Latest news with #FoodSafetyandInspectionService
Newsweek
18-07-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Nationwide Sausage Recall as Consumer Warning Issued
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A Massachusetts-based company has issued a recall for more than 24,000 pounds of chicken sausages, according to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Kayem Foods Inc. issued a voluntary recall on July 17 for a select lot of its Sweet Apple Chicken Sausages because of the possible presence of plastic pieces. Why It Matters FSIS has issued a Class I risk classification for the recall, the most serious category. The classification refers to a "health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death." Foreign material in food products presents health risks, including choking, damage to teeth and digestive tract injury. Small plastic shards could obstruct airways, especially in vulnerable populations like children and older adults. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that "hard or sharp foreign objects in food may cause traumatic injury including laceration and perforation of tissues of the mouth, tongue, throat, stomach and intestine as well as damage to the teeth and gums." Kayem Foods Inc. issued a voluntary recall on July 17 for a select lot of its Sweet Apple Chicken Sausages due to the possible presence of plastic pieces. Kayem Foods Inc. issued a voluntary recall on July 17 for a select lot of its Sweet Apple Chicken Sausages due to the possible presence of plastic pieces. Kayem Foods Inc./FSIS What To Know The product impacted by the recall is the All Natural Al Fresco Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage - lot number: 179 - use/freeze-by date: October 1, 2025 The sausages were distributed to retail locations nationwide. They bear the establishment number "P-7839" inside the USDA mark of inspection. The problem was discovered after the company informed FSIS that it had received three consumers complaints reporting the presence of white pieces of plastic in the sausages. As of July 17, no injuries had been reported in connection with the consumption of the product. What People Are Saying Kayem Foods Inc. told Newsweek in a statement: "Kayem Foods, Inc. is voluntarily recalling 24,173 pounds of Al Fresco Sweet Apple Fully Cooked Chicken Sausage after receiving three consumer complaints of foreign material in the product. Kayem Foods immediately notified the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service and the recall was initiated. The issue was isolated to one lot of product on the single Sweet Apple flavor and there have been no confirmed reports of injury due to consumption of these products and no other Al Fresco product or flavor is affected. Kayem Foods is actively working with all retail partners and distributors to immediately remove potentially affected product from the market." FSIS, in its recall statement: "FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers' refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. "FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers." What Happens Next The recall is listed as active, according to FSIS. FSIS said that anyone concerned about injury in relation to the product should contact their health care providers. Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Kayem Foods Inc. at 617-889-1600.
Newsweek
15-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins: A Common-Sense Plan to Strengthen America's Food Safety
Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. When Americans sit down at the dinner table, they should have absolute confidence the food on their plates is the safest in the world. That's not just a slogan. It's a promise. Under President Donald Trump's leadership, we are renewing this promise with a bold, common-sense strategy to modernize food safety, cut through outdated bureaucracy, and ensure American consumers have access to safe, affordable, and abundant meat and poultry products. Food safety is national security. It is economic security. It is family security. In the Trump administration, we understand that protecting our food supply means giving our farmers, ranchers, processors, and inspectors the tools they need to do their jobs. Secretary Brooke L. Rollins is pictured in Nebraska. Secretary Brooke L. Rollins is pictured in Nebraska. Photo Courtesy of Secretary Brooke Rollins President Trump tasked me with moving quickly to modernize America's inspection system and in the earliest days at USDA, I directed my team to put forward clear, consistent rules to allow pork and poultry facilities to operate at higher line speeds, ensuring they can meet demand without excessive government interference. We're well underway at making that a reality, and this is just the first step. That's why I'm proud to announce our new five-point plan to bolster USDA's work to combat foodborne illness. It's built on science, on accountability, and on good old-fashioned American common sense. First, we're enhancing microbiological testing and inspection oversight. We're expanding our listeria testing to deliver faster, more detailed results so problems can be caught before they reach consumers. We're opening a modern, state-of-the-art laboratory in Missouri that will strengthen our ability to detect pathogens and chemical residues nationwide. Already this year, we have tested over 23,000 samples for listeria—a 200 percent increase from 2024. We're also conducting more in-person food safety assessments because nothing beats eyes on the ground. Second, we're