How many FDA-regulated food poisoning outbreaks were unsolved in 2022? Taking a look at the FDA's CORE Outbreak Investigation Table, there were 25 multi-state outbreaks in 2022 that the FDA believes were linked to foods that agency monitors. Of those 25 outbreaks, 13 outbreaks were unsolved. The minimum number of people sickened in those unsolved outbreaks was 483. Every year in the United States, 48,000,000 people are sickened from contaminated food. There are 128,000 hospitalizations and about 3,000 people die. The FDA and USDA started using outbreak tables to inform the public about these events. The tables do not have much information until there is some action that consumers can take. However, before the tables were introduced, the public was never informed about these … [Read more...]
Is the Honey You Buy Really Pure Honey?
The FDA has released data on economic adulteration in honey, from an assignment that was carried out in 2021 and 2022. The agency tested imported honey for what is called economically motivated adulteration, or EMA. Someone can leave out, take out, or substitute a valuable ingredient or part of a food, or can add a substance to a food to make it appear better. So is the honey you buy really pure honey? Products labeled as honey can contain less expensive sweeteners, such as corn syrup and cane syrup. The FDA tested 144 samples of imported honey from bulk and retail shipments that came from 32 countries, and found that 14 samples, or 10%, were not pure honey. Those shipments were refused entry into the United States and those companies were placed on an import alert. When … [Read more...]
Get Holiday Food Safety Tips From the FDA
It's the holiday season, which means that people are cooking more and hosting parties and gatherings. But this may be the first time cooking for a large group for you. In that case, these holiday food safety tips from the FDA will help. If you don't understand food safety, the risk that someone will get sick from how you handle food increases. The possibility of cross-contamination, undercooked, and improper chilling and reheating exists every time you are in the kitchen. Learning these rules is especially important if you have anyone at your gathering who is at higher risk for serious complications from food poisoning, including the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses and compromised immune systems. It's important to know the four basic food … [Read more...]
FDA Issues Guidance on Requirements For Food Allergen Labeling
The FDA has issued new guidance for food allergen labeling. This new document will answer questions about label requirements, and update information that was in earlier editions of this final document. The FDA is seeking comments on this new guidance. There are nine major food allergens, according to the government. If one of these ingredients is present in the food, it must be listed in the ingredient list on the label, and in a special allergen statement that is put on every package. Those nine allergens are milk, soy, wheat, eggs, finfish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, and sesame seeds. Sesame was added when the FASTER Act was passed in April 2021. Those allergens were chosen based on how common the reactions to them are, and their severity. The draft guidance includes new … [Read more...]
FDA Issues Final Rule on Food Traceability Under FSMA
The FDA has issued the final rule on food traceability under the Food Safety and Modernization Act of 2011 (FSMA). Traceability is the ability to identify foods that may be contaminated, especially if that food is suspected as being part of an outbreak. The rule establishes traceability record keeping requirements for anyone who manufacturers, processes, packs, or holds foods that are on the Food Traceability List. Companies and people subject to this rule must maintain records containing Key Data Elements associated with specific Critical Tracking Events. They must provide information to the FDA within 24 hours or some other time frame to which the FDA has agreed. Foods that are on the Food Traceability List include: cheeses other than hard cheeses, specifically soft and … [Read more...]
FDA Warns Companies Illegally Selling Foods Containing CBD
The FDA is warning five companies that are illegally selling foods containing CBD, a compound in marijuana. The FDA has not determined the safe dosage, especially for children and pregnant women. The warning letters were sent to these companies: 11-11-11 Brands Naturally Infused LLC Newhere Inc dba CBDFX Infusionz LLC CBD American Shaman, LLC The FDA says that these companies are selling CBD-containing products that consumers may think are traditional, which may result in unintentional consumption of overconsumption. Some of these products are appealing to children, including hard candies, cookies, and gummies. One drug containing CBD has been approved by the FDA; it is used to treat certain severe seizures disorders. The drug, Epidiolex, has benefits that … [Read more...]
FDA Warns Companies Selling Supplements For Heart Disease
The FDA is warning seven companies for allegedly illegally selling dietary supplements for heart disease. The FDA says that these corporations claim that their products cure, treat, mitigate, or prevent cardiovascular disease or related conditions, such as stroke, atherosclerosis, or heart failure. These products are considered unapproved new drugs and have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety and efficacy. The warning letters were sent to these companies: Essential Elements (Scale Media Inc.) Calroy Health Sciences, LLC Iwi BergaMet North America, LLC Healthy Trends Worldwide, LLC (Golden After 50) Chambers' Apothecary Anabolic Laboratories, LLC The CDC states that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in this country. In 2020, almost … [Read more...]