FDA Recognizes JANAAC as an Accreditation Body Under FSMA

By Food Safety Tech Staff

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC), as an accreditation body under the Accredited Third-Party Certification Program for a period of five years.

Accreditation bodies recognized by FDA have the authority to accredit third-party certification bodies. These certification bodies, once accredited, can conduct food safety audits and issue certifications of foreign food facilities (including farms) and the foods—both human and animal—that they produce. Those certifications are required to be used by importers to establish eligibility for participation in the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program. In addition, those certifications may be used in certain circumstances where the FDA can require that imported products be certified before entering the United States.

JANAAC is being recognized as having the authority to accredit certification bodies with the ability to conduct food safety audits under the following scopes of accreditation:

Acidified Foods (AF)
Dietary Supplements
Juice Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (Juice HACCP)
Low-Acid Canned Foods (LACF)
Medicated Feed Current Good Manufacturing Practices (Medicated Feed CGMPs)
Preventive Controls for Animal Food (PCAF)
Preventive Controls for Human Food (PCHF)
Produce Safety
Seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (Seafood HACCP)
Shell Eggs

For more information on the eligibility criteria for recognition, see Key Facts about the Accredited Third-Party Certification Program.

July 5, 2022

USDA Accepting Applications for Bioproduct Pilot Program

By Food Safety Tech Staff

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On June 28, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for a new pilot program created under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the development of biobased products that have lower carbon footprints and increase the use of renewable agricultural materials, creating new revenue streams for farmers.

Under this program, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) can award up to $10 million, divided among the highest rated applications that include eligible universities and private-sector partners.

“This pilot program is a critical part of USDA’s commitment to enhancing the circular economy and providing additional revenue streams for farmers. This program will help farmers take field residues and waste products and turn them into value-added products that create wealth and drive economic development in rural areas,” said Vilsack.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided funds for sustainable bioproduct manufacturing for construction and consumer products. The statute directs USDA to partner with “not less than one institution” to study the benefits of using materials derived from a very broad definition of “covered agricultural commodities.”

More information on this funding opportunity can be found on the NIFA website. The USDA NIFA is also hosting an informational webinar for those interested in applying for funds on July 14 from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Central Time. To register, visit the Bioproduct Pilot Program Informational Webinar page.

July 3, 2022

Listeria Outbreak Linked to Ice Cream

By Food Safety Tech Staff

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On July 2, the CDC announced that a multi-state listeria outbreak has been linked to Big Olaf ice cream. So far, there are 23 reported illnesses, 22 hospitalizations and one death associated with the outbreak. The reports span 10 states, although the brand is only sold in Florida.

The CDC is advising consumers who have Big Olaf Creamery brand ice cream at home to throw away any remaining product and to clean any areas, containers and serving utensils that may have touched Big Olaf ice cream products.

If you are a business that carries the brand, do not serve or sell any Big Olaf ice cream products and clean and disinfect any areas and equipment that may have touched Big Olaf ice cream products, including ice cream scoops and other serving utensils.

Big Olaf Creamery, located in Sarasota, Florida, is voluntarily contacting retail locations to recommend against selling their ice cream products until further notice.

Listeria is most likely to sicken pregnant people and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older and people with weakened immune systems. Per the CDC announcement, consumers with the following symptoms should call their healthcare providers right away:

Pregnant people typically experience only fever, fatigue and muscle aches. However, Listeria infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
People who are not pregnant may experience headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, in addition to fever and muscle aches.

June 28, 2022

Food Genomics

FSIS Rethinking its Approach to Salmonella in Poultry

By Food Safety Tech Staff

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The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that it is rethinking its approach to how it addresses Salmonella in poultry based on the findings of a recent study, ”Assessing the Effectiveness of Revised Performance Standards for Salmonella Contamination of Chicken Parts,” published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology.

Michael S. Williams, et al, examined changes in Salmonella occurrence within the chicken parts industry following implementation of a new set of FSIS standards, announced in 2015 and implemented in 2016.

The standards were chosen based on the assumption that the program would lead to a 30% reduction in the occurrence of Salmonella-contaminated chicken parts samples. While the new analysis showed a much higher than anticipated reduction in Salmonella-contaminated chicken parts (more than 75%), the FSIS notes that this has not translated to a reduction in Salmonella-related illnesses attributable to poultry products.

A Shift in Seasonal Patterns and Salmonella Serotypes

In examining data collected between April 1, 2015 through December 31, 2020, the authors found a significant change in Salmonella serotypes in sampled products, an increase in antimicrobial resistant strains and a shift in seasonal occurrence of Salmonella.

Occurrence of Salmonella in poultry products has traditionally peaked in the summer months. However, in what the authors called one of the most surprising findings of the study, review of data from 2015-2020 showed a mid-winter peak with lower rates of occurrence in the summer.

