Influenza A(H1N1): Let Them Eat Pork!

May 7, 2009

Earlier today, the World Health Organization (WHO, together with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, a UN body) and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reissued the following joint statement in an attempt to clarify their stance on the safety of eating pork during the current influenza outbreak.

"In the ongoing spread of influenza A(H1N1), concerns about the possibility of this virus being found in pigs and the safety of pork and pork products have been raised.

Influenza viruses are not known to be transmissible to people through eating processed pork or other food products derived from pigs.

Heat treatments commonly used in cooking meat (e.g. 70°C/160°F core temperature) will readily inactivate any viruses potentially present in raw meat products.

Pork and pork products, handled in accordance with good hygienic practices recommended by the WHO , Codex Alimentarius Commission and the OIE, will not be a source of infection. 

Authorities and consumers should ensure that meat from sick pigs or pigs found dead are not processed or used for human consumption under any circumstances."

eFoodAlert has been reviewing research reports on the subject, in an effort to clarify this food safety issue for our readers. Here is what we've found.

Influenza Virus Is Restricted To The Respiratory System In Swine

USDA researchers deliberately infected pigs (through the nose) with both swine influenza viruses and with highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses. They collected organ samples from the infected pigs to determine how far the viruses spread through the body. In all cases, the influenza viruses were limited to the respiratory system – the lungs, trachea, nasal passages and tonsils. None of the other organs showed any evidence of influenza virus infection.

The researchers also investigated whether pigs could develop influenza when fed meat from chickens that were infected with avian influenza. Although the animals developed an antibody reaction to the virus, none of the pigs developed symptoms of influenza. The virus was recovered from nose and tonsil samples, but not from rectal swabs. It is likely that the pigs developed mild infections as a result of contact between the infected meat and their tonsils.

Influenza Virus Is Inactivated By Heating

Influenza viruses are inactivated within 5-6 minutes at 51ºC (125ºF), and in no more than a second or two at 70º-74ºC (158º-165ºF). USDA already recommends that poultry meat be cooked to an internal temperature of 160ºF to ensure that bacterial pathogens have been killed. 

Influenza Virus Survives For Longer Periods On Non-porous Surfaces Than On Porous Surfaces

Influenza virus particles can remain active at room temperature for hours – even days – on some inert, non-porous surfaces. These include plastic,  stainless steel (the particles are inactivated much more quickly on copper), and even Swiss banknotes, which are made using a non-porous resin. The virus particles die far more rapidly on porous surfaces, such as facial tissues; they also are inactivated rapidly on human skin.

What does this mean for someone who likes to eat pork?

• All of the federal and state agencies who have weighed in on this issue claim that a pig suffering from influenza would not be approved for slaughter. Even so, it's possible that an infected pig that is not yet exhibiting symptoms might get past this initial screening.
  
• While the influenza virus doesn't appear to invade organs outside of the respiratory system, it's possible that some live virus particles may be spread over other parts of the carcass during organ removal (evisceration) in the slaughterhouse.
  
• Stray influenza virus particles that happen to land on edible parts of the carcass almost certainly would become inactivated between the slaughterhouse and the supermarket.
  
• Any residual stray virus particles that manage to survive the trip from slaughterhouse to household kitchen will be killed by standard, recommended cooking procedures.
  

In a nutshell, it is safe to prepare and eat pork.

Recall Roundup: April 19, 2009

Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.

Pistachio Product Recalls

• NOW Foods recalls NOW Foods brand In-shell Pistachios, 12oz bags 
  
• Ross Nut Co. recalls Roasted Salted In-shell Pistachios
  
• Wegmans recalls two sizes of Wegmans Raspberry Custard Tarts and Pineapple Almond Tarts
  

United States

• Food Safety Recall: Amalgamated Produce, Inc. (Bridgeport, CT) extends earlier recall to include Crunchy Sprouts. The recalled items were distributed in NY, NJ, CT, RI, MA, NH, VT, ME, MD, PA and DE under the Specialty Farms, Vermont Sprout House, Nature's Promise, and BroccoSprouts brands. Alfalfa sprouts also were supplied in 5-pound bulk bags. The original recall was initiated after New York State detected Listeria monocytogenes in a sample of sprouts obtained at a supermarket.
  

