Western Association of Food and Drug Officialsss
THE FLASH!
Alaska, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado,
Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
WAFDO Board of Directors Winter 1999
President
Patricia Klocker
Environmental Protection Specialist
Message From The President
Colorado Dept. of Public Health & Environment Progress has been made regarding the location of the 1999 WAFDO Annual
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530 Conference. It will be held September 11th - 15th at the Holiday Inn Denver
Phone: (303) 692-3637 Fax: (303) 753-6809 Southeast. This is located just southeast of Denver’s downtown area. Room
Email: patricia.klocker@state.co.us rates have been secured per night at $80.00, tax exempt, and $89.00
President Elect
otherwise. This is for single or double occupancy. Now that a location has
Cory Willis
been secured, program planning is the next step. If there are any suggestions
Program Coordinator regarding speakers and or subjects you would like to have considered for the
Alaska Dept. of Environmental Conservation program, please let me or any of the other board members know. Stay tuned
555 Cordova for updates and more specific information as the conference evolves.
Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: (907) 269-7631 Fax: (907) 269-7510
Email: cwillis@envircon.state.ak.us There are a few items that the board is working on to hopefully assist members
in gathering information concerning WAFDO and AFDO issues. We are in the
Secretary – Treasurer
process of developing a Web Page and are looking into a ListServ program.
John Vodneck
8122 West Woodard The ListServ possibility was recommended by one of our members who
Lakewood, CO 80227 submitted a suggestion card that was included in the last issue of the Flash.
Phone: (303) 986-7775 Fax: (303) 986-4608 Thanks for the suggestion!
Email: vodneck@worldnet.att.net
Flash! Editor AFDO is also offering seed money of $600.00 which can be used towards
Candace A. Jacobs, DVM, MPH National Education Food Safety Education Month activities. Suggestions by
Washington State Dept. of Agriculture the board members include supplying Fight Bac materials to states requesting
Food Safety & Animal Health
P.O. Box 42560
the materials as well as using the funds for other food safety education
Olympia, WA 98504-2560 programs in need of funds. Do you have any other ideas towards which you
Phone: (360) 902-1888 Fax: (360) 902-2087 think the money should be applied?
Email: cjacobs@agr.wa.gov
Liaison to AFDO I hope you enjoy this issue of the Flash. The Flash is one of the best tools to
Bud Anderson share program information. Contributions for articles are always welcome.
Retail Officer
Wyoming Dept. of Agriculture Sincerely,
2219 Carey Avenue
Cheyenne, WY 82002 Patricia Klocker
Phone: (307) 777-6588 Fax: (307) 777-6593
Email: bander1@missc.state.wy.us
Regional Board Members Winter ’99 FLASH! Highlights
Jim Waddell
Acting Chief – Food Safety Section
1998 WAFDO Scholarship Recipient................................................... Page 2
Food and Drug Branch Multistate Outbreak of Listeriosis...................................................................3
P.O. Box 942732
Sacramento, CA 94234-7320
IMS Committee Proposes HACCP Pilot Project ............................................3
Phone: (916) 324-3990 Fax: (916) 322-6326 New Food Labeling Regulations to Identify Alaskan Products.......................4
Email: jwaddell@dhs.ca.gov
FDA’s New Commissioner Visits Denver.......................................................5
Mike Govro Consumers Warned of Products Containing GBH................................. 5 & 6
Field Operations Manager Peanut Residues in Candy ............................................................................7
Oregon Dept. of Agriculture Food Safety Div.
635 Capitol St. NE Illegal Queso Fresco Implicated in Premature Births
Salem, OR 97301-2532 and Infant Death ..........................................................................................8
Phone: (503) 986-4720 Fax: (503) 986-4729 Salmonellosis Outbreak Prompts Alfalfa Sprout Recall .................................9
Email: mgovro@oda.state.or.us
Letter From The Editor Amy Hogg Receives
WAFDO Scholarship
Many thanks for the compliments received last fall for my first
effort as Editor of the WAFDO FLASH! We appreciate the
level of participation by WAFDO members—we certainly
couldn’t have done it without the many contributing articles and
program reports submitted by WAFDO members.
With the help of Jim Waddell, we hope to publish this and
future issues of the WAFDO FLASH! on the internet as we
develop the WAFDO website, a subdirectory of AFDO’s web
site: www.foodsafety.org/afdo
If any WAFDO members have expertise (or even just
experience) on web page development, we would appreciate a
hand or even just a chance to glean some ideas from you.
