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Physical Contamination in Food

About Physical Contamination

Physical contamination in food can be a real threat to eaters. Recalls for foreign contaminate can happen for everything from ground beef to cookie dough mix. Contamination can accidentally enter the food supply during manufacturing or when it is being prepared at restaurants and at home. The consequences if eaten can be minor in the case of contaminants such as hair or insects. Allergic reactions can occur if an ingredient in the food was not listed on the packaging. Major consequences such as choking and possibly life threatening laceration injuries to the mouth, gums, or digestive system can occur if there are hard objects like glass, plastic, or metal.

Physical Contamination in Food

A recent cluster of cases tracked by the CDC in 2012 highlights the dangers to consumers. Six people in Providence, RI received severe injuries ranging from puncture of the soft tissues of the neck, causing severe pain on swallowing, to perforation of the gastrointestinal tract requiring emergent surgery from ingesting wire grill-cleaning brush bristles. 

So how does physical contaminants get into food?

Physical contamination can first get into food during processing. The USDA has identified 2 phases of processing, fabrication or rework, that have the highest risk of physical contamination. During fabrication, Metal, bone, rubber, plastic, wood from the line could accidentally be included. If further breakdown and rework of the products is needed for items like sausage and ground beef, metal and other physical contamination from grinder, mixer, chub clips, etc. can accidentally be included in the finished product.

Once it gets to the restaurants and homes to be prepared, there is still a lot more room for error. Both natural and man-made contaminants can be included. Foreign bodies from the prep area like: metal shavings from cans, staples from cartons, glass from broken light bulbs, blades from plastic or rubber scrapers, fingernails, hair bandages, dirt, and bones can accidentally be dropped in and served.

What steps are being used to safeguard from physical contamination?

Globally, HACCP is an internationally recognized system for reducing the risk of safety hazards in food and is widely used. It is a management system in which food safety is addressed through the analysis and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards from raw material to consumption of the finished product. In the United States, The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act was passed in 2011 and it enables FDA to better protect public health by strengthening the food safety system.

Manufacturers use 3 primary means of physical contamination detection on a production line:

  • Magnetic separators (to find and remove fine, high-purity metal contaminants during food processing)
  • Metal detectors (to identify metallic foreign bodies in food during the processing stage)
  • X-ray machines (to see metal and nonmetal debris like glass, plastic and stones)

For restaurants and grocery stores, there are strict standards to ensure no foreign contaminants get into food sold at retail. Health department codes mandate the use of protection like hairnets, clean hygiene, and proper facilities modifications to ensure that foreign objects don’t gets into the food.

How to stay safe when eating out at a restaurant?

The best recommendation to stay safe is to stay vigilant and aware of the restaurant’s appearance. If the hygiene of the employees and the restaurant’s appearance doesn't seem well kept, that could point to bigger problems in other areas that customers don’t go. The biggest clue can be in the bathroom. If the toilets and restrooms are dirty and in disrepair, the back of the restaurant may bes probably the same. 

What you should do if you find physical contamination in packaged food?

  1. Do not open the container. Taking the foreign body out could damage the evidence.
  2. Take pictures as evidence, preferably in such a way that you can see the object.
  3. Keep the container in the freezer, so you can preserve it. Then, find your receipt so you can prove when and where you bought the food.
  4. Report it, this is very important and may prevent others from being harmed.

To read the current and past recalls, click here

To report a case, fill out the form on this website

 

Read more

Recent Contamination Reports

The affected product is being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Cronobacter sakazakii contamination. The recalled product has been sold nationally. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

- Affected products:
Brand: Nestlé Good Start, Product: Soothe (infant formula), Size:... See More 942 g, UPC: 0 55000 38369 1, Codes: Batch no: 301757651Z (EXP 2024 JL 18), 301757652Z (EXP 2024 JL 18), 301857651Z (EXP 2024 JL 19)

If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor; Check to see if you have the recalled products in your home or establishment; do not consume the recalled products; and do not serve, use, sell, or distribute the recalled products.

Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased.

Food contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Although Cronobacter sakazakii is not commonly linked to human illness, in rare cases it can cause serious or fatal infections. Cronobacter sakazakii can cause rare bloodstream and central nervous system infections and has been associated with severe intestinal infection (necrotizing enterocolitis) and blood poisoning (sepsis), especially in newborns.

If your child is experiencing symptoms after eating this product it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist seek medical attention.

Company name: Perrigo Company plc
Brand name: Nestlé Good Start
Product recalled: Soothe (infant formula)
Reason of the recall: Issue Food - Microbial Contamination - Other
CFIA Recall date: 2023-03-18

Source: recalls-rappels.canada.ca
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Date Closed: Mar 16, 2023
Reason for Closure:
Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.
Pesticide not properly labeled or used by unlicensed individual. Pesticide, other toxic chemical improperly used/stored. Unprotected, unlocked bait station used.
No hand washing facility in or adjacent... See More to toilet room or within 25 feet of a food preparation, food service or ware washing area. Hand washing facility not accessible, obstructed or used for non-hand washing purposes. No hot and cold running water or water at inadequate pressure. No soap or acceptable hand-drying device.
Contract with a pest management professional not in place. Record of extermination activities not kept on premises.
Cold TCS food item held above 41 °F; smoked or processed fish held above 38 °F; intact raw eggs held above 45 °F; or reduced oxygen packaged (ROP) TCS foods held above required temperatures except during active necessary preparation.
Evidence of rats or live rats in establishment's food or non-food areas.
Non-food contact surface or equipment made of unacceptable material, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, raised, spaced or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above and underneath the unit.
Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan.
Single service article not provided. Single service article reused or not protected from contamination when transported, stored, dispensed. Drinking straws not completely enclosed in wrapper or dispensed from a sanitary device.
Personal cleanliness is inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn where required. Jewelry worn on hands or arms. Fingernail polish worn or fingernails not kept clean and trimmed.
Design, construction, materials used or maintenance of food contact surface improper. Surface not easily cleanable, sanitized and maintained.
Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
Source: New York City Environmental Health Department.
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Perrigo Company plc is issuing a voluntary recall of certain lots of Gerber® Good Start® SootheProTM Powdered Infant Formula in the U.S., that were manufactured at the Company’s Gateway Eau Claire, Wisconsin manufacturing facility from January 02, 2023 to January 18, 2023. This product is being recalled... See More out of an abundance of caution due to the potential presence of Cronobacter sakazakii. This product is sold at retailers across the U.S. Consumers who purchased the product after March 5, 2023

Importantly, no distributed product has tested positive for the presence of this bacteria, no adverse events have been reported and no other products manufactured at this facility or any other of Perrigo’s facilities are affected by this recall.

Cronobacter sakazakii is a bacteria commonly found in the environment. In most people it causes no symptoms but in some, particularly premature infants, infants under 2 months of age or infants with weakened immune systems fever, poor feeding, excessive crying or low energy as well as other serious symptoms can occur.

Consumers who purchased the product after March 5, 2023 should look for the following Lot Codes and “use by” dates, which can be found on the bottom of the package. No other lot codes are impacted by this recall. Any consumers who purchased product with matching codes should discontinue use and dispose of the product.

Gerber® Good Start® SootheProTM 12.4 oz:
300357651Z – USE BY 04JUL2024
300457651Z – USE BY 05JUL2024
300557651Z – USE BY 06JUL2024
300557652Z – USE BY 06JUL2024
300757651Z – USE BY 08JUL2024
300857651Z – USE BY 09JUL2024
301057651Z – USE BY 11JUL2024
301057652Z – USE BY 11JUL2024
301157651Z – USE BY 12JUL2024

Gerber® Good Start® SootheProTM 30.6 oz:
301357652Z – USE BY 14JUL2024
301457652Z – USE BY 15JUL2024
301557651Z – USE BY 16JUL2024

Gerber Good® Start® SootheProTM 19.4 oz:
301557652Z – USE BY 16JUL2024I

Consumers can request refunds for impacted products and find more information about Gerber® Good Start® by contacting the Gerber Parent Resource Center on behalf of Perrigo.

