International Perspectives on Food Safety Regulation. Industry responsibility for the food it produces

Transcription

1 International Perspectives on Food Safety Regulation Industry responsibility for the food it produces

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5 Salmonella Pot Pies 272 isolates of Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- with an indistinguishable genetic fingerprint were collected from ill persons in 35 states. Three of these patients pot pies yielded Salmonella I4,[5],12:i:- isolates with a genetic fingerprint indistinguishable from the outbreak pattern. Lesson - clear pattern of customer confusion over ready to eat and ready to cook especially in microwaves.

6 E. coli Cookies Anyone?

7 Salmonella Veggie Booty? 69 reported cases of Salmonella Wandsworth in 23 states and 14 cases of Salmonella Typhimurium in six states who became ill after consuming Veggie Booty, a puffed vegetable snack food with a raw, dried vegetable coating. A total of 61 bags were tested in twelve states. Salmonella sp. was isolated from thirteen bags of Veggie Booty. Lesson know your suppliers.

8 Salmonella Tomatoes, or was it Peppers? A final count of 1,442 ill in 43 states, D.C., and Canada, and those are the confirmed illnesses. Using CDC math - which estimates that for every documented case of salmonella in the US, another 38.5 go unreported - the total number sickened was probably closer to 50,000. Lesson FDA and CDC are woefully underfunded and understaffed.

9 Botulism in a Can As of August 24, 2007, eight cases of botulism had been reported to CDC from Indiana (2 cases), Texas (3 cases), and Ohio (3 cases). All eight persons were reported to have consumed hot dog chili sauce made by Castleberry's Food Company. Castleberry s manufacturing facility closed after decades in operation. Lesson Invest in equipment and people.

10 E. coli and Campylobacter in Raw Milk

11 E. coli and Hamburger Together Again From 2007 to recalls; ground beef companies recalled more than 50 million pounds of E. coli O157:H7 and O26 -contaminated meat. In ,000 pound recalled.

12 E. coli is back Why? Complacency: After five years of progress with the E. coli problem, one wonders if meat processors have consciously or unconsciously slacked off, relaxing their testing procedures so that they are less likely to detect tainted meat. Better Reporting: More doctors are more likely to recognize the symptoms of E. coli poisoning, thereby increasing the chances that an outbreak will be detected, leading to a recall.

13 E. coli is back Why? Global Warming: Too dry? One theory has it that drought through much of the southeast and southwest has led to more fecal dust wafting in the breezes through beef-slaughtering plants, creating new avenues for beef to become tainted. Too wet? This theory focuses on excessive rainfall in other regions, which leads to muddy pens that serve as an ideal vehicle for E. coli at meat-processing plants.

14 E. coli is back Why? High oil prices: The theory is that $3 gas has fueled the growth of ethanol plants. Those plants tend to be built next to feedlots because the plants produce a byproduct called distiller s grains, which serves as an excellent feed for livestock. Problem is, according to research at Kansas State University, the distillers grain also increases the incidence of E. coli in the hindguts of cattle.

15 E. coli is back Why? Illegal Immigration: Wait, perhaps not. The New York Times reported that immigration officials began a crackdown at slaughterhouses across the country last fall. Some are now hiring men from homeless missions and providing free transportation to many of them. Hmmm, an influx of unskilled, but U.S. workers, with no experience and high turnover.

16 Emerging Foodborne Pathogens E. coli O111 linked to nearly 300 illnesses and one death in Oklahoma. E. coli O111 and other Shigatoxin E. coli are NOT listed as an adulterant under the Federal Meat Inspection Act Yet. MRSA Bird Flu C. diff

17 Peanut Butter and Salmonella - Again Over 700 persons infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Typhimurium reported from 44 states Over 150 people hospitalized Nine Deaths Over 4,000 products recalled Bankruptcy Criminal Prosecution not yet Lesson -?

18 Eggs, Eggs, and more Eggs 550,000,000 Eggs Recalled 1,500 sickened with Salmonella FSIS and FDA had Never inspected the plant A few observations: Chicken manure located in the manure pits below the egg laying operations was observed to be approximately 4 feet high to 8 feet high. Un-baited, unsealed holes appearing to be rodent burrows located along the second floor baseboards were observed. Dark liquid - which appeared to be manure - was observed seeping through the concrete foundation to the outside of the laying houses. Standing water approximately 3 inches deep was observed at the southeast corner of the manure pit. Un-caged birds (chickens having escaped) were observed in the egg laying operations in contact with the egg laying birds. Live and dead flies too numerous to count were observed at the following locations inside the egg laying houses.

19 What is the Bottom Line? The entire chain of distribution is impacted

20 There is another Reason

21 Questions?