This is brand new territory for me and your assistance would
be greatly appreciated. Boomerang Photo by Tim Chestnut
I hope you enjoy this edition of the FLASH! and I welcome all University of Wyoming (UW) Student Amy Hogg recently
ideas and comments from you to help make this publication a accepted a $2,000 scholarship from the Western Association
valuable resource for food and drug professionals of Food and Drug Officials. Bud Anderson, WAFDO Liaison
to AFDO, presented the scholarship award to Amy Hogg
Sincerely, during a ceremony at the UW Agriculture Building. Pictured
from left: Bud Anderson, Wyoming Dept. of Agriculture; Amy
Candace Jacobs, DVM, MPH Hogg; Dr. Melvin Riley, Dept. of Animal Sciences at UW; and
Karen Hansen, Associate Professor of Animal Science at UW.
The FLASH ! publication schedule and
timelines for submitting articles:
Upcoming Satellite Courses
Articles Due at The FLASH ! FDA's Division of Human Resource Development announces
WSDA Publishing Date the following two satellite broadcast courses as part of the
Apr. 30, 1999 May 20, 1999 National Food Safety Initiative:
July 30, 1999 Aug. 20, 1999
"Foodborne Illness Investigations"
Oct. 30, 1999 Nov. 20, 1999
Satellite Course, March 16, 17, and 18th, 11:30 AM to
Jan. 30, 2000 Feb. 20, 2000 4:00 PM ET air time each day (off-air exercises will make this
Apr. 30, 2000 May 20, 2000 a full three-day course)
July 30, 2000 Aug. 20, 2000
"Traceback of Fresh Produce and Other Commodities"
Satellite Course, May 12 and 13th, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM ET
(off-air exercises will make this a full two-day course)
FDA intends to use the Internet to provide registration
information and course materials for participants nationwide.
Don't miss future issues If you have questions regarding the course, fax them to (301)
of the FLASH! 594-1966 (Attention: "Satellite Courses"), or use the FDA
Submitted by John Vodneck, WAFDO Secretary - Treasurer Division of Human Resource Development voice mail account
(301) 594-2263.
A number of you have not renewed your membership for 1999.
By looking at the mailing label you can determine if you have The Official State Contacts and FDA Regional Training
renewed. Any date other than 1999 on the label indicates you Officers (RTOs) will be listed on FDA’s WEB site at:
have not renewed. Please make WAFDO a viable http://www.fda.gov/ora/training
organization by renewing your membership.
2
Interstate Milk Shipment Committee
Proposes HACCP Pilot Project
Submitted by Claudia Coles, IMS HACCP Committee Chair
The National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments
(NCIMS) HACCP Study Committee recommends a voluntary
HACCP system pilot project. The voluntary pilot study will test
the implementation, evaluation, monitoring and enforcement of
the proposed HACCP program under the NCIMS as an
alternative to the traditional Inspection / Rating / Check Rating
System.
CDC Update on The committee was charged to address how a voluntary
Multistate Outbreak of Listeriosis HACCP System should be implemented, evaluated, monitored
and enforced under the NCIMS as an alternative to the
During this ongoing investigation, approximately 72 illnesses traditional Inspection / Rating / Check Rating System. The
caused by a rare strain of the bacterium Listeria program will:
monocytogenes, serotype 4b, have been reported to CDC by
• Utilize current National Advisory Committee on
14 states. Those states reporting cases include: Arizona,
Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) HACCP
Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky,
principles consistent with current FDA HACCP
Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio,
recommendations.
Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia. A total of 16 deaths
have been reported; 11 adults and 5 miscarriages/ stillbirths. • Continue to assure at least the same level of milk safety
provided by the traditional Inspection / Rating / Check Rating
CDC and state and local health departments have identified System.
the vehicle for transmission as hot dogs and possibly deli • Continue to provide uniformity and reciprocity under the
meats produced under many brand names by one HACCP alternative to the traditional Inspection / Rating /
manufacturer. Reported illness onset dates were during Check Rating System.
