I have always believed that each of us, who wish to be a part of the food industry are given the responsibility of protecting the public by producing food products that will not harm our customers. If the only reason we entered this business was to make money, then we have no right to be in this industry.
There is no less responsibility to protect the public in the food industry than there is in the medical field or firefighting or emergency workers or police officers.
Whenever we see people getting ill or dying from consuming food that they believe to be safe, then it harms not just the plant operators that do not care about their products or do not care to learn how to produce safe products, it harms each of us in the food industry.
The trust in the industry has been lost. In my years in the industry, I do not recall the situation being so out of control. And because one plant can send out ingredients and products that affect other products and because companies have merged and closed down underperforming plants, one large operator covers a larger part of the industry.
Today, in the Washington Post, it was revealed that the peanut company that had produced peanut butter and paste that was implicated in causing many illnesses and up to seven deaths, had internal tests over the last two years that were positive for Salmonella. Some of the tests were environmental and some were in products that had been shipped out. Those products were not withdrawn or recalled.
When a company does internal testing, and almost all do, and finds positive results what do they do with the results? Most companies have a plan for cleaning, protecting the product, protecting the public. I believe you are obligated to do more than test.
Before you start a testing procedure, you should put down in writing your plan to handle positive results. Then if you have a positive test, you must follow your plan.
Later today, the Peanut Corporation of America announced further recalls on all peanuts and products that were manufactured in their Georgia facility.
If you are CEO or president of your food company now is the time to ask the following four questions:
What bacterial contamination tests are being performed by your Quality Departments?
Who is aware of the results of these tests?
What action is occurring if a test result is positive?
When and how is the decision made to remove the product that may be contaminated from the market?
Based on your answers you may want to call or email me for a confidential and candid discussion. Understand that the persons supplying answers to your questions may be telling you the policy answer and not reality. They may be conditioned to do so.
Be informed, step up and take ownership of the process, and do not punish the public or your industry, because you do not have the time or desire to do the right thing.
Do more than is expected or required to protect the public. Help us put confidence back into our food industry and its safety.
Rudy Westervelt
rudy@powerinlearning.com
www.powerinlearning.com
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
FDA advises consumers on peanut butter
The FDA has made an announcement for consumers to avoid eating products that contain peanut butter until they have completed their investigation.
Nearly 500 illnesses, 90 hospitalizations and 6 deaths have been linked to this Salmonella outbreak.
The Peanut Corporation of America has issued recall of its pastes and products manufactured since August of 2008. The products went across the United States and into Canada, Korea and Haiti.
The CDC has urged companies that use peanut butter in manufacture of products to release information on the source of their ingredients.
Peanut butter and ingredient peanut products account for nearly 130 million pounds used per month. Most of this use is in the manufacture of peanut butter.
Being requested not to consume peanut butter crackers, cookies, peanut butter chunks and flavors in your ice cream is now tremendously impacting this industry and the related users.
As consumers, our challenge is to better understand where ingredients are sourced. As manufacturers, it is essential to better understand sanitary practices of the companies supplying our ingredients and the tests essential to protect the public and as regulators, we must use each food contamination investigation as a learning experience to improve the speed of arriving at the source of contamination and getting contaminated product removed from the market.
Ask questions, expect answers.
Rudy
Nearly 500 illnesses, 90 hospitalizations and 6 deaths have been linked to this Salmonella outbreak.
The Peanut Corporation of America has issued recall of its pastes and products manufactured since August of 2008. The products went across the United States and into Canada, Korea and Haiti.
The CDC has urged companies that use peanut butter in manufacture of products to release information on the source of their ingredients.
Peanut butter and ingredient peanut products account for nearly 130 million pounds used per month. Most of this use is in the manufacture of peanut butter.
Being requested not to consume peanut butter crackers, cookies, peanut butter chunks and flavors in your ice cream is now tremendously impacting this industry and the related users.
As consumers, our challenge is to better understand where ingredients are sourced. As manufacturers, it is essential to better understand sanitary practices of the companies supplying our ingredients and the tests essential to protect the public and as regulators, we must use each food contamination investigation as a learning experience to improve the speed of arriving at the source of contamination and getting contaminated product removed from the market.
Ask questions, expect answers.
Rudy
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
The Peanut Salmonella Debacle Goes Crackers
We now know that the producer of the peanut butter that has been identified as the possible source of a strain of Salmonella that has sickened hundreds of people and some deaths, also supplies peanut butter to Kellogg Company for the manufacture of peanut butter crackers. Being concerned, Kellogg's has put its products on hold.
