods. According to the company, the resulting deficient diet is the cause of the symptoms that are being reported in Australian cats.

Champion cites its own tests of the effect of irradiation dosage on vitamin A depletion, and a small research study that was published last year to support its claims. The peer-reviewed study, published in Veterinary Pathology, examined the effect of an exclusive diet of gamma-irradiated food on a colony of 8 cats. The authors reported "...  a possible association [of progressive hind limb ataxia] with the long-term feeding of cats exclusively on a gamma-irradiated dry diet deficient in vitamin A."

A spokesperson for the Australian government has pointed out, in reply, that no other imported pet foods brands have experienced similar issues. And a Sydney veterinarian was skeptical of the vitamin A deficiency argument when interviewed by The Sydney Morning Herald.

Is radiation-induced vitamin A depletion the explanation, or might the problem be something else? Champion Petfoods claims that paralysis syndrome has not been reported in any other country where Orijen is sold, and that only Australia demands irradiation. The company has decided to withdraw completely from the Australian market, and promises to continue its study into the effects of irradiation on Orijen dry pet foods.

Only time, and additional research, will provide some answers.

Salmonella-Contaminated Chili Powder Recalled in UK

Co-operative Food has recalled all date codes of Co-op Mild Chili Powder, due to the presence of Salmonella Thompson in the product, according to the UK Food Standards Agency.

The Salmonella was detected during routine testing. Anyone who has purchased a 45g or 90g container of Co-op Mild ChiliPowder should contact the company's Customer Relations, toll-free, at 0800-0686-727 to arrange a refund.

Allergy Alert: Cooked Chicken Strips Contain Undeclared Wheat

Updated Distribution Information, November 27, 2008
(original article date: November 26, 2008)

John Soules Foods, Inc. (Tyler, TX) has recalled nearly 8,500 pounds of cooked chicken strips after the company discovered that the chicken may contain undeclared wheat.

The recalled chicken was processed on Nov. 7 and Nov. 13, 2008, and was distributed to retail establishments in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. advises that the recalled items were available for sale in Sam's Club stores. NEW Nov 27

The following two items are included in the recall:

• 24-ounce bags of "John Soules Foods FULLY COOKED CHICKEN BREAST STRIPS WITH RIB MEAT, Italian Style, GLUTEN FREE." Establishment No. "P-2128" inside the USDA mark of inspection. UPC code 034695 123973 and "USE BY" date of "Dec 27 08" or "Jan 2 09" on the back of the bag.
  
• 24-ounce bags of "John Soules Foods FULLY COOKED CHICKEN BREAST STRIPS WITH RIB MEAT, Rotisserie Style, GLUTEN FREE." Establishment number "P-2128" inside the USDA mark of inspection. UPC code 034695 123980 and "USE BY" date of "Dec 27 08" or "Jan 2 09" on the back of the bag.
  

While no illnesses have been reported, individuals who are allergic to wheat may experience a severe – possibly life-threatening – reaction after consuming the recalled items. For more information about this recall, consumers are invited to contact Mark Andersen, Director of Quality Assurance, at (903) 245-3208.

Canned Mushrooms Recalled in UK

Prime Brand has recalled 425-gram cans of Whole Straw Mushrooms (unpeeled) due to the presence of anaerobic spore-formers that resulted in the cans becoming swollen, according to a Food Alert issued today by the UK Food Standards Agency.

The recalled mushrooms can be identified by the batch code number 20080428 854 M 3502/01009. The cans carry a Best Before date of 28 April 2011.

While most individuals consider canned foods to be "sterile," these items may, on occasion, contain spores of very heat-resistant bacteria. The contents can also become contaminated after heat-treatment if the seams leak during immersion in cooling water, or if the seams or body of the can are damaged during shipping or handling.

Anaerobic spore-formers are bacteria that may survive the typical heat-treatment to which canned foods must be subjected during manufacture. In this instance, the bacteria survived, multiplied, and produced gas while feeding on the mushrooms. Enough gas was produced to cause the cans to swell or "blow."

While some anaerobic spore-formers are harmless, others – notably, Clostridium botulinum – may cause life-threatening illness.  The toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum are destroyed by boiling for 10 minutes. But milder cooking may allow some or all of the toxin to remain active. 

The Food Standards Agency has not said that Clostridium botulinum is present in the canned mushrooms, but there is no point in taking an unnecessary risk. Under no circumstances should these canned mushrooms be eaten. Consumers are advised to return the recalled mushrooms to the store for a full refund.

For more information, Prime Brand invites its customers to call the company, toll free, at 0808 1683044.

Infant Formula Under The Microscope

The New Mexico Department of Health reports that two infants in the state have become infected with Enterobacter sakazakii, a bacterium that has been associated in the past with powdered infant formulas. One of the infants – a boy – has died, while a baby girl is being treated in hospital.

The two infants were each infected with a different strain of Enterobacter sakazakii. The state is conducting environmental and food sample analyses to try to trace the origin of the infections. FDA and CDC have been notified, and are aiding in the investigation.

In 2001, powdered infant formula used in a neonatal intensive care unit in Tennessee was responsible for the death of one infant, who developed meningitis after becoming infected with Enterobacter sakazakii. And in 2002, Wyeth Nutritionals recalled 1.5 million cans of powdered infant formula after the pathogen was detected during a special FDA sampling program involving all US manufacturers of powdered formula. 

While Enterobacter sakazakii was first discovered to be a pathogen in 1961, there is still a lot that is unknown about its pathogenesis (i.e., the way in which it develops disease), about the way in which it contaminates powdered dairy products, and even how infants become infected.

There are certain actions that parents can take to minimize the risk of their infants developing an Enterobacter sakazakii infection. The New Mexico Department of Health summarizes these as follows:

• The best option for your baby is to breastfeed if possible.
  
• Talk to your health-care provider before trying or changing to a new formula.
  
• Prepare a small amount of formula for each feeding to reduce the amount and time that formula is at room temperature before your baby drinks it.
  
• If you have prepared formula and your baby has not had any, throw the formula away within two hours of preparation. If your baby drank out of the bottle, throw away any leftover formula within one hour.
  
• Always wash your hands before preparing formula or any food for yourself or family members.
  
• Prepared formula in a refrigerator should be used within 24 hours.
  

Mars Petcare US Extends Latest Voluntary Recall

On October 27th, Mars Petcare announced a voluntary recall of a "limited number of bags" of SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend dry cat food. The cat food was available only in Wal-Mart stores in 15 states, and just one day's production was affected. Mars took pains to reassure pet owners that there were "... no complaints or reports of illness..." associated with the recalled production lot of cat food.

Four days later, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture advised consumers that its lab had found Salmonella in the recalled cat food AND in "... samples of Ol' Roy Meaty Chunks 'N Gravy dog food." The state issued a "stop-sale" order for both products, and alerted FDA to their findings.

eFoodAlert contacted the WVDA and obtained additional information about their findings, which we published – with permission – on November 18th. In our exclusive report, we revealed that the cat food and dog food were contaminated with different types of Salmonella, that WVDA had initiated their investigation after receiving complaints from pet owners that their dogs had been made ill, purportedly after eating the Ol' Roy dry dog food. WVDA also told us that the contaminated pet foods had been manufactured in two different facilities.

This evening, November 25th, Mars Petcare announced an expansion of its October 27th recall. According to the company's news release, the original recall was triggered by the detection of Salmonella in "... an additional sample of SPECIAL KITTY® made on September 25, 2008." The original contaminated lot was produced on August 11, 2008. 

As a result of this new finding, Mars Petcare has recalled all dry dog and cat food manufactured at its Allentown, PA production facility that are labeled with a Best By date of August 11, 2009 to October 3, 2009, inclusive.

The following list of recalled pet foods were sold at BJ's Wholesale Club, ShopRite Supermarkets (the chain has stores in Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania), and Wal-Mart stores in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont and West Virginia.

• Berkley & Jensen Bistro Blend Premium Cat Food,  21.6 lb. (UPC 00000 20052)
  
• Berkley & Jensen Small Bites & Bones Dog Food,  52 lb. (UPC 00000 14958)
  
• Ol' Roy Puppy Complete Premium Dog Food,  4 lb. (UPC 81131 79078)
  
• Ol' Roy Puppy Complete Premium Dog Food,  20 lb. (UPC 81131 79080)
  
• Ol' Roy Complete Nutrition Premium Dog Food,  4 lb. (UPC 81131 17550)
  
• Ol' Roy Complete Nutrition Premium Dog Food,  4.4 lb.  (UPC 81131 69377)
  
• Ol' Roy Complete Nutrition Premium Dog Food,  8 lb. (UPC 05388 67144)
  
• Ol' Roy Complete Nutrition Premium Dog Food,  20 lb. (UPC 81131 17549)
  
• Ol' Roy Complete Nutrition Premium Dog Food,  22 lb. (UPC 05388 60342)
  
• Ol' Roy Complete Nutrition Premium Dog Food,  44.1 lb. (UPC 81131 17551)
  
• Ol' Roy Complete Nutrition Premium Dog Food,  50 lb. (UPC 78742 01022)
  
• Ol' Roy High Performance Premium Dog Food, 20 lb. (UPC 05388 60345)
  
• Ol' Roy High Performance Premium Dog Food,  50 lb. (UPC 78742 05815)
  
• Ol' Roy Meaty Chunks & Gravy Premium Dog Food,  22 lb. (UPC 81131 69630)
  
• Ol' Roy Meaty Chunks & Gravy Premium Dog Food,  50 lb. (UPC 81131 69631)
  
• ShopRite Crunchy Bites, Bones and Healthy Squares Dog Food,  20 lb. (UPC 41190 04521)
  
• Special Kitty Original Premium Cat Food,  3.5 lb. (UPC 81131 17557)
  
• Special Kitty Original Premium Cat Food,  7 lb. (UPC 81131 17562)
  
• Special Kitty Original Premium Cat Food,  18 lb. (UPC 81131 17559)
  
• Special Kitty Gourmet Blend Premium Cat Food,  3.5 lb. (UPC 81131 17546)
  
• Special Kitty Gourmet Blend Premium Cat Food,  7 lb. (UPC 81131 17547)
  
• Special Kitty Gourmet Blend Premium Cat Food,  18 lb. (UPC 81131 17548)
  
• Special Kitty Kitten Premium Cat Food,  3.5 lb. (UPC 81131 17553)
  
• Special Kitty Kitten Premium Cat Food,  7 lb. (UPC 81131 17554)
  

Mars is asking consumers who purchased the recalled items to return them to the store for a full refund. The company has posted a widget on its web site to enable customers to determine whether the specific bag of dog or cat food that they purchased is included in the recall.

There's still been no news on the progress of the investigation into the second production facility that WVDA implicated in its initial report. The FDA investigation into that second manufacturing plant may still be in progress. If so, another Mars Petcare recall could be in the works.