August 2-January 16, 1999. CDC and state and local health
departments have identified the vehicle for transmission as hot The recommendations for the program follow the current
dogs and possibly deli meats produced under many brand recommendations of the National Advisory Committee on
names by one manufacturer. Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) for establishing
the plant’s HACCP system. These are tried and tested and
On December 22, the manufacturer, Bil Mar Foods, voluntarily represent the best current thinking on establishing HACCP.
recalled specific production lots of hot dogs and deli meats that
might be contaminated. CDC later isolated the outbreak strain Under the proposed program, the regulatory agency retains its
of L. monocytogenes from an opened and a previously authority and responsibility for oversight to validate that food is
unopened package of hot dogs manufactured at the manufactured and handled in such a way that safety is
company's plant in Zeeland, Michigan. In addition, a different enhanced. It gives the regulator a continuous picture of the
strain of L. monocytogenes was isolated from unopened food safety controls applied and documentation of corrective
packages of deli meats produced at the same plant. actions. The FDA’s role in this alternative program is similar to
the traditional system of providing oversight and technical
Recalled products bear the establishment numbers EST P261 assistance.
or EST 6911. The establishment number appears on the outer
edge of all packages. The affected products included hot dogs
and deli meats with the brand names Ball Park, Bil Mar, Bryan
Bunsize, Bryan 3-lb. Club Pack, Grillmaster, Hygrade, Mr. WAFDO Campaigns for
Turkey, Sara Lee Deli Meat, and Sara Lee Home Roast
brands. Institutions may have received recalled product under
Anchorage Conference Site
other brand names. Packages for the above brand names that
carry other establishment numbers are not affected by the Upon hearing of some concern about the proposed site for the
recall. Other Sara Lee products that are not meat also are not 2002 joint conference with AFDO, the WAFDO Board made
affected. For more information on Listeriosis visit plans to entice AFDO conference decision-makers with the
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/foodborn/lister.htm many advantages for holding the 2002 joint conference in
beautiful, resourceful Anchorage, Alaska. Thank you Cory
Source: CDC website – February 3, 1999 Press Releases Willis for submitting the following timely article to the FLASH!
3
New Food Labeling Requirements
Will Let You Know If It’s Really Alaskan—
Submitted by Cory Willis, Dept. of Environmental Conservation
Biggest Misconceptions About Alaska
Most visitors have pleasant surprises in store when they come The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
to Alaska. Three common misconceptions concerning Alaska and Department of Commerce and Economic Development
joined with several local manufacturers today to announce two
are weather, road conditions, and prices.
recent steps taken to distinguish Alaska food products in the
market. The group announced changes to labeling
Weather is the #1 misconception. Over a third of all vacation /
requirements against a backdrop of chocolates, fish, sausage,
pleasure visitors found the weather better than expected.
During the summer, average daytime temperatures throughout bottled water, and other Alaska food gift products.
the state range from the 60s to the 90s.
New regulations by the DEC will require labels to distinguish
Road conditions are usually better than expected. Almost the whether products are actually made in Alaska or just
entire length of the Alaska Highway is asphalt-surfaced, and distributed here. The Department wrote the new regulations in
approximately half of the roads in the state’s highway system response to complaints from local businesses.
are paved.
"Alaska manufacturers produce a tremendous amount of high
The third misconception is price. Contrary to popular belief, quality food products and they deserve to be able to
prices throughout Alaska are generally quite reasonable. To distinguish their products with an Alaskan image," commented
help illustrate the cost of a vacation, the following chart Janice Adair of the DEC. "We’re glad to take steps to correct
provides high and low prices for a few of the basics. More the problem of outside manufacturers trying to cash in on the
specific pricing may be obtained in the Official State Vacation Alaskan image of purity."
Planner.
Peter Eden, president and owner of Alaska Wild Berry
Meals -- Expect variety in price and in menu
Deluxe Hamburger............................ $5.00 - 9.95 Products commented, "These revised regulations are an
Salmon Dinner .................................. $18.00 - 25.00 example of government listening to the voice of the Alaska
Breakfast........................................... $3.00 - 11.00 manufacturer. The Alaska image gives us a distinct marketing
advantage. These new rules are the first step to ensuring that
Accommodations -- Rates reflect the low tariff in the off only products actually made in Alaska will have that
season and the high in the summer months
advantage."
Hotel / Motel, Standard ..................... $40 - 90
Hotel / Motel, Deluxe......................... $90 - 145
Bed & Breakfast................................ $45 - 80 A second set of rules just out for public review by DEC will
Wilderness Lodge ............................. $150 - 425 define glacier water. These rules are intended to give Alaskan
Private Cabins................................... $20 - 100 manufacturers a competitive edge in the exploding market for
bottled water.