The study also found that while Salmonella Enteritidis and Kentucky—two of the most common serotypes—decreased significantly, Salmonella Infantis demonstrated a rapid increase from less than 4% of positive samples in 2015 to 25% in 2020. This signals a growing area of concern as a larger portion of Infantis isolates are classified as multi-drug resistant. The authors noted that with no new interventions, “Infantis will likely become the dominant Salmonella serotype in chicken parts.”

The increase of the Infantis serotype as well as the apparent failure of the 2015 standards to reduce the occurrence of Salmonella-related illnesses attributable to poultry products is why FSIS is rethinking its approach to how it addresses Salmonella in poultry. This will include taking a closer look at the agency’s reliance on performance standards, and whether they need to be revised.

FSIS is collaborating with stakeholders and gathering information to develop a multi-step approach to reducing Salmonella illnesses associated with poultry products. The agency plans to present a draft framework for a revised strategy and convene a public meeting to discuss it in the Fall.

June 27, 2022

Equitable Food Initiative Elects Two New Board Members

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Fernanda Suárez of NatureSweet Tomatoes and Natalie Camacho Mendoza of Farmworker Justice have been elected to the board of directors of Equitable Food Initiative, a multi-stakeholder workforce development and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumer groups.

In a press release issued by EFI, the organization highlighted its commitment to electing board members who reflect the diversity of perspectives across the fresh produce industry.

“We believe in representative decision-making and our board composition assures that all players in the produce supply chain are at the table, including retailers, grower-shippers, farmworkers and consumers,” said Peter O’Driscoll, executive director of EFI. “I am thrilled to welcome these talented and compassionate women to our board to join EFI in promoting better agricultural workplaces, and a more equitable food system.”

Suárez, based in Guadalajara, Mexico, is the sustainability and social impact director for NatureSweet Tomatoes. She brings more than a decade of experience focused on human resources and social compliance. “As an HR professional, I understand the power of individuals to contribute to the greater good, and I’ve seen firsthand how powerful diversity, equity, leadership training and inclusion initiatives can be in transforming cultures,” said Suárez. “EFI provides opportunities for organizations to be a champion for farmworkers and ultimately be the change we want to create in building safer, more equitable food supply chains.”

Camacho Mendoza joins EFI as an extension of her role with Farmworker Justice. She is an attorney and owner of Camacho Mendoza Law. Her family roots are in the agriculture and railroad industries, and she has worked in Idaho with and on behalf of unions and employers and as a farmworker advocate. “My goal is to encourage more comprehensive views of farm labor and help all stakeholders understand the business side of agriculture,” said Camacho Mendoza. “On the heels of the pandemic, more people are aware of the ‘always essential’ workers who contribute to our food supply, and I’m eager to leverage that for improving working conditions and supporting everyone who plays a role in agriculture.”

June 24, 2022

Candies, Protein Snacks and Ice Cream Among Latest Jif Peanut Butter-Related Recalls

By Food Safety Tech Staff

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The FDA has posted an updated list of additional recalls related to the multistate outbreak of Salmonella Senftenberg infections linked to certain Jif brand peanut butter products produced at the J.M. Smucker Company facility in Lexington, Kentucky.

The recalls are being conducted by companies that have used the peanut butter as an ingredient in the manufacturing of a new product or in repackaging the product. The recalls include:

Deskins Candies of Bluefield, West Virginia, is recalling the following 16 oz. products: Deskins Candies Peanut Butter Fudge, Deskins Candies Peanut Butter No-Bake, Deskins Candies Peanut Butter Pinwheel, and Deskins Candies Chocolate No-Bake

F&S Produce Co. of Vineland, New Jersey is recalling a limited quantity of Fresh Garden Highway Protein Power Snacks

Taharka Brothers Ice Cream of Baltimore, Maryland is recalling its Peanut Butter Cup ice cream

J.M. Smucker Company has voluntarily recalled Jif brand peanut butter products that have the lot code numbers between 1274425 – 2140425, only if the first seven digits end with 425 (manufactured in Lexington, KY).

Additional information including advice for consumers, restaurants and retailers is available on the FDA Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Peanut Butter page.

June 23, 2022

FDA Investigating Another Infant Death Potentially Related to Abbott Baby Formula

By Food Safety Tech Staff

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On Wednesday, June 22, the FDA announced that it was investigating the death of an infant that occurred in January 2022 and is potentially related to Abbott baby formula. In a statement, the FDA said that it was notified of the death through a consumer complaint received on June 10, 2022. “The agency has initiated an investigation, given that the complaint referenced that the infant had consumed an Abbott product. However, the investigation of this most recent consumer complaint is in its preliminary stages and the agency will provide an update as it learns more,” the statement read.