Canada

• Food Safety Recall: An earlier recall of ADAR brand smoked salmon, was extended to the Province of Ontario after it was determined that some of the recalled product was sold at two CostCo locations in the province. The smoked fish products were recalled due to an incorrect expiration date.
  

Mexico, Central America, South America

• Food Safety Recall (Chile): Elaboradora Doñihue Limitada suspends production and recalls meat products after its products were linked to an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes.
  

Europe, Including the United Kingdom

• Food Safety Alert (UK):  A G Barr's withdraws Simply Fruity and Simply Aqua flavoured water drinks due to reports that the bottle caps present a choking hazard to children
  

Some supermarket chains post recall notices on their web sites for the convenience of customers. To see whether a recalled food was carried by your favorite supermarket, follow the live link to the supermarket's recall web site.

• A&P
• Big Y® World Class Market®
  
• BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc.
  
• Bloom
  
• Brookshire's
  
• Costco Wholesale Corporation (US stores)
  
• Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd.
  
• EDEKA (Germany)
• Food City
  
• Food Lion
  
• Hannaford Brothers Co.
  
• Harris Teeter
  
• Harvey's Supermarket
  
• The Kroger Company*
  
• Price Chopper
  
• Roundy's Supermarkets, Inc.
  
• Sainsbury's
  
• ShopRite
  
• Target
  
• Tops Friendly Markets
  
• Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
  
• Wegmans
  
• Whole Foods Market
  
• Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc.
  

*The Kroger umbrella encompasses numerous supermarket, marketplace and convenience store chains, listed on the Kroger corporate home page.

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Chile and Canada: Opposite Poles; Similar Problems

April 18, 2009

Yesterday, the Chilean Ministry of Health ordered the temporary closure of a Santiago meat processor in what may be a reaction to the scathing comments reported here yesterday by Chile's Senator Guido Gerardi on the lame performance of the country's Servicio Agricola y Ganadero (SAG).

The order came five days after Listeria monocytogenes was detected in 11 different meat products manufactured by the processor, Elaboradora Doñihue Limitada. The company has halted production and has recalled its products from the marketplace.

Chile's Ministry of Health had been investigating the source of a new clone of Listeria monocytogenes – identified by the Department of Epidemiology as "Clone 001" – which has infected 14 people since October 2008. One victim has died, and two pregnant women have miscarried as a result of the infection.

With the production halt and the product recall, the number of new cases of listeriosis caused by Clone 001 should begin to diminish in a couple of weeks.

Coincidentally, several of the Canadian agencies responsible for identifying, investigating and containing last summer's deadly Listeria monocytogenes outbreak released reports this week that summarize the agencies' outbreak responses and the "Lessons Learned" from the outbreak. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ontario Ministry of Health and Health Canada released their reports well in advance of the report of the Government of Canada's "independent" investigator – expected in July 2009.

The Canadian Listeria monocytogenes outbreak – traced to contaminated cold cuts from an Ontario processing plant owned and operated by Maple Leaf Farms – killed 22 people in five provinces; 57 cases of listeriosis in eight provinces were linked to the outbreak strain. 

Listeria monocytogenes is a common environmental contaminant. It's ability to grow at refrigeration temperatures and under conditions of reduced oxygen, together with its high mortality rate in susceptible individuals, make it especially dangerous. Preventing Listeria monocytogenes from contaminating processed foods requires constant attention to environmental and equipment sanitation and careful process control.

Several technologies are approved that can help to control or eliminate Listeria monocytogenes. Heat, sanitizers, and high atmospheric pressure all can reduce the microbe's numbers significantly. The newest method uses Listeria-specific bacteriophages (viruses that attack bacteria). The phage-based product, Listex, has received "Generally Recognized as Safe" recognition from the FDA and will be distributed in the United States by World Technology Ingredients.

Food processors are legally responsible for the safety of the foods they produce and distribute. While it is impossible to foresee and forestall all instances of food contamination, careful adherence to good manufacturing and sanitation practices, together with adoption of effective pathogen control technologies, is in the best interest of the food industry and its customer – whether in Chile, in Canada, or elsewhere.