Camping -- Reservations suggested
Campsites From ............................... $5 / day
RV Hookup From .............................. $10 / day "Glaciers have that image of pristineness and untouched
development, and that’s central to our marketing," commented
Sightseeing Joe Mulcahy, president and co-owner of Alaska Glacier
Half-Day City Tour ............................ From $9 / person Refreshments. "Our water actually comes from glaciers, we
Flightseeing ...................................... From $90 / hour actually live in the shadow of glaciers, and now we’ll have the
Whale Watching................................ From $90 / day
3- and 4-Day Cruises........................ From $300 / day
advantage we should. Someone bottling water from Florida
shouldn’t be able to make such claims."
Fishing -- Alaska sportfishing licenses for nonresidents
are available in Alaska sporting good stores or from an Deborah Sedwick, Commissioner of Commerce and Economic
outfitter. Development, noted, "Commerce applauds DEC for taking
3-Day Nonresident License............... $20 actions that set Alaska products apart and support our Made-
14-Day Nonresident License............. $50
Charter Boat Fishing......................... From $120 / day
In-Alaska products and buy Alaska philosophy. This is one
more step the Knowles administration has taken to be
Rentals responsive to business."
Bicycles............................................. From $20 / day
Cars / Vans ....................................... From $25 / day
Canoes / Kayaks............................... From $40 / day
Source: Alaska Division of Tourism
4
Department of Health Services Warns FDA's New Commissioner Visits Denver
Submitted by Virlie Walker, FDA Public Affairs
Consumers About Products Containing GBL
Submitted by Jim Waddell, Food and Drug Branch Dr. Jane E. Henney made her first official visit as FDA
Commissioner to the Denver District Office on December 17,
California's Department of Health Services issued a press 1998. She began her informal discussion with Denver
release Friday, January 29,1999 warning consumers not to employees by stating "I think this District owes itself more than
purchase or consume "Blue Nitro" or similar products just a hand for the relationship that you have built with the
containing gamma butyrolactone (GBL) or 1,4-butanediol medical device industry over the past few years. It's also very
(1,4-BD). The products, sold as dietary supplements are gratifying to come and see the relationships that you have built
represented to induce sleep and for use in muscle building. with the state and the Region (DHHS Region VIII)." She then
went on to describe her top five priorities for FDA, which are:
The Food and Drug Branch (FDB) dispatched staff throughout
the state last week to visit retail stores, body building facilities, 1) Implementing the Food & Drug Administration
and health clubs to remove these products from the Modernization Act,
marketplace. Follow-up inspections were made at wholesale 2) Preserving the science base of the Agency,
distributors. 3) The Food Safety Initiative,
4) Protecting the safety of the nation's blood supply, and
Over 2000 bottles of the products, bearing a variety of brand 5) The Tobacco Initiative.
names, and valued at approximately $125,000, and three 55-
gallon drums of raw materials were embargoed or otherwise Commissioner Henney addressed the staff for about forty
removed from sale. GBL-containing products have been minutes and then opened the floor to questions from the group.
associated with severe and life threatening health problems. She prefaced the Q & A session by saying that after her
FDA has reported at least 55 adverse health effects including confirmation hearings with Congress, she may not have
one death in Florida. FDB field surveillance will continue to any answers left. Her congenial and approachable personality
assure no products remain in channels of commerce. left the District employees with a renewed confidence in the
future of FDA as an important Federal regulatory agency.
As part of its surveillance of GBL products, FDB submitted
samples to the Food and Drug Laboratory for analysis. The On December 18, 1998 Dr. Henney met with an industry group
lab determined that one of the products, "Fire Water", hosted by the Colorado Medical Device Association. She
contained 1000 times the amount of GBL listed on the again spoke of her priorities for the Agency in the coming year.
label. The understatement on the label by a factor of 1000 of She once again congratulated FDA's collaborative work with
the active ingredient GBL may encourage an unsuspecting the medical device industry, which was initiated during a
user to take more than directed, and could possibly result in a "Grassroots Meeting" in Denver in 1995. From that meeting, a
fatal overdose. Accordingly, FDB has requested the Florida Task Force was formed to generate a working relationship
manufacturer, the Florida distributor, and the Sacramento between FDA and the medical device industry with the shared
distributor to commence a Class I recall of Fire Water. All goal of getting safe and effective products to market in a timely
have agreed and are actively being monitored by FDB for manner. Significant changes in inspectional practices were
compliance. some of the first results of the Task Force. Dr. Henney viewed
a videotape of Vice President Gore showcasing the work
Other "GBL containing products" including Renutrient, accomplished by the Task Force as part of the success of the
Reverberant, Revivarant, REMForce, and gamma G appear to "Reinventing Government" initiative.
have been removed from retail shelves throughout the State.
