TPN is liquid nutrition fed through an IV using a catheter. Use of contaminated products may lead to bacterial infection of the blood.

ADPH requested assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC’s initial investigation identified TPN produced by a single pharmacy, Meds IV, as a potential common source and has determined that these hospitals received TPN from this pharmacy. Affected hospitals are Baptist Princeton, Baptist Shelby, Baptist Prattville, Medical West, Cooper Green Mercy and Select Specialty Hospital in Birmingham.

Meds IV was notified and informed its customers of the possibility of contamination. ADPH has been informed that impacted hospitals immediately stopped using TPN received from this pharmacy and that the pharmacy discontinued all production. On March 24, Meds IV recalled all of its IV compounded products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is aware of the voluntary recall. The pharmacy and the hospitals are cooperating with the investigation.

At this time, ADPH is aware of 19 cases in these six hospitals of Serratia marcescens bacteremia related to this outbreak.

ADPH will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Product List

• Bronch Procedure Kit
• Bupivacaine Epidural Bag
• Cardioplegia Solutions
• Cefazolin 2 gm Syringe
• Dialysate Solution
• Fentanyl /Ropivacaine Epidural Bag
• Fentanyl/ Bupivacaine Epidural Bag
• Folic Acid 1mg/0.2ml Syringe
• Glycopyrrolate 0.2mg/ml 1ml in 3ml Syringe
• Heparin IV Bags
• Hydromorphone Intravia Bag
• Hydromorphone PCA Syringe
• Ketamine Syringe
• Labetalol syringe
• Lorazepam 2mg/ml syr
• Meperidine 10mg/100ml NS(Intravia Bag)
• Morphine 1mg/ml PCA 100ml Intravia Bag
• Neostigmine 3mg Syringe
• Nitroglycerin IV Bag
• Nitroglycerin Syringe
• Norepinehrine IV Bag
• Oxytocin Bags
• Sodium Chl 23.4% (4meq/ml) 10ml Syr
• Succinylcholine 20mg/ml 5ml Syringe
• TPN Solution
• Vancomycin IV Bag

Food Safety Law Firm Investigates Major Outbreak Of  E. coli Linked To Lettuce

Richard J. Arsenault of Neblett, Beard & Arsenault in Alexandria, Louisiana, says the latest cases of food poisoning undermine public confidence in our nation’s food supply.

As another outbreak of E. coli spreads across the nation, prompting a multistate recall of lettuce products, a nationally known law firm involved in food safety litigation has called for stricter enforcement of food processing rules and regulations.

“E. coli in any food product is unacceptable, and once again we’re seeing an outbreak in a popular and widely distributed food item,” said food safety lawyer Richard J. Arsenault, founding partner at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault in Alexandria, Louisiana.

“This type of recall undermines the public’s confidence in our food supply,” Arsenault said. “It’s imperative that the safety of our food become a top priority.”

On May 6, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a multistate recall of shredded romaine lettuce sold by Freshway Foods of Sidney, Ohio. Tests run by the New York State Public Health Laboratory in Albany discovered the presence of the E. coli 0145 in a package of romaine lettuce.

The recalled romaine lettuce was sold to wholesalers, restaurants, delis, and institutions under the brand names Freshway and Imperial Sysco — in the following states: Alabama, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Consumers who purchased romaine lettuce from in-store salad bars and delis including those at Kroger, Giant Eagle, Ingles Markets, and Marsh stores in the states previously listed should throw the product away, according to a recall notice on the FDA site. Bulk, prepackaged romaine or bagged salad mixes containing romaine that were purchased in supermarkets are not included in the recall; Freshway Foods does not produce those products, according to the FDA.

So far,  victims of the illnesses are mostly college students in Ohio, Michigan and New York, but the outbreak may expand as the recall spreads public awareness of the hazard. As of May 7, there are 19 individuals that have become ill from E. coli O145 with as many as ten other illnesses the CDC suspects are linked. Many of the victims have been hospitalized and three of the victims have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life threatening complication. The food safety attorneys at the law offices of Neblett, Beard & Arsenault are currently investigating claims on behalf of E. coli victims who believe their illnesses are part of this multistate outbreak.