Consumers with questions about this recall should contact Mars Petcare directly, toll-free, at 1-877-568-4463.

Insect-Infested Nougat Recalled In UK

TK Maxx and HomeSense are recalling two brands of nougat due to insect infestation, according to an Alert issued by the UK Food Standards Agency.

The recall encompasses all varieties, sizes and dates of Properzi Nougat and Valentino Nougat. Customers are requested to return the items to the place of purchase for a full refund.

New Jersey Meat Company Recalls Hamburgers

USDA is advising consumers that Dutch Prime Foods, Inc. (Long Branch, NJ) has recalled approximately 345 pounds of ground beef products after the agency detected E. coli O157:H7 during routine sampling of the meat.

The recalled product is described as follows:

5-pound and 10-pound vacuum sealed plastic bags of "DUTCH PRIME FOODS HAMBURGER."

The hamburger, which was produced on November 18th and bears establishment number 5206 inside the USDA inspection seal, was distributed to restaurants in New Jersey.

E. coli O157:H7 infections usually produce stomach cramps and watery diarrhea. Often, the diarrhea is bloody. Young children are especially susceptible to developing potentially life-threatening complications – notably hemolytic uremic syndrome – as a result of an infection with E. coli O157:H7.

No illnesses have been associated with this recall. Nevertheless, consumers who ordered hamburger – especially rare hamburger – in a New Jersey restaurant after November 18th and who develop symptoms of gastroenteritis should seek immediate medical attention. 

Southern Ontario E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak – Lettuce Liaison

For the second time this year, California lettuce is suspected of causing an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in Southern Ontario.

ThePacker.com, a produce industry news service, reports that FDA and the California Department of Public Health are investigating the possibility that romaine lettuce from one or more California farms may be linked to the current Ontario outbreak of E. coli O157:H7. The US action was triggered by epidemiological evidence from the Canadian outbreak investigation that pointed a finger at California romaine.

The outbreak has now spread to five different health units in Southern Ontario. As of Friday, November 21, 153 cases – 30 of them confirmed – have been reported. The cases are restaurant-associated, and the identical outbreak strain has been identified in all five health units.

Officials from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Health and the five individual health units have all played a role in the investigation. CFIA told ThePacker.com that other possible food items are still under scrutiny, even as FDA and CDPH follow up on the lettuce lead.

As is so often the case in restaurant outbreak investigations, none of the food samples, environmental swab samples, or water samples have yielded the outbreak strain. Even if California romaine lettuce was the source of this outbreak, the odds are long that US authorities will be able to uncover the outbreak strain "down on the farm."

Allergy Alert: Canadian Recall of Cakes From Taiwan

Updated November 24th with new distribution information.

(First reported November 23, 2008)

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has alerted consumers to the presence of undeclared sulfites in two flavours of Six Fortune brand cakes imported from Taiwan. The cakes were distributed in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. 

CFIA updated this alert to advise consumers that the recalled cakes may have been distributed nationally. NEW Nov 24

While there have been no illnesses reported, individuals who are sensitive to sulfites may experience severe allergic-type reactions as a result of consuming a food that contains the food additive. 

The importer has recalled the following items:

• Six Fortune brand Papaya Cake, 250g; UPC 0 79763 11100 1
  
• Six Fortune brand Strawberry Cake, 250g; UPC 0 79763 11098 1
  

Consumers who have questions about this recall should contact CFIA, toll-free, at 1-800-442-2342 between 8:00am and 8:00pm, Monday through Friday.

Allergy Alert: Stop & Shop Recalls Butternut Squash

Stop & Shop has recalled 24-ounce sides of butternut squash packaged as part of its Thanksgiving meals after being advised of quality problems by its vendor, Simmering Soup, Inc.

According to the grocery chain, the prepared squash was included in the prepared turkey and ham holiday dinners. Simmering Soup recalled the squash due to the possible presence of undeclared egg and "quality concerns."

Individuals who are allergic to egg may experience a severe reaction upon consuming the prepared squash. Stop & Shop is asking its customers who have already picked up their meals to return just the prepared squash, in exchange for a $12 refund. Customers who have not yet called for their meals will receive a package from which the squash has been removed – and a $12 reduction in the price of the prepared meal.

Stop & Shop advises that none of the other components of the meal are affected by this recall. Prepared butternut squash available from the grocery's prepared foods department also is unaffected.

For more information about this recall, consumers are invited to contact Stop & Shop's customer service number, toll-free, at (800) 767-7772 between the hours of 9am and 5pm, Monday through Friday.

Oklahoma E. coli O111 Outbreak: A Final Report

The Oklahoma State Department of Health has issued a final report on the E. coli O111 outbreak that struck the northeastern part of the state this past summer. 

The outbreak sickened 341 people, including 56 children (under 18 years old). The youngest victim was 3 months; the oldest was 88 years. Seventy-two (21%) of the victims were hospitalized, and one person died as a result of his infection.

The outbreak was traced to the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, OK, and included individuals who patronized the restaurant between August 15 and August 24th.

The outbreak investigation was unable to trace the source of the pathogen. Neither environmental sampling of working surfaces in the restaurant, nor water samples from the well on the property, nor samples of the restaurant's food supplies yielded E. coli O111. And exhaustive interviews of victims and healthy restaurant patrons failed to point to a specific food item. The conclusion?

"While no single food item was found to be the source of illness at the restaurant, the Oklahoma State Department of Health believes several different foods became contaminated with the E. coli 0111 bacteria, leading to exposure of restaurant customers Aug. 15-24."

The Country Cottage has been given permission to reopen, following a successful inspection on November 12th and after meeting a series of conditions that included, among others:

• disconnecting the on-site well from the restaurant's water supply;
  
• not permitting employees with diarrhea to work in the restaurant;
  
• installing additional hand-washing sinks;
  
• ensuring that all bathrooms are operational and monitoring employee hand-washing;
  
• requiring each employee to complete a food handler's class; and
  
• requiring the kitchen manager and owner to obtain a Food Service Manager's Certificate.
  

The tone and content of the list of requirements for reopening the restaurant, together with the DOH conclusion that "... several different foods became contaminated..." leads me to believe that an infected food handler was the source of the contamination. Inattention to appropriate food handling and sanitation practices, and poor temperature control – as detected in an earlier inspection – allowed the contamination to spread. Inadequate cleaning and sanitation of food contact surfaces and utensils enabled the pathogen to linger. 

This, of course, is pure speculation. I have no proof. But nothing else makes sense.

Allergy Alert: Vegan Cheese Substitute May Contain Milk

Panos brand Vegan Rella Cheddar Block has been recalled by the manufacturer due to the possible presence of undeclared milk. The recall was announced after a consumer reported suffering an allergic reaction.

The 8-ounce packages labeled with UPC 0 37983 00015 4 and a "Sell by" date of 12/09/2008. No other production lots or varieties are affected by the recall. The cheese substitute was sold across the United States through the company's retail stores.

While most people can safely eat the cheese substitute, individuals who are allergic to milk may experience a life-threatening allergic reaction after consuming this product. The company is urging its customers to return the recalled cheese to the store for a full refund.

For more information, contact the company toll-free at (800) 494-8839, ext 425.

Mars Petcare & Pedigree Retail Recall List

UPDATED NOVEMBER 22, 2008

Mars Petcare announced yesterday evening that it was recalling all dry dog and cat foods produced in its Everson, PA facility between February 18, 2008 and July 29, 2008, due to the presence of Salmonella Schwarzengrund. The recalled items were distributed only in the United States

Dry dog food and dry cat food packaged under the following brand names are part of this recall:

• Country Acres, Doggy Bag, Members Mark, Natural, Ol' Complete, Ol' Roy, Paws & Claws, Pedigree, Pet Pride, PMI Nutrition, Red Flannel, Retriever, Special Kitty, Wegman's.
  

The company advises that these brands also are produced at other Mars Petcare facilities in the United States. It's essential, therefore, to verify the specific product and date code information contained in the Mars news release in order to determine whether a specific bag of pet food has been recalled. Mars Petcare has posted on its web site a widget that consumers can use to determine whether the Pedigree pet food in their possession has been recalled.

Following is a preliminary list of retail store chains that carry one or more of the recalled items. This list will be updated as more information becomes available.

• Dillons (all locations): Pet Pride Indoor Cat Food, 3.5 lb. and 18 lb.; Pet Pride Weight Management Dog Food, 17.6 lb. Includes all products with Best Before dates of 2/2009 or earlier.
  
• Food 4 Less (all locations): Pedigree® Large Breed Dog Food, 20 lb. and 30 lb.; Pedigree® Small Chunky Bites, 32 lb.; Pet Pride Indoor Cat Food, 3.5 lb. and 18 lb.; Pet Pride Weight Management Dog Food, 17.6 lb. Includes all products with Best Before dates of 2/2009 or earlier.
  
• Giant Food LLC (all 181 Giant Food supermarkets in VA, MD, DE, and DC): All sizes of Pedigree® Small Crunchy Bits and Pedigree® Large Breed Complete Nutrition pet foods identified by the initials PAE contained within the Best Before date code on the package. 
  
• Kroger (Greater Cincinnati, including N. KY; southeast IN and Dayton; IN; IL; eastern MO; GA; SC; AL; Knoxville, TN area; Greater Louisville (including IN); Lexington and Nashville, TN): Pedigree® Large Breed Dog Food, 20 lb. and 30 lb.; Pedigree® Small Chunky Bites, 32 lb. Includes all products with Best Before dates of 2/2009 or earlier.
  
• Kroger (TX; LA; MI; Greater Louisville (including IN); Lexington and Nashville, TN; central OH and northern WV panhandle; Greater Memphis, TN; AR; MS; Greater Cincinnati, including N. KY, southeast IN and Dayton; IN; IL and E. MO; GA; SC; AL; Knoxville, TN area): Pet Pride Indoor Cat Food, 3.5 lb. and 18 lb.; Pet Pride Weight Management Dog Food, 17.6 lb. Includes all products with Best Before dates of 2/2009 or earlier.
  
• Kroger (Dallas/Fort Worth area, east Texas, Shreveport and Alexandria, LA): Pet Pride Indoor Cat Food, 3.5 lb. and 18 lb.; Pet Pride Weight Management Dog Food, 17.6 lb. Includes all products with Best Before dates of July 29, 2009 or earlier. NEW Nov 22nd.
• Martin's Food Markets (MD, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV): All date codes of Pedigree® Large Breed Original (20 lb.), Pedigree® Mealtime Crunchy Bites Small (4.4 lb.), Pedigree® Small Crunchy Bites Beef (32 lb.), and Pedigree® Small Crunchy Bites (20 lb.).
• Petco (169 stores in 10 primarily mid-Atlantic states): Pedigree® Small Crunchy Bites, 40# (SKU 1157612), Pedigree® Large Breed 36.4# (SKU 1157620), Pedigree® Small Crunchy Bites 20# (SKU 1087045), Pedigree Mealtime Small Bite 8.8# (SKU 147168). Contact your local Petco store to determine whether it is one of the 169 affected stores.
• PetSmart ("fewer than 150 stores"): Pedigree® Small Crunch Bites Adult Nutrition, 40 lb. bags. According to the retailer, a limited number of recalled products were sold in "fewer than 150 stores" in May and June. PetSmart is participating in the recall as a "precautionary measure". 
• Piggly Wiggly: We contacted Piggly Wiggly to find out whether they carried any of the recalled items. We received the following reply by email today: "Thanks for contacting Piggly Wiggly, LLC. However, we only license the rights to the name and do not operate any stores. The stores are all independently owned and operated and we have no way of knowing or controlling what each store offers. The stores each deal with different suppliers so to get accurate information about the pet food available at your store; please contact the local Piggly Wiggly store for information about what they carry." 
• Price Chopper (stores in CT, MA, NH, NY, PA, VT): Pedigree® Small Crunchy Bites Complete Nutrition (4.4 lb., 32 lb.); Pedigree® Large Breed Food For Dogs (20 lb.). Products can be identified by the initials "PAE" within the Best Before ID code. 
• Publix (no details on affected stores): Pedigree® Large Breed Dog Food (30 lb.). According to TCPalm.com, Publix has removed the recalled item from store shelves. There is no mention of the recall on the Publix web site. 
• Sam's Club stores (locations not specified): All Pedigree® products identified by the initials "PAE" within the Best Before ID code; all Sam's Club Member's Mark dog and cat food items identified by the numbers "17" as the first two digits of the second line within the Best Before ID code.
• ShopRite (200+ stores in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Delaware): Pedigree® Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition (4.4 lb., 20 lb., 32 lb.); Pedigree® Large Breed Adult Nutrition (20 lb.). 
• Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC (all Stop & Shop stores in MA, CT, RI, ME, NH, NY, and NJ): All sizes of Pedigree® Small Crunchy Bits and Pedigree® Large Breed Complete Nutrition pet foods identified by the initials PAE contained within the Best Before date code on the package.
• TOPS Markets (NY and PA): Pedigree® SM Crunchy Bites Beef, 32 lb. (UPC 2310031483); Pedigree® MLTM Crunchy Bite Small, 4.4 lb. (UPC 2310005104); Pedigree® Large Breed Original, 20 lb. (UPC 2310029158); Pedigree® Small Crunchy Bites, 20 lb. (UPC 2310014719). All date codes are included. 
• Walmart stores (locations not specified): All Pedigree® products identified by the initials "PAE" within the Best Before ID code; all Ol' Roy and Special Kitty Walmart private label brand items and all Sam's Club Member's Mark dog and cat food items identified by the numbers "17" as the first two digits of the second line within the Best Before ID code.
• Wegmans (all Wegmans Supermarkets in MD, NJ, NY, PA, and VA): All code dates of Pedigree® Dry Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 4.4 lb., Pedigree® Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 32 lb., Pedigree® Large Breed Complete Nutrition 20 lb.
• Wegmans (all Wegmans Supermarkets in MD, NJ, NY, PA, and VA): All code dates of Buju & Ziggie Complete Formula (3.5 lb. and 18 lb. sizes), Buju & Ziggie Indoor (3.5 lb.), Buju & Ziggie Indoor Formula (18 lb.), Buju & Ziggie Kitten Formula (3.5 lb.), Buju & Ziggie Original Medley (18 lb.), and Buju & Ziggie Gourmet Recipe (3.5 lb.)
• Winn-Dixie Stores (no details on affected stores): Joshua Whitton, the Communications Manager, told TCPalm.com that "Upon receiving information about potential health risks associated with these products, we immediately implemented a voluntary recall in our stores." There is no mention of the recall on the Winn-Dixie web site. Anyone who purchased a Mars Petcare/Pedigree dry pet food from Winn-Dixie should contact the store to determine whether or not the specific product was included in the recall. 

The recalled products were distributed in 31 states and the District of Columbia. If you learn of any retail-level recall announcements in your area that are not on this list, please post a comment, below.

Allergy Alert: Goat Cheese From Québec May Contain Penicillin

The Québec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) announced that Dion Fromagerie brand goat cheeses may contain penicillin and have been recalled.

The cheeses, which were sold at Chèvrerie Dion (128 route 101, Rouyn-Noranda, QC) and at other retailers in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region, are described as follows:

• Délice-Nature (plain), 125 g; Best before December 22-26, inclusive
  
• Délice-Fines herbes (herbs), 125 g; Best before December 22-26, inclusive
  
• Délice-Ail (garlic), 125 g; Best before December 22-26, inclusive
  
• Délice-Poivre (pepper), 125 g; Best before December 22-26, inclusive
  
• Délice-Ciboulette (chives), 125 g; Best before December 22-26, inclusive
  
• Roulé-Nature (plain), 100 g; Best before December 9-12, inclusive
  
• Roulé-Ail (garlic), 100 g; Best before December 9-12, inclusive
  
• Roulé-Poivre (pepper), 100 g; Best before December 9-12, inclusive
  
• Roulé-Fines herbes (herbs), 100 g; Best before December 9-12, inclusive
  
• Roulé-Ciboulette (chives), 100 g; Best before December 9-12, inclusive
  
• Fin Gourmet, 125 g; Best before December 22-26, inclusive
  

Individuals who are allergic to penicillin (or to other, similar antibiotics) can suffer a life-threatening reaction soon after consuming a food that contains penicillin. MAPAQ advises consumers to return the recalled products to the retailer.

Cadbury Recalls Boost Totally Nuts Bars

Cadbury Schweppes Pty. Ltd. has recalled a single production lot of Cadbury Boost Totally Nuts 60g bars due to the presence of plastic pieces.

The recall covers only bars that are labeled with a Best Before date of 15-06-09. The recalled bars were distributed throughout Australia and also were exported to Singapore, Tahiti (Papeete) and Papua New Guinea.

Consumers in Australia who purchased these bars should contact Cadbury Schweppes consumer services department at 1800 250 260 to arrange for a return and refund.

Allergy Alert: Wegmans Recalls Tomato Sauce

Wegmans Food Markets has issued a recall notice for Wegmans Italian Classics Seasoned Tomato Sauce (24-ounce size) after a store employee discovered that the sauce contained undeclared milk, according to an FDA news release posted today.

The recalled sauce, which is sold in 24-ounce clear flexible pouches, is labeled with a "use by" date of 11/26/08 and UPC 77890 79010. The sauce was sold in the prepared foods sections of Wegmans stores in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland between Saturday, November 15 and Thursday, November 20.

While no illnesses have been reported so far, individuals who are allergic to milk may experience a severe reaction after consuming this product. Wegmans has invited its customers to return the mislabeled product to the store for a full refund.

Consumers in search of more information on this recall are encouraged to call the company's consumer affairs department at 1-800-WEGMANS, ext. 4760.

Allergy Alert: Chocolate Milk Recalled

Model Dairy (Reno, NV) has recalled approximately 400 half-gallon bottles of 2% chocolate milk after determining that the milk may contain undeclared egg protein.

The recalled milk – distributed in northwest Nevada and Portola, California – is labeled with a "Best by" date of Nov 27 or Nov 28, and UPC 7140600127.

The recall was announced to the local media, and also was publicized on Wal-Mart's web site. Neither FDA, the Nevada Department of Health, nor the Nevada Department of Agriculture has posted the recall information on their respective web sites.

No illnesses or reactions have been reported. Nevertheless, individuals who are allergic to egg protein may experience a severe reaction after consuming the recalled milk.

For information on this recall, consumers should contact Model Dairy at 800-433-2030.

West Indies Bitters Recalled in Australia

island2island Beverage Comp. Pty Ltd. has recalled Angostura brand Lemon Lime and Bitters and Angostura brand Lemon Lime and Bitters light due to the presence of glass fragments in the product. The Bitters are a product of Trinidad and Tobago.

The recalled items were sold throughout Australia in 330mL glass bottles. The bottles carry Best Before dates of 250809 – 131109 and 210109. As these were imported into Australia, the same items may also have been distributed in other countries.

Australian consumers who purchased the recalled items should return them to the store for a full refund. Consumers outside Australia who purchased these bitters should check with the distributor for their country.

Alabama Company Recalls Listeria-Contaminated Hot Dogs

Updated Retail Distribution List Issued by USDA November 19, 2008

R. L. Zeigler Co., Inc. (Selma, AL) has recalled more than 28,000 pounds of hot dogs after the Georgia Department of Agriculture found Listeria monocytogenes in a sample of the September 22nd production batch during a routine sampling program.

The voluntary recall covers the following items:

• 12-ounce packages of Zeigler Wieners Made With Chicken And Pork, Artificially Colored.  Use-by date Nov. 26, 2008. Establishment number "P-9156S" inside the USDA mark of inspection.
  
• 12-ounce packages of Vacuum Packed Par-Ti Pups. Use-by date Nov. 26, 2008. Establishment number "P-9156S" inside the USDA mark of inspection.
  
• 12-ounce packages of Zeigler Original Recipe Wieners, Artificially Colored. Use-by date Nov. 26, 2008. Establishment number "EST. 9156S" inside the USDA mark of inspection.
  
• 16-ounce packages of Zeigler Jumbo Franks. Use-by date Nov. 21, 2008. Establishment number "P-9156S" inside the USDA mark of inspection.
  
• 12-ounce packages of Zeigler Hot Dogs. Use-by date of Nov. 26, 2008. Establishment number "P-9156S" inside the USDA mark of inspection.
  
• 10-pound bulk boxes of Skinless Wieners, 8 Wieners Per LB. Package code PK 092208A. Establishment number "EST. 9156S" inside the USDA mark of inspection.
  
• 10-pound bulk boxes of Skinless Wieners, Artificially Colored, 10 Wieners Per LB. Package code PK 092208A. Establishment number "EST. 9156S" inside the USDA mark of inspection.
  
• 10-pound bulk boxes of Skinless Wieners, 10 Wieners Per LB. Package code PK 092208A. Establishment number "EST. 9156S" inside the USDA mark of inspection.
  
• 10-pound bulk boxes of Skinless Wieners, 12 Wieners Per LB. Package code PK 092208A. Establishment number "EST. 9156S" inside the USDA mark of inspection.
  

The hot dogs were distributed to retail outlets and food service institutions in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. USDA has posted a retail distribution list for the recalled items. The 44-page list is sorted by state, then by city. Here are some of the highlights, but please check the list to determine whether stores in your area carried any of the recalled products.