This has the feeling of the last peanut butter recall.
Check your cupboards and ask plenty of questions.
Kellogg Company Announces Precautionary Hold on Austin and Keebler Branded Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers
Contact:Kellogg Consumer Response Center888-314-2060
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Battle Creek, MI -- January 14, 2009 -- Kellogg Company today announced it has taken the precautionary measure of putting a hold on Austin® and Keebler® branded Toasted Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Crackers, Cheese and Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, and Peanut Butter-Chocolate Sandwich Crackers.
FDA and other regulatory agencies have indicated that Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) is the focus of their investigation concerning a recent Salmonella outbreak thought to be caused by tainted peanut butter. PCA is one of several peanut paste suppliers that the company uses in its Austin® and Keebler® branded peanut butter sandwich crackers.
Kellogg Company's investigation has not indicated any concerns, nor has the Company received any consumer illness complaints about these products.
Nonetheless, Kellogg Company is taking precautionary measures including putting a hold on any inventory in its control, removing product from retail store shelves, and encouraging customers and consumers to hold and not eat these products until regulatory officials complete their investigation of PCA and Kellogg provides further information as to the resolution of this issue.
"Consumer health and safety is our top priority," said David Mackay, president and CEO, Kellogg Company. "We are taking these voluntary actions out of an abundance of caution."
Be careful out there. Be observant of food handling practices.
Rudy
This has the feeling of the last peanut butter recall.
Check your cupboards and ask plenty of questions.
Kellogg Company Announces Precautionary Hold on Austin and Keebler Branded Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers
Contact:Kellogg Consumer Response Center888-314-2060
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Battle Creek, MI -- January 14, 2009 -- Kellogg Company today announced it has taken the precautionary measure of putting a hold on Austin® and Keebler® branded Toasted Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Crackers, Cheese and Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, and Peanut Butter-Chocolate Sandwich Crackers.
FDA and other regulatory agencies have indicated that Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) is the focus of their investigation concerning a recent Salmonella outbreak thought to be caused by tainted peanut butter. PCA is one of several peanut paste suppliers that the company uses in its Austin® and Keebler® branded peanut butter sandwich crackers.
Kellogg Company's investigation has not indicated any concerns, nor has the Company received any consumer illness complaints about these products.
Nonetheless, Kellogg Company is taking precautionary measures including putting a hold on any inventory in its control, removing product from retail store shelves, and encouraging customers and consumers to hold and not eat these products until regulatory officials complete their investigation of PCA and Kellogg provides further information as to the resolution of this issue.
"Consumer health and safety is our top priority," said David Mackay, president and CEO, Kellogg Company. "We are taking these voluntary actions out of an abundance of caution."
Be careful out there. Be observant of food handling practices.
Rudy
Sunday, January 11, 2009
What's in Your Peanut Butter?
We remember the past food recalls on Peter Pan peanut butter. The plant in South Georgia that produced it had contamination issues that resulted in the brand being pulled from the markets including co-packed brands. The recall expanded into bulk peanut butter that was used in the manufacture of cookies and other products.
One of the big issues we face today is the reduction in the number of manufacturing plants in the United States. As companies and plants have consolidated to control costs and remain competitive, they have put smaller companies out of business. Big retailers have squeezed the manufacturers for reduced wholesale costs of merchandise so that they can maintain the necessary growth in revenue to satisfy their Wall St. analysts and their shareholders.
The reason that this pertains to food safety is that many distributers today have their brand name on the product, but do not manufacture the items. Items are packed by a contract packager.
When the contract packager has contamination issues the extent of the recall depends on the quality of the record keeping, lot traceability and sanitary standard operating procedures that are being practiced.
This carries on to the following recall that has occurred in peanut butter again. The manufacturer was not mentioned in the recall, but I presume we are just hearing about this story as it unravels. The distributer is desiring to remove the product and related labels off the market to protect the public and the company's liability. Read the following recall to understand the extent. What you do not know is what related labels were packaged on the same line before or after the recalled product and the follow up by the manufacturer to correct the problem.
King Nut Issues Peanut Butter Recall
Contact:Martin Kanan 440-248-8484 extension 244
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --Solon, Ohio (January 10, 2009) - King Nut Companies, a distributor of peanut butter manufactured for them by Peanut Corporation of America, today announced a recall of peanut butter distributed under the King Nut label. No other King Nut products are included in this recall.