More Sliced Meats Recalled in Australia

March 3, 2009

Pendle Ham and Bacon Curers Pty Ltd. has recalled the following sliced meats that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to a report by Product Recalls Australia.

• Sliced Mortadella (1 kg vacuum sealed bags): Use by 18/03/09
  
• Sliced Pancetta (1 kg vacuum sealed bags): Use by 18/03/09
  
• Sliced Danish Salami (1 kg vacuum sealed bags): Use by 18/03/09
  

The meats were distributed only in New South Wales.

Consumers should be aware that Listeria monocytogenes may cause life-threatening symptoms in individuals who are elderly, very young or already suffering from weakened immunity to disease. Pregnant women are at risk of transmitting the infection to unborn children, resulting in possible premature births, miscarriages or stillbirths.

Anyone who purchased one of the recalled sliced meats should either discard the product or return it to the retailer for a refund.

Listeria-Contaminated Ham Salad Recalled in Canada

February 21, 2009

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning consumers that certain ham salads and ham salad products manufactured by Plaisirs Gastronomiques Inc. may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and have been recalled.

The recall affects ham salads and ham salad products, including sandwiches prepared at some supermarket chain stores, independent retailers and deli stores in the province of Quebec between February 11 and February 20, inclusive.

Stores belonging to the following supermarket and retail brands may have used the recalled ham salad:

• Loblaws, Provigo, Metro, IGA, Bonichoix, Boni-soir, Voisin, Marché Richelieu, L'intermarché, IGA Extra, Omni, Axep, Ultramar, Tradition, Le dépanneur 
  

This is the second recall of Listeria monocytogenes-contaminated prepared salads manufactured by Plaisirs Gastronomiques within the last week. On February 18th, eFoodAlert reported that the company was recalling egg salad and egg salad products distributed in Québec and Ontario.

If past experience is a guide to future performance, Canadian consumers can expect CFIA to announce – probably by the end of this month – a recall of "all prepared salads" manufactured by Plaisirs Gastronomiques.

Luigi's Ham Recalled In New Zealand

February 13, 2009

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority has alerted consumers to the recall of several Luigi's Ham products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The following recalled items, identified with Use By Dates from 09 February 2009 to 04 March 2009, have been recalled.

• Luigi's Ham Steaks 6-pack
  
• Luigi's Ham Steaks 12-pack
  
• Luigi's Ham Steaks Random Pack (5kg)
  
• Luigi's Gourmet Thick Cuts 2's
  
• Luigi's Gourmet Thick Cuts 3's
  

The recalled ham products were distributed in Pak N Save and New World supermarkets in lower North Island.

No illnesses have been associated with the recalled products. Nevertheless, Listeria monocytogenes can cause dangerous illness in the elderly, the very young and those with weakened immune systems. A pregnant woman who is infected with Listeria monocytogenes may pass the infection to her unborn child, resulting in stillbirth, miscarriage or the birth of a seriously ill infant. 

Consumers are advised to return the recalled ham products to their retailer for a refund.

Listeria monocytogenes In Wisconsin Bacon Bits

January 6, 2009

Patrick Cudahy (Cudahy, WI) has recalled 3,590 pounds of bacon bit products after a customer who received a shipment of bacon bits found Listeria monocytogenes in a sample.

The following two items have been recalled:

• 10-pound cases of "Golden Crisp APPLEWOOD SMOKED PRECOOKED BACON TOPPINGS." The products bear the establishment number "EST. 28" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a printed Julian date of "8318."
  
• 10-pound cases of "John Morrell APPLEWOOD SMOKED PRECOOKED BACON TOPPINGS." The products bear the establishment number "EST. 28" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a printed Julian date of "8318."
  

The bacon bits were distributed to restaurants and institutional customers in California, Colorado, Florida, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin. The recalled items were not sold in stores.

While no illnesses have been reported, Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe illness in the elderly, the very young, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. Anyone in these at-risk population groups who begins to experience symptoms of listeriosis should seek immediate medical advice.

Customers who have questions about this recall should contact Mike Reitz, Cuhady's Director of Customer Service, at (414) 744-2000.

Mariposa Meat Recall Expands: 3rd Time A Charm?

