by admin

September is #‪‎National‬ ‪#‎Foodsafety‬ ‪‎Education‬ month #NFSM. Today’s lesson: What is Bacillus cereus gastroenteritis (Bacillus cereus bacteria)?

Bacillus cereus is a bacteria found in the soil that is spore-forming. When the bacteria senses danger, it forms into a spore that can make it resistant to cooking temperatures. It would then revert back to its bacteria form when conditions are more favorable for it. If allowed to grow, the bacteria can create two different toxins which in turn can cause two different types of illnesses.

The foods most commonly linked to this bacteria are:

Diarrhea illness: Cooked vegetables, meat products, and milk.

Vomiting illness: Cooked rice dishes, including fried rice and rice pudding

The most common symptoms:

Diarrhea illness: watery diarrhea with no vomiting

Vomiting illness: Nausea & vomiting

The main prevention method for this bacteria is to control time and temperature of your products. Other prevention methods include:

1. Cook Foods to minimum internal temperatures.

2. Hold food at the right temperatures.

3. cook food correctly.

If you have any questions about anything that I present in these lessons, or have a question about anything regarding food safety, please feel free to contact me.

Tomorrow’s lesson: What is Clostridium perfringens gastroenteritis (Clostridium perfringens bacteria)?

by admin

September is ‪‎#National‬ ‎#Foodsafety‬ #‪‎Education‬ month #NFSM. Today’s lesson: What is Norovirus gastroenteritis?

Norovirus gastroenteritis is the illness caused by the virus known as Norovirus. Like Hepatitis A, it is commonly linked with ready-to-eat foods and contaminated water, and is passed from foodhandlers to food or equipment by hands that have feces on them.

While eating only a small amount of the Norovirus can make a person sick, this virus is also very contagious, with people becoming contagious within a few hours after eating it. The virus is often still found in the feces of individuals for days after symptoms have ended.

This virus is most commonly linked to ready-to-eat foods, contaminated water, and shellfish from contaminated water. The most common symptoms of this illness are: Vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramps.

In addition to maintaining proper person hygiene, other prevention methods include:

1. Keep employees with diarrhea and vomiting out of the operation.

2. Keep employees who have been diagnosed with Norovirus out of the operation.

3. Wash hands.

4. Minimize bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.

5. Purchase shellfish from approved, reputable suppliers.

If you have any questions about anything that I present in these lessons, or have a question about anything regarding food safety, please feel free to contact me.

Tomorrow’s lesson: What is Bacillus cereus gastroenteritis (Bacillus cereus bacteria)?

by admin

New #foodsafety #recall possible #Listeria #contamination in 960 lbs of cooked ground beef patty products from J.T.M. Provisions

J.T.M. Provisions Co., a Harrison, Ohio establishment, is recalling approximately 960 pounds of cooked ground beef patty products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes

J.T.M. Provisions Company Recalls Cooked Ground Beef Products Due To Possible Listeria Contamination

Class I
Recall 073-2018
Health Risk: High
Aug 31, 2018
Congressional and Public Affairs

Adam Ghering
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2018 – J.T.M. Provisions Co., a Harrison, Ohio establishment, is recalling approximately 960 pounds of cooked ground beef patty products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The cooked, ready-to-eat beef patty crumble items were produced on May 17, 2018. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF only)]

  • 20-lb. cases containing four 5-lb sealed pouches of “COOKED BEEF PATTY CRUMBLES” with case code “47860” and a Julian date of “18137.”

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 1917” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distribution centers located in California.

FSIS inspection program personnel discovered the problem on August 31, 2018 during routine inspection duties. The product was tested by the establishment and found to be positive for L. monocytogenes under their sampling program.

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

Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

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

Media and consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Joe Maas, JTM Provisions Co. owner, at (513) 367-4900.

by admin

September is #National #Foodsafety Month #NFSM. Follow this blog for great lessons on #foodsafety.

September is National Food Safety Education Month.

Each day, lessons exploring the causes of food borne illness, in addition to lessons in all areas of food safety will be provided for your information.

Don’t forget to join the conversation on social media by using #NFSM.

From ServSafe: National Food Safety Month was created in 1994 to heighten the awareness of food safety education. Each year, we feature a new theme and create free training activities and posters for the restaurant and foodservice industry to help reinforce proper food safety practices and procedures.

by admin

New #foodsafety #recall possible #Ecoli #contamination of Ground Chuck Products from Publix Grocery stores in certain Florida counties

Publix Super Markets Inc., a Lakeland, Fla., retail grocery store chain is recalling an undetermined amount of ground chuck products that may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O26.

