This month I have done an informal evaluation on social media platforms to gather food safety highlights from 2023. In the spirit of full disclosure, this was not at all science-based in terms of data collection, so there are certainly different opinions out there and gaps. This is the beauty of the blog … share your comments and personal highlights to round out the list. Here goes…

1. Outbreaks

A few large outbreaks are important to note this year. From an isolated Salmonella outbreak in Kentucky to two multistate outbreaks linked to cantaloupes and onions, and even a large outbreak associated with pet turtles, Salmonella continues to cause multiple foodborne illnesses in the US. A scan of 2023 outbreaks from the CDC noted one ground beef outbreak associated with Salmonella. Most of the others were associated with fruits and vegetables and included Listeria monocytogenes (LM) and even Hepatitis as causative agents. Fortunately, there were no “massive” outbreaks reported this year, but even one illness is too many.

2. FSIS Recalls

Scanning the list of FSIS recalls, the dominant causes were undeclared allergens/misbranding and food produced without the benefit of inspection. RTE products recalled for LM contamination are also listed as well as several recalls for foreign materials. There were a handful of small recalls due to STEC contamination in beef products. FSIS always publishes trends, and it will be interesting to see this year. From my perspective, it seems that LM is on the rise again and maybe we have slacked off a bit on this and should watch it in 2024.

3. Leadership Changes

My good friend, Frank Yiannis, left FDA as Deputy Commissioner of Food Policy and Response. FDA restructured and hired James “Jim” Jones as the first FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods for what they call a “Unified Human Foods Program." The success of this reorganization and new position has yet to be determined, but I hope that having someone at the helm with genuine authority will help the group re-organize and make better decisions. I have been vocal about the need for unification in food safety regulatory agencies in the US, and maybe this will help. Again, we will see what unfolds in 2024.

4. Policy Changes

a. FDA Traceability

The FDA published a new Traceability Rule in late 2022. It has extensive recordkeeping requirements. Companies must record "key data elements" (KDEs) for certain "critical tracking events" (CTEs) records must be linked into a "traceability lot code" (TLC) and companies must maintain "traceability plans." Enforcement begins in 2027, but the industry is scrambling to interpret the final rule and implement plans. This is all a part of the Food Safety Modernization Act.

b. FSIS Salmonella framework

I’ve written and spoken extensively about this and will not add anything new, except that I hope and pray that the science will dominate and win in the details of this framework for the sake of pubic health. The framework has many good elements, but there are too many holes to make a genuine impact as it sits now. We don’t need another policy (or framework) that simply panders to the loudest voices. We need something that makes a difference in illnesses.

There are a handful of other items to note, such as state laws passed as “food freedom laws” and media events that have attacked and undermined the food industry. I am watching the pork industry and the “worker safety”/line speed issues as well and will see how this plays out in the months to come. This list is fortunately not alarming, and we can hope that in 2024 we continue to do better and to prevent foodborne illnesses. There is always room to improve and room for innovation and implementation of new technologies in this industry to keep our food supply safe and to prevent illnesses.

It has been a pleasure blogging with you in 2023, and I look forward to continued blogging adventures in 2024. Wishing you, your family and your businesses a wonderful and happy holiday season and a blessed and wonderful New Year!

2023 Food Safety Highlights

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