The FDA announced the rule’s finalization to more effectively trace contaminated food through the food supply, whether sourced in the U.S. or abroad. The “New era of smart food safety” rule was first announced in September 2020. The rule establishes additional traceability recordkeeping requirements for those that manufacture, process, pack, or hold certain foods, including fresh leafy greens, nut butters, fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, and ready-to-eat deli salads. The new rule will more rapidly and effectively identify the origin and route of travel of certain contaminated foods. As a result, help prevent or mitigate foodborne illness outbreaks, address serious threats of serious adverse health consequences or death, and minimize overly broad advisories or recalls that implicate unaffected food products. The new rule establishes the basis for even greater end-to-end food traceability across the food system. @ https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-advances-new-era-smarter-food-safety-finalizing-foundational-rule-improve-traceability?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
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The FDA issued a final rule on food traceability designed to facilitate faster identification and rapid removal of potentially contaminated food from the market
Between September 2021 and February 2022, the FDA received complaints about four cases of illness or death in infants who consumed powdered infant formula from Abbott factory in Michigan. The FDA revealed unsanitary conditions, including the presence of five different strains of Cronobacter sakazakii within the facility. On Feb. 17, 2022, the FDA warned consumers not to use certain products manufactured at this facility. The FDA presented and outlines to prevent Cronobacter sakazakii in infant formula. The plan includes a better understanding of best practices in manufacturing powdered infant formula and what could be done to enhance safety. Establish a dedicated cadre of investigators to conduct infant formula inspections and better support regulatory oversight of infant formula. Evaluate current testing requirements and determine whether improvements might be appropriate to enhance the safety of the finished product. Strengthen the ability of public health officials and firms to identify and investigate illnesses of Cronobacter spp. Support Cronobacter sakazakii as a notifiable disease. Support research to fill knowledge gaps in understanding Cronobacter and broaden scientific knowledge of the organism. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/new-era-smarter-food-safety/outline-fdas-strategy-help-prevent-cronobacter-sakazakii-illnesses-associated-consumption-powdered?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
FDA recognizes that more needs to be done to enhance the safety of powdered infant formula from Cronobacter.
According to the CFIA, La Cie McCormick Canada has recalled Tim Hortons branded Chicken Noodle Soup Mix from the Canadian marketplace due to suspected Insect fragment contamination. The product can pose risks of bacterial infection, choking, oral injury, internal ingestion, GI tract laceration damage and bowel obstruction, severe illness and/or possible life-changing complications. The recalled product has been sold in Ontario and Alberta. @ https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/tim-hortons-brand-soup-base-chicken-noodle-recalled-due-presence-insects
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The FDA, CDC, and local partners updated the status of the multi state outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infection linked to Brie and Camembert soft cheese products, including all of their baked Brie cheeses manufactured by Old Europe Cheese Inc. (Banton Harbor, MI). The products were sold to retailers under multiple labels and brands. The outbreak is linked to six illnesses and five hospitalizations in six states (CA, GA, MA, MI, NJ, and TX). On September 30, 2022, Old Europe Cheese, Inc. voluntarily recalled multiple brands of Brie and Camembert cheeses produced at their Michigan facility. On October 5, 2022, the recall was expanded to include multiple brands of baked Brie products. On November 4, 2022, the recall was updated to include an expanded retail establishment that received recalled bulk Brie and Camembert cheese from Old Europe Cheese, Inc. FDA’s investigation is ongoing to determine if additional products are potentially contaminated. Updates to this advisory will be provided as they become available. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-brie-and-camembert-soft-cheese-products-september-2022?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled Brie and Camembert soft cheese products from Old Europe Cheese, Inc. FDA’s outbreak investigation is ongoing.