Fruits and vegetables, like romaine lettuce, can carry pathogens from the soil or water, or become contaminated during processing. Leafy greens are the produce most often associated with foodborne illness. It is not yet known how the lettuce may have become contaminated with E. coli 0145.

“E. coli” is part of a diverse group of bacteria, many of which are harmless or even beneficial; however, shiga toxin-producing strains like E. coli 0145 and E. coli 0157 can be dangerous.  These serotpes produce a poison that can cause the blood to improperly clot resulting in organ failure.

“While studies show that outbreaks of E. coli 0157:H7 are on the decline, it is troubling to think that outbreaks linked other E. coli strains could be taking O157’s place,” concluded Arsenault.

Those state health investigators have many tools at their disposal to determine the cause of the sicknesses and I hope that every weapon at their disposal to find the culprit at Central is used. One of the weapons that health officials can use is Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) technology. PFGE allows scientists to perform DNA “finger printing” of a particular strain of disease-causing bacteria isolated from patients and from suspected food.

When common PFGE patterns are detected, health authorities are able to begin narrowing in on common foods consumed to detect an outbreak.Sometimes the same PFGE is found at the plant, warehouse, manufacturing, slaughterhouse or facility.

I would suspect that we will hear a lot more from state health officials in the next several days about these genetic fingerprinting and other results of their investigations. When and if a common PFGE pattern is found, health officials will start to narrow in on the food-borne pathogen that caused these sicknesses and deaths.

Outbreaks of foodborne illness are on the increase, affecting millions of people each year who unknowingly eat contaminated foods. A recent study suggests that foodborne illness kill 5,000 Americans and cost $152 billion per year. To assist victims of foodborne illness and their families, Neblett, Beard & Arsenault, a nationally recognized injury law firm, is launching an informative Web site called MyFoodAdvocate.com.

“People who have been diagnosed with foodborne illnesses or suspect they have one often have questions about the illness and how they got it,” said Richard J. Arsenault, a partner in Neblett, Beard & Arsenault. “They can find detailed information about the most common foodborne illnesses and foods associated with them at our new Web site.”

The site can be viewed at http://www.myfoodadvocate.com.

Arsenault said the new Web site reflects the high priority that the Alexandria, LA based law firm places on food safety and preventing foodborne illnesses. Foodborne illnesses are surprisingly common, affecting roughly one out of four people in the United States each year. The illnesses often target the most vulnerable members of society—the young, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

The new Web site features menu items addressing various aspects of foodborne illness and food poisoning, including pathogens that cause foodborne illness such as Salmonella, and E. coli, specific illnesses, risky foods, who is most at risk, how to protect yourself, where you’re likely to contract foodborne illness and recent outbreaks.

“The frequency and severity of foodborne illness outbreaks are troubling, as some of the nationally publicized cases we’ve handled underscore,” Arsenault said. “You can eat a healthy diet, get exercise and still contract a foodborne illness from contaminated food so everyone is vulnerable. That’s why it’s important to bring more attention to foodborne illness and food safety.”

The Web site contains customized state pages for residents of Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi. The pages have information about recent outbreaks of foodborne illness in each state and contact information for state health authorities and regulatory agencies that track foodborne illness. A video on the Web site features an interview with Arsenault about foodborne illness.

Yesterday afternoon the FDA announced that E. coli 0157:H7 contamination has been confirmed in Nestle Toll House cookie dough.  A sample taken from Nestle’s Danville, VA, plant tested positive for the presence of the E. coli bacteria.

“This really comes as no surprise.  Health investigators have already made that conclusion; this is just validation for the victims,” said lawyer, Richard J. Arsenault.

Arsenault’s firm, Neblett, Beard & Arsenault has already filed 2 E. coli lawsuits against Nestle, and is investigating claims from many additional victims across the country.  The outbreak has again raised issues about food safety. It has also sparked a debate regarding the common practice of consuming raw cookie dough and what warnings should accompany a product that is well known to be eaten raw.

“A renowned warnings expert has joined our team of experts and will be providing important guidance for us in the federal and state court suits we have already filed …and in others we anticipate filing shortly,” Arsenault added.

