The deadly Listeria monocytogenes outbreak linked to deli sliced meats and cheeses that was announced yesterday by the CDC has sickened eight people and one Michigan resident has died. For years, Food Poisoning Bulletin has told you about dozens of recalls of deli items for possible Listeria contamination. Why are these deli sliced products vulnerable to Listeria? Listeria monocytogenes is a very persistent and strong pathogen. It is found in the air, water, soil, animals, and plant material. Once it has been introduced into a facility, especially a moist and cool environment, it can become established and be very difficult to get rid of. The pathogen can hide in floor cracks, grease traps, air vents, in machines and surfaces that are difficult to clean, on food preparation … [Read more...]
Is There Wood in Your Parmesan Cheese?
A cheese manufacturer went bankrupt and was charged in criminal court for food labeling violations over the manufacturing of Parmesan cheese. Almost three years ago, the FDA sent a warning letter to Castle Cheese in Pennsylvania, telling them that their products are adulterated because their Parmesan cheese doesn't actually contain Parmesan cheese. In addition, the facility was adding cellulose, or wood pulp (this was the sensational news headline part) to extend the cheese. Parmesan cheese is strictly regulated by its official definition. Parmesan cheese should be made from Parmesan cheese. That sounds logical, but some manufacturers substitute a less expensive cheese, and add filler to reduce their costs even more. Cellulose is technically wood, but it won't hurt you and is used in … [Read more...]
Most Campylobacter Outbreaks Caused by Dairy or Chicken
Most Campylobacter outbreaks are caused by contaminated chicken or dairy products, according to a new federal study by the Food Safety Analytics Collaboration of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The study was conducted to provide information that can be used to develop better food poisoning prevention measures. Of the 952 outbreaks attributed to one pathogen during the 14-year study period, 161 were Campylobacter outbreaks. Dairy products were the source of 106, or two thirds, of all Campylobacter outbreaks. Chicken was the source of 24 of them. Vegetable row crops, seven. Turkey and seafood were each the source of five. Seeded vegetables, three. Beef, fruit and poultry other … [Read more...]
Kraft Recalls String Cheese Varieties for Premature Spoilage
Kraft Foods is recalling some varieties of its string cheese because it could spoil before the expiration date on the label. Both Kraft and Polly-O String cheeses products "did not meet our high standards" according to the company. About 735,000 cases of the product were shipped across the United States. The cheeses all have "best when used by" dates of October 25, 2013 through February 11, 2014. You can see pictures of the product labels at the FDA web site. The recalled products are 16 ounce Kraft Mozzarella String Cheese, with UPC number 21000006632; .834 ounce Kraft Low Moisture Part Skim Jalapeño String 2/24 PK with UPC number 21000007264; 24 ounce Kraft Low Moisture Part Skim String Cheese with UPC number 21000017171; 12 ounce Kraft Low Moisture Part Skim String with UPC number … [Read more...]