Report Survival of COVID Virus Surrogates in Frozen Meat....Is This Concerning...Not Really

A recent study published in Enviromental Microbiology evaluated the ability of SARS-CoV-2 viral surrogates (viruses shown to behave the same way as COVID viruses) to survive in frozen meat. The research concluded, "Viral surrogates differed in survival, depending on food product and temperature, but overall, viruses survived for extended periods of time at high concentrations at both refrigerated and frozen temperatures."

But hold the mass media presses. There is no reason for everyone to wig out. In this study, the viral particles were injected into the raw meat. Guess what, the meat will be cooked. An internally placed enveloped virus will be more likely survive, but externally, on the outside of the package, survival is not likely. and this is how a consumer would be more likely to encounter a viable virus.

Second consideration, the viral particle is unlikely to become airborne when it is inside the meat. Not unless someone is cool vaporizing raw meat juices.

So their statement "The ability of SARS-CoV-2 viral surrogates like Phi 6 and animal coronaviruses to survive for varying extents on some meat and fish products when stored refrigerated or frozen is a significant and concerning finding." This is a media grabbing statement that needs to be drastically qualified.

https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/aem.00504-22
Applied and Environmental Microbiology 7 June 2022
Persistence of Coronavirus Surrogates on Meat and Fish Products during Long-Term Storage
Authors: Emily S. Bailey https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1292-0771 ebailey@campbell.edu, Marina Curcic, Mark D. Sobsey

Florida Company Recalls Frozen Pepperoni Pizza Products Because Company Was Not USDA Inspected

Ready Dough Pizza Inc., a Hialeah, Fla. establishment, is recalling approximately 10,584 pounds of pepperoni pizza products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection.  The problem was discovered during routine FSIS surveillance activities when it was determined that the pepperoni pizza products did not have the USDA mark of inspection and were produced in an establishment that was not inspected by USDA. The agency also found that some products had the wrong ingredient label or no ingredient labels at all.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/ready-dough-pizza-inc--recalls-pepperoni-pizza-products-produced-without-benefit
Ready Dough Pizza Inc. Recalls Pepperoni Pizza Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection and also Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

USDA Issues Health Alert for Salad Items Produced with the Wrong Dressing Packet Resulting in Undeclared Allergen

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns that the salad dressing component of ready-to-eat (RTE) Caesar salad with chicken may contain egg, a known allergen.  The problem was discovered when the producing establishment notified FSIS that they were informed by a store that the salad dressing packets in the Caesar salad product appeared incorrect. The dressing packets with the salad contain Sweet and Spicy Vinaigrette and not the Creamy Caesar Dressing. These dressing packets are unlabeled and contain egg, which is not declared on the finished product packaging.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-ready-eat-caesar-salad-chicken-due-misbranding-and
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ready-to-Eat Caesar Salad with Chicken Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

WASHINGTON, July 12, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns that the salad dressing component of ready-to-eat (RTE) Caesar salad with chicken may contain egg, a known allergen, which is not declared on the finished product label. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers with an allergy to eggs are aware that these products should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.

Another Company Recalls Canned Smoked Clams from China Due to FDA Testing Results for PFAS

CROWN PRINCE, INC. is recalling 3 oz. canned Crown Prince Natural Smoked Baby Clams in Olive Oil because FDA testing found detectable levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).  Crown Prince decided to issue the recall out of an abundance of caution after learning of the test results from FDA.  The recalled product was distributed nationwide to natural food stores, grocery stores and online retailers. Crown Prince Natural Smoked Baby Clams in Olive Oil Product of China 3 oz can Can UPC – 0 73230 00853 5

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/crown-prince-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-smoked-baby-clams-olive-oil-due-presence-detectable-levels
Crown Prince, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Smoked Baby Clams in Olive Oil Due to the Presence of Detectable Levels of PFAS Chemicals
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 15, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 15, 2022
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Detectable levels of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Company Name:  Crown Prince
Brand Name:  Crown Prince
Product Description:  Smoked Baby Clams in Olive Oil

Freeze Dried Blueberries Recalled For High Lead Content Linked to Source In Lithuania

BrandStorm Inc. announced it is voluntarily recalling 2 lots of Organic Freeze-Dried Blueberry (lot # 2021363-1 & 2022026-1) pouches because of the presence or potential presence of lead above the FDA's recommended limits; per the serving size specified on the nutritional facts panel.  Natierra Organic Freeze-Dried Blueberries 1.2oz were distributed in the United States through retail and online stores services. The issue is isolated of two batches of Natierra Freeze-Dried Blueberries.