The link between a national E. coli outbreak and Nestle refrigerated cookie dough was announced on June 18^th.  By June 30^th the outbreak had sickened 72 people in 30 states.  However, the CDC notes that most foodborne illnesses go unreported.  Based on this math, there could be as many as 600-900 additional victims of the Nestle E. coli 0157:H7 outbreak.

“This is a troubling trend.  Foodborne illness outbreaks, especially E. coli outbreaks, are on the rise.  Our families’ health and well-being often depend on our manufacturers producing clean, hygienic foods.  However, Peter Pan Peanut Butter, Peanut Corporation of America, Setton Pistachios, Valley Meats and, now the JB Swift meat outbreak, leave many wondering, what is safe anymore?” Arsenault concluded.

E. coli 0157:H7, is a dangerous, sometimes deadly strain of the E. coli bacteria.  E. coli 0157:H7 can cause intestinal bleeding, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, extreme nausea and cramping.   Infection can also cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a sometimes fatal secondary condition that destroys red blood cells and causes renal failure.  E. coli infection and HUS are especially dangerous to children; shockingly two-thirds of the victims in this outbreak are under the age of 19.

E. coli O157:H7 in any food product is unacceptable, but in cookies, it’s particularly problematic because many of the consumers are very young.  That is a population that is particularly vulnerable to the most tragic consequences of the E .coli poisoning.

We applaud such a responsible step by a corporate citizen like Kroger . . . It is unfortunate that a grocer has to take these efforts, but  it is a part of doing business when there is lax regulatory enforcement, etc.  Hopefully soon grocers and  customers can have more confidence in the products they sell and buy . . . .

ATLANTA, GA – 6/23/09 - In Fulton County, Georgia, a lawsuit is being filed on behalf of a 7-year-old Georgia girl who developed E. Coli after handling and baking Nestle Toll House cookies with her grandfather.  The suit is being filed by the girl’s attorneys Richard J. Arsenault and J. R. Whaley, of food safety law firm Neblett, Beard & Arsenault, and attorney Brian Cigelske, of the Carterville, GA based law firm McCain Cigelske.

“E. coli O157:H7 in any food product is unacceptable, but in cookies, it’s particularly problematic because many of the consumers are very young.  That is a population that is particularly vulnerable to the most tragic consequences of the E .coli poisoning,” said food safety lawyer Richard J. Arsenault.

Neblett, Beard & Arsenault has been contacted by multiple victims affected by this outbreak and is gathering information through the FDA, CDC and other health and safety organizations on behalf of their clients.

“Our firm has been contacted by many consumers that suspect they’ve been similarly exposed. We will continue to investigate and carefully evaluate each and every contact we receive,” Arsenault said.

According to the CDC, 70 people in 30 states have become sickened with a particular strain of E. Coli 0157:H7 between March and June 2009.  Of those interviewed by health investigators, most patients reported handling Nestle Toll House cookie dough products.

E. Coli 0157:H7, is an especially dangerous, sometimes deadly strain of the E. Coli bacteria.  E. coli 0157:H7 can cause intestinal bleeding, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, extreme nausea and cramping.   Infection can also cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a sometimes fatal secondary condition that destroys red blood cells and causes renal failure.  E. coli infection and HUS are especially dangerous to children; shockingly two-thirds of the victims in this outbreak are under the age of 19.

“This type of recall shakes the public’s confidence in our food supply.  It’s imperative that the safety of our food become a top priority for industry and our government.  E Coli is a dangerous illness and right now it is attacking many of our most vulnerable citizens,” concluded Arsenault.

About Neblett, Beard & Arsenault

Neblett, Beard & Arsenault is a nationally recognized law firm with over 25 years representing victims across the country in food borne illness and other injury litigation. Arsenault and his partners have secured billions of dollars in recoveries for injury victims. Arsenault has represented victims in some of the nation’s largest litigation and was recognized by the National Law Journal for securing one of the largest individual injury verdicts in the U.S.  The firm actively represents victims of food borne illness litigation including those affected by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) salmonella outbreak.