December 19, 2008

As we predicted yesterday, Mariposa Meats (Mississauga, ON) has expanded its recall of Old Style brand meat products to include all "Best Before" date codes of the following items:

• Smoked Pork Loin Chops, 175 g (UPC #6 28292 80045 2)
  
• Thin Sliced Chicken Breast, 350 g (UPC #6 28292 50002 4)
  
• Thin Sliced Honey Ham, 450 g (UPC #6 28292 50001 7)
  
• Thin Sliced Roast Beef, 375 g (UPC #6 28292 50003 1)
  
• Thin Sliced Pastrami, 375 g (UPC #6 28292 50004 8)
  
• Thin Sliced Summer Sausage, 350 g (UPC #6 28292 50006 2)
  

Mariposa has recalled these meat products because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The meats were distributed only within the province of Ontario.

Listeria monocytogenes usually causes no more than mild gastrointestinal or flu-like symptoms in otherwise healthy adults. But it can produce severe – sometimes life-threatening – illnesses in the elderly, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems. A pregnant woman who develop a Listeria monocytogenes infection is at risk of passing the infection along to her unborn child, resulting in premature delivery, stillbirth, or the birth of a seriously ill baby.

If you begin to experience symptoms consistent with Listeria monocytogenes infection, and believe that you may have consumed one of the recalled meats, seek immediate medical attention. Consumers should return recalled meat to the store for a refund.

Dioxin-Contaminated Pork From Ireland: Update #5

Some Irish Pork Back In Shops

UPDATED December 13, 2008

(Original article posted December 11, 2008)

The Irish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, together with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, announced yesterday that controls are now in place that allow the following Irish pork products to be reintroduced to the marketplace. Products approved for sale will carry a special label.

• Pork and pork products processed from pigs slaughtered prior to September 1st.
  
• Pork and pork products processed from pigs slaughtered after December 7th.
  
• Pork and pork products processed from pigs that did not originate from any of the herds that had been exposed to dioxin-contaminated feed.
  

The UK Food Standards Agency has determined that no Northern Ireland pork was exposed to the contaminated feed. Retailers, manufacturers and caterers may offer Irish pork to consumers once more, as long as they are able to trace the origin of the pork to an unaffected farm. Composite pork products – containing 20% or less Irish pork – may be sold. Pork from Irish pigs slaughtered between September 1st and December 7th will be tested for dioxin and approved for sale if the meat is compliant with EU standards for dioxin in pork.

Belgium has announced five additional recalls of food products that consist of, or contain more than 1%, Irish pork meat. These are:

• SPAR brand smoked bacon, 125g
  
• CARREFOUR brand Saxe Flinterdun shredded filet
  
• ZWAN brand "Frank" sausages, package of 6
  
• FRESH CONCEPT brand mortedella, distributed by Carrefour, Cora, Delfood (Louis Delhaize, Louis l'épicier), Match & Smatch, Alvo, Spar & Eurospar, Carrefour Express, GB Carrefour, GB Express, GB Contact and GB Partner NEW Dec 13
• MATCH and SMATCH brands of pork sausage and chorizo NEW Dec 13

Romania is tracking approximately 120 tons of dioxin-contaminated Irish pork that entered the country since September 1st. The suspect pork entered Romania from several countries, including Hungary, Belgium, Poland and France. 

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has advised consumers that it has no record of pork products or animal feed from the Republic of Ireland having been imported into Canada. Neither FDA nor USDA have made a corresponding announcement.

The dioxin incident appears to be well in hand. The Republic of Ireland and the European Food Safety Agency acted quickly to contain the situation and evaluate the risk to consumers. 

The investigation into how dioxin entered the animal feed is continuing, and we'll report on the progress as information becomes available.

Irish Pork Crosses Atlantic Ocean

Updated December 12, 2008

(Original article posted December 11, 2008)

USDA has announce three separate recalls of pork and pork products that were derived from Irish pigs slaughtered or processed between September 1st and December 7th and may be contaminated with dioxin.

Tommy Moloney's Inc. (Long Island City, NY)

The company is recalling 4,041 pounds of bacon, due to the risk of dioxin contamination. The bacon was made using pork produced in the Republic of Ireland between September 1st and December 7th.

