Consumer Health – USA/UK/Asia/ROW Regulatory News – Oct 2024

USA

Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O157:H7: Onions (October 2024)

FDA is investigating slivered onions served at McDonald’s as the likely source of this outbreak. Onions have been recalled and are no longer being used.
Slivered onions previously served on McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers are the likely source of contamination, based on epidemiologic and traceback data. McDonald’s is no longer using slivered onions on Quarter Pounders at stores in affected states. Diced onions used at McDonald’s have not been implicated in this outbreak.
As of October 30, 90 people from 13 states have been infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7. Illnesses started on dates ranging from Sept 27, 2024 to October 16, 2024. Of 83 people with information available, 27 have been hospitalized, and 2 people developed HUS, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. One death has been reported from an older adult in Colorado. This person is not one of those who developed HUS. More illnesses have been reported but they are from before McDonald’s and Taylor Farms took action to remove slivered onions from food service locations.

CANADA

Various brands of beef jelly tongue products recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

The affected products are being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness. Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, the infection can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth. In severe cases of illness, people may die.

Various brands of frozen waffles and pancakes recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

The affected products are being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness. Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, the infection can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth. In severe cases of illness, people may die.

UK

The Food Standards Agency launches consultation to help develop consistent approach to allergen labelling in the out-of-home sector

The FSA is seeking views on new guidance for providing allergen information for people when eating out. The consultation comes after extensive engagement with consumers, local authorities and industry, along with evidence from research (Opens in a new window) to better understand how food businesses could improve written information for consumers with a food hypersensitivity. 

FSA appoints two businesses to supply inspectors and vets for future meat inspection

Following a comprehensive procurement process, and extensive engagement with industry and stakeholders, Eville and Jones and Hallmark Meat Hygiene have both been successful in their bids to supply vets and meat inspectors for the delivery of Official Controls in meat plants.

ASIA

SINGAPORE

Recall of Ji Xiang Special Grade Black Melon Seed from China due to presence of cyclamate (as Cyclamic Acid), and saccharin exceeding permitted levels

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has detected the presence of cyclamate (as Cyclamic Acid), as well as saccharin exceeding permitted levels, in Ji Xiang Special Grade Black Melon Seed. SFA has directed the importer, Guangdong Import & Export Pte Ltd, to recall the implicated product. The recall is ongoing.

JAPAN

Lifting of food distribution restrictions based on Article 20, Paragraph 2 of the Special Measures Act on Nuclear Emergency Preparedness

The Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters instructed Chiba Prefecture to lift the shipping restrictions imposed under the Special Measures Act on Nuclear Emergency Preparedness on silver crucian carp and common carp caught in Lake Teganuma and the Teganagawa River.

1. Of the distribution restrictions that had been instructed for Chiba Prefecture, the restrictions on distribution of silver crucian carp and carp caught in Lake Teganuma and River Teganuma (※) have been lifted today.

(1) The instructions from the Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters to Chiba Prefecture dated today are as set forth in Attachment 1.

(2) Chiba Prefecture’s application is as attached in Appendix 2.

ROW

AUSTRALIA

Call for comment on food made from a GM corn line

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to permit the sale and use of food made from a new genetically modified (GM) corn line.

Corn line MZIR260 is resistant to lepidopteran insect pests, including fall armyworm.  

 If approved, products containing corn line MZIR260 could enter the Australian and New Zealand food supply through imported food products such as corn starch, grits, meal, flour, oil and sweeteners.