equipping our Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) inspectors with better tools and training. Our frontline inspectors are America's guardians of food safety. We're giving them a new data collection tool to track listeria risk factors in real time. We're updating training so they can spot systemic problems, not just one-off mistakes. This is how we empower our workforce to stop foodborne illness before it starts. Third, we're charging ahead to reduce salmonella illnesses in poultry products. Let's be clear: We scrapped the Biden administration's overreaching, burdensome plan that would have crushed small poultry producers and processors with red tape. Instead, we're working with stakeholders to develop a practical, effective strategy that keeps families safe without destroying American livelihoods. Fourth, we're strengthening state partnerships. Food safety is a shared responsibility. That's why we secured an additional $14.5 million for state inspection programs, supporting over 1,500 small and very small processors across America. We signed new cooperative agreements with all 29 states running meat and poultry programs, ensuring our inspectors are trained, equipped, and coordinated. This is the federal government working with, not dictating to, our states. Fifth, we're empowering FSIS inspectors to enforce our rules and drive compliance. Let me be clear: If you won't follow food safety laws, there's no place for you in this market. In the first six months of this year alone, FSIS took 103 enforcement actions, an increase of 36 percent over last year. We're conducting follow-up visits to ensure problems are fixed. This is what common-sense, America First leadership looks like. We're modernizing our inspection system. We're embracing science. We're removing needless bureaucracy that doesn't make food safer while strengthening the oversight that does. Because at the end of the day, this is about the American family. It's about ensuring that moms and dads can serve dinner knowing it meets the highest food safety standards in the world. That's our mission. That's our promise. And that's exactly what we're delivering. Brooke L. Rollins is the 33rd United States secretary of Agriculture. The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
Epoch Times
01-07-2025
- General
- Epoch Times
More Than 143,000 Pounds of Bologna Products Recalled for Misbranding
New Jersey-based Gaiser's European Style Provisions Inc. is recalling roughly 143,416 pounds of ready-to-eat bologna due to misbranding, as they contain 'meat or poultry source materials that are not declared on the product labels,' the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) said in a June 27 Made between March 20 and June 20, the items contain undeclared chicken, pork, and beef, and were sold under the brand names Family Tree Bologna Veal, Babushka's Recipe Chicken Bologna, Fancy Bologna, Gaisers Russian Brand Doktorskaya Bologna, Gaisers Bologna Veal, Gaisers Turkey Bologna, and Chicken Bologna Kypoyka Paba.
Newsweek
28-06-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Bologna Products Recall Sparks Nationwide Warning to Customers
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Gaiser's European Style Provisions Inc. is recalling over 143,000 pounds of ready-to-eat bologna products due to "misbranding," according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on Friday. Newsweek reached out to the company via email for comment. Why It Matters Numerous recalls have been initiated in 2025 due to the potential of damaged products, foodborne illness, contamination and undeclared food allergens. Millions of Americans experience food sensitivities or allergies every year. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the nine "major" food allergens in the U.S. are eggs, milk, fish, wheat, soybeans, Crustacean shellfish, sesame, tree nuts and peanuts. What To Know In the alert, the FSIS warns that the recalled bologna products contain "meat or poultry source materials" not noted on the product's labels. The goods were produced from March 20, 2025, to June 20, 2025. The alert has photos of the various products' labels and below is a list of the impacted products, according to the FSIS: Vacuum-packed packages of "FAMILY TREE BOLOGNA VEAL" containing undeclared pork. Plastic-wrapped packages of "BABUSHKA'S RECIPE CHICKEN BOLOGNA" containing undeclared pork. Plastic-wrapped packages of "FANCY BOLOGNA" labeled with pork as an ingredient but containing undeclared beef and chicken. Vacuum-packed packages of "GAISER'S RUSSIAN BRAND DOKTORSKAYA BOLOGNA" containing undeclared beef. Plastic-wrapped packages of "GAISER'S BOLOGNA VEAL" containing undeclared chicken and pork. Plastic-wrapped packages of "GAISER'S TURKEY BOLOGNA" containing undeclared chicken and pork. Plastic-wrapped packages of "CHICKEN BOLOGNA KYPOYKA PABA" containing undeclared pork. The FSIS warns that these products were distributed to retailers and wholesalers across the country and have an establishment number of "EST. 5385" inside the U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection mark. "Some products would have been weighed, wrapped, and labeled in retail store locations at the time of purchase," the FSIS says, adding later that the department is concerned people may have the recalled products in their freezers or refrigerators. Gaiser's Russian Brand Doktorskaya Bologna can be seen related to a recall on June 27. (Photo from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service.) Gaiser's Russian Brand Doktorskaya Bologna can be seen related to a recall on June 27. (Photo from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service.) What People Are Saying The FSIS in the alert, in part: "The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of a complaint received through the OIG's hotline. FSIS investigated the complaint and determined that the products contained source materials that were not declared on the label. "Although FSIS does not expect any adverse health effects for Class III recalled products and there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products, anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider." What Happens Next Customers who have purchased the recalled products should not consume them; either throw them away or return the goods to the original place of purchase, the FSIS says.