This recall is being conducted in consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

If your child is experiencing symptoms after eating this product it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist seek medical attention.

Company name: Perrigo Company plc
Brand name: Nestlé Good Start
Product recalled: Soothe (infant formula)
Reason of the recall: Issue Food - Microbial Contamination - Other
CFIA Recall date: 2023-03-18

Source: fda.gov
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Date Closed: Mar 15, 2023
Reason for Closure:
Food, supplies, or equipment not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, service or from customer’s refillable, reusable container. Condiments not in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor.
Food Protection Certificate (FPC) not... See More held by manager or supervisor of food operations.
Food, prohibited, from unapproved or unknown source, home canned or home prepared. Animal slaughtered, butchered or dressed (eviscerated, skinned) in establishment. Reduced Oxygen Packaged (ROP) fish not frozen before processing. ROP food prepared on premises transported to another site.
Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
Hot TCS food item not held at or above 140 °F.
Evidence of rats or live rats in establishment's food or non-food areas.
Source: New York City Environmental Health Department.
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Date Closed: Mar 15, 2023
Reason for Closure:
Non-food contact surface or equipment made of unacceptable material, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, raised, spaced or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above and underneath the unit.
Thawing procedure improper.
Live roaches in... See More facility's food or non-food area.
Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
Food Protection Certificate (FPC) not held by manager or supervisor of food operations.
Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.
Contract with a pest management professional not in place. Record of extermination activities not kept on premises.
Source: New York City Environmental Health Department.
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Date Closed: Mar 15, 2023
Reason for Closure:
Cold TCS food item held above 41 °F; smoked or processed fish held above 38 °F; intact raw eggs held above 45 °F; or reduced oxygen packaged (ROP) TCS foods held above required temperatures except during active necessary preparation.... See More
Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
Live roaches in facility's food or non-food area.
Hot TCS food item not held at or above 140 °F.
Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.
Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
Food, supplies, or equipment not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, service or from customer’s refillable, reusable container. Condiments not in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor.
Non-food contact surface or equipment made of unacceptable material, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, raised, spaced or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above and underneath the unit.
Source: New York City Environmental Health Department.
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Ceres Organics Australia Pty Ltd has announced a recall of Ceres Organics Organic Hulled Tahini and Ceres Organics Organic Unhulled Tahini due to potential Salmonella contamination. The affected products were sold at Woolworths in New South Wales, independent food retailers including IGA in New South Wales and... See More Victoria, independent food retailers in Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia, and online nationally.

The recalled products are:
- Ceres Organics brand Organic Hulled Tahini (300g), BEST BEFORE: 25/05/2023, 22/08/2023 and 01/08/2024
- Ceres Organics brand Organic Unhulled Tahini (300g), BEST BEFORE: 25/05/2023 and 22/08/2023

If you have the recalled products in your home, please do not eat them, throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

In case you are experiencing Salmonella symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

Source: foodstandards.gov.au :443/industry/foodrecalls/recalls/Pages/Ceres-Organics-Organic-Tahini-products.aspx
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Report date: Mar 15, 2023
10. Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
- comments: observed no hand washing signs at hand washing sinks in bar, prep and dish washing area. Instructed manager to provide hand washing signs at all hand washing sinks used by employees.

37.... See More Food properly labeled; original container
- comments: observed bulk seasonings not labeled in pizza prep area. Instructed manager to label all bulk containers with common name of food.

38. Insects, rodents, & animals not present
- comments: observed 1/4' gap on bottom right corners of rear patio and exit doors. Instructed manager to seal all outer openings on doors to prevent pest entry.

39. Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
- comments: observed food items stored on floor in walk-in cooler and freezer. Instructed manager to elevate all food items six inches off floor.

47. Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
- comments: observed damaged interior lid on pizza prep cooler and rust deposits on bottom of prep tables. Instructed manager to repair and maintain.

48. Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
- comments: observed no test kit or irreversible indicator for measuring utensil surface temperature for high temperature dish machine. Instructed manager to provide. Priority foundation 7-38-005 citation issued

55. Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
- comments: observed floor drains in need of cleaning in bar and prep areas. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

Source: chicago.gov
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Report date: Mar 15, 2023
10. Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
- comments: observed no soap at two hand washing sinks in prep area. Instructed manager to provide soap at all hand washing sinks for proper hand washing. Priority foundation 7-38-030(c) citation issued

10. Adequate... See More handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
- comments: observed no hot water at hand washing snks in women washroom (44. 1f) and men washroom (43. 4f) instructed manager to provide 100-120f water at all hand washing sinks. Priority 7-38-030(c) citation issued

16. Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
- comments: observed low temperature dish machine in rear dish washing area not adequately sanitizing food equipment and utensils. Chemical ppm 0 instructed manager to repair and maintain 100 ppm. Dish machine is tagged held for inspection and must not be used until reinspected by chicago department of health. Priority 7-38-025 citation issued

36. Thermometers provided & accurate
- comments: observed no thermometer inside rear sliding door cooler. Instructed manager to provide.

37. Food properly labeled; original container
- comments: observed bulk containers not labeled in rear storage area. Instructed manager to label all bulk containers with common name of food.

38. Insects, rodents, & animals not present
- comments: observed 1/4' gap on rear exit door. Instructed manager to seal all outer openings on door to prevent pest entry.

39. Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
- comments: observed food items stored on floor inside prep, storage, walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer areas. Instructed manager to elevate all food items six inches off floor.

43. In-use utensils: properly stored
- comments: observed handles of ice scoop laying on ice in bar area. Instructed manager to store handles above ice to prevent contamination.

47. Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
- comments: observed raw wood surfaces on shelving units in dry food and liqupr storage areas. Instructed manager to seal all raw wood surfaces and maintainl.

47. Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
- comments: observed damaged gasket on upright reach-in cooler door in cooking area. Instructed manager to repair and maintain.

49. Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
- comments: observed residue on interior panel of ice machine in bar. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

51. Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
- comments: observed leaking drainpipe on hand washing sink in rear dish washing area. Instructed manager to repair.

55. Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
- comments: observed missing and stained ceiling tiles in front storage area. Instructed manager to replace and maintain.

56. Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
- comments: observed no mechanical ventilation in employee washorom. Instructed manager to provide.

60. Previous core violation corrected
- comments: previous core violations not corrected from report #2565858o n 10-25-22:10- missing handwash signage at handwash sinks in employees toilet room and customer male toilet room. Instd to obtain signage and maintain. 53-employee toilet room door not self closing (located in prep area). Instd to corrected and maintain. Missing covers on trash receptacles in employees and female customers toilet room. Instd to provide and maintain. Priority foundation 7-42-090 citation issued.

Source: chicago.gov
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Report date: Mar 14, 2023
16. Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
- comments: observed ice machine located in the rear food prep area with a build-up of pink slime substance, dripping onto ice cubes stored at below ice bin. Ice is used for human consumption. Instructed to... See More clean, sanitize and maintain. Priority foundation violation #7-38-005. Citation issued

37. Food properly labeled; original container
- comments: observed no label for bulk storage container (salt) located near the oven. Instructed person in charge of all bulk and working food ingredient containers must be labeled with the contents names.

39. Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
- comments: observed boxes of chips stored on the floor near the street entrance door. Instructed manager to properly store and protect food items from contamination while stored by elevating at least six inches from the floor on raised shelving units.

49. Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
- comments: observed food splash in the bottom interior of the mini refrigerator where the milk for coffee is stored. Instructed to clean and maintain.

56. Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
- comments: observed an accumulation of dirt/debris buildup on the toilet room exhaust ventilation in the women and men public/staff restrooms. Must detail clean and maintain

Source: chicago.gov
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