In the news

The FSIS announced that Conagra Brands, Inc., of Milton, PA, is recalling approximately 32,400 pounds of canned beef products due to a potential processing defect, resulting in the potential survival of bacterial pathogens in the products.  The canned beef items were produced on July 18, 2019, and include 15-oz. The recall consists of 15-ounce cans Kaskey’s beefy mac pasta in tomato and meat sauce produced on July 18 and with a best by date of July 7, 2021. These items were shipped to distribution centers and retail locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, and Texas. The problem was discovered by the establishment on July 27, 2019, during routine activities. There have been no reports of adverse reactions due to the consumption of these products.  @ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-081-2019-release

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced that Polish Trade Center Ltd. Recalled Ryki brand Gouda Cheese Slices from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.  This cheese was sold in Ontario at the retail level. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this issue. The recalled product is Ryki Rycki Edam cheese slices and smoked Ryki Rycki Edam cheese in 4.76 ounce packages. The recall initiated as a result of CFIA test results.@ https://foodpoisoningbulletin.com/2019/ryki-rycki-edam-cheese-recall-for-possible-listeria-updated/

Lystn, LLC d.b.a & ANSWERS™ Pet Food Challenges the FDA for the Public’s Freedom to choose safe, healthy, raw pet food. The company has filed a Declaratory Judgment Complaint and is seeking Injunctive Relief against the FDA in the United States Colorado District Court. The complaint challenges the lawfulness of the FDA’s actions, with cooperation provided by various members of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), by adopting a nationwide, zero-tolerance standard for Salmonella in pet food that is noncompliant with federal law, unsupported by science, and beyond the FDA’s scope of power as delegated by Congress. ANSWERS™ Pet Food announced that while the U.S.D.A permits allowable quantities of Salmonella in human food, the FDA who regulates pet food, has adopted an unsustainable, zero-tolerance standard for Salmonella presence in pet food. ANSWERS™ approach to food safety employs fermentation, Hurdle Technology, and other proprietary processes, to control pathogens by eliminating them, reducing them, or inhibiting growth whereby good bacteria can survive and compete with harmful bacteria. Also addressed in the complaint, is the alleged extensive FDA regulatory abuse. ANSWERS™ asserts the FDA is unlawfully targeting the raw pet food industry, seeking to eradicate raw pet food. @ https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/answers-pet-food-challenges-the-fda-for-the-publics-freedom-to-choose-safe-healthy-raw-pet-food-300881182.html

Consumer Reports tested 284 samples of fresh greens (lettuce, spinach, and kale) and found six samples contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Consumer Report purchased the greens at grocery stores including Acme, Costco, Hannaford, and Whole Foods. Two of these samples were packaged, prewashed greens (spinach and an organic spinach-spring mix). The other four were loose heads or bunches of green kale, green leaf lettuce, red leaf lettuce, and spinach. Karen Wong, M.D., medical officer in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Enteric Diseases Epidemiology Branch said that “While it may not be surprising to find Listeria in a small percentage of leafy green products that are tested, it always concerns to find bacteria that can make people sick in foods that aren’t meant to be cooked.” @ https://www.consumerreports.org/food-safety/leafy-greens-with-listeria-sold-at-major-supermarkets/