King Nut took this action as soon as it was informed that salmonella had been found in an open five-pound tub of King Nut peanut butter. King Nut distributes peanut butter only through food service accounts. It is not sold directly to consumers. King Nut does not supply any of the ingredients for the peanut butter distributed under its label. All other King Nut products are safe and not included in this voluntary recall.
“We are very sorry this happened,” said Martin Kanan, president and chief executive officer of King Nut Companies. “We are taking immediate and voluntary action because the health and safety of those who use our products is always our highest priority.”
“Because we don’t manufacture peanut butter, we will do what we can to get this product out of distribution and will work with the manufacturer to inform others of this problem,” Kanan said. “We also distribute peanut butter from this manufacturer under the Parnell’s Pride brand, although we are not the only distributor. However, we have asked our customers to remove this brand as well.”
In an unrelated recall, yogurt was recalled for containing walnuts and almonds, that were not disclosed on the packaging.
Again in today's market, how can this happen?
I will go out on a limb and state that most companies, even if they have a process in place to handle proper labelling, do not practice what they have written. They have policies and procedures. They may have had someone in that position. Maybe that person left the company or the job was eliminated. Transfering those things that are in writing to actions in most cases fails to happen, because of lack of time in the day or lack of checks and balances in the process.
I am very concerned with the direction that we as a country are going as we continue to drive food safety from Washington, DC without understanding how we interpret this in plants across the country. I challenge each distributer and manufacturer to step up and get it right. Protect the public and your company. It is your morale and legal obligation when you decided to enter the food business. Take the obligation seriously.
Triple B Corporation dba S.T. Produce Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Allergens Walnuts and Almonds in Parfait Products
Contact:Mike Ruff206-625-1412
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Seattle, WA – January 9, 2009 -- Triple B Corporation dba S.T. Produce, Seattle, WA is initiating a voluntary recall of the below listed Charlie's brand yogurt parfait products because they contain undeclared walnuts and almonds. People who have allergies to walnuts or almonds run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
The yogurt parfait products being recalled are packaged under the Charlie's Label into 8.5 ounce, clear plastic package cups with a USE BY Date of 1-12-09 through 1-15-09 stamped on the side:
Peach and Pineapple Yogurt Parfait UPC 0-45009-06747-0
Pineapple Blueberry Yogurt Parfait UPC 0-45009-06748-7
Mixed Berry Parfait UPC 0-45009-06766-1
Strawberry Blueberry Yogurt Parfait UPC 0-45009-06787-6
Pineapple Strawberry Yogurt Parfait UPC 0-45009-06788-3
In addition, the yogurt parfaits are sold in a variety pack, 6/8.5 oz. containers, sold in a cardboard carton:
Mixed Pack Parfait UPC 0-45009-08084-4, contains 6/8.5 oz yogurt parfaits – 2 each of mixed berry, strawberry & blueberry, and pineapple & peach.
The recalled yogurt parfait was distributed in Washington and Oregon in retail stores and delis.No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the walnuts and almond-containing parfait was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of the walnuts and almonds. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.
Until next time, Be Safe Out There,
Rudy
One of the big issues we face today is the reduction in the number of manufacturing plants in the United States. As companies and plants have consolidated to control costs and remain competitive, they have put smaller companies out of business. Big retailers have squeezed the manufacturers for reduced wholesale costs of merchandise so that they can maintain the necessary growth in revenue to satisfy their Wall St. analysts and their shareholders.
The reason that this pertains to food safety is that many distributers today have their brand name on the product, but do not manufacture the items. Items are packed by a contract packager.
When the contract packager has contamination issues the extent of the recall depends on the quality of the record keeping, lot traceability and sanitary standard operating procedures that are being practiced.
This carries on to the following recall that has occurred in peanut butter again. The manufacturer was not mentioned in the recall, but I presume we are just hearing about this story as it unravels. The distributer is desiring to remove the product and related labels off the market to protect the public and the company's liability. Read the following recall to understand the extent. What you do not know is what related labels were packaged on the same line before or after the recalled product and the follow up by the manufacturer to correct the problem.
King Nut Issues Peanut Butter Recall
Contact:Martin Kanan 440-248-8484 extension 244
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --Solon, Ohio (January 10, 2009) - King Nut Companies, a distributor of peanut butter manufactured for them by Peanut Corporation of America, today announced a recall of peanut butter distributed under the King Nut label. No other King Nut products are included in this recall.
King Nut took this action as soon as it was informed that salmonella had been found in an open five-pound tub of King Nut peanut butter. King Nut distributes peanut butter only through food service accounts. It is not sold directly to consumers. King Nut does not supply any of the ingredients for the peanut butter distributed under its label. All other King Nut products are safe and not included in this voluntary recall.