These dads and moms were shocked that something as wholesome as cookies that they baked and ate with their kids could contain animal feces and may have caused their kids’ sicknesses, including bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever and other serious symptoms. Most people recover from E. Coli O157:H7 poisoning within a week, but some, particularly the very young and very old, can develop a life-threatening type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). We represent victims of HUS and its impact can be deadly.

Lots of these parents were just looking for answers to questions raised by the FDA’s announcement that as of Thursday, June 18, 2009, 65 persons infected with a strain of E. coli O157:H7 with a particular DNA fingerprint have been reported from 29 states and that those infections had been epidemiologically linked to eating Nestlé’s raw cookie dough. I gave many of them the same advice that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) provided the same day as the FDA announcement. I wanted to pass this advice along:

1. Do not to eat any varieties of prepackaged Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough due to the risk of contamination with E. coli O157:H7.
2. If you have any prepackaged, refrigerated Nestle Toll House cookie dough products in your home, do not use it. Return it to the grocery store for a full refund.
3. Do not cook the dough because you might get the bacteria on your hands and on other cooking surfaces.
4. If you recently ate prepackaged, refrigerated Toll House cookie dough and have experienced any of symptoms consistent with E. Coli poisoning, you should contact your doctor or health care provider immediately. Any such illnesses should be reported to state or local health authorities.
5. In general, do not eat raw food products that are intended for cooking or baking before consumption.
6. Use safe food-handling practices when preparing such products, including following package directions for cooking at proper temperatures; washing hands, surfaces, and utensils after contact with these types of products; avoiding cross contamination; and refrigerating products properly.

Unfortunately, we cannot be too careful about the foods we let our kids eat. Please follow the advice of the CDC and start, if you have not done so already, to advocate for serious reform of our food industry. No one should be worried that enjoying cookies with their kids could turn deadly.

Nestle Toll House Cookie & Brownie Dough E. Coli 0157:H7 Recall:

COOKIE & BROWNIE DOUGH BAR
Chocolate Chip bar 16.5oz 0 50000 62231 3
Chocolate Chip bar 16.5oz 0 50000 11308 8
Chocolate Chunk bar 16.5oz 0 50000 62235 1
Walnut Chocolate Chip bar 16.5oz 0 50000 62233 7
Jumbo Chocolate Chip bar 16.5oz 0 50000 62237 5
Oatmeal Raisin bar 16.5oz 0 50000 06219 5
Sugar Cookies bar 16.5oz 0 50000 62244 3
Sugar Cookies bar 16.5oz 0 50000 12178 6
Mini Chocolate Chip bar 16.5oz 0 50000 62242 9
Mini Chocolate Chip bar 16.5oz 0 50000 12188 5
Mini Brownie Bites bar 16oz 0 50000 62227 6
Fudgy Brownie With Peanut Butter Filling 19oz 0 50000 00820 9

COOKIE DOUGH TUB
Chocolate Chip tub 40oz 0 50000 62246 7
Chocolate Chip tub 80oz (5 lb) 0 50000 00934 3
Sugar tub 40oz. 0 50000 62253 5
Gingerbread tub 40oz 0 50000 44060 3
Peanut Butter tub 40oz 0 50000 44062 7

TUBE (CHUB) DOUGH
Chocolate Chip tube 16.5oz 0 50000 62239 9
Chocolate Chip tube 32oz 0 50000 00400 3

ULTIMATES COOKIE BAR DOUGH
Ultimates Peanut Butter Cups, Chips & Chocolate Chunks bar 16oz 0 50000 00922 0
Ultimates White Chip Macadamia Nut bar 16oz 0 50000 00923 7
Ultimates Chocolate Chip & Chunks with Pecans bar 16oz 0 50000 00925 1
Ultimates Chocolate Chip Lovers 16oz 0 50000 00926 8
Ultimates Turtles bar 16oz 0 50000 00928 2
Ultimates Peanut Butter Lovers bar 16oz 0 50000 00507 9
Ultimates Chocolate Chip with Caramel Filling bar 16oz 0 50000 44066 5
Ultimates Chocolate Chip with Chocolate Filling bar 16oz 0 50000 44069 6

