In the last few weeks leading up to the Christmas holiday season, a recall of hazelnuts began. Salmonella was discovered in hazelnuts at the shelling establish that supplied many other businesses with hazelnuts for further packaging and processing.
In the past year we have seen recalls of peanuts and almonds with similar contamination, but this is the first this year for hazelnuts.
What is happening in the industry? Did this company only handle hazelnuts? What were daily sanitation procedures that were in place to ensure that the bacteria were killed or not present?
Will bacterial contamination continue to increase in our food products? What have bactericides done to protect us? Are we producing bacteria that can no longer be killed by normal cleaning?
Was this a recontamination issue? Was this a result of product being brought in or a contamination in place in the facility?
Janzen Farms was the latest to issue a recall notice. Willamette Filbert Growers in Oregon was the first, followed by Kunze Farms, Harry & David, Evonuk, Whole Foods, Burnt Ridge Orchards, Market of Choice, and Mountain Man Nut and Fruit Co.
Hazelnuts are very popular in the Northwestern United States. Willamette Filbert Growers in an organic producer, did this have an effect?
Recalls appear to be more frequent at holiday times. Is this a coincidence? Is it because they are busier and less cleaning is happening? Are they trying to run longer and employees are taking shortcuts?
Could an employee have brought the contaminate in from home, in a lunch, on clothing, on hands? Were proper Good Manufacturing Practices in place?
We always have more questions than answers.
As always, stay informed and stay safe and enjoy your holidays.
Rudy
rudy@powerinlearning.com
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