The FDA has previously reported its review of complaints related to nine infant deaths. Two were found to be associated with the Abbott Nutrition Sturgis plant investigation. However, the FDA notes that, despite extensive investigation, the evidence does not rule in or rule out a definitive link between these infant deaths and the product produced at Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, Michigan-based plant.

June 21, 2022

FDA Announces Online Retail Program Standards Self Assessment and Verification Audit Courses

By Food Safety Tech Staff

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Individuals conducting self-assessments and verification audits of the FDA Retail Food Program Standards can now take part in online self-guided FDA Retail Food Program Standards Self-Assessment/Verification Audit Courses.

The Retail Program Standards are designed to help food regulatory programs enhance the services they provide to the public by:

Identifying program areas where an agency can have the greatest impact on retail food safety
Promoting wider application of effective risk-factor intervention strategies
Assisting in identifying program areas most in need of additional attention
Providing information needed to justify maintenance or increase in program budgets
Leading to innovations in program implementation and administration
Improving industry and consumer confidence in food protection programs by enhancing uniformity within and between regulatory agencies

These following courses are now open for registration and additional courses are scheduled to be added soon.

An introduction to the Program Standards and the Administrative Procedures (Prerequisite to the other nine courses)
Standard 1: Regulatory Foundation (coming soon)
Standard 2: Trained Regulatory Staff (coming soon)
Standard 3: Inspection Program Based on HACCP Principles
Standard 4: Uniform Inspection Program
Standard 5: Foodborne Illness and Food Defense Preparedness and Response (coming soon)
Standard 6: Compliance and Enforcement (coming soon)
Standard 7: Industry and Community Relations (coming soon)
Standard 8: Program Support and Resources (coming soon)
Standard 9: Program Assessment (coming soon)

June 20, 2022

Industry Actions Needed to Reach UN Sustainable Development Goals

By Food Safety Tech Staff

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At the halfway point to reach UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), CEOs from the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) are encouraging accelerated action to reach the 2030 deadline.

On June 20, CGF and the EY organization published a new report outlining urgent priorities the sector must act upon to help meet the SDGs. The report brings together opinions from 13 consumer industry leaders, who are all optimistic that faster progress can be achieved through five actions. The five priority areas identified to help CGF members and other businesses across the industry to accelerate progress are:

Partner for success. Profitability and revenue competition are part of a healthy economy but solving sustainability’s systemic challenges requires collaboration. Only by pulling together can consumer businesses rise to the scale of the challenges ahead—from combating climate change to reducing global inequality.

Measure for progress and impact. Businesses can’t manage what they don’t measure, and there is a clear need to integrate the SDGs with other frameworks and for consistent international or regional standards. The CEOs note that the growing number of frameworks makes this difficult, yet convening bodies such as CGF have the power to consult and advocate for consistent standards.

Embed sustainability into your company DNA. Companies that embed the SDGs into their working culture—potentially through rewards and incentives—are far more likely to achieve them.

Bring the consumer on the journey. Consumer companies occupy a privileged position that confers great power and great responsibility in shaping consumption. They can incentivize better consumer behavior and raise awareness of the SDGs in ways that other stakeholders cannot. Consumers are rewarding businesses that do the right things to improve the health of their communities. If businesses fail to act on urgent environmental and social issues, they will get left behind.

Prioritize the areas where you have the power to make the biggest difference. Whether it is malnutrition, sanitation or waste, certain companies can make a greater contribution to some SDGs than others. Setting material targets will help companies make a tangible difference in the areas most appropriate to them.

The report, developed in collaboration with EY teams, features interviews with leaders from 13 of the largest global consumer goods companies: Ahold Delhaize; Alibaba Group; Ajinomoto Group; A.S. Watson Group; The Coca-Cola Company; DFI Retail Group; Grupo Éxito; Kerry Group; Kirin Holdings; Musgrave Group; Procter & Gamble; Unilever; and Woolworths Holdings.

June 14, 2022

Free Food Safety Culture Toolkit Launched by Alliance of Advocates, Food Safety Pros

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The Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness (Alliance) is offering a free food safety culture toolkit tailored for small and medium-sized food businesses. Stop Foodborne Illness (STOP) is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting those affected by foodborne illness and advocating for food safety.

The kit, which is a guide to help manufacturing workforces find the ‘why’ behind their company’s food safety measures, is the result of a collaboration between STOP and Fortune 500 food safety practitioners at Amazon, Costco, Kellogg and more.

“Every year, one in six Americans are sickened by a foodborne illness. This toolkit helps companies shift away from ‘have to be safe’ to ‘want to to safe’ in order to protect overall public health,” says Dr. Vanessa Coffman, director of the Alliance. “Sharing our Alliance members’ best practices help smaller companies build a path toward stronger food safety cultures.”

A Shift in Seasonal Patterns and Salmonella Serotypes

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