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A multi-country survey was conducted in 16 countries involving 825 food companies. The study provides an essential insight into food safety systems’ response during the pandemic’s first months. Staff awareness and hygiene are two of the most important attributes of the Covid-19 pandemic that affect food safety. Temperature checking of workers and health protocols from the World Health Organization was the least important. Companies with Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) have implemented more rigorous preventive measures in combating Covid-19 within their operating facilities. To combat this pandemic crisis, food companies confirmed the implementation of more restrictive hygiene procedures and additional purchase of protective equipment (PPEs). The pandemic impacted retailers the most. All companies surveyed declared that food safety had not been compromised at any moment. However, less than half of the companies had documented any emergency plans associated with pandemics and health issues in place.  @ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0956713520307167

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) triggered a recall of eggs due to possible salmonella contamination. The recall was initiated by test results at Nova Scotia’s Hilly Acres commercial egg farm, with the recalled products only being sold in Newfoundland and Labrador. Two brands of eggs were recalled, Farmer John Eyking and Nova Eggs. All products being recalled have code dates between Dec. 27 and Jan. 10 and feature the code N38 following the best before date. There have been no reported illnesses related to the consumption of the products. Test results triggered this recall. @ https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/inspection/2020/74545r-eng.php

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) warned that Levitts Foods (Canada) Inc. recalls Compliments brand, Levitts brand, and The Deli-Shop brand deli meat products due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The food recall warning issued on November 22, 2020, has been updated to include additional product information. This additional information was identified during the CFIA food safety investigation. These deli meats were sold in Alberta, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec, and may have been sold nationally at the consumer level. There is one reported illness that may be associated with the consumption of these products. The recalled items include Compliments brand Montreal-Style Smoked Meat, Compliments Smoked Beef Pastrami, and Compliments brand Corned Beef. Levitts Corned Beef, Levitts Montreal Style Smoked Meat, and Levitts New York Style Pastrami. The Deli-Shop Sliced Pastrami is recalled. @ https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/inspection/2020/74513r-eng.php