• Alabama: 775 stores across the state, including Bruno's, Calhoun Foods, Cost Plus Food Outlet, Food Giant, Food Outlet, Food World, Giant Foods, Greer's, Kroger, Pic N Sav, Piggly Wiggly, Publix, SF Market, Super Target, Wal-Mart and Winn Dixie
  
• Arkansas: 7 Wal-Mart stores
  
• Florida: 110 stores across the state, including Bruno, Food World, Grocery Outlet, Pic N Sav, Piggly Wiggly, Smiths, Wal-Mart and Winn Dixie
  
• Georgia: 163 stores across the state, including Brumby Foods, C & J Supermarket, Casey's, Foodland, Grocery Outlet, Pic N Sav, Publix, Shannon Grocery, Smith's, Wal-Mart and Winn Dixie
  
• Kentucky: 2 Wal-Mart stores
  
• Mississippi: 138 stores across the state, including Food Giant, Greers, McPhail Supermarket, Piggly Wiggly, Wal-Mart and Winn Dixie
  
• Missouri: 4 Wal-Mart stores
  
• Tennessee: 49 stores across the state, including Piggly Wiggly and Wal-Mart
  
• Texas: Maxwells Big Star in Bolivar and More for Less Food Store in Jackson
  

Consumers with questions about this recall should contact Zeigler's Controller, Ken Fitzgerald, at (800) 326-6328.

EXCLUSIVE REPORT: Mars Petcare's Latest Salmonella Problems

Anyone who thinks that Mars Petcare's Salmonella problems ended with the shutdown of its Everson, PA production facility is in for a disappointment.

Last month, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) found Salmonella in samples of Special Kitty® Gourmet Blend dry cat food and Ol' Roy® Meaty Chunks 'N Gravy dry dog food. Both products were sold at Wal-Mart, and were manufactured for Wal-Mart by Mars Petcare. WVDA issued a "stop-sale" order for both products, and advised FDA of their findings.

As a result of the WVDA actions, Mars Petcare voluntarily recalled a "limited number" of bags of the Special Kitty Gourmet Blend cat food on October 27th. Wal-Mart posted a recall notice for the cat food on its website on October 27th, but removed it within a few days.

According to Catherine Bowyer, Assistant Director, Regulatory and Environmental Affairs Division of WVDA, the state analyzed samples of the Mars Petcare dry pet food as a result of receiving consumer complaints that some dogs had become sick after purportedly eating the Mars dog food. At least two of the dogs were seen by veterinarians, but Bowyer is unaware of any lab tests having been carried out.

Ms. Bowyer told eFoodAlert that the dry cat food was contaminated with Salmonella Senftenberg; the dog food contained Salmonella Typhimurium. The two pet foods were manufactured in different production facilities.

FDA has confirmed that they are looking into West Virginia's dog food findings, but an agency spokesman said that FDA does not comment on investigations that are in progress.

If you have purchased a Mars Petcare product – from Wal-Mart or any other store – and you, your pet or a family member has experienced any symptoms of Salmonella, you should contact your family physician, your veterinarian, and your local health authority. And please tell eFoodAlert readers about your experience by posting a comment.

Non-Dairy Creamer Recalled for Undeclared Milk

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning consumers about the presence of undeclared milk in non-dairy creamer products imported from Korea and sold under several different brand names.

The importer is cooperating in a recall of the following products:

• Maxim Coffee Mix Original, 1200 g (12 g x 100); UPC 8 801037 019476
  
• Maxim Coffee Mix Mocha Gold Mild, 1200 g (12 g x 100); UPC 8 801037 019667
  
• Maxim Coffee Mix Mocha Gold Mild, 1800 g (12 g x 150); UPC 8 801037 032581
  
• Maxim Coffee Mix Mocha Gold Mild, 240 g (12 g x 20); UPC 8 801037 006391
  
• Maxim Coffee Mix Mocha Gold Mild Well-Being ½ Calories, 186 g (9.3 g x 20); UPC 8 801037 034134
  
• Maxim Coffee Mix Ice, 183 g (18.3 g x 10); UPC 8 801037 038972
  
• Maxim Cappuccino Mocha, 360 g (18 g x 20); UPC 8 801037 031300
  
• Maxim Cappuccino Hazelnut, 360 g (18 g x 20); UPC 8 801037 031317
  
• Maxim Cappuccino Vanilla, 360 g (18 g x 20); UPC 8 801037 031324
  
• Maxwell House Coffee Mix Original, 240 g (12 g x 20); UPC 8 801037 035650
  
• Maxwell House Coffee Mix Original, 600 g (12 g x 50); UPC 8 801037 035667
  
• Taster’s Choice Coffee Mix, 240 g (12 g x 20); UPC 8 801055 126316
  
• Taster’s Choice Coffee Mix, 1.2 kg (12 g x 100); UPC 8 801055 126606
  
• Taster’s Choice Coffee Mix Mocha, 1.2 kg (12 g x 100); UPC 8 801055 126538
  
• Taster’s Choice Well-Being Milk Coffee, 189 g (12.6 g x 15); UPC 8 801055 028672
  

The creamers were distributed in the provinces of British Columbia, Albert, Saskatchewan and Ontario. 

Individuals who are allergic to milk may experience a severe reaction to these "non-dairy" creamers. Consumers are advised to return the recalled products to the place of purchase for a refund.

A Backward Glance, One Year Later

One year ago today, eFoodAlert made its first appearance with a posting titled "Food Safety - An Oxymoron?"

During the last 760+ posts, I've tried to keep my promise to share with you my perspective on food safety news and issues. In doing so, I've talked about everything from candy to cholera, Myanmar to melamine, and E. coli to eggnog. Some of my posts have been part travelogue, as I toured Southeast Asia, France and the Netherlands. But food always was part of the travel scene.

Looking ahead to Year Two, I plan to continue my international perspective on food safety. I'll be following and writing about events in Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania and the Americas. I hope you'll continue to travel the world of food safety with me.

Phyllis Entis

Confused Flour Beetle Stumbles Into Quaker Oats

The UK Food Standards Agency is advising consumers that Quaker Oats has recalled some 1.5Kg cartons of Quaker Oats Original and 1.0Kg cartons of Quaker 'Jumbo' Rolled Oats due to the possible presence of Tribolium confusum (a.k.a. "confused flour beetle"). The recalled packages were distributed only to Tesco stores.

The recalled packages bear the "Best Before" date of 11/07/2009 and "Durability" codes of 191, 192, or 193. No other packages are implicated in the recall.

Tribolium confusum is a grain pest, often infesting flour mills and grocery stores. The insect was awarded its unusual name, so the story goes, as a result of it having been confused with another species of Tribolium.

Quaker is advising its customers not to eat the recalled cereals. For more information, consumers can call the company's consumer care desk at 0800 032 4490.

Typhoid Outbreak Strikes Quezon

Last month, the British Columbia (Canada) Centre for Disease Control published a Health Alert to warn travelers about the risk of acquiring typhoid while visiting certain South Asian countries, including India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The warning should have extended beyond South Asia to the Philippines.

The Philippines Department of Health reported earlier today that it is investigating 150 cases of typhoid in the towns of Infanta and Real in Quezon province. Residents have been told to boil their water until further notice.

The BCCDC recommended that individuals who are planning to travel to areas where typhoid occurs should be vaccinated before their trip. The typhoid vaccine is only 70-90% effective against Salmonella Typhi, and offers no protection whatsoever against other food-borne or water-borne diseases. Travelers, therefore, must still take all the usual precautions – drinking only bottled water (or other bottled beverages), and avoiding ice, raw vegetables, raw fruit and foods prepared by street vendors.

Typhoid is spread in contaminated food or water. Individuals may become infected without experiencing any symptoms, or may continue to shed the pathogen periodically in their stool even years after their symptoms have disappeared. These carriers can contaminate food or serving utensils, and pass the pathogen to unsuspecting consumers.

Traveling in less developed countries can be fascinating and educational. And sampling local cuisine is part of the fun. It's a wise traveler, though, who thinks twice before tasting.

Food Safety Deserves Seat At Presidential Table

In 1993, US Vice President Gore recommended that the nation's food industry and regulators move towards a preventative system for ensuring food safety. 

In 1994, USDA established the Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety. 

In 1995, FDA introduced a compulsory HACCP program for the seafood industry. 

In 1996, USDA introduced a compulsory HACCP program (the "MegaReg") for the meat and poultry industry. CDC introduced the FoodNet surveillance system, and President Clinton signed both the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Food Quality Protection Act. 

In 1997, the Clinton Administration introduced its National Food Safety Initiative, the "Food Safety from Farm to Table" program, and the "Partnership for Food Safety Education." And approved the irradiation of meat.

In 1998, PulseNet knitted together a network of public health laboratories to speed the detection and identification of disease outbreaks. The Joint Institute for Food Safety Research sought to bring together expertise from government, academia and industry to coordinate research activities. The Administration established the President's Food Safety Council.

In 1999, FDA and the Treasury Department began to tackle the problem of unsafe imported foods. 

In 2000, George W. Bush took office. 

The President's Council on Food Safety issued its Food Safety Strategic Plan in January 2001. The Plan contained the following recommendations:

• The Council recommends the development of near-term legislative proposals to strengthen the existing food safety statutes enabling stronger prevention, enforcement, and record keeping activities.
  
• The Council recommends near-term efforts to strengthen agency coordination to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Federal food safety activities.
  
• The Council recommends the development of comprehensive, unifying legislation, followed by the development of a corresponding organizational reform plan that protects the public's health by allowing risk-based allocation of resources and utilization of science-based regulation, enforcement, and education. This comprehensive framework should address food safety standard setting, inspection, enforcement, research, and education.
  

Earlier today, the Produce Safety Project at Georgetown University – a Pew Charitable Trusts initiative – issued its assessment of the government's response to this year's outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul. The report highlights:

• the failure of federal and state agencies to communicate clearly with the public during the outbreak; 
  
• the lack of organization, capacity and coordination in the government's response to the outbreak;
  
• and the failure of the federal government (i.e., the FDA) to establish and implement mandatory preventative safety standards for fresh product, even though the agency has the statutory authority to implement those standards.
  

What happened to all of the Clinton initiatives?

President-Elect Obama is inheriting a full plate from the Bush Administration. But he cannot afford to ignore the pent up problems in our food safety system. Reactivating the President's Council on Food Safety might be a good place to start.

Cholera Runs Rampant in Africa

Another month, another cholera outbreak. Or two. Or three.

November has seen its share of disasters in Africa. And cholera – the ultimate "disease of disaster" – is taking its usual toll on the continent's devastated population.