SEASONAL COOKIE & BROWNIE DOUGH
Valentine Hearts Sugar Cookie Shapes 15.5oz 0 50000 12009 3
Valentine Swirled Chocolate Chip bar 16oz 0 50000 00931 2
Fudgy Brownies With Raspberry Filling 19oz 0 50000 20090 0
Easter Eggs Sugar Cookie Shapes 15.5oz 0 50000 52009 1
Easter Swirled Chocolate Chip bar 16oz 0 50000 00932 9
Easter Swirled Mini Brownie Bites bar 18 oz 0 50000 20093 1
Red, White & Blue Swirled Choc Chip bar 16oz 0 50000 00937 4
Halloween Pumpkin Pals Sugar Cookies 13.5oz 0 50000 06217 1
Halloween Swirled Chocolate Chip bar 16oz 0 50000 00929 9
Halloween Swirled Fudgy Brownies bar 18oz 0 50000 00088 3
Christmas Shapes Sugar Cookies 15.5oz 0 50000 00505 5
Christmas Swirled Chocolate Chip bar 16oz 0 50000 00930 5
Christmas Swirled Fudgy Brownies bar 18oz 0 50000 00089 0
Limited Edition Mint Swirled Chocolate Chip 16oz 0 50000 00827 8

Discontinued Varieties
Valentine Hearts Sugar Cookies 13.5oz 0 50000 44056 6
Easter Brownie Bar 18oz 0 50000 00518 5
Easter Bunnies Sugar Cookies 13.5oz 0 50000 44058 0
Halloween Sugar Shapes 15.5oz 0 50000 00829 2
Christmas Sugar Cookie Tube 16oz 0 50000 00448 5
Oatmeal Cranberry Cookie Tub 48 oz. 0 50000 62229 0

Infection with E. Coli 0157:H7 can lead to a serious, potentially deadly condition, known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).  HUS is a secondary condition usually caused by E. coli 0157:H7 that destroys red blood cells and causes renal failure. E. Coli 0157:H7 is a particularly virulent strain of the E. Coli bacteria.

Infections with E. Coli 0157:H7 are especially dangerous to children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.  E. Coli 0157:H7 can also cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

Steven has filed suit against Smithfield Foods, Inc., the world’s largest hog producer and pig processor, whose pig farm in La Gloria, Veracruz, Mexico, is reported to raise 1 million pigs annually under “horrifically unsanitary conditions.” The petition will enable Trunnell’s attorneys to investigate any role that the farm may have played in the H1N1 outbreak.

Thus far, the Smithfield farm has denied any clinical evidence of the new H1N1 virus in its swine, and health officials have reported no evidence to link the farm with the “swine flu” outbreak. The public is still suffering from the rampant distribution of misinformation.

While answers to all our questions about the H1N1 outbreak will likely be a long time coming, one thing we do know is that unsanitary farming and agroprocessing conditions act as a huge Petri dish for foodborne pathogen growth and the risk of the origin of new diseases. According to a report by the Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production (see resources in original document):

As previously mentioned, one of the most serious unintended consequences of industrial food animal production (IFAP) is the growing public health threat of these types of facilities. In addition to the contribution of IFAP to the major threat of antimicrobial resistance, IFAP facilities can be harmful to workers, neighbors, and even those living far from the facilities through air and water pollution, and via the spread of disease….In addition, workers can serve as a bridging population, transmitting animal-borne diseases to a wider population.

Photographer Benedicte Desrus posts to Flickr photos of the blood-, manure-, and waste-filled lagoon on the site of the Smithfield farm, along with other images displaying the unsightly reality of modern factory farming. Filth like this must be eliminated if we’re ever to improve the status of food safety and public health.

The legislation would give the FDA the authority to regulate cigarettes and other tobacco products.  Say what?  An agency that is already underfunded and understaffed is getting more responsibility?

In theory, regulating the tobacco industry sounds like a good idea.  The agency would be able to regulate the contents of tobacco products, make their ingredients public, prohibit flavoring, require much larger warning labels and strictly control or prohibit marketing campaigns, especially those geared toward children.