The recalled item is described as follows:

• 8-ounce packages of "Tommy Moloney's Traditional Irish Breakfast Bacon, Made from imported Irish Pork." The label bears the establishment number "EST. 33789" inside the U.S. mark of inspection as well as a "sell by" date between "Dec. 15, 2008" and "Jan. 31, 2009."
  

The recalled products were distributed in California, Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts and Virginia.

For more information about this recall, consumers are invited to contact Tommy Moloney's President, Bill Colbert, at (718) 326-2100.

The following retailers have announced a recall of the Tommy Moloney's bacon:

• Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC (stores throughout MA, CT, RI, ME, NH, NY, NJ): all codes of Tommy Moloney's Irish Breakfast Bacon, 8 oz. packages, UPC #08-52487-00109 bearing a "sell by" date between December 15, 2008 and January 31, 2009 NEW Dec 12
  

Rupari Food Services (Deerfield Beach, FL)

Rupari has recalled approximately 41,020 pounds of fresh pork products, which were imported from Ireland and have been shipped to restaurants in California. The recalled products are described as follows:

• 44-pound approximate weight boxes of "ROSDERRA MEATS, ROSCREA, Pork Loin Back Ribs, KEEP FROZEN." The shipping label bears the Irish establishment number "EST NO. 355."
  

For more information about this recall, contact Rupari's manager, Robert Mintz, at (954) 480-6320.

Dawn International (Acton, MA)

The company has recalled 33,880 pounds of fresh pork products, which were imported from Ireland and shipped to distribution centers in Florida.

The recalled product is described as follows:

• 30-pound cartons of "DAWN PORK & BACON, PORK LOIN BACK RIBS, PRODUCT OF REPUBLIC OF IRELAND." The shipping label bears the Irish mark of inspection "IRELAND 332 EC."
  

Consumers seeking additional information are requested to contact the Irish Embassy representative, Dr. Clare Thorp, at (202) 716-2369.

USDA considers the health risk associated with these recalled product to be low, and has classified the recalls as Class II. The agency, therefore, will not be posting retail distribution lists.

Dioxin-Contaminated Pork From Ireland: Update #4

What's Being Done?

December 10, 2008

As the Republic of Ireland continues its investigation into dioxin contamination, its international customers are taking their own actions to protect local consumers. Following is a summary of what has been learned in the past 24 hours, and what is being done.

Republic of Ireland

After learning that dioxin-contaminated feed had been supplied to 45 cattle farms in the Irish Republic, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF) put a hold on cattle from all 45 farms and began to test each herd for non-dioxin like PCBs – a test used as a preliminary screen for dioxin. Eight of the first 11 herds tested were completely clean. The other three herds were contaminated with low levels of non-dioxin like PCBs – far lower than the quantities found in samples of pork. 

DAFF is continuing to screen the remaining 34 herds of cattle, but is optimistic that most will prove to be cleared. And the Chief Veterinary Officer is scheduled to meet with his EU colleagues today to brief them on the status of Irish beef and live cattle, and assure them of its safety.

Investigators may have a handle on how dioxins entered the animal feed. The Irish EPA has determined that the oil used in a burner to generate heat in order to process waste food into animal feed was "inappropriate" and not approved for that use. Millstream Recycling, the feed processor, insists that it purchased its oil only from "legitimate sources" in the Republic of Ireland. 

The search for the source of the offending oil seems to be leading to a company in County Tyrone, which stores or incinerates waste oil from electricity transformers under license. It's unclear, as yet, how that oil might have found its way to Millstream Recycling – or how dioxins generated by heating the oil might have traveled into the animal feed.

The United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland)

Nine cattle farms in Northern Ireland were supplied with feed from Millstream Recycling. The UK Food Standards Agency is conducting tests on the affected herds. Pending results of those tests – and of the concurrent tests being carried out by the Republic of Ireland – FSA has put a hold on livestock and carcasses from the affected herds in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

FSA also has posted a list of meat processors in Ireland and Northern Ireland that received potentially contaminated pork. Investigations are still underway to determine which of the Northern Ireland processors received the contaminated pork. And, as part of its recall of Irish pork products, FSA has provided consumers with a list of UK companies (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) that received pork from one or more of the listed meat processors.