Foremost on the list of disaster areas is the Democratic Republic of Congo, where fighting in the eastern part of the country has displaced more than 800,000 people. The World Health Organization reports that cholera cases in Kivu province have tripled since the beginning of October, with more than 1,800 cases having been logged in the province. WHO is working with non-governmental organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF and the International Red Cross to furnish food, clean water, and medicines to the refugee camps, in an attempt to contain disease outbreaks.

Zimbabwe, too, is a man-made disaster that has become a breeding ground for cholera. The dysfunctional political situation in this once-prosperous British colony has resulted in a collapse of the existing water and sewage treatment systems. And the cholera bacteria that are endemic in the region have spread through the population. 

According to WHO, more than 2,800 Zimbabweans have become infected with cholera since August. There have been 115 reported deaths. At least some of those deaths could have been prevented if the country's hospitals had been adequately stocked and staffed.  

Finally, cholera has killed at least 53 people in a remote area of Mozambique, and has sickened as many as 180. The area is in one of four provinces that experienced severe flooding earlier this year. It's a fairly safe bet that the floodwaters contaminated the lake and river water used – without treatment – by the local population for drinking, cooking and washing. 

Whether the disaster that triggers an outbreak of cholera is man-made or natural, the outcome is the same – death and devastation for the innocent population. It takes an adequate supply of clean drinking water and a safe means of disposing of human waste to avoid adding disease on top of disaster.

Norovirus Can Be Deadly

We usually think of Norovirus gastroenteritis outbreaks as messy and inconvenient. It's easy to forget that the dehydration that results from a bout of this illness can prove deadly.

Fifty-one of the 200 guests at a wedding held in Aberdeenshire (United Kingdom) on November 1st came away with more than just a piece of wedding cake. They received a dose of Norovirus. For most of the 51 victims, this was no more than the usual "winter vomiting bug" – uncomfortable, inconvenient, and soon over. But for one elderly guest, the encounter with Norovirus proved to be a killer.

Fortunately, most encounters with this highly infectious virus produce a happier ending. Staff members in hospitals and retirement homes, where the population tends to be more susceptible to severe dehydration, have learned to impose extraordinary isolation and sanitation measures immediately in response to even a single suspect case. 

In the last 2-3 weeks, Norovirus outbreaks have prompted ward closures and restrictions on visitors in the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. Earlier this fall – between mid-September and mid-October – nine clusters of Norovirus reported in the Netherlands, Italy, France and Ireland even struck down travelers who had become infected while visiting Lourdes.

Cruise ships are another favorite venue. In recent weeks, the virus struck 60 passengers on the Diamond Princess during its cruise of the Orient. And more than 14% of the 1,820 passengers on Holland America's Zuiderdam fell sick with Norovirus during a 17-day cruise that reached port on November 9th. Seventeen of the 794 crew members on that ship also were infected.

In short, Norovirus thrives on a captive audience – especially wherever a relatively large number of people are clustered in close quarters. The best defense against this highly infectious and very rugged virus is to pay extremely close attention to frequent and thorough hand washing, and to all other elements of personal hygiene. And as a friend discovered on a recent cruise, you might want to avoid the buffet. Think of how many different hands have touched the serving utensils.

Allergy Alert: Fresh 2 Go Tortellini Recalled in Ontario

AFC Food Group (Woodbridge, Ontario) is recalling all date codes of Fresh 2 Go brand Beef Tortellini due to the presence of undeclared milk. One reported illness has been associated with the recalled product.

Both package sizes of Fresh 2 Go brand Beef Tortellini are covered by this recall notice. The 350g package bears UPC 0 59749 87838 8, and the 700g package bears UPC 0 59749 87841 8. The tortellini was sold through A&P, Dominion, Loeb, Metro, The Barn and Ultra stores in the province of Ontario.

Individuals who are allergic to milk may suffer a severe reaction upon consuming the recalled product. CFIA and AFC Food Group urge anyone who has purchased Fresh 2 Go brand Beef Tortellini to return it to the store for a refund.

For more information on the recall, contact AFC Food Group's Customer Care line, toll-free, at 1-877-233-0040.

Allergy Alert: Seattle's Favorite Muffin Tops Recalled

Seattle's Favorite Gourmet Cookies & Dessert Co. (Tukwila, WA) has recalled Orange Cranberry Muffin Tops and Banana Nut Muffin Tops due to the presence of undeclared milk. The omission was discovered during a routine FDA inspection.

All packages of both varieties are included in the recall, regardless of production code. The Muffin Tops are individually wrapped in clear plastic, with a black product card that may or may not carry an expiry date or "best before" date. The recalled items were distributed nationally through coffee shops, espresso stands, and retail outlets.

Individuals who are allergic to milk may experience a severe reaction as a result of consuming a food item that contains even a small amount of milk. Consumers who purchased this product are urged to return it to the point of sale for a refund.

For more information on this recall, please contact Seattle's Favorite, toll-free, at 1-866-203-5588.

Southern Ontario E. coli O157:H7 - Is Lettuce The Link?

The Ontario Ministry of Health reported today that Southern Ontario's E. coli O157:H7 outbreak is responsible for as many as 148 illnesses in four health districts. These include:

• 56 cases in Niagara - 14 confirmed
  
• 31 cases in Halton - 6 confirmed
  
• 58 cases in Guelph - 7 confirmed
  
• 3 cases in Waterloo - 2 confirmed
  

By definition, a confirmed case is one in which the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 was recovered from the patient. Unconfirmed cases are either still under investigation, or match the epidemiological profile (time frame, location, symptoms) without the specific outbreak strain having been found.

As is often the case in this type of investigation, the MOH totals vary somewhat from those reported by the individual districts – probably because of the time lag involved in transmitting updates to the province. Halton reported yesterday that they were investigating as many as 73 cases, including the six cases that have been lab-confirmed.

The geographic scope and size of the outbreak, while adding to the regulatory complexity, is a boon to the investigation. Epidemiologists can look for common elements, not only among the victims, but also among the food service establishments linked to the outbreak. And, based on a news release from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, suspicion appears to have fallen on lettuce.

CFIA has not specified the type of lettuce, but a finger has been pointed at romaine. The federal agency is working on its traceback investigation while the provincial and district health authorities continue to follow up on interviews and lab confirmation of possible victims.

First Listeria monocytogenes, then E. coli O157:H7. Now all Canadians need is another Salmonella outbreak. Wonder whatever happened to the unexplained cases of Salmonella Poona that the Public Health Agency of Canada was worried about a few weeks ago?

The China Syndrome: Melamine Still Turning Up In US

UPDATED November 14, 2008

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture alerted consumers last Friday that Wonderfarm brand "Successful" biscuits may contain excessive levels of melamine and should be discarded.

The warning came after MDA detected more than 2.5ppm melamine in several samples of the biscuits, as part of an ongoing federal-state testing program.

The biscuits – manufactured by Interfood Shareholding Company in Vietnam – were being sold at Rochester Oriental Food and Jewelry in Rochester, MN.

Minnesota officials have advised FDA of their finding, and are investigating to determine whether the biscuits are available for sale elsewhere in the state.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has learned that these biscuits have been shipped to at least two Asian specialty markets in that state, and may be available for sale in various locations around the state. Wisconsin is advising consumers to check their pantries for the melamine-contaminated product. Added Nov 14th.

UK Dairy Company Recalls Rubbery Spread

The UK Food Standards Agency advised consumers yesterday that Dairy Crest Ltd. has recalled two batches of Country Life Spreadable after finding that some packs might contain pieces of white rubber.

The recall notice covers 250g and 500g package sizes of Country Life Spreadable, labeled with Best Before dates of 20 December 2008 and 21 December 2008 (batch codes 8285 and 8286, respectively).

According to Dairy Crest, the problem affected a small proportion of batch 8285. Nevertheless, the company took the precaution of recalling the entire production batch as well as the following day's production.

Dairy Crest is requesting consumers who purchased the recalled batches of Spreadable to contact the company at 0800 328 5344.

Allergy Alert: Amy's Kitchen Recalls Tofu Sandwich

UPDATED November 14, 2008

Amy's Kitchen Inc. (Santa Rosa, CA) has recalled a single production lot of its Tofu Scramble in a Pocket Sandwich, after determining that the product, which is labeled as non-dairy, contains milk. The problem was discovered as a result of a reported allergic reaction.

The recalled item is described as follows:

Amy’s Kitchen Pocket Sandwich Tofu Scramble
UPC No. 0-42272-00116-3
Amy’s Item No. 000116
Lot 10-H148 A,B,C, or D

The 4-ounce pocket sandwich is sold frozen, in an easy-open zipper package. The lot number is printed in white on the zipper end.

Individuals who are allergic to milk may experience a severe reaction as a result of eating the mislabeled sandwich. People who have purchased one of the recalled sandwiches and who are not allergic to milk can consume the sandwiches safely. Nevertheless, Amy's is inviting any consumer who purchased the recalled product to return it for an exchange or a refund.

The following retail chains have advised their customers of this recall:

• Kroger, King Soopers, Smith's, QFC, Ralphs and Dillons (The Kroger Company)
  
• Wegmans
• Price Chopper

For more information, please call Amy's Customer Service department (collect) at 707-568-4500, ext. 4571.

Mr Smoked Meat Recall Expanded in Québec

The Québec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) is advising consumers in the province that last week's recall of old fashioned smoked meat has been expanded to include additional production lots and formats.

All packages of Mr. Smoked Meat brand  sliced smoked meat bearing Best Before dates up to and including November 28, 2008 are being recalled due to the risk of contamination by Listeria monocytogenes. The smoked meat is sold in an unspecified number of retail outlets in the Montreal region.

Listeria monocytogenes typically causes mild flu-like or gastrointestinal illness in otherwise health adults. But it can be lethal to the elderly, immunocompromised individuals and young children. Pregnant women, if infected, can pass the infection to their unborn child, resulting in stillbirth, premature birth, or an infected newborn infant.

Anyone in the Montreal region who has purchased the recalled smoked meat should discard it out of reach of children or return it to the store. For more information on this recall, contact MAPAQ at 1-800-483-5023.

Allergy Alert: Canadian Recall of "Half & Half" Cream

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning consumers in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan that certain 1L cartons of Lucerne 10% Half & Half Cream may contain undeclared egg.

The Lucerne Foods division of Canada Safeway Limited (Calgary, AB) has recalled 1L cartons of its Half & Half, bearing a Best Before date of NO26 and UPC number 0 58200 07825 1. The affected cartons of 10% cream were distributed in Canada's three westernmost provinces, only.

Individuals who are allergic to egg proteins may experience a severe – possibly life-threatening – reaction upon consuming even a small amount of the egg-containing cream. Consumers who purchased the recalled product should return it to the store for a refund or exchange.

For more information about this recall, contact Bruce Bowman, Canada Safeway Limited at 403-730-3508.

Harvey's Reopens In North Bay

The North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit gave Harvey's the green light yesterday, and the restaurant has reopened for business. According to the North Bay Nugget, customers of the fast food outlet were standing in line by the time the restaurant opened its doors this morning.