The concern was identified upon testing conducted by a lab in Maryland. An investigation was conducted by the packing site. The original heavy metal reports received for the crop year showed no presence of lead and-or cause for batch testing. After further investigation it was found that the products county of Origin is Lithuania and aggressive monitoring of heavy metals may be deemed necessary. As an immediate action the packing site is actively working to enhance food safety system by implementing mandatory batch testing for heavy metal.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/urgent-nationwide-voluntary-recall-natierra-organic-freeze-dried-blueberry-lot-2021363-1-2022026-1
URGENT: Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Natierra Organic Freeze- Dried Blueberry (lot # 2021363-1 & 2022026-1) Due to levels of Lead
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 14, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 14, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Freeze Dried Blueberry
Company Name:  BrandStorm Inc.
Brand Name:  Natierra
Product Description:  Freeze Dried Blueberry

Florida Ice Cream Facility Recalls Ice Cream Linked to Listeria Outbreak

Big Olaf Creamery of Sarasota, Florida is recalling all flavors and all lots of Big Olaf brand ice cream products because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  This comes as FDA and CDC identified the ice cream as being linked to an outbreak with 23 people infected  from 10 states. 

From one website that shared FL Dept of Health results of testing, 16 of the 17 product samples tested by the State were positive for Listeria.  This would indicate a serious post-process contamination source...perhaps a valve or gasket? 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/big-olaf-creamery-recalls-ice-cream-because-possible-health-risk
Big Olaf Creamery Recalls Ice Cream Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 13, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 13, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Big Olaf Creamery, LLC
Brand Name:  Big Olaf
Product Description:  Ice cream

KS Dairy Recalls Chocolate Ice Cream Due to Undeclared Peanuts

Belfonte Dairy is announcing a recall of the 1.5 quarts (1.41 L)“Chocolate to Die For” Premium Ice Cream produced at its Kansas City ice cream manufacturing facility. The product may contain undeclared peanuts.  Belfonte initiated the recall after receiving a consumer complaint, where it was discovered that the Chocolate to Die For cartons of ice cream were distributed in packages that did not declare the presence of peanuts.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/belfonte-dairy-announces-recall-belfonte-premium-ice-cream-chocolate-die-15-quart-package
Belfonte Dairy Announces Recall of Belfonte Premium Ice Cream “Chocolate to Die For” 1.5 Quart Package
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 13, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 13, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Ice Cream/Frozen Dairy
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared peanuts 
Company Name:  Belfonte Dairy
Brand Name:  Belfonte
Product Description:  Chocolate to Die For Premium Ice Cream

Cookies Recalled Due to Potential Plastic Pieces in Product

Enjoy Life Natural Brands LLC announced today a voluntary recall, out of an abundance of caution, of a limited quantity of a select list of baked snacks products due to the potential presence of hard plastic pieces. The company became aware of this issue as a result of internal quality assurance surveillance.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/enjoy-life-natural-brands-llc-conducts-nationwide-voluntary-recall-select-bakery-products-due
Enjoy Life Natural Brands, LLC Conducts Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Select Bakery Products Due to Potential Presence of Foreign Material
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 30, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 12, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Product may contain hard plastic pieces
Company Name:  Enjoy Life Natural Brands, LLC
Brand Name:  Enjoy Life
Product Description:  Baked snacks

Chicken-based Dog Treats Recalls After State Laboratory Finds Salmonella

Stormberg Foods is recalling various sizes and batches of our Beg & Barker Chicken Breast Strips Dog Treat, Billo’s Best Friend Chicken Breast Strips Dog Treat, and Green Coast Pets Chicken Crisps Dog Treat products due to a potential contamination of Salmonella. On July 6, 2022, the firm was notified by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA & CS) that a sample they collected tested positive for Salmonella spp.

Stormberg Foods LLC Recalls Chicken Strips and Chicken Crisps Products for Dogs Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination | FDA
Stormberg Foods LLC Recalls Chicken Strips and Chicken Crisps Products for Dogs Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 12, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 12, 2022
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name: Stormberg Foods
Brand Name:  Beg & Barker, Billo’s Best Friend, and Green Coast Pets
Product Description:  Chicken dog treats

Chicago Company Recalls Gochujang-Glazed Pork Chop Bowls Sold Online Due to Undeclared Peanut

Tovala of Chicago, Illinois, is voluntarily recalling Gochujang-Glazed Pork Chop Bowl and Gochujang-Glazed Salmon Bowl prepared meals, because they may contain undeclared peanuts.  The Gochujang-Glazed Pork Chop Bowl and Gochujang-Glazed Salmon Bowl meals were distributed through Tovala’s weekly direct-to-consumer meal delivery service to customers across the continental United States who selected the meals for delivery the week of July 4, 2022. Tovala directly notified customers by email and push notifications who were shipped the affected meals, as well as disabled the QR codes used for cooking the meals.  This recall was initiated after Tovala discovered that an ingredient sourced from a third-party supplier contained an undeclared peanut allergen. The ingredient was used in the Gochujang Glaze, which was included in the recalled meals. To date, the company has received one report of an adverse reaction.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tovala-issues-voluntary-allergy-alert-undeclared-peanuts-prepared-meals
Tovala Issues a Voluntary Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanuts in Prepared Meals
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  July 12, 2022
FDA Publish Date:  July 12, 2022
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared peanuts
Company Name:  Tovala
Brand Name:  Tovala
Product Description:  Gochujang-Glazed Salmon and Pork Bowls