This, was as a result of FDB's "survey" of hundreds of retailers The Vice President honored Regional Food and Drug Director
during February. This product has been popular, particularly Ed Esparza and former Task Force Chair Wendell Gardener at
among "body-builders" and there is a likelihood that the 1998 Reinvention Revolution Conference held in Bethesda,
GBL-containing products have gone "underground." MD last April. Dr. Henney assured the Task Force members
that she hopes to continue the successful partnership with this
industry, while at the same time recognizing that when
necessary, FDA will take regulatory action for violations of the
law. Other distinguished members of the audience were
Representative Mark Udall and Dr. Margaret Cary, Region VIII
Director of Health & Human Services.
5
Coloradans Urged to Halt Use the Texas victims were in their 20s, but one was 11-years-old.
The ages of the Colorado victims ranged from 14 to 30. Some
of Dietary Supplement teenagers and young adults reportedly are combining these
Submitted by Barbara Hruska, Drug and Device Program products with alcohol and other drugs, causing loss of
consciousness, suffocation or death.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s
Consumer Protection Division on January 22, 1998 urged a Colorado’s Consumer Protection Division, advised consumers
halt to sales and use in Colorado of muscle building and sleep to dispose of any products of this type in their possession. In
inducing products that contain a powerful chemical found in addition, if they experienced adverse health problems from use
floor stripper. of these products, they were told to promptly contact a
physician. FDA requested that consumers and physicians
Products, which contain gamma butyrolactone (GBL) or the report adverse events from use of the dietary supplement to
related gamma-hyroxybutyrate (GHB), caused 35 cases of FDA’s MEDWATCH at 1-800-332-1088.
illness but no known deaths in Colorado in 1998, according to
the records of the Denver-based Rocky Mountain Poison Gamma butyrolactone (GBL) is sometimes called 2(3H)-
Center. Furanone di-hydo and is a chemical analog to GHB or gamma-
hydroxybutyrate which has been implicated as one of several
Manufacturers claim that the dietary supplement, sold primarily date-rape drugs. Gamma butyrolactone metabolizes into GHB
in body building and health food stores in powder and liquid inside the body to become a central nervous system
forms, improves athletic performance; speeds weight loss; depressant that can cause comas and respiratory problems
induces sleep; and enhances sexual performance. It also is and may cause seizures.
sold widely over the Internet and in other states is stocked by
adult book stores although a limited survey of Colorado of
adult book stores failed to locate the products there.
Jane E. Norton, the State Health Department’s executive
director, said, “Use of this product should be discontinued
immediately and we are asking retail outlets to voluntarily
discontinue sales of the product.” The dietary supplements are
marketed under various brand names including Renewtrient, Communication, Communication,
Revivarant, Revivarant G, GH Revitalizer, Gamma-G, Blue Communication
Nitro, Blue Vitro Vitality and Remforce. GBL also is known by
Submitted by Patti Klocker, Dept. of Public Health and Environment
the chemical names 2(3H)-furanone dihydro; butyrolactone;
gamma-butyrolactone; 4-butyrolactone; dihydro-2(3H)-
The Colorado Retail Food Program has run into a snag when it
furanone; 4-butanolide; 2(3H)-furanone, dihydro; tetrahydro-2-
comes to communicating the sanitation of retail food
furanone; and butyrolactone gamma.
establishments to the media and public. When the new
Colorado Retail Food Establishment Rules and Regulations
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on January 21, 1998,
were adopted, effective January 1, 1999, the violations on the
labeled the products as “illegally marketed unapproved new
report do not have a “point value” or a final “score”.
drugs,” noting that the use of the substance has resulted in
reports to FDA of 55 cases of illness, including one death. In
We have learned that regardless of how the new rule is used,
19 of those cases, the users became unconscious or
the media and the public want some type of rating system that
comatose; their heart rate slowed; and they had to be
can be used to show the sanitation status of a retail food
intubated or to be assisted with breathing. The 55 nationally
establishment. A working group has been formed to develop a
reported cases may not include the 35 cases in Colorado.