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
How long can food last in power outage? What to know as crews make repairs in Bucks County
Thousands of Bucks County residents were still without power Friday morning following severe thunderstorms the day prior. As many continue to wait for their power to be restored, some may be wondering if their power was already out for too long — and if the food in their refrigerator is still safe to eat. When in doubt, experts advise it's safer to throw out any questionable food items. They also advise against tasting food to determine if the food is OK. When the refrigerator door is left shut and power was only out for a few hours, chances are that the food is alright. A refrigerator should keep food cold for six hours and a half-full freezer for 24 hours (48 hours if the freezer is full) if you don't open the doors, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service. Here are some tips: Try not to open the refrigerator and freezer doors (doing so lets the cold air escape). If you know the power will be out for an extended period, pick up ice or dry ice to keep foods cold. Fifty pounds of dry ice, the U.S. ood and Drug Administration said, should hold an 18-cubic-foot freezer for two days. Take care when handling dry ice; don't handle it with bare hands or place it directly on foods. Use a refrigerator-freezer thermometer to check the temperature. In either the refrigerator or freezer, if the temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, the food is safe. Check the packages. If food still contains ice crystals or is at 40 degrees or below when checked with a food thermometer, you can refreeze it, but the quality may not be the same. Group foods together in the freezer to help them stay cold longer. Keep food on ice in coolers. Bacteria growth can take place in these foods that have been above 40 degrees for two hours or more. Discard the following if your refrigerator has been without power for more than four hours: Raw, cooked or leftover meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, yogurt, eggs, leftovers, hot dogs, bacon, lunch meats, pizza, shredded cheeses, casseroles, pasta and pasta sauces, cut fruits and vegetables. Cream-based salad dressings, sauces and soups. Opened mayonnaise, tartar sauce and horseradish if they were held above 50 degrees for more than eight hours. Discard any foods like bread or salad greens that may have become contaminated by juices dripping from raw meat, poultry or fish. Pasta salads. Sour cream-based or any dairy-based dips. Fruits and vegetables that have become slimy or spoiled. The following foods might be OK even after a prolonged power outage: Condiments such as ketchup, mustard, jelly, jams, soy sauce and bottled marinade. Typically, these have high salt and sugar content that can act as a preservative. Keep in mind that jams and jellies can grow mold after three or four days. Toss out ones that show signs of mold. Butter/margarine. Hard and processed cheese are typically OK. Foods that don't actually require refrigeration such as fresh herbs, spices, flour and nuts. Fresh bread and rolls. Whole fruits and vegetables that show no signs of decay. Once the power is restored, here's how to care for the inside of your refrigerator or freezer and rid them of any odors. Dispose of any spoiled or questionable food. Remove shelves, crispers, and ice trays. Wash them thoroughly with hot water and detergent. Then rinse with a sanitizing solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of drinking water. Wash the interior of the refrigerator and freezer, including the door and gaskets, with hot water and baking soda. Rinse with a sanitizing solution. Leave the door open for about 15 minutes. The following steps can be taken to eliminate smells from your fridge: Wipe the inside of the unit with equal parts of vinegar and water to destroy mildew. Leave the door open and allow it to air out for several days. Stuff the refrigerator and freezer with rolled newspapers. Keep the door closed for several days. Remove the newspaper and clean with vinegar and water. Sprinkle fresh coffee grounds or baking soda loosely in a large, shallow container in the bottom of the unit. Use a commercial product available at hardware and houseware stores. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. The USDA's Meat and Poultry hotline, 888-674-6854, is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays. Lacey Latch is the development reporter for the Bucks County Courier Times and The Intelligencer. She can be reached at LLatch@ USA TODAY reporters Michelle Ganassi, Dustin Barnes and Susan Selasky contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: How long can food last in a power outage? What to know in Bucks County