Publix Super Markets Inc. Recalls Ground Chuck Products Due To Possible E. coli O26 Contamination

Class I Recall 072-2018
Health Risk: High
Aug 30, 2018
Congressional and Public Affairs
Mitch Adams
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2018 – Publix Super Markets Inc., a Lakeland, Fla., retail grocery store chain is voluntarily recalling an undetermined amount of ground beef products made from chuck that may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O26, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The ground chuck items were purchased by consumers from June 25, 2018, through July 31, 2018. The following products are subject to recall: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/330436d0-f5bb-4ee3-a3eb-cca6459bf014/072-2018-List-Products.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&useDefaultText=0&useDefaultDesc=0

These items were shipped to Publix Super Market retail locations in the following Florida counties: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/68f37b9e-2b95-45c9-8ba7-36500f13a6ac/072-2018-Affected-Counties-Florida.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&useDefaultText=0&useDefaultDesc=0

On Aug. 16, 2018, FSIS was notified of an investigation of E. coli O26 illnesses. FSIS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state public health and agriculture partners determined that raw ground chuck was the probable source of the reported illnesses. The epidemiological investigation identified 18 case-patients, predominantly from Florida, with illness onset dates ranging from July 5 to July 25, 2018. Traceback information indicated that case-patients consumed ground chuck products purchased at various Publix Super Markets that was supplied by a yet-to-be determined source. As this investigation further develops, FSIS will continue to work with the supermarket, suppliers and public health partners, and will provide updated information should it become available.

E. coli O26, like the more common E. coli O157:H7, is a serovar of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). People can become ill from STECs 2–8 days (average of 3–4 days) after exposure to the organism.

Most people infected with STEC O26 develop diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting. Some illnesses last longer and can be more severe. Infection is usually diagnosed by testing of a stool sample. Vigorous rehydration and other supportive care is the usual treatment; antibiotic treatment is generally not recommended. Most people recover within a week, but rarely, some develop a more severe infection. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, is uncommon with STEC O26 infection. HUS can occur in people of any age but is most common in children under 5 years old, older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately

FSIS is concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

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

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160°F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature, http://1.usa.gov/1cDxcDQ. Consumers should take proper precautions when handling raw meat products. Proper hand washing after handling raw meat, poultry and eggs can greatly reduce the risk of bacterial cross-contamination to other foods and kitchen surfaces. It is important to prevent cross-contamination by washing counter tops and sinks with hot, soapy water.

Media with questions can contact Maria Brous, Publix Super Market’s Director of Media and Community Relations, at (863) 680-5339. Consumers with questions can contact Publix Super Market’s customer care department at 1-800-242-1227 or visit their website at www.publix.com/contactus.

by admin

Updated #foodsafety #recall possible #Salmonella #contamination of Empire Kosher Poultry

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Empire Kosher Poultry, Inc. Raw Chicken Products due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

EDITOR’S NOTE: This release was updated on August 29, 2018 to provide updated illness outbreak information.

Congressional and Public Affairs
Benjamin A. Bell (202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, August 24, 2018 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and Empire Kosher Poultry, Inc. are issuing a public health alert out of an abundance of caution due to concerns about Salmonella illnesses reported in the northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States that may be associated with raw chicken products.

The Empire Kosher brand raw chicken items, which may include raw whole chicken, raw chicken parts, were produced and sold to consumers from September 2017 to June 2018.

On June 18, 2018, FSIS was notified of multiple Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- illnesses within the northeastern  and mid-Atlantic United States. Working in conjunction with public health partners, FSIS determined that there is a link between Empire Kosher brand raw chicken products and this illness cluster. Based on available epidemiological information, 17 case-patients have been identified in 4 northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States, many of whom reported consumption of Empire Kosher brand chicken products. Approximately half of affected case-patients have been hospitalized due to illness with illness onset dates ranging from September 2017 to June 2018. Additional information may be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/chicken-08-18/index.html. FSIS continues to work with the company and public health partners and will provide updated information should it become available.

 Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated product. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment. In some persons, however, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Older adults, infants, and persons with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a severe illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact their health care provider.