system that will give the media and the consumer the
information they are seeking when it comes to a “rating” as
It is known that of the 35 Colorado cases, 22 resulted in
well as a system that is uniformly applied throughout Colorado
serious or moderate reactions, usually involving a trip to an
that conveys an accurate account of the status of the
emergency room and assistance with breathing. Seven of the
inspection of a retail food establishment.
state’s cases resulted in minimum reactions. The degree of
illness in the six remaining cases is unknown or was not
The committee consists of state and local regulatory personnel
attributed to the product.
as well as representatives from the Colorado Restaurant
Association, the Rocky Mountain Food Industries, Assoc., and
FDA accelerated its investigation of the dietary supplements
members of the news media. Two meetings have been held to
and asked manufacturers to voluntary recall the products after
date. Progress is being made and the final results will be
Texas reported that the 27 residents of that state required
shared with everyone in the next issue of the WAFDO Flash!
emergency medical attention after using the product. Most of
6
histamine producing fish. Further research by FDA in
toxicology textbooks revealed that fish in the billfish group,
which includes these spearfish and swordfish will support
histamine formation. FDA intends to identify these fish as
Peanut Residues in Candy histamine producers in the next edition of the hazard guide.
Submitted by Mike Govro, Dept. of Agriculture
In January, the Food Safety Division began a sampling survey
of chocolate enrobed candies produced in Oregon to analyze
for peanut residues. The testing was prompted by a talk given
by Dr. Susan Hefle from the University of Nebraska's food
allergen group last fall at the Northwest Food Processors
Sanitation Workshop. Her talk suggested that the presence of
peanuts in non-peanut enrobed chocolates is more common
than has been recognized in the past.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture's lab is using an ELISA
test developed by Dr. Hefle's group and marketed through
Neogen Corp. The test will detect and quantify peanut from
2.5 to 25 ppm. Eighty percent of the samples sent in the first
week had detectable levels and 60% were above the generally
recognized level of concern (10 ppm) for persons who are
allergic to peanuts. This high incidence of positives caused us Farmers Markets
to delay further testing until a letter could be sent to the candy Submitted by Mike Govro, Dept. of Agriculture
industry advising them of the likelihood of this problem where
adequate measures have not been taken to exclude peanut Last December, we held a meeting with our Farmer's market
residues in non-peanut products. We are advising the industry to address some concerns about food safety in these
industry that a precautionary label informing the consumer of markets and to chart a course for future regulation of this fast
the possible presence of peanuts will adequately address this growing industry. We proposed that we establish guidelines,
problem. We are consulting with FDA on the appropriate rather than regulations for farmer's markets, and this proposal
wording and placement of such a warning. was well received. We also communicated that if guidelines
proved to be inadequate to address food safety concerns, we
While precautionary labeling should not be a substitute for would propose licensing and regulations in the future.
good manufacturing practices, we suspect that it may be very
difficult to exclude peanut residues from non-peanut candies in Some of the main points of discussion were product sampling
plants where peanuts are used. FDA advises that such a preparation, hand washing, toilet facilities, and food protection.
warning should not be substituted for good manufacturing We issued a draft of the guidelines produced from this
practices. However, we are not clear on what constitutes meeting, and sent it out for further comment from interested
compliance with GMPs, and how far a processor must go to parties. That comment period has ended, and we expect to
exclude peanut residues. have our final guidelines issued by the end of February, well
ahead of the start of the 1999 season.
Seafood Poisoning
Submitted by Mike Govro, Dept. of Agriculture Washington News
The Oregon Health reported scombroid poisoning in two men
who ate spearfish at a Salem Red Lobster restaurant in Domoic Acid Levels Drop
January. Scrombroid fish poisoning occurs within a few hours Submitted by Mike Donovan, Dept. of Agriculture
of eating fish containing high levels of histamine (>20 mg. / Domoic acid levels in crab samples collected from Washington
100 g. of fish) which happens after the fish has undergone coastal waters in January have dropped off dramatically from
bacterial decomposition. Samples of unused product from the those found in the preseason samples collected in October
same lot were collected at the restaurant, and the FDA and November. The majority of recent samples show “not
laboratory in Bothell, WA confirmed the presence of detected” in the viscera with the highest levels being below 10
scombrotoxin at significant levels. PPM. Although processors will continue to submit weekly
samples to the Dept. of Health lab in Seattle, the crisis
The case was confusing at first because the FDA seafood concerning this issue appears to be behind us.
