Food Industry Regulatory Update December 18, 2024

December 18, 2024

In This Week’s Edition:

FDA Issues Letter on Lead in Cookware
FNS Publishes Final SNAP Work Requirement Rule
TTB Establishes American Single Malt Whiskey Standard
Food Additive Petition Filed on UV Treatment of Whey Products
Mandarins/Satsumas Import Quota Opening
Olives Import Quota Opening
APHIS Declares Country Freedom from Three Important Molluscan Pathogens
FDA CORE Outbreak Investigation Status Update
FSIS Updates Lists of Foreign Establishments Eligible to Export to U.S.
FDA Import Alerts
FDA Warning Letters

FDA Issues Letter on Lead in Cookware

FDA issued a letter to retailers and distributors of cookware products to inform them that certain imported cookware products made from aluminum, brass, and aluminum alloys known as Hindalium/Hindolium or Indalium/Indolium, demonstrate the potential to leach lead into food and that this cookware should not be distributed or sold in the U.S. market.

FNS Publishes Final SNAP Work Requirement Rule Amendments

The rule adds language about assisting low-income adults in obtaining employment and increasing their earnings to the program purpose; update and define exceptions from the ABAWD time limit; and adjust the number of discretionary exemptions available to State agencies each year. The rule also clarifies procedures for when State agencies must screen for exceptions to the time limit and verification requirements for exceptions.

TTB Establishes American Single Malt Whiskey Standard

The final rule amends the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regulations that set forth the standards of identity for distilled spirits to include “American single malt whisky” as a type of whisky that is produced in the United States and meets certain criteria.

Food Additive Petition Filed on UV Treatment of Whey Products

FDA is announcing that they have filed a petition, submitted by Leprino Nutrition, proposing that the food additive regulations be amended to provide for the safe use of ultraviolet light for the reduction of microorganisms in whey products.

Mandarins/Satsumas Import Quota Opening

Quota Bulletin QB 25-219 2025 Mandarins/Satsumas has been published here. The quota is opening on January 2, 2025.

Olives Quota Import Quota Opening

Quota Bulletin QB 25-220 2025 Olives has been published here. The quota is opening on January 2, 2025.

APHIS Declares Country Freedom from Three Important Molluscan Pathogens

Effective December 5, 2024, the United States is officially declared free from three important molluscan pathogens: Marteilia refringens, Marteilioides chungmuensis, and Perkinsus olseni. These pathogens are listed by APHIS VS National List of Reportable Animal Diseases and are immediately reportable to APHIS VS.

FDA CORE Outbreak Investigation Status Update

This week’s updates are:

A new outbreak of E. coli O145:H28 (ref #1282) linked to a not yet identified product has been added to the table. FDA has initiated traceback.
The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating illnesses in a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 (ref #1280) infections linked to an iceberg and romaine lettuce blend served at catering events, restaurants, and a school. Based on epidemiological information collected by CDC, a total of 75 people infected with the same strain of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported from 12 states. FDA’s traceback investigation has identified an iceberg and romaine lettuce blend from a common supplier as the source of this outbreak; however, impacted product identified to date appears to be past shelf life and no longer on the market. FDA is continuing to work with the supplier to determine if any additional product could be impacted. At this time, there does not appear to be any ongoing risk to public health and there is no recommendation for consumers to avoid iceberg or romaine lettuce. FDA has initiated an inspection. FDA’s investigation is ongoing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
For the outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium (ref #1277) linked to imported American or Slicer type cucumbers, additional recalls have been added to the FDA advisory. FDA has initiated on onsite inspection.
For the outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 (ref #1269) linked to a not yet identified product, the outbreak has ended.
The outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref #1268) has ended and FDA’s investigation is closed. On October 4, 2024, a recall was issued for a variety of sprouts. At the time of the recall announcement, there were no known illnesses associated with the recalled products. Listeria monocytogenes has a longer incubation period, meaning that it can take several weeks between when a person eats a contaminated food and when symptoms develop. When FDA and CDC began investigating illnesses, recalled product was already well past shelf life. FDA, CDC, and state and local partners were later able to determine through epidemiologic, traceback, and laboratory data that illnesses in this outbreak were likely caused by recalled product. There is currently no ongoing risk to consumers.
For the outbreak of Salmonella Thompson (ref #1262) linked to a not identified product, the outbreak has ended and FDA’s investigation is closed.