Harvey's was ordered to close on October 12th, after it was linked to an outbreak of E. coli o157:H7 that sickened 251 individuals (50 lab-confirmed) in North Bay, 10 other Ontario health districts, Québec (1 case) and British Columbia (1 case). One of the victims, a seven-year old boy, is still hospitalized with in Toronto with hemolytic uremic syndrome. The source of the E. coli O157:H7 still has not been determined.

In what may be a coincidence – or perhaps a spurt of secondary infections – the district is investigating four possible cases of E. coli illness among four children in one Senior Kindergarten classroom at Sunset Park Public School. Children from that classroom have been asked to stay home while the classroom is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The Senior Kindergarten classes will resume tomorrow, but parents have been reminded to keep sick children at home.

While the District Health Unit says that its investigation into the Harvey's E. coli O157:H7 outbreak is continuing, chances are very slender that the source will ever be found – unless the same strain pops up again, either in North Bay or elsewhere.

UK Infused Oil Recall: Botulism Risk

The UK Food Standards Agency has alerted consumers to a recall of several infused olive oil products. The infused oils, manufactured by Seymours of Norfolk Ltd., are thought to be susceptible to the growth of Clostridium botulinum.

The recall includes all "best before" date codes up to and including March 2009. Both 250mL bottles and "oil from cask" are part of this recall. The following infused oil flavors are affected:

Rosemary, Thyme, Basil, Garlic, Lime, Lemon, Chili

The company offered the following explanation:

A technical fault in the production of these products has led to a situation where some of the above products may contain a small amount of water which could lead to the growth of potentially dangerous bacteria.

Clostridium botulinum is capable of producing a deadly neurotoxin. Symptoms of botulism may include lassitude, weakness, vertigo, double vision and progressive difficulty in speaking and swallowing. If left untreated, the progressive paralysis can be fatal.

Under no circumstances should the recalled items be consumed. Seymours is requesting that consumers return the items to the store for refund or exchange for another product. If you have consumed one of the recalled oils and think that you may be experiencing one or more symptoms of botulism, seek medical attention immediately.

For answers to any questions about this recall, consumers are invited to call the Seymours Customer Careline at 01603 446522.

Allergy Alert: Frozen Shrimp From China

The Georgia Department of Agriculture is alerting consumers to the presence of undeclared sulfites in frozen shrimp imported from China.

The sulfites were detected in Sea Best brand "10 Raw Shrimp Skewers", distributed by Beaver Street Fisheries Inc. (Jacksonville, FL). The problem was found as a result of routine sampling on the part of the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

While sulfites are not allergens, they can provoke an allergic type response in sensitive individuals. People who are sensitive to sulfites should not consume this seafood product.

The state has alerted FDA to their findings, and state sanitarians are making the rounds of retailers to ensure that the mislabeled shrimp are removed from sale.

E. coli O157:H7 - Tying Outbreaks Together

The E. coli O157:H7 cases in four southern Ontario regions may be linked to some cases in the United States after all – just not the ones we thought.

Bill Marler reported this morning that some isolates of E. coli o157:H7 that were reported in southern California, New Jersey and South Dakota appear to be the same genetic strain as the one that has infected individuals in Niagara, Halton, Waterloo and Guelph.

The Ontario Ministry of Health, which is coordinating the results from the affected regions, has recognized a total of 88 cases as of this evening, 24 of which have been lab-confirmed. The totals reported by each health unit are somewhat different:

• Niagara (as of November 7): 55 cases, including 13 confirmed, 38 probable and 4 under investigation
  
• Halton (as of November 10, 12:00pm): 69 cases under investigation, including 4 confirmed
  
• Guelph (as of November 10): 5 cases, all of which are lab-confirmed
  
• Waterloo (as of November 7): 2 cases, both lab-confirmed
  

The same genetic strain of E. coli O157:H7 has been isolated from at least one patient in each of these regional outbreaks. This outbreak strain is different from the strain isolated in the North Bay outbreak, as well as being different from the strain isolated earlier in the Chatham-Kent outbreak. The Chatham-Kent strain was identical to the outbreak strain associated with Aunt Mid's bagged iceberg lettuce.

With the attention now focused on the southern Ontario outbreak, it's easy to overlook the North Bay situation. But the victims of the North Bay outbreak deserve our attention – especially the family of Carter MacDonald, the seven-year old boy who suffered severe complications from his brush with E. coli O157:H7.

Carter developed hemolytic uremic syndrome as a result of his infection. He was airlifted to Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children on October 24, and placed into intensive care in "critical" condition. His condition has improved, but Carter remains hospitalized – his family at his side.

Carter's family has been depleting its savings in order to remain in Toronto with him. A fund-raising effort has begun in North Bay to help the family. The first to donate was the president of Harvey's Restaurant – the fast-food eatery that was linked to the outbreak.

Our thoughts this evening are with Carter and his family, and with all of the other victims of these outbreaks. 

Nestlé Withdraws Brazilian Made Cereal

UPDATED November 10, 2008

Nestlé has announced a voluntary withdrawal from the US market of Nestlé Farinha Lactea cereal, made in Brazil, after the state of Connecticut reported finding traces of the pesticide pirimiphos-methyl in a sample of the cereal. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection investigated the product after an inspector noticed the absence of English labeling.

Pirimiphos-methyl is a grain fumigant that is used in some countries, but is not permitted for use on wheat in the United States. 

The cereal is sold mainly in Portuguese language communities in the United States. Certain Price Chopper store locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut stocked the recalled item, which bears UPC number 789100025260:

• Store 148 (221-223 Park Ave., Worcester, MA)
  
• Store 162 (240 East Main Street, Marlborough, MA)
  
• Store 179 (50 Cambridge Street, Worcester, MA)
  
• Store 203 (410 Queen Street, Southington, CT)
  
• Store 205 (35 Talcottville Road, Tri City Shopping, Vernon, CT)
  

All production codes, dates and package sizes of Nestlé Farinha Lactea have been withdrawn as a precaution. Consumers who purchased the product are asked to return it to the store for a refund.

Nesquik Strawberry Powder Recalled - Metal Particles

Nestlé has announced a voluntary recall of two production lots of Nesquik Strawberry Powder (21.8-ounce size) after it was discovered that some of the product may contain small fragments of aluminum.

The recall is specific to production codes 82255880 and 82265880, with a best by date of August 2010. The two recalled lots were manufactured on August 12 and 13, respectively, and were distributed in the United States (including Hawaii) and Puerto Rico through supermarket chains and other retail outlets.

National and regional chains that sold the two recalled production lots include, but are not limited to:

Smiths, Walmart, and Wegmans.

Anyone who purchased one of the recalled production lots should return it to the store for a refund. For more information about this recall, consumers can contact the Nestlé Consumer Services Center at 888-637-4345.

Allergy Alert: Milk in Non-Dairy Coffee Creamers

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning consumers who are allergic to milk that certain non-dairy coffee creamers and mixes imported from Korea may contain milk that is not declared on the package label.

The affected products, listed below, were distributed in Alberta and British Columbia. All production codes of these products have been recalled by the importer.

• Dongsuh Frima brand Coffee Creamer, 500 g, UPC 8 801037 000559
  
• Dongsuh Frima brand Coffee Creamer, 1 kg, UPC 8 801037 000627
  
• Maxim brand Original Coffee Mix, 240 g (12 g x 20), UPC 8 801037 010732
  
• Maxim brand Decaffeinated Coffee Mix, 240 g (12 g x 20), UPC 8 801037 010824
  
• Nescafé brand Coffee Mix, 240 g (12 g x 20), UPC 8 801055 161096
  

Individuals who are allergic to milk may experience a severe reaction after consuming one of these items. Anyone who has purchased one of these products should return it to the store for a refund.

E. coli O157:H7 Tours Ontario

Not content with wreaking havoc in North Bay, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Welland and Burlington, our old friend has also put in an appearance in Waterloo, Ontario. And, just for good measure, he has granted an encore at the University of Guelph.

Based on information released by the Ontario Ministry of Health, the illnesses in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Welland, Burlington and Waterloo all are due to the identical strain of E. coli O157:H7. So far, this multi-city outbreak comprises 91 cases, 20 of which have been confirmed. 

The two Waterloo victims are both described as "older children"; one has been hospitalized. Both of the Waterloo cases have been lab-confirmed.

The Little Red Rooster restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and M.T. Bellies in Welland, both of which closed for the outbreak investigation, have reopened after being given a go-ahead by the Niagara regional health authority. Johnathan's Family Restaurant in Burlington (Halton region) remains closed.

The University of Guelph outbreak may be completely unrelated to the other southern Ontario cases. It's still too early to tell. So far, four UoG students have fallen ill with E. coli O157; all of them ate at the Pita Pit in the University Centre. The University has closed the Pita Pit while the investigation into this outbreak is carried out.

The UoG campus was the scene of another E. coli O157 outbreak last July, when a group of international students was infected by the microbe. At least seven – possibly as many as 22 – of the Italian students became infected after eating food supplied by University Food Services. The source of that outbreak was never determined.

As for North Bay, that outbreak appears to be winding down. The last report, issued on Wednesday, indicated that no new lab-confirmed cases had been uncovered. And the source of the largest of the Ontario E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks remains a mystery.

Québec Recalls Improperly Processed Sauce

Espaces Gourmands Boutique "Pepperonata" sauce has been recalled after the Québec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) determined that it had not been processed in a way that rendered it safe for human consumption.

All lots of the Pepperonata sauce, packed in 500mL and 1L glass jars, are included in this recall. The items were sold only at Espaces Gourmands Boutique, 424, boulevard Sir-Wilfrid-Laurier, Mont-Saint-Hilaire, QC.

This product is not safe for human consumption. Anyone who purchased a 500mL or 1L jar of Espaces Gourmands Boutique Pepperonata sauce should return it to the store for a full refund.

Québec Recalls Old Fashioned Smoked Meat

The Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) is advising consumers not to eat Mr. Smoked Meat brand Old Fashioned Smoked Meat, due to the possibility of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

The contaminated meat, produced by Monsieur Smoked Meat Inc., 1053A rue Bernard Ouest, Outremont, QC, was sold in various retail stores in the province of Québec. The sliced smoked meat is distributed in 225g packages bearing an expiration date of 12 novembre 2008.

This has been a rough week for Old Fashioned Smoked Meat aficionados. Just two days ago, Les Salaisons Desco announced a second recall of Dunn's Famous brand Smoked Meat, sold in Costco stores in certain British Columbia locations.

Consumers are asked to return the recalled smoked meat packages to the store for a refund. For additional information, please call the Centre québécois d'inspection des aliments et de santé animale, toll free, at 1-800-463-5023.