However, I’m not so sure the FDA is ready to take on new responsibilities.  The underfunded structure and oversight ability of the current FDA needs drastic change. There have been too many defective drugs and medical devices, tainted food and dangerous toys allowed to enter the marketplace.

After all of the tainted pistachio, peanut butter, lettuce and pepper scares, some in Congress think a separate food agency is necessary. If the FDA is given additional oversight over tobacco, their workload will only increase.  Congress needs to adequately fund and staff the FDA before dolling out new responsibilities.

Can Obama Protect Consumers?

We’ve written many previous blogs on the issue of federal preemption and its devastating effects on consumer protection from unsafe products. Entrusting the safety of medical products and our food system to an underfunded, overwhelmed, and industry-infiltrated regulatory agency is a foolish mistake that leaves us all open to injury and illness with no recourse for compensation or justice. While we’re appreciative of FDA efforts, placing the vast duty of consumer protection into the hands of this one federal agency is absurd.

Our previous presidential administration disagreed, favoring federal preemption of the state tort system for the safeguard of big business, and leaving  unsuspecting citizens to fend for themselves in the all-too-common event of foodborne illness or medical product injury. When preemption grants wayward food and drug companies’ immunity, while concurrently tying the hands of the tort system….guess who ends up on the short end of the stick?

Fortunately, times truly are changing, and the Obama administration is ushering in long overdue progress on the consumer protection front. President Obama recently issued a directive for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies calling for strict limitation of state law preemption. The memorandum begins by acknowledging the efficacy of state and local governmental control:

Throughout our history, State and local governments have frequently protected health, safety, and the environment more aggressively than has the national Government.

…The purpose of this memorandum is to state the general policy of my Administration that preemption of State law by executive departments and agencies should be undertaken only with full consideration of the legitimate prerogatives of the States and with a sufficient legal basis for preemption.

In addition to the suppression of unwarranted preemption statements in future regulatory preambles and codified regulations, the directive also calls for the review and possible amendment of regulations issued over the past ten years that may include unjustifiable claims for preemption.

Let’s hope that this is a firm first step in the direction of recognizing the necessity of the tort system’s regulatory function in consumer protection, an issue we recently addressed in a blog post you can access here: Forbes: Tort Attorneys Recognized as Leaders in the Fight for Food Safety. The risk of liability for the sale of unsafe products is a strong motivator for food and drug companies to maintain high standards. Consumer safety depends upon the tort system, and we’re glad to see the current administration take a stand on the side of consumers.

Here’s your update, with info courtesy of the FDA, USDA, and CFIA:

Peanuts: Salmonella

Rio Pluma, LLC, is reissuing its recall of various peanut products to clarify affected codes. The following peanut products may be contaminated with Salmonella due to sourcing from Peanut Corporation of America:

Pistachios: Salmonella

St. Bernadette Circle, St. Rose Church, Longview, WA is recalling PISTACHIOS In Shell Roasted and Salted, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The pistachios were repacked using pistachios recalled by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.  Product was distributed by members St. Bernadette’s Circle of St. Rose Church, Longview, WA at bazaars and though direct delivery in Cowlitz County, WA. The product was packaged in 1 lb. clear plastic bags and labeled with St. Bernadette Circle, St. Rose Church, Longview, WA Pistachios In Shell Roasted & Salted 1lb.

The CFIA has issued an alert for the recall of more pistachios associated with the Salmonella outbreak of Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella. This recall includes the following products:

Bestway Brand Roasted Salted Pistachios, 400g, UPC 10000308, Sold February 13, 2009 to April 6, 2009

Beef and Pork: Undeclared Sulfites

Paisano Meat, Inc., a Gardena, Calif., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 350,000 pounds of beef and pork products because they may contain undeclared sulfites. Sulfites can be a health hazard to individuals who are sensitive to sulfites.

