After two outbreaks of E. coli O157: H7 in lettuce, that went unsolved, 9 consumer and food safety groups (Center for Foodborne Illness Research & Prevention; Center for Science in the Public Interest; Consumer Federation of America; Consumers Union; Food & Water Watch: National Consumers League; The Pew Charitable Trusts; STOP Foodborne Illness; and the Trust for America’s Health.) have demand that FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb add regulations within the next six months “for comprehensive and rapid traceability of produce, including leafy greens.” In a letter to the commissioner they claim that existing recordkeeping requires only “one step forward, one step back” records that result in a “tangled web of inconsistent and inadequate” information for those tracking outbreaks. “The repeated outbreaks linked to produce and leafy greens since passage of FSMA leave no doubt that these products belong in the “high-risk” category. @ https://cspinet.org/sites/default/files/attachment/Consumers%20letter%20to%20Comm.%20Gottlieb%20re%20traceability-5-24-18.pdf
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https://cspinet.org/sites/default/files/attachment/Consumers%20letter%20to%20Comm.%20Gottlieb%20re%20traceability-5-24-18.pdf
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Over 26% of the world population is Muslims. Halal food prepared according to Islamic law will reach USD 2.55 trillion by 2024. Blockchain is being tested to ensure halal food, and provide food traceability and quality verification services for the sector. To provide verification of data credibility, all traceability data will be stored on blockchain. HALAL TRAIL will utilize TE-FOOD’s technology on two pilot projects in June 2018 track chickens and lambs in Lancaster, Tunbridge Wells & Manchester, U.K. as a reference to be implemented globally. @ https://cointelegraph.com/press-releases/halal-food-companies-are-going-to-blockchain
TE-FOOD partnered with HALAL TRAIL™, a UK based company, to track livestock and fresh food from farm to table, through the halal food chain.
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Giant Food Stores and Stop & Shop Stores recalled frozen broccoli that tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. For Giant foods, the recall is of Private Brand Frozen Broccoli Cuts. Stop & Shop has issued the voluntary recall of its store brand frozen broccoli. The recall was issued Wednesday after the state Department of Consumer Protection’s foods, and standards division found the Listeria in the frozen broccoli. No illnesses have been reported since the frozen vegetable product tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. All affected products have been removed from store shelves after the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection discovered the contamination. @ https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/2018/05/23/giant-recalls-frozen-broccoli-tested-positive-listeria/637790002/ and https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Stop-and-Shop-Recall-Broccoli-Frozen-Listeria-Concerns-Connecticut-483479581.html
Giant Food Stores has voluntarily recalled frozen broccoli that tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
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Merrick Pet Care, of Amarillo, Texas, recalled beef dog treat varieties due to the potential that they contain elevated levels of beef thyroid hormone. Consuming beef with high thyroid hormone might cause increased thirst and urination, weight loss, increased heart rate and restlessness. Consumption of high levels for a long period of time, the symptoms may increase in severity and may include vomiting, diarrhea and rapid or labored breathing. This potential health risk was brought to Merrick’s attention as a result of the FDA sharing one consumer complaint where the dog’s health was temporarily impacted while eating Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Real Beef Jerky 4.5 oz. The dog’s health improved and fully recovered after discontinuing consumption of the treat. @ https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm608655.htm
Merrick Pet Care, of Amarillo, Texas, is initiating a voluntary recall of a limited amount of beef dog treat varieties due to the potential that they contain elevated levels of a naturally-occurring beef thyroid hormone.