Russia

The government has announced a ban on pork and pork products from Ireland as a result of the dioxin contamination. It's unknown how much of the meat has entered Russia.

People's Republic of China

The importation of all pork products and animal feeds from the Republic of Ireland has been suspended. The government has alerted its inspectors to recall the more than 2,000 tons of Irish pork that was imported into China since September 1st.

Sweden

After being alerted to the dioxin contamination problem, Findus, a Swedish food company, announced its own recall of food products that might contain Irish pork. Servera, a food wholesaler and customer of Findus, determined that it may have supplied recalled Findus products to as many as 152 of its customers, including several schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Servera is in the process of tracking the affected products – Swedish meatballs and "Biff Lindstrom – to their destinations.

Belgium

Champion has announced a recall of ready-to-eat hamburgers that contain Irish pork. A press release will follow. Belgium is monitoring the situation regarding possible dioxin contamination of Irish beef.

European Union

The European Food Safety Authority has completed a risk assessment, and has concluded that the risk to human health posed by the levels of dioxin found in Irish pork is low, based on the limited time period during which exposure may have occurred. Specifically, EFSA reported:

• "In the most likely scenario, if someone ate an average amount of Irish pork each day throughout the period of the incident (90 days), 10% of which was contaminated at the highest recorded concentration of dioxins[1], the body burden[2] would increase by approximately 10%. EFSA considers this increase to be of no concern for this single event." 
  
• "In a very extreme case, if someone ate a large amount of Irish pork each day throughout the period of the incident (90 days), 100% of which was contaminated at the highest recorded concentration of dioxins, EFSA concludes that the safety margin embedded in the tolerable weekly intake (TWI [3]) would be considerably undermined. Given that the TWI has a 10-fold built in safety margin, EFSA considers that this unlikely scenario would reduce protection, but not necessarily lead to adverse health effects."
  

What does this mean for consumers? The UK Food Standards Agency, referencing this assessment, advises consumers that composite products containing pork – sausage rolls, pork pies, pizzas, and the like – are safe to eat. And consumers who may have eaten Irish pork since September 1st need not worry about their health. The amount of dioxin to which they may have been exposed, even in a worst-case scenario, is within the EU's  "tolerable weekly intake" for the contaminant.

We would add one more consideration. Dioxin accumulates in fat. Eating lean cuts of pork, or trimming off excess fat and only eating the lean meat, greatly reduces the risk of exposure to dioxins.

Dioxin-Contaminated Pork From Ireland: Update #3

Dioxins Found in Irish Cattle

December 9, 2008

Cattle on at least 11 farms in the Republic of Ireland have tested positive for dioxin, but at levels far lower than were found in Irish pigs, according to a report in today's Irish Times. The 11 farms are among an estimated 45 cattle farms in the Irish Republic and 8 farms in Northern Ireland that received dioxin-contaminated feed.

The levels of dioxin found in the cattle are about 2-3 times the legal limit in food. By comparison, the recalled Irish pork contained 80-200 times the legal limit for dioxin.

While any dioxin-contaminated cattle will be slaughtered and the meat from their herds withheld from market, it's unlikely that a recall will be issued for Irish beef already in circulation. The levels of dioxin found in the cattle do not present a public health concern, according to the Minister of Agriculture.

The main concern regarding Irish beef, however, might be one of perception rather than public health. A Canadian headline told the story as "High levels of dioxin found in Irish cattle; joins pork on contaminated list." Ireland will have to pay careful attention to its public relations to avoid serious damage to its US$2 billion beef export industry.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has put up a special web page to provide both consumers, producers and retailers with more information on the dioxin investigation.

Dioxin-Contaminated Pork From Ireland: Update #2

December 8, 2008

As the investigation into the source of dioxin that has found its way into Irish pigs and pork products proceeds, the country's trading partners are working to comply with Ireland's recommendation that all of its pork (dating from September 1st onward) be withdrawn from the market.

The United Kingdom, Ireland's next-door neighbor and largest customer, has advised consumers to avoid all pork products from the Republic of Ireland or from Northern Ireland. This includes any food items that contain pork as a significant ingredient. In addition, the Food Standards Agency is advising retailers and caterers to withdraw from sale all Irish pork products manufactured after September 1st. UK food manufacturers have been asked not to use Irish pork manufactured after September 1st as an ingredient in their products.

