In the news

The FSA reported that a third food manufacturer, THIS, has recalled products over fears of possible contamination with E. coli. E. coli has not been detected in products but is being recalled as a precaution. This product is only sold at WH Smith. It comes days after two other suppliers, Greencore Group and Samworth Brothers Manton Wood, announced recalls of at least 60 types of pre-packed sandwiches, wraps, and salads sold in major supermarkets. It is understood these were items containing salad leaves. Over 200 people in the UK were affected by E. coli in recent weeks (as of data up to 11 June). 42% were admitted to hospitals.  @ https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-32-2024

The OIG (Office of Inspection General) stated that the FDA had inadequate policies and procedures or lacked policies and procedures to identify risks to infant formula and respond effectively through its complaint, inspection, and recall processes. As a result, it took more than 15 months to address a February 2021 Abbott facility whistleblower complaint. Also, an October 2021 whistleblower complaint to senior leadership resulted in a nearly 4-month delay before senior leadership was aware of the complaint. The FDA did not have policies and procedures to establish timeframes to initiate mission-critical inspections. This contributed to one inspection being initiated 102 days after receiving a whistleblower complaint.OIG recommends to FDA: (1) maintain the National Consumer Complaint Coordinator’s (NCCC’s) continuity of operations by cross-training staff on whistleblower policies and procedures and NCCC duties, (2) develop and implement policies and procedures requiring periodic reporting to senior leadership on the status of open whistleblower complaints, (3) develop policies and procedures that FDA can use during future public health emergencies to identify how and when it is necessary to conduct mission-critical inspections and ensure that they are conducted promptly, and (4) design and implement policies and procedures specific to the use of its FDA-required infant formula recall authority. FDA concurred with all nine of our recommendations. @ https://oig.hhs.gov/documents/audit/9908/A-01-22-01502.pdf

Grande Cheese Company (Fond Du Lac, WI) recalled 1,726,910 pounds of whey and dairy products due to the potential of Salmonella contamination. According to the information available online by the FDA, the recall was initiated on May 1, 2024, and is ongoing. In May, the company also recalled several of its feed products due to the risk of salmonella contamination. The products were distributed and sold in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachessuets, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin. Outside of the U.S., the recalled products were distributed in Canada, Ecuador, and Japan. @ https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/?Event=94540

The FDA issued a proposed exemption for certain cottage cheese products from the requirements of the Food Traceability Rule. In the final rule, the FDA announced its intention to consider exempting cottage cheese regulated under the Grade “A” Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) from the rule’s requirements. The proposed exemption would apply to all Grade “A” cottage cheese on the Interstate Milk Shippers List. The FDA is requesting to submit either electronic or written comments on the proposed exemption by September 12, 2024. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-proposes-exempt-certain-cottage-cheese-traceability-requirements?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery