The FDA announced today the release of the 2017 edition of the FDA Food Code, a model regulation that provides all levels of government and industry with practical, science-based guidance and manageable provisions for reducing the known risks of foodborne illness. The code represents FDA’s recommendations for a uniform system of provisions that address the safety and protection of food offered at retail and in food service. It establishes a more standardized approach to controlling food safety hazards within a retail environment. One of the significant changes is the requirement for the Person in Charge (PIC) to be a Certified Food Protection Manager. @ https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/RetailFoodProtection/ucm2006807.htm
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A listing of food protection references for operators of
retail food stores and food service establishments and other interested parties including
information on National Food Safety Education Month and the Food Code.
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The Trend to Outsource Pathogen Testing Continues
According to Bob Ferguson, pathogen testing is moving more and more to outside testing laboratories due to regulatory pressures and a stronger focus on food safety. While the total volume of microbiology testing is growing at 5-6%/y, the contract lab volume is increasing at 10-12%/y. One interesting observation of the survey was that seasoned lab directors had a higher tendency to keep the testing in-house. @ https://www.foodsafetymagazine.com/magazine-archive1/december-2017january-2018/outsourcing-pathogen-testing-under-the-microscope/?mobileFormat=false
The way processors view their responsibilities regarding microbiological testing is changing. Regulatory pressure and a focus on food safety are causing changes in where processors do their testing.
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More than 100 sick due to Norovirus in the Winter Olympic Games
South Korean health officials have said that no Olympic athletes have been affected; however, there is concern as some of the affected security officers did work in areas where athletes are residing. Most effected people are Olympic security personnel. It is unclear how Norovirus initially sickened workers at the Olympic Games. @ https://www.foodsafetymagazine.com/news/norovirus-sickens-more-than-100-at-2018-winter-olympic-games/
As the 2018 Winter Olympics begin in South Korea, the country’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 128 cases of norovirus–up from just 32 cases a few days ago.
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Smokehouse Pet Products Recalled “Beefy Munchies” Sold Regionally Due to Salmonella Contamination
Smokehouse Pet Products, Sun Valley, CA recalled 4-oz bags of dog treats labeled as “Beefy Munchies,” due to potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. “Beefy Munchies” was distributed in Washington, Michigan, North Carolina and Colorado through distributors selling to various retailers. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. The problem was discovered in a routine testing of 4-oz packages of “Beefy Munchies.” conducted by the Colorado Department of Agriculture when 2 packages were positive for Salmonella. @ https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm596038.htm
Smokehouse Pet Products, Inc. of Sun Valley, CA is recalling 4-oz bags of dog treats labeled as “Beefy Munchies,” because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.