I have been watching the recalls year after year due to harmful pathogens in our food supply. Thousands have been sickened and many have died from pathogen introduction and it appears that the FDA is getting better at detecting and tracing the outbreaks within our complex food system. With worldwide populations on the rise and the fact that the USDA reported that approximately 60% of the produce in the U.S. is imported, recalls will become more and more frequent. The FDA and USDA are finding it harder and harder to keep track and enforce Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). The need for increased accountability and food safety has never been more important. No one wants to have a loved one become ill or even worse, die from eating “healthy” fruits and vegetables. 

On May 25th, Jensen Farms filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection following a listeria outbreak in Cantaloupe’s. This nationwide outbreak was in 28 states and killed more than 30 people. The bankruptcy filing was in response to the numerous wrongful death lawsuits against Jensen Farms. Is this a sign of the times to come for food companies? Will this filing cause other food company executives to be more vigilant to do everything they can to protect their produce (and company) from unnecessary risk?

Electronic Cold-Pasteurization (ECP) could have been used in combination with GAP to ensure the produce is safe from harmful pathogens without the use of harmful chemicals in post-treatment. ECP uses a highly focused beam of electricity to kill pests, pathogens (such as Listeria), while extending shelf-life in most cases. This technology is approved by the FDA, USDA, etc. and provides a “clean technology” solution. Outbreaks like this should not be occurring in the U.S.

Over 200 people have fallen ill by salmonella in imported black pepper used in the preparation of salami and other kinds of Italian sausage made by Daniele International. This is already the second time I’ve seen salmonella caused by pepper in the past year. White and black pepper sold by Union International Food made people ill last March. Salmonella contaminations were also a concern for Beef Packers Inc. when they recalled their beef products last December.

Salmonella is a bacterial disease that can cause serious and even fatal infections in young children, elderly people and others that have weak immune systems. In rare situations, salmonella can spread to the bloodstream and cause illnesses such as arterial infections and arthritis.

Daniele International said the company will now only use irradiated pepper, which undergoes a process designed to kill bacteria. Electronic cold-pasteurization, which is a form of irradiation technology, can help prevent salmonella contaminations and ensure no one becomes ill.

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Unilever United States, Inc., in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is conducting a nationwide voluntary recall of all Slim-Fast® ready-to-drink (RTD) products in cans, due to the possibility of contamination with Bacillus cereus, a micro-organism, which may cause diarrhea and possibly nausea and/or vomiting. The probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.

Firm Press Release: FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

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Harry and David is voluntarily recalling raw, shelled hazelnut kernels due to concerns of potential Salmonella contamination. The hazelnuts were sold only in our Harry & David Country Village store located in Medford, Oregon.

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