HACCP Hazard Guide did not list spearfish or swordfish as
7
Group Working to Prevent Crop Plantings
Collaboration among government and industry will ensure that
in High Lead Soil all segments and parties involved in food production,
Submitted by Bob Arrington, Dept. of Agriculture processing, distribution and handling are implementing
guidelines that will be established by the government work
A state and federal work group is being formed to identify group. Industry will focus efforts on contract growers,
geographical areas in the state that may have elevated levels processors of frozen, canned or food service foods.
of lead in their soils and the conditions that could cause food Government agencies will focus efforts on home gardeners
crops to absorb it. Members of the group include the state and growers who produce vegetables for sale as fresh
departments of Agriculture, Health and Ecology, the U.S. produce.
Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration. For more information call:
Bob Arrington, Dept. of Agriculture (360) 902-2011
The work group was conceived after a routine Market Basket Jim Pendowski, Dept. of Ecology (360) 407-7177
Test conducted by the FDA late last year detected elevated Marie Jennings, EPA (206) 553-1173
levels of lead in a sample of mixed frozen vegetables. Further Sue Hutchcroft, FDA (425-483-4953
analysis determined it was carrots in the mix that contained the Denise Laflamme, Dept. of Health (360) 236-3174
lead. The carrots were from a Washington farm and were
grown on old orchard land where the pesticide lead arsenate
was used. The company that processed the carrots voluntarily
withdrew them from the market.
Illegal Queso Fresco Implicated in Premature
Births and Infant Death
Submitted by Gena Reich, Dept. of Agriculture
Benton / Franklin Heath District officials informed Gena Reich,
Food Safety Supervisor, and Randy Utley, Food Safety Officer,
FDA’s findings alerted government and industry of the potential that queso fresco illegally produced somewhere in the Yakima
for some crops planted in old orchard land to absorb lead from Valley has emerged as the probable source of Listeria infection
the soil. It was common practice prior to 1949 to use lead in one infant born very prematurely in Pasco. This infant
arsenate pesticide to control pests on tree fruit. In Washington survived after several weeks in the neonatal unit in Richland.
it was used to control gypsy and codling moths until synthetic
pesticides became available in the late ‘40s. Lead arsenate Unfortunately this child’s cousin of approximately the same
was last used the late 1960s in Washington, and banned gestational age died when it was born prematurely while on a
completely on food crops in the U.S. in 1988. visit to Mexico. Testing for the presence of Listeria was not
done regarding this infant. Parents of both of these children
“Plant uptake of lead from the soil in old orchard sites is not regularly reside in Boardman, Oregon. Interviews with the
well understood,” said Jim Jesernig, director of the state Benton Franklin Health District and Oregon officials confirmed
Department of Agriculture. “Now that we are aware of the that both pregnant mothers ate queso fresco cheese bought
problem, we will take the necessary steps to ensure no other from a door to door vendor. The Boardman residents believe
food crops are contaminated.” the vendor is from the Sunnyside or Prosser area. Oregon
officials were able to obtain a sample of the cheese purchased
Among issues the work group will consider are the potential from this vendor by another family in Boardman. Testing of the
impact on people who grow vegetables in their backyards, cheese revealed that it was positive for Listeria.
"truck farmers" who sell their produce at farmers markets and
large producers of fresh vegetables. Vendors of illegal cheese are very difficult to find due to the
lack of information their customers usually have about them.
The NW Food Processors Association has advised its There are some leads in this case that are currently being
members of the potential for some plants to absorb lead if they pursued. Opportunities for sales in Boardman for this vendor
are grown on old orchard sites. The industry is developing have evaporated due to these incidents. No doubt, sales of
policy recommendations and a set of guidance documents to this tainted product will continue in other towns until they are
assist its members in dealing with this issue. Initial stopped, either through official action or by word of these
recommendations will be released prior to the 1999 planting recent tragedies getting around in the communities.
season.
8
Salmonellosis Outbreak Prompts those at greatest risk for severe disease (very young children,
the elderly, and immunocompromised persons) should
Alfalfa Sprout Recall consider this risk when deciding whether to eat alfalfa sprouts.