 

Belgium, in a December 7th news release, assured its citizens that no live Irish pigs whatsoever had been imported during 2008, but that the government was investigating. Today, the government's food security agency announced that three Belgian companies had been supplied with Irish pork products. As a result, the Delhaize, Okay, Carrefour, GB Super and AD Delhaize food chains have recalled hamburger made with pork meat. Also, a hold was placed on suspect meat at one importer; another importer took delivery of pork meat from the Netherlands that had originated in Ireland.

The French Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has determined that 1,600 (metric) tonnes of Irish pork products entered France between September 1st and now, destined for six companies. The six recipients have been contacted, and are cooperating in an effort to trace the pork products. Pork imported from Ireland, according to the Ministry, represents only 0.7% of the pork meat sold in France.

 

Russia, following discussions with Irish authorities, has temporarily suspended the granting of import permits for Irish pork products.

Germany, which has imported approximately 2,000 tonnes of pork from Ireland since September 1st, has ordered that pork from Ireland be removed from the marketplace until the dioxin contamination problem has been resolved.

Hong Kong's Centre for Food Safety, in a December 7th news release, indicated that it was monitoring the situation, and advised consumers to avoid eating pork and bacon products made in Ireland after September 1st. The agency also has asked retailers to stop selling these products. 

According to ChannelNewsAsia, pork and pork products from Ireland also have been withdrawn from the marketplace in, or banned from entry into, a number of other countries, including: China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Bulgaria.

And what is Ireland doing? The FSIA has called in the police to help determine how the pig feed became contaminated with dioxin. The government is working with the pork industry and with its trading partners to determine the probable destinations of the suspect pork.

The Environmental Protection Agency also has joined the investigation, and has found that the feed company had used an "inappropriate" oil. The oil used in the plant would have needed an EPA license for the purpose. This license was not obtained. It is now thought by investigators that the oil was used to generate heat for the feed processing, and somehow contaminated the feed.

Today, the FSIA issued a news update to reassure consumers that the risk of health consequences from this incident was very low. But while the health risks may be low, the economic cost of this incident promises to be high. 

The Irish Times reported earlier today that as many as 100,000 pigs may have to be culled (i.e., destroyed) as a result of their exposure to dioxin-contaminated feed, and 125 million euros-worth of pork products dumped. Nearly 1,400 workers are facing temporary lay-offs, and meat producers are seeking government aid.

The cost to the reputation of Irish pork has yet to be calculated.

Dioxin-Contaminated Pork From Ireland: Update #1

December 7, 2008

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland reported today that an ingredient added to pork feed was responsible for the dioxin contamination of Irish pork and pork products. The contaminated feed was supplied to 10 pig farms in the Republic of Ireland. Ten percent of Irish pigs are raised on those 10 farms. 

The feed was produced by Millstream Power Recycling Limited, a company that recycles food products into pig meal. The dioxin apparently was found in an oil used to lubricate a machine that dries animal feed. Investigators don't yet know how the oil entered the pig feed.

The contaminated feed also was supplied to a number of pig farms in Northern Ireland. The UK Food Standards Agency is monitoring the situation closely, and has advised British consumers to avoid all pork products – including sausages, ham, bacon and salami – from both the Republic of Ireland and from Northern Ireland. 

Alerts also have gone out to Ireland's trading partners. According to Ireland's chief veterinarian, contaminated pork may have been shipped to as many as 20-25 countries.  Le Monde reported today that some contaminated pork products already have been found in France and Belgium. 

Until more is known, the safest bet is to avoid consuming any pork products that might have originated in Ireland.

ALERT: Republic of Ireland Recalls All Pork Products

December 6, 2008

The government of the Republic of Ireland has recalled all pork products "... made and sold in the Irish Republic since September..." according to BBC. 

The action was taken after dioxins were found in slaughtered pigs. It is thought that the pigs had eaten feed contaminated with PCBs. Some of the samples contained 200 times the level of dioxins generally considered to be safe.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has advised consumers not to eat any Irish pork or bacon. All Irish pork products have been recalled on government instruction. Movement of pigs on 10 farms has been restricted for now.

