FDA found Tara flour was the likely ingredient behind illnesses tied to Daily Harvest crumbles

Food Safety News reported that the FDA finally agreed that tara was the ingredient that caused illnesses in the Daily Harvest product French Lentils & Leek Crumbles. "Based on component ingredient analysis, FDA identified tara protein flour and sacha inchi powder as ingredients of interest," the FDA reported in a 508-page document released recently through a Freedom of Information Act request. The document reported, "As of 10/18/2022, there were 393 adverse illness reports in 39 states with 133 hospitalization and 0 deaths. Based on reports, the estimated illness onset dates range from 4/19/2022 – 9/4/2022. Tara flour, the suspect ingredient in the crumbles, comes from the seeds of the tara plant grown in the higher altitudes of Peru. "Information from reported adverse illness events identified French Lentil and Leek Crumbles manufactured by Stone Gate Foods dba Second Bite Foods and distributed by Daily Harvest as the confirmed vehicle in this incident. However, the specific cause or route of contamination could not be determined." After the CORE Outbreak Close, the FDA plans to inspect the tara protein flour and Sacha inch powder. According to the FDA report, "Between 7/5/2022 – 10/7/2022, FDA received nine CCs and 10 CAERS reports associated with Revive Superfoods products. "Of the 19 CCs and CAERS reports, 9 complaints referenced Revive Mango & Pineapple Smoothies, and 10 referenced multiple flavors of Revive smoothie products as a cause for their illness. The Revive Superfoods Mango & Pineapple Smoothie also contained tara protein flour as a component ingredient. The FDA tested individual ingredients, including tara flour, for the crumbles and found toxic metals. The toxic metals screen included the following metals above the reporting limit (200 ng/g): vanadium, chromium, cobalt, nickel, arsenic, selenium, cadmium, mercury, thallium, and lead. @ https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2023/02/fda-says-tara-flour-was-likely-behind-illnesses-tied-to-daily-harvest-crumbles/