On February 12, 1999, Public health officials announced a
Press Contacts:
recall of Hydro Harvest brand alfalfa and mixed sprouts from
Bonnie Widerburg, Oregon Health Division, 503/731-4000
retail outlets throughout Oregon and Washington. "These
Alan Bennett, FDA, 503/671-9332
alfalfa sprouts have been identified as the cause of an ongoing
Linda Waring, Washington Dept. of Agriculture, 360/902-1815
outbreak of salmonellosis," said Dr. William E. Keene,
epidemiologist at the Oregon Health Division. "Consumers Technical Contact: William E. Keene, PhD, MPH, Oregon
who have them in their refrigerators should discard them Health Div., 503/731-4024
immediately."
To date, 11 persons infected by Salmonella serotype Raspberry Regulations Proposed
Mbandaka have been identified in Oregon. "The number of Submitted by Mike Donovan, Food Safety Program
cases has increased steadily over the past few days, however,
Mike Donovan, Food Safety Program Manager, and Jim
and laboratory-confirmed cases are usually just the tip of the
Quigley, Food Safety Supervisor, attended a meeting of the
iceberg," Keene said.
Red Raspberry Commission on January 7 at the Sea-Tac
Marriot Inn. The principal topic of discussion was the proposal
The contaminated sprouts were produced by Hydro Harvest,
of raspberry grading standards and handling rules.
Ltd., of Brush Prairie, Washington, and distributed through a
number of wholesalers to many grocery stores, restaurants,
The proposed rules should help differentiate "field run"
and other retail outlets in Oregon and Washington. "Hydro
raspberries from "straight pack" raspberries in the
Harvest has agreed to recall its alfalfa sprouts voluntarily,"
marketplace. Field run raspberries are generally machine
Keene said. State and federal agencies are working with the
picked, air cleaned and packed directly into barrels. Whereas,
producer to remove potentially contaminated sprouts from
straight pack raspberries are picked into flats, washed and
distribution. Retailers and wholesalers who hold any
sorted in packing sheds, and packed in barrels. Field run
of the recalled sprouts should segregate them from other
raspberries, commonly called “juice stock” among growers and
produce and contact Hydro Harvest for additional information.
processors, are sometimes merely labeled as “raspberries” or
Restaurant and deli operators should check their stock
not labeled at all and deceptively marketed as “straight pack“
immediately to identify and pull any of the recalled product.
raspberries. This may result in unfair economic disadvantages
that would impact the growers / packers of straight pack
The recall covers all alfalfa sprouts produced by Hydro Harvest
grades.
since November 1998. These sprouts have been sold in 6-oz.
plastic "clamshell" packages labeled as "Living Alfalfa
There were a variety of opinions and comments voiced at the
Sprouts," "Living Salad Sprouts: Alfalfa/Radish/Clover," and
meeting by growers and processors about different aspects of
"Living Onion-Alfalfa Sprouts." All 6-oz. packages carry the
the proposed regulation language. The commission members
Hydro Harvest name and are carried by many supermarkets
will need to come to consensus on what they want with respect
and other grocery stores, including Safeway, Fred Meyer, and
to this rule. Initial draft of the language has been sent to
Thriftway. The sprouts are also sold in bulk as 1 lb. trays or 2
Assistant Attorney General Alice Blado for comment.
lb. plastic bags.
Salmonellosis is an acute bacterial infection that can cause Spring ’99 Seafood HACCP Training
diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Symptoms usually develop
within one to four days after eating contaminated food. Most Registered Courses
cases resolve without the need for medical attention.
People who have eaten sprouts and developed severe March 3, 1999 Ketchikan Alaska, Course No. 6103
symptoms should discuss this exposure with their doctor. March 8, 1999 Petersburg Alaska, Course No. 6104
Some persons with salmonellosis develop serious illness that March 15, 1999 Juneau Alaska, Course No. 6105
can lead to hospitalization and even death. The Mbandaka
serotype is rare in Oregon; over the past decade, only one to April 15, 1999 Homer Alaska, Course No. 6106
three cases have been reported each year. April 21, 1999 Kenai Alaska, Course No. 6107
April 26, 1999 Seward Alaska, Course No. 6108
Alfalfa sprouts have been repeatedly linked to outbreaks of
Instructor Don Kramer
Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections. This is
Phone: 907-274-9691
the third sprout-associated outbreak of salmonellosis to be
Fax: 907-227-5242
identified in Oregon since 1996. All consumers, particularly
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