Approximately half of the country's pork production is consumed domestically – sold at retail, and in restaurants, pubs, and food service establishments. Retailers, restaurateurs, food service operators, and publicans have been told to return or destroy their stocks of Irish pork. 

The remainder is exported to the United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland), Europe and Asia. Ireland has issued an international warning, advising consumers in its export markets not to eat any products that contain Irish pork.

Pork Products Recalled In Hawaii

Palama Holdings of Kapolei, HI has recalled 4,535 pounds of fully-cooked pork products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The recalled items, which are identified as coming from Est. 11077, were produced on August 4 and August 7. The cooked pork was distributed to retail and food service establishments on the Hawaiian islands of Oahu, Maui, Hawaii and Kauai.

Details of the recall can be found in the USDA News Release (follow link at the top of this article). USDA has not released a list of retail establishments that received the recalled items – something the agency promised to initiate this month.

Consumers in Hawaii who have purchased cooked pork products processed by Palama Holdings should check the packaging against the information contained in the recall notice, and should return any recalled item to the store for a refund. For answers to any questions not addressed in the recall notice, contact Palama's Vice President of Sales, Lionel Yokoyama at (808) 682-8368.

A Tale Of Two Outbreaks

"[T]he largest outbreak of Salmonella infections...since 1993."

"The outbreak was discovered in early April ... but the number of reported cases has been particularly high in May and June."

"[A]n unusually large outbreak of gastrointestinal illness caused by Salmonella..."

"The results of these investigations indicate that the outbreak may be caused by several types of food vehicles."

If these statements sound familiar, they shouldn't. The above quotes are excerpts from an article in this week's edition of Eurosurveillance, and the outbreak in question is in Denmark.

The Danish Salmonella outbreak actually began in February, but was discovered in April when genetic fingerprinting connected a number of isolates of Salmonella Typhimurium that had been submitted to the Statens Serum Institut for detailed phage and molecular typing.

I first reported on this outbreak a week ago, after CBC News carried an item on the story. At that time, There were 330 confirmed cases at that time, and the Danes were estimating that this probably represented less than 10% of the actual number of people infected.

As of July 7th, there are 366 lab-confirmed cases; the outbreak is on-going, but has not spilled over the border into any neighboring countries.

There are some interesting parallels between the Danish outbreak and the on-going Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak in the United States.

1. Both outbreaks are unusually large, and of an unusually long duration.
2. Both outbreaks are caused by a relatively uncommon strain of Salmonella.
3. Both outbreaks are essentially nation-wide, although the incidence varies in different regions.
4. In neither outbreak have the health authorities been able to pinpoint a source of the contamination.

There are also significant differences, both in the nature of the outbreaks and in the way in which each national health authority has disseminated information to the public.

1. CDC, to its credit, has been updating the public several days a week on the status of the oubreak. The Danish government, as far as I can tell, has not.
2. The Danes, to their credit, have presented their data in a format that shows clearly the onset profile of new cases. The CDC has not.
3. The per capita number of cases in the Danish outbreak is far higher than in the US outbreak – 67 cases/million in Denmark versus approximately 3.5 cases/million in the United States.
4. The US outbreak is suspected of a linkage to produce, which may or may not have been imported. The Danish outbreak is suspected of a linkage to one or more meat – most likely pork – products.

And one final similarity. There's a good chance that both outbreaks will die a natural death without either health authority having pinpointed the exact source of the contamination.

Pork Cracklings Seasoned With Salmonella

USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has taken the unusual step of issuing a public health alert, advising consumers that fully cooked pork crackling products produced at Sofia Chicharones, Inc. of Miami, FL may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The cooked pork cracklings are packaged in 3-pound and 5-pound bags, identified with Est. 21055 inside the USDA seal and a "Packed Date" of 051208-1. The 1,100-pound batch of cooked cracklings was sold at the Sofia Chicharones retail outlet on May 12th.

FSIS uncovered the Salmonella contamination as a result of routine testing. No illnesses have been reported, and no unsold product remains.

The company apparently has not issued a recall, and FSIS is advising consumers to discard any uneaten product that matches this description.