Allergy Alert: Spice Blends Recalled in Australia

Country Cuisine Pty Ltd. has recalled two varieties of Malouf's Spice Mezza due to the presence of undeclared tree nuts in the spice blends. The products were distributed in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland

The recall covers 100g jars of Jordanian Za'atar and Cumin Za'atar spice blends, bearing a Best Before date of September 2010. Pictures of the recalled items can be seen on the Greg Malouf website.

Individuals who are allergic to nuts may experience a severe reaction upon consuming this product. Consumers are asked to return the mislabeled spice blends to the store for a refund. 

A Mars Petcare Postscript

It's very unusual for the CDC to identify a manufacturer by name in an outbreak investigation report. But that's exactly what CDC did in today's issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports. The manufacturer was Mars Petcare, Inc.

The Mars Petcare outbreak story began in January 2006, when the first victims fell ill. It ended in October 2008, when Mars announced the permanent shutdown of its Everson, PA production facility. During the intervening 34 months, 79 people in 21 states became infected with the identical strain of Salmonella Schwarzengrund. The same strain of Salmonella also was recovered from samples of pet food produced by Mars Petcare in its Everson facility.

The entire Mars Petcare episode has been an exercise in foot-dragging on the part of the company, which did its best to minimize the significance of the findings and the scope of the recalls. But all of the company's efforts could not forestall the recall, in September 2008, of more than 23,000 tons of pet food, representing 105 different brands. Nor did it prevent the eventual shutdown of the Everson plant.

FDA still has not determined how the Everson facility became contaminated with Salmonella Schwarzengrund to begin with. The agency also has not yet figured out how the contamination popped back up after the Everson plant was shut down for cleaning, sanitizing and renovation in 2007. That investigation is on-going.

CDC has cautioned that some of the recalled pet food may still be in the hands of consumers. Anyone who has purchased a dry pet food manufactured by Mars Petcare – which includes store brands such as Wal-Mart's Ol' Roy – should check the Mars Retail Recall List to see which brands and production/date codes were recalled. Any recalled item should be returned to the store for a refund. 

Allergy Alert: Undeclared Eggs In California Sausage

Link to Retail Distribution List Added November 6th

Jolly Good Meat Products (Los Angeles, CA) has recalled 600 pounds of ready-to-eat and raw sausage rolls due to the presence of eggs, which were not declared on the label. The problem was discovered during a routine USDA inspection.

Individuals who are allergic to eggs may experience a severe reaction shortly after eating a food that contains egg as an ingredient.

This recall covers the following products, both of which bear Est. 6216 inside the USDA label on each box:

• 8.9-pound cases of ready-to-eat "Jolly Good Banger Rolls"
  
• 24-pound cases of raw "Jolly Good Banger Rolls"
  

The recalled sausage rolls were produced in September and October, and were shipped to California distributors for further distribution to restaurants and retailers. 

The retail distribution list for these recalled sausages is available on the USDA/FSIS website, under Recall #040-2008.

Please check back periodically for more information on retail distribution of the recalled sausage rolls. We'll be watching for the information and will update this post if and when a distribution list is made public.

Tahini Recalled in New Zealand

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority advised consumers yesterday that two brands of tahini have been recalled by the manufacturer due to the risk of contamination by Listeria monocytogenes.

Cooks Food Group Ltd. has recalled all production batches of Sahara Tahini (350g) and Olive Grove Tahini (200g). Both brands were sold in supermarket chains throughout New Zealand.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with this recall. But the elderly, the very young, and immuno-compromised individuals are at risk of suffering severe illness if infected by Listeria monocytogenes. Pregnant women may pass their infection to their babies in utero, resulting in miscarriage, premature labor, or a seriously ill newborn.

Allergy Alert: Breaded Hallock Recalled in UK

The UK Food Standards Agency has issued an Allergy Alert for Asda brand Frozen 4 Breaded 100% Haddock Fillets due to a packaging error. 

Asda recalled several production date codes of the haddock fillets after discovering that battered haddock fillets were packed in breaded haddock fillets. The battered fillets contain milk, which is not declared on the breaded fillet packaging.

The following Best Before date codes of Asda brand Frozen 4 Breaded 100% Haddock Fillets, bar code #05051413368145: 19 September 2009, 20 September 2009, 21 September 2009, 24 September 2009, 25 September 2009, 4 October 2009, 5 October 2009, 8 October 2009, 17 October 2009, 10 October 2009.

Individuals who are allergic to milk or dairy components may experience a severe – possibly life-threatening – reaction upon consuming the battered haddock fillets. Consumers who purchased the recalled haddock should return it to the store for a full refund.

Ontario E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak Links Clarified

We were advised this morning by Andrew Morrison of the Ontario Ministry of Health that a link between the Niagara and Michigan/Illinois outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 has not been established. 

Here is what we know:

• The Chatham-Kent outbreak definitely was linked to the Michigan/Illinois outbreak.
  
• Preliminary genetic fingerprinting of some isolates from the North Bay outbreak showed a connection between the North Bay and Chatham-Kent strains. This was not borne out by more extensive testing.
  
• One isolate from the Halton outbreak appears to be the same as the Niagara outbreak strain.
  
• The Niagara cases have not been linked to the Michigan/Illinois outbreak strain.
  

Our thanks to Andrew Morrison for this clarification.

Allergy Alert: Price Chopper Recalls Pasta Salad

Price Chopper announced yesterday that it was recalling Price Chopper brand Deli Rotelli Pasta Salad due to inaccurate labeling. The deli salad may contain one or more undeclared allergens.

This recall applies to all Deli Rotelli Pasta Salad purchased at Price Chopper before November 4, 2008 and bearing UPC number 217147-00000.

Individuals who are allergic to one or more food components may suffer a severe reaction upon eating the inaccurately labeled pasta salad. Price Chopper asks its customers to return the recalled product to the store for a full refund.

For more information, customers can contact Price Chopper at (800) 666-7667, Monday through Friday, between 8:30am and 5pm, EST.

"Dunn" In By Desco Again

CFIA is warning consumers in British Columbia that some pouches of Dunn's Famous brand Smoked Meat may be contaminated with staphylococcal enterotoxin and should not be eaten. One illness has already been associated with this product.

Les Salaisons Desco, Inc. (Boisbriand, QC) has recalled Dunn's Famous brand Smoked Meat pouches, sold in 1 kg boxes (each containing 6 x 175g pouches) bearing UPC 4 00007 55699 7 and a Best Before date of 2008 NO 13. The outside of each box also bears a Canada logo with the number 501. 

The recalled meat was distributed only in Costco stores, in the following British Columbia locations: Surrey, Kelowna, Port Coquitlam, Langford, Langley and Downtown Vancouver.

Staphylococcus aureus, the bacterium that produces staphylococcal enterotoxin, is a normal inhabitant of the skin, hair and nasal passages of many healthy individuals. Perhaps as many as half the population are carriers. The bacterium usually is transferred to a food through inattention, typically when someone neglects to wash his or her hands before handling a food – perhaps after sneezing or coughing into a hand.

Its' possible to eat a food that contains thousands of living Staphylococcus aureus without becoming ill. The toxin's the culprit – not the bacteria. The microbe must have the opportunity to multiply in a food for several hours (usually 4-5 hours will do) in order to produce enough toxin to make someone ill. But once the toxin is present, look out.

Staphylococcal enterotoxin is very heat-tolerant, and will survive extensive boiling. It remains active long after the bacteria that produced it have been killed. Heating the meat pouches before using the contents will NOT destroy the toxin. 

If you have purchased the recalled product, DO NOT consume it. Please contact your local Costco, or watch the Costco Product Notices page for instructions of returning the recalled item for a refund.

Niagara & Halton E. coli O157:H7 Linked to US Outbreaks

eFoodAlert has learned that the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in the Niagara region has been linked by genetic fingerprinting to the recent cross-border outbreak that caused illnesses in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Oregon, New York and the Chatham-Kent region of Ontario.

The earlier outbreak was traced epidemiologically by US and Canadian investigators to California-grown bagged, pre-washed, shredded iceberg lettuce distributed by Aunt Mid's Produce Company of Detroit, MI. Investigators were unable to detect the outbreak strain in any samples of the lettuce, and Aunt Mid's never accepted the validity of the epidemiological findings.

As of early this afternoon, the Niagara region has identified 12 confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7 infection; an additional 35 cases are under investigation. Of the 47 cases, 21 have been linked to the Little Red Rooster in Niagara-on-the-Lake and 21 to M.T. Bellies in Welland. Both restaurants closed voluntarily to assist the investigation. Little Red Rooster has been given the go-ahead to reopen tomorrow; M.T. Bellies remains closed except for its bar, which has been open for business throughout this investigation.

There is a good chance that the Halton region outbreak also is related to the contaminated lettuce. E. coli O157:H7 isolated from one of the cases in the Halton region outbreak is a genetic match for the Niagara outbreak strain. As of yesterday, 28 cases – linked to Johnathan's Family Restaurant in Burlington – were under investigation. Additional genetic fingerprinting results should be available by the end of this week. 

The North Bay outbreak, though, is still a mystery. None of the E. coli O157:H7 isolates from North Bay match the outbreak strain from Niagara, Halton or Chatham-Kent. We've been told by Andrew Morrison (Media Relations Coordinator for the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care) that the following Ontario health districts have reported one or more cases that are linked to the Harvey's Restaurant in North Bay. In addition, one case has been reported from British Columbia, and one from Centre de Santé Temiscaming in Québec.

• North Bay-Parry Sound (40 confirmed, 163 suspect)
  
• Timiskaming (2 confirmed, 9 suspect)
  
• Sudbury (3 confirmed, 11 suspect)
  
• Porcupine (1 confirmed, 7 suspect)
  
• Hastings-Prince Edward (1 confirmed)
  
• Simcoe-Muskoka (1 suspect)
  
• Toronto (1 suspect)
  
• Niagara Regional Health Unit (1 confirmed, 1 suspect)
  
• Durham (1 suspect)
  
• Peel (1 suspect)
  
• Haliburton-Kawartha Pine Ridge (1 confirmed)
  

Federal, provincial and district health investigators are examining the possibility of a common food source for the Niagara and Halton outbreaks. So far, according to Morrison, no food items have been identified. But epidemiological and lab analyses are continuing. More information should become available by week's end.

It's anybody's guess, though, when – if ever – investigators will be able to identify the source of the North Bay outbreak.

Heightened Awareness Produces Another Canadian Meat Recall

In what appears to be a full court press against Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat meats, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued another Health Hazard Alert this morning.

Mariposa Meats (Mississauga, ON) is recalling Old Style brand Thin Sliced Honey Ham, sold in 450 g packages bearing a Best Before date of 08NO17 (November 17, 2008) and UPC 6 28292 50001 7. The recalled meat was sold only in Price Chopper stores in Ontario.