“We are very sorry this happened,” said Martin Kanan, president and chief executive officer of King Nut Companies. “We are taking immediate and voluntary action because the health and safety of those who use our products is always our highest priority.”
“Because we don’t manufacture peanut butter, we will do what we can to get this product out of distribution and will work with the manufacturer to inform others of this problem,” Kanan said. “We also distribute peanut butter from this manufacturer under the Parnell’s Pride brand, although we are not the only distributor. However, we have asked our customers to remove this brand as well.”
In an unrelated recall, yogurt was recalled for containing walnuts and almonds, that were not disclosed on the packaging.
Again in today's market, how can this happen?
I will go out on a limb and state that most companies, even if they have a process in place to handle proper labelling, do not practice what they have written. They have policies and procedures. They may have had someone in that position. Maybe that person left the company or the job was eliminated. Transfering those things that are in writing to actions in most cases fails to happen, because of lack of time in the day or lack of checks and balances in the process.
I am very concerned with the direction that we as a country are going as we continue to drive food safety from Washington, DC without understanding how we interpret this in plants across the country. I challenge each distributer and manufacturer to step up and get it right. Protect the public and your company. It is your morale and legal obligation when you decided to enter the food business. Take the obligation seriously.
Triple B Corporation dba S.T. Produce Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Allergens Walnuts and Almonds in Parfait Products
Contact:Mike Ruff206-625-1412
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Seattle, WA – January 9, 2009 -- Triple B Corporation dba S.T. Produce, Seattle, WA is initiating a voluntary recall of the below listed Charlie's brand yogurt parfait products because they contain undeclared walnuts and almonds. People who have allergies to walnuts or almonds run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
The yogurt parfait products being recalled are packaged under the Charlie's Label into 8.5 ounce, clear plastic package cups with a USE BY Date of 1-12-09 through 1-15-09 stamped on the side:
Peach and Pineapple Yogurt Parfait UPC 0-45009-06747-0
Pineapple Blueberry Yogurt Parfait UPC 0-45009-06748-7
Mixed Berry Parfait UPC 0-45009-06766-1
Strawberry Blueberry Yogurt Parfait UPC 0-45009-06787-6
Pineapple Strawberry Yogurt Parfait UPC 0-45009-06788-3
In addition, the yogurt parfaits are sold in a variety pack, 6/8.5 oz. containers, sold in a cardboard carton:
Mixed Pack Parfait UPC 0-45009-08084-4, contains 6/8.5 oz yogurt parfaits – 2 each of mixed berry, strawberry & blueberry, and pineapple & peach.
The recalled yogurt parfait was distributed in Washington and Oregon in retail stores and delis.No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the walnuts and almond-containing parfait was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of the walnuts and almonds. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.
Until next time, Be Safe Out There,
Rudy
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
And the Melamine Just Keeps on Coming
There would seem to be no end to this problem. This one was discovered by the FDA. As a consumer, you should ask questions and check labels. Many products today contain milk and milk components, this may be whey or milk powder or other components.
Read the ingredients labels and be involved in the process. Ask your retailers to ask their suppliers to find out where ingredients and products are manufactured and what steps are being done to protect the public. Public awareness is our best defense.
National Brands Inc. Issues a Nationwide Recall of Topaz brand Wafer Rolls Because of Possible Health Risks
Contact:National Brands Inc.1-866-238-5201
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- December 19, 2008 – National Brands Inc., Spring Valley NY is initiating a nationwide recall of all their 4.76oz (135gm) cans and 12.3oz (350gm) cans of Topaz brand Wafer Rolls because it may be contaminated with Melamine.
Product was distributed nationwide through retail stores.
The product comes in 4.76oz (135gm) metal cans and 12.3oz (350gm) metal cans in the following four flavors:
Topaz Wafer Rolls with Chocolate Flavored Cream Filling Lot numbers L8085A, L8219A, L8245A
Topaz Wafer Rolls with Hazelnut Chocolate Flavored Cream Filling Lot numbers L8085D, L8219D, L8245D
Topaz Wafer Rolls with Vanilla Flavored Cream Filling Lot numbers L8085B, L8219B, L8245B
Topaz Wafer Rolls with Mocha Cappuccino Flavored Cream Filling Lot numbers L8085C, L8219C, L8245C
Consumers who have the product which is being recalled should stop using it immediately. No illnesses associated with this product have been reported to date.
