In the news

Senator Durbin and congresswoman DeLauro introduced a bill that, if passed, would create a new independent federal agency focused on food safety. The bill would create a new Food Safety Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The new Food safety administration will be established to protect public health by ensuring food safety, preventing foodborne illness, maintaining safety reviews and reassessments of food additives, enforcing pesticide residue tolerances, and improving the surveillance of foodborne pathogens. The bill will remove food safety from the FDA, where it takes a backseat to drug safety. The legislators hope that creating a single food safety agency led by a Senate-approved food policy expert will more effectively ensure the safety of the U.S. food supply. @ https://www.qualityassurancemag.com/article/delauro-durbin-introduce-food-safety-administration-act/

The FDA update this week includes for Salmonella Braenderup outbreak the case count has increased from 59 to 63. The investigation is now closed for the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak, although the source was not identified. A voluntary recall has been initiated for the Listeria monocytogenes outbreak, and an outbreak advisory has been issued. While not mentioned in the table, this case relates to the Big Olaf Creamery (Sarasota, FL). The company recalled all its ice creams and ceased producing and distributing its products on July 1, 2022. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA reported that Big Olaf Creamery (Saratoga, FL) recalled all lots of big Olaf brand ice cream products because it could potentially be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The product was sold at Big Olaf retailers in Florida, to consumers in restaurants and senior homes, and one location in Fredericksburg, Ohio. The product was sold to consumers in plastic pint size containers, plastic ½ gallon containers, and plastic 2.5-gallon tubs, scoopable are sold to the independent retail stores. Based on epidemiological information from the CDC and State Officials, Big Olaf may be a potential source of illness in an ongoing Listeria monocytogenes outbreak. As of Friday, July 8th, 2022, the CDC reported that 23 people were infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes from 10 states. The company has ceased production and distribution of the ice cream product and is currently working with FDA by voluntarily recalling the product. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/big-olaf-creamery-recalls-ice-cream-because-possible-health-risk?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA reported that Stormberg Foods recalled various sizes and batches of Beg & Barker Chicken Breast Strips Dog Treat, Billo’s Best Friend Chicken Breast Strips Dog Treat, and Green Coast Pets Chicken Crisps Dog Treat products due to potential contamination with Salmonella. On July 6, 2022, the firm was notified by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA & CS) that a sample they collected tested positive for Salmonella spp. No illnesses have been reported to date. The products were distributed between June 8, 2022, and June 22, 2022. These products were packaged in branded plastic bags in cardboard master cases and shipped primarily to warehouses in CA, MN, NC, and RI. Products are then shipped nationwide to retail facilities and consumers via the internet. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/stormberg-foods-llc-recalls-chicken-strips-and-chicken-crisps-products-dogs-due-possible-salmonella