 FSIS is concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to properly handle, prepare, and cook these raw chicken products.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume chicken products that have been cooked to a temperature of 165°F. The only way to confirm that chicken is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature (http://1.usa.gov/1cDxcDQ). Consumers should take proper precautions when handling raw chicken products. Proper hand washing after handling raw poultry, meat and eggs can greatly reduce the risk of bacterial cross-contamination to other foods and kitchen surfaces. It is important to prevent cross-contamination from raw poultry juices by washing counter tops and sinks with hot, soapy water.

Consumers and members of the media with questions can contact an Empire Kosher Specialist at 1-877-627-2803.

by admin

New #foodsafety #recall Undeclared #egg & #wheat #allergen in 75 lbs of beef & pork meatloaf products

Taylor Farms Illinois, Inc., is recalling approximately 75 pounds of beef and pork meatloaf products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The product contains eggs and wheat, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.

Taylor Farms Illinois, Inc. Recalls Beef and Pork Meatloaf Products Due To Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Class I Recall 070-2018
Health Risk: High
Aug 29, 2018
Distribution List PDF

Congressional and Public Affairs
Benjamin A. Bell
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2018 – Taylor Farms Illinois, Inc., a Chicago, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 75 pounds of beef and pork meatloaf products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains eggs and wheat, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.

The beef and pork meatloaf was produced on August 22, 2018. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF only)]

  • 14-oz. plastic tray packages containing ready-to-eat “HOMESTYLE BEEF AND PORK MEATLOAF” with lot code “TFIL234A001” and a “USE-BY: 08/28/18” date on the label.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 21794” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee.

The problem was discovered on August 27, 2018, by a retail store employee, who then reported the issue to the firm.

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

FSIS is concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers’ freezers.  Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

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

Consumers and members of the media with questions about the recall should call the Taylor Farms Hotline at (855) 455-0098.

by admin

New #foodsafety #recall possible #ecoli #contamination of 25,288 lbs of ground beef products

Cargill Meat Solutions, a Fort Morgan, Colo. establishment, is recalling approximately 25,288 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7

Cargill Meat Solutions Recalls Ground Beef Products due to Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination

Class I Recall069-2018
Health Risk: High
August 23, 2018
Congressional and Public Affairs

Felicia Thompson
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2018–Cargill Meat Solutions, a Fort Morgan, Colo. establishment, is recalling approximately 25,288 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The ground beef items were produced on Aug. 16, 2018. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF Only)]

  • 10-lb. chubs of “EXCEL 93/7 FINE GRIND GROUND BEEF” with “Use/Frz. By Sep 05” on the chub label and a “PACK DATE 08/16/2018” on the box label.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 86R” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to warehouses in California and Colorado.

The problem was discovered on Aug. 22 by the establishment when they reviewed their records and determined that the product may be associated with product that was presumptive positive for E. coli O157:H7. The company then notified FSIS. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider. E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2–8 days (3–4 days, on average) after exposure the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

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

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160°F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature, http://1.usa.gov/1cDxcDQ.

Consumers with questions about the recall can call 1-844-419-1574. Members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Michael Martin, Cargill’s Director of Communications, at (316) 291-2126.

by admin

New #foodsafety #recall undeclared #fish & #milk #allergen in 62 lbs of ready-to-eat meatloaf products

Taylor Farms Northwest, LLC, a Kent, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 62 pounds of ready-to-eat meatloaf products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain fish (anchovies) and milk, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.

Taylor Farms Northwest, LLC Recalls Ready-To-Eat Meatloaf Products Due To Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Class I Recall 068-2018
Health Risk: High
Distribution List PDF
Congressional and Public Affairs
Felicia Thompson
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2018 – Taylor Farms Northwest, LLC, a Kent, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 62 pounds of ready-to-eat meatloaf products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain fish (anchovies) and milk, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.

The products were produced on Aug. 19, 2018. The following product is subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF only)]

62 units of 16-oz clear containers with “Homestyle Meatloaf,” with a “Sell By: 8/25/2018” on the front packaging label.
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 34834” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations in Oregon and Washington.

The problem was discovered on Aug. 20, 2018, when a Taylor Farms Northwest, LLC employee conducted an inventory check and discovered the mislabeling of the Turkey Meatloaf with Kale as Homestyle Meatloaf, which is a beef product. The establishment then notified FSIS of the problem.

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

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify that recalling firms are notifying their customers of the recall and that actions are being taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution lists will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Taylor Farms Northwest, LLC at 1-855-455-0098. Members of the media with questions about the recall can contact the company at Press@taylorfarms.com.