Listeria monocytogenes has been a major focus of CFIA activity ever since the deadly Maple Leaf outbreak this summer. At last count (October 17th), ready-to-eat meats from Maple Leaf's Bartor Road production facility was responsible for 53 confirmed cases of listeriosis – 20 of them fatal.

Typically, an infection with Listeria monocytogenes produces no more than mild flu-like or gastrointestinal symptoms. But, as Canadians found out this summer, the elderly, very young children, and immuno-compromised individuals may suffer severe – even fatal – symptoms as a result of an infection with this microbe. Pregnant women who become infected may pass the infection to the fetus in utero, resulting in premature birth, stillbirth or a seriously ill newborn.

Anyone who has eaten the recalled product and begins to experience any symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes infection, should contact his or her family doctor. Consumers who purchased the recalled meat should return it to the store for a refund. For more information about this recall, contact Mariposa Meats at 905-855-8111.

Ontario E. coli O157:H7 Investigations Continue

North Bay-Parry Sound reported today that it has now identified 246 cases – 49 lab-confirmed as E. coli O157:H7 – in the food poisoning outbreak linked to Harvey's Restaurant on Algonquin Avenue in North Bay, Ontario. This includes cases from 10 other Ontario District Health Units, as well as from the provinces of Québec and British Columbia. The District still has not been able to identify a probable source of the contamination.

The Niagara region outbreak has now grown to 46 cases, 12 of which are lab-confirmed. Forty-one of the 46 cases have been linked to one of two restaurants – Little Red Rooster in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and M.T. Bellies in Welland. 

Halton's caseload also is growing. The total number of suspect and confirmed cases now stands at 28, three of which have been lab-confirmed as E. coli O157:H7. This outbreak has been linked to Johnathan's Family Restaurant, in Burlington.

It's still not clear to what extent these three outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 illness are interconnected. According to test results reported by Niagara, that outbreak is unrelated to the North Bay illnesses. But there is no information yet on whether the Halton outbreak is due to the same outbreak strain detected in victims of either the Niagara or the North Bay outbreaks. We should know more by the end of this week.

Lithuanian Company Recalls Meat Products

The UK meat recall that began with a Lithuanian Ears and Tongue roll has been extended to encompass all meat products imported into the UK from JSC 'Samsonas' of Kaunas, Lithuania. The recall was initiated as a result of the UK Food Standards Agency having found high levels of Listeria monocytogenes in several samples of 'Samsono' brand Ears and Tongue Roll.

The recall encompasses all lot numbers, date codes and package sizes of all 'Samsono' brand meat products bearing EC Approval Number LT 84-07 EB.

The UK Food Standards Agency has received a list of recalled products from JSC 'Samsonas'. Consumers are cautioned that this list may not be complete. 

Anyone who has purchased a 'Samsono' brand meat product should either discard it, or return it to the store for a refund.

Allergy Alert: Progresso Soup Recalled

UPDATED November 3, 2008

General Mills has announced a recall of one day's production of Progresso Hearty Tomato Soup, due to possible mislabeling during production. Due to a production error, some cans of Progresso Light Vegetable and Noodle Soup were labeled as Progresso Hearty Tomato Soup.

The mislabeled cans may contain one or more of the allergens egg, milk and soy. As a precaution, General Mills has recalled all of the following:

19-ounce cans of Progresso Hearty Tomato Soup with the code date 19May10 NV VN-3 on the bottom of the can and UPC #4119691068

Individuals who are allergic to egg, milk or soy may experience a severe allergic reaction shortly after consuming a food that contains these allergens. Anyone who has purchased the recalled soup should return it to the store for a refund.

The following retailers already have withdrawn the recalled soup from store shelves, and are advising their customers of the recall.

• Giant Foods, LLC: 182 supermarkets in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and DC
  
• Harris-Teeter: 176 stores in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Maryland, Delaware, and DC
• Kroger: all stores in Greater Memphis, TN, Arkansas, Mississippi; Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Knoxville, TN area; Greater Louisville (including Indiana), Lexington and Nashville, TN; North Carolina, Virginia, eastern West Virginia and eastern Kentucky
• Price Chopper: 116 stores in New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont
• Stop & Shop Supermarket Company: 389 stores in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire, New York and New Jersey

We'll update the list of retailers as more information becomes available.

Sorry Saga of Salmonella in Pet Food

The latest recall notice, issued by Mars Petcare last week, prompted a question from a reader, who asked "How many recalls have there been as a result of Salmonella-contaminated pet food and treats, and is the Mars Petcare record exceptional?"

To answer this question, we've trolled through 10 years of FDA recall notices and 6 years of CFIA (Canadian) recall notices – everything available in the on-line recall archives for both countries. Following is a list, sorted in ascending order by date, of Salmonella-related pet food and pet treat recalls in the United States and Canada.

• October 1, 1999: FDA Issues Nationwide Public Health Advisory About Contaminated Pet Chews (USA)
  
• October 27, 1999: Pet Valu Recalls Certain Dog Chew Products Due to Possible Health Risk (USA)
  
• May 26, 2000: Nationwide Recall of Medalist Brand Pig Ear Pet Treats Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination (USA)
  
• June 6, 2000: Products Carousel, Inc., Recalls "Pets Carousel 100% Choo-Hooves Pressed Sticks - Item #90010-S Because of Possible Health Risk (USA)
  
• June 7, 2005: Presence of Salmonella Bacteria in Certain Pet Treats (Canada)
  
• June 8, 2005: T.W. Enterprises Issues Nationwide Recall of Pet Treats Due to Salmonella Contamination (USA)
  
• June 17, 2005: T.W. Enterprises Expands its Nationwide Recall of Pet Treats to Include All of its Products Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination (USA)
  
• February 13, 2007: FDA Warns Consumers Not to Use Wild Kitty Cat Food Due to Salmonella Contamination (USA)
  
• March 9, 2007: BJ's Wholesale Club Issues Recall of "Berkley & Jensen" Full-Cut Pig Ears Dog Treats Because of Potential for Salmonella Contamination (USA)
  
• March 23, 2007: Petrapport Issues Recall of Pig Ear Dog Treats Because of Salmonella Contamination (USA)
  
• March 30, 2007: Eight in One Announces Nationwide Recall of All Lots of Dingo® Chick'n Jerky Treats for Dogs, Cats And Ferrets (USA)
  
• April 3, 2007: All Lots of Dingo Chick'N Jerky Treats for Dogs, Cats and Ferrets May Contain Salmonella (Canada)
  
• April 5, 2007: FDA Issues Health Hazard Alert for Pet Chews Due to Contamination with Salmonella (USA)
  
• April 16, 2007: T.W. Enterprises Issues Nationwide Recall of Dog Chews Due to Salmonella Contamination (USA)
  
• June 6, 2007: Single Lot of 55lb Bags of Ol' Roy Complete Nutrition Dry Dog Food Voluntarily Recalled in Select Stores by Doane Pet Care (USA)
  
• August 21, 2007: Select Red Flannel Large Breed Adult Formula Dry Dog Food 50lb Bags Voluntarily Recalled in Pennsylvania (USA)
  
• August 21, 2007: Select Krasdale Gravy Dry Dog Food 5lb Bags Voluntarily Recalled in Five States (USA)
  
• August 25, 2007: Mars Petcare US, Inc. Recalls Dry Dog Food (USA)
  
• September 18, 2007: Bravo! Issues Nationwide Recall of Select Poultry Products for Dogs and Cats (USA)
  
• March 13, 2008: Presence of Salmonella Bacteria in Roll Over Pork Tenders Premium Dog Treat (Canada)
  
• August 8, 2008: Mars Petcare US Issues Voluntary Recall of Limited Bags of Pedigree® Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites at Albertsons in Southern California and Las Vegas due to Potential Salmonella Contamination (USA)
  
• September 12, 2008: Mars Petcare US Issues Voluntary Recall of Everson, PA Plant Dry Pet Food Product due to Potential Salmonella Contamination (USA)
  
• October 27, 2008: Mars Petcare US Issues Voluntary Recall of a Limited Number of Bags of Special Kitty® Gourmet Sold at Wal-Mart Locations in Fifteen States due to Potential Salmonella Contamination (USA)
  

A Few Notes:

1. Red Flannel, Krasdale and Ol' Roy dry dog foods (all recalled due to Salmonella) were manufactured by Mars Petcare, Inc.
   
2. Doane's US operations were purchased by Mars, Incorporated – the parent of Mars Petcare in 2006.
   
3. Wild Kitty cat food and Bravo! dog food were commercial raw products.
   
4. Dried, raw treats and chews – jerky, pig ears, rawhide, et cetera – were behind all of the remaining Salmonella-related recalls.
   

Conclusion:

Based on product recall patterns, Mars Petcare, Inc. appears to be the only dry pet food manufacturer that is experiencing a chronic Salmonella problem.

The China Syndrome: US Company Recalls Biscuits

Everlasting Distributors, Inc. (Bayonne, NJ) has announced a recall of Fresh and Crispy Jacobina Biscuits. The biscuits, which are sold in Asian grocery stores across the United States, were found by FDA to contain melamine.

The recalled item is described by the distributor as follows:

3.88oz (110 gm) blue and red color clear plastic package, labeled "JACOBINA"

All packages of the biscuits have been recalled, without mention of specific lot or date codes. Consumers who purchased these biscuits are urged to return them to the store for a full refund.

The Ghost of Recall Past

UPDATED NOVEMBER 1, 2008

CFIA has just released an updated advisory, expanding its warning to include stores in the Oshawa and Niagara Falls areas in addition to the original warning that mentioned North York and Etobicoke. 

Just in time for Halloween, a two-year old recall of Salmonella-contaminated chocolate has returned to haunt the Greater Toronto Area.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning consumers to be on the lookout for a number of Hershey's chocolate products that were recalled in November 2006 after the company found Salmonella in the environment of its Smith's Falls, Ontario production facility. CFIA issued its advisory after learning that some of the recalled chocolate is being sold in independent retail stores in Etobicoke and North York.

According to CBC News, a Toronto recycling depot had been contracted to collect and dispose of the chocolates that were covered by the 2006 recall. Some of the recovered chocolates were stolen from the recycling depot the following year, and that contraband candy has been turning up.

CFIA advises consumers in the Greater Toronto Area – especially in Etobicoke and North York – to check their Hershey chocolates and candies for code numbers with the first four digits in the range of 6417 to 6455, inclusive. Retailers, also, should check their Hershey inventory for items that fall into this code number range.

Salmonella is a survivor. Even though these chocolates are two years old, they may still contain living Salmonella cells. And it may only take a few cells to infect a child.

Please be sure that the little ghosts and goblins that arrive at your front doors this evening go away with treats that don't play tricks on them.