In the news

Aanika Biosciences has developed a technology that is claimed to be able to quickly identify the source of foodborne contaminations by using genetically engineered bacterial spores that attach to food. They insert to spores of Bacillus subtilis a DNA barcode that can be “scanned” to identify a food’s origin, down to a plot of land on a farm. The Bacillus is genetically engineered with a unique DNA barcode. The spores grown from the genetically engineered Bacillus can be added to water and attached to crops as they are being washed. The genetic barcodes within each spore can be “scanned” to identify where each plant came from. Researchers at Harvard Medical School took 18 different plants in a similar approach and sprayed each of them with bioengineered spores containing unique, genetic barcodes. A month later, the scientists were able to pinpoint the specific plant that each leaf came from. The challenge for Aanika’s technology will be to convince farmers and consumers to adopt the technology. While Bacillus subtilis is found in probiotic yogurts sold on the market, consumers might be worried about eating products containing such spores. Farmers will have concerns regarding adopting a new tracing technology, including privacy concerns and fears of food tampering by consumers. @ https://thecounter.org/bioengineered-spores-trace-foodborne-outbreaks-safety-experts-skeptical/amp/

The FDA has been using a new data analysis tool, called 21 FORWARD, to help inform their response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Through a partnership between the FDA, members of Operation Warp Speed, the CDC, and the USDA, data from 21 FORWARD is also being made available to assist states with their planning efforts for vaccine distribution.  The FDA contributes information from its 21 FORWARD tool on the estimated numbers and distribution of food and agriculture sector employees who work at FDA regulated food facilities. On December 22, the CDC recommended that food and agriculture workers be among the essential front-line workers covered in the second phase of the vaccine rollout. The 21 FORWARD tool was designed to enable the FDA to use the CDC forecast data to track the incidence of COVID-19 across the country and identify areas in which its spread.  21 FORWARD will allow a better understanding of the food supply chain and its vulnerabilities. The FDA is using the power of data and employing analytical skills to help keep food industry workers safe and support the food supply chain. @ https://www.fda.gov/news-events/fda-voices/unleashing-power-fda-data-support-covid-19-vaccine-distribution-food-and-agriculture-workers

The FDA announced that Lancaster Foods LLC had initiated a voluntary recall of its processed butternut squash items because they can be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with these products. The recalled items were distributed in NC, VA, DC, MD, PN, NY, NJ, CT, RI, MA, NH, and VT, mainly through retail stores. The product recalled include 16 oz Autumn Medley, 12 oz Butternut Squash Noodles, 21 oz Butternut Squash Planks, 20 oz Squash Noodle Medley, 2.5#, 20 oz, 24 oz and 12 oz Butternut Squash Chunks, and 15 oz Veggie Rice Blend. Lancaster Foods has temporarily stopped producing these items as the FDA, and the company investigates the source of contamination.  @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lancaster-foods-recalls-all-conventional-butternut-squash-items-were-processed-between-dates-122220?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Publix announced on their website that Pero Family Farms Food Company recalled its Butternut Squash Trays (Pero Family Farms Butternut Squash Cubed Tray, and Pero Family Farms Butternut Squash Veggie Spirals Tray) because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes.  No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this issue.  The recall was due to notification of possible Listeria contamination from Race West Company, a supplier of butternut squash, to Pero Family Farms. Pero Family Farms Food Company, LLC has temporarily stopped the production of the products. @ http://corporate.publix.com/about-publix/newsroom/recalls/pero-family-farms-butternut-squash