The recall was initiated after FDA testing discovered that product was found to contain Melamine.
Be safe out there,
Rudy
Read the ingredients labels and be involved in the process. Ask your retailers to ask their suppliers to find out where ingredients and products are manufactured and what steps are being done to protect the public. Public awareness is our best defense.
National Brands Inc. Issues a Nationwide Recall of Topaz brand Wafer Rolls Because of Possible Health Risks
Contact:National Brands Inc.1-866-238-5201
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- December 19, 2008 – National Brands Inc., Spring Valley NY is initiating a nationwide recall of all their 4.76oz (135gm) cans and 12.3oz (350gm) cans of Topaz brand Wafer Rolls because it may be contaminated with Melamine.
Product was distributed nationwide through retail stores.
The product comes in 4.76oz (135gm) metal cans and 12.3oz (350gm) metal cans in the following four flavors:
Topaz Wafer Rolls with Chocolate Flavored Cream Filling Lot numbers L8085A, L8219A, L8245A
Topaz Wafer Rolls with Hazelnut Chocolate Flavored Cream Filling Lot numbers L8085D, L8219D, L8245D
Topaz Wafer Rolls with Vanilla Flavored Cream Filling Lot numbers L8085B, L8219B, L8245B
Topaz Wafer Rolls with Mocha Cappuccino Flavored Cream Filling Lot numbers L8085C, L8219C, L8245C
Consumers who have the product which is being recalled should stop using it immediately. No illnesses associated with this product have been reported to date.
The recall was initiated after FDA testing discovered that product was found to contain Melamine.
Be safe out there,
Rudy
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Where Did Your Bacon Bits Come From?
The first Class I recall from the USDA in 2009 was on bacon bits manufactured in November in Wisconsin and distributed to restaurants and the institutional trade in six states from California to Florida.
What is the chance that most of this has been consumed? It was distributed by the case and 359 ten pound cases were sold.
The contamination was discovered after in house testing of the product.
What was done to ensure that the source was discovered? What has been done to ensure no production before or after this date was contaminated?
When you are out to dinner and order a baked potato with everything, you might ask where the bacon bits came from for your order. If you order a salad that has bacon bits, then ask the same question.
Wisconsin Firm Recalls Bacon Bit Products For Possible Listeria Contamination
Recall Release
CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-001-2009
HEALTH RISK: HIGHCongressional and Public Affairs(202) 720-9113Peggy Riek WASHINGTON, Jan. 3, 2009 - Patrick Cudahy, a Cudahy, Wisc., firm, is recalling approximately 3,590 pounds of bacon bit products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.
The following products are subject to recall:
10-pound cases of "Golden Crisp APPLEWOOD SMOKED PRECOOKED BACON TOPPINGS." The products bear the establishment number "EST. 28" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a printed Julian date of "8318."
10-pound cases of "John Morrell APPLEWOOD SMOKED PRECOOKED BACON TOPPINGS." The products bear the establishment number "EST. 28" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a printed Julian date of "8318."
The bacon bit products were produced on Nov. 13, 2008, and distributed to restaurant and institutional establishments in California, Colorado, Florida, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin.
Be safe out there.
Rudy
What is the chance that most of this has been consumed? It was distributed by the case and 359 ten pound cases were sold.
The contamination was discovered after in house testing of the product.
What was done to ensure that the source was discovered? What has been done to ensure no production before or after this date was contaminated?
When you are out to dinner and order a baked potato with everything, you might ask where the bacon bits came from for your order. If you order a salad that has bacon bits, then ask the same question.
Wisconsin Firm Recalls Bacon Bit Products For Possible Listeria Contamination
Recall Release
CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-001-2009
HEALTH RISK: HIGHCongressional and Public Affairs(202) 720-9113Peggy Riek WASHINGTON, Jan. 3, 2009 - Patrick Cudahy, a Cudahy, Wisc., firm, is recalling approximately 3,590 pounds of bacon bit products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.
The following products are subject to recall:
10-pound cases of "Golden Crisp APPLEWOOD SMOKED PRECOOKED BACON TOPPINGS." The products bear the establishment number "EST. 28" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a printed Julian date of "8318."
10-pound cases of "John Morrell APPLEWOOD SMOKED PRECOOKED BACON TOPPINGS." The products bear the establishment number "EST. 28" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a printed Julian date of "8318."
The bacon bit products were produced on Nov. 13, 2008, and distributed to restaurant and institutional establishments in California, Colorado, Florida, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin.
Be safe out there.
Rudy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