The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels]

• 1-pound bags of “PAISANO SEASONED BEEF STYLE YECAPIXTLA, Cecina de Res Estilo Yecapixtla.” Each bag bears the establishment number “EST. 18654-A.”
• 5-pound bags of “GROUND SEASONED PORK, COLORED WITH ANNATTO”. Each bag bears the establishment number “EST. 18654.”
• 5-pound bags of “PAISANO, SMALL BONELESS BEEF CUBES, ASADITA.” Each bag bears the establishment number “EST. 18654.”
• 5-pound bags of “BEEF CHUNKY STEAK PICADO.” Each bag bears the establishment number “EST. 18654.”
• 5-pound bags of “GROUND BEEF, CARNE MOLIDA.” Each bag bears the establishment number “EST. 18654.”
• 5-pound bags of “Paisano Meat Inc., Boneless Shredded Beef (MACHACA), Made Fresh.” Each bag bears the establishment number “EST. 18654.”
• 10-pound bags of EL ALTEÑO, SABOR Y CALIDAD, CECINA DE RES ESTILO YECAPIXTLA, Seasoned Beef.” Each bag bears the establishment number “EST. 18654-A.”
• Two 10-pound bags in 20-pound boxes of “PAISANO, SEASONED BEEF YECAPIXTLA, Cecina de Res Estilo Yecapixtla.” Each box bears the establishment number “EST. 18654-A” or “EST. 18654-C.”

The beef and pork products are not identified with production or package or case codes on the bags or boxes. These beef and pork products were distributed to food service institutions, lunch wagons and retail establishments in southern California. The problem was discovered by FSIS during an investigation into a complaint sent to the Agency.

Spiced Bean: Undeclared Sulfites

DOMEGA INTERNATIONAL LTD., INC., of 1916 W 13TH Street, Brooklyn, NY 11223 is recalling FMD BRAND SPICED BEAN because it contains undeclared sulfites. The recalled FMD BRAND SPICED BEAN is sold in an un-coded, clear 80 gram vacuum packed plastic bag and is a product of China. The product was sold nationwide.

Bagels: Undeclared Egg

Western Bagel Baking Corporation is recalling a limited number of 12oz packaging of 100% Whole Wheat Sliced Bagels with lot code date of 10491 and 11291 as they may contain undeclared Egg. The lot code date may be found printed on the clip that closes the bag. The UPC number may be found on the side label below the Nutrition Facts panel: Publix 100% Whole Wheat Sliced Bagels, UPC: 41415-78290. The product was distributed throughout the chain to include stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee.

Cat Food: Incorrect Zinc and Potassium Levels

Nutro Products announced a voluntary recall of select varieties of NUTRO® NATURAL CHOICE® COMPLETE CARE® Dry Cat Foods and NUTRO® MAX® Cat Dry Foods with “Best If Used By Dates” between May 12, 2010 and August 22, 2010. The cat food is being voluntarily recalled in the United States and ten additional countries.  This recall is due to incorrect levels of zinc and potassium in our finished product resulting from a production error by a US-based premix supplier. Consumers who have purchased affected product should immediately discontinue feeding the product to their cats, and switch to another product with a balanced nutritional profile.

A recent trend among scientifically-minded hobbyists is the manipulation of mail-ordered DNA and the development of new life forms. DNA and the equipment necessary to modify it can easily be purchased online, and a make-shift lab can be set up in a closet, garage, kitchen…virtually anywhere. Many who operate these at-home labs claim that the new strains of bacteria, viruses, or other living things that they create can be useful for pertinent research, and may lead to great discoveries like a cancer cure.

Others argue that this activity is dangerous:  too much can go wrong. Volatile creations that escape the confines of the lab may breed as-yet-unknown diseases, and materials in the wrong hands become agents of bioterrorism. Those who fear such grisly repercussions lobby for stronger regulation of genetic materials availability.

Should DNA distributors screen buyers? Should licenses be required for anyone seeking to purchase DNA? And which regulatory agencies would be responsible for this type of oversight?

These are complex questions that will need thorough research before being answered. One thing that’s certain:  we have more than enough deadly strains of foodborne pathogens contaminating our food supply and causing outbreaks of foodborne illness. Manmade innovations, like the continually increasing industrialization and globalization of the food system, have made it all too easy for malevolent organisms to naturally evolve into novel and more dangerous strains. We’ll need to make every effort-perhaps including stronger DNA-availability regulation-to avoid adding to this already troubling problem.