Jeff Webster, Author at Safe Food For Thought

April 6, 2025August 31, 2025

Organic vs Certified Organic: CPFMs Get The Shocking Truth You Need To Know

As a certified food protection manager in Minnesota, you are the frontline defense for public health and your establishment’s reputation. With consumer demand for organic products on the rise, it’s essential to understand the critical regulatory difference between products labeled as “organic” versus those that are “certified organic.” This distinction directly impacts your operational compliance, labeling accuracy, and the trust your customers place in you.

The Ambiguity of "Organic" Claims

In contrast, the term “Certified Organic” is a legally protected claim. Products bearing this label have undergone a rigorous verification process to ensure they comply with the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) standards. Consumers highly trusted the USDA Organic seal, making it a valuable asset for their food businesses.

Rigorous Third-Party Verification: Achieving certification is a complex and rigorous process. It involves detailed documentation of all farming practices, regular on-site inspections by an accredited agent, soil and water testing, and a clear chain of custody to prevent cross-contamination.
Guaranteed Standards: The USDA Organic seal guarantees that the food was produced without prohibited substances, including most synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. It is a clear and enforceable standard that you can rely on.
Enhanced Consumer Trust: Displaying the USDA Organic seal shows your commitment to transparency and quality. It helps you build a trusted reputation with your customers, which is a critical component of a successful food business.

Why "Certified Organic" Matters for a Certified Food Protection Manager

Organic vs. Certified Organic-3-Organic vs. Certified Organic — Organic vs. Certified Organis: What you need to know.

Rigorous Third-Party Verification: Achieving certification is a complex and rigorous process. It involves detailed documentation of all farming practices, regular on-site inspections by an accredited agent, soil and water testing, and a clear chain of custody to prevent cross-contamination.
Guaranteed Standards: The USDA Organic seal guarantees that the food was produced without prohibited substances, including most synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. It is a clear and enforceable standard that you can rely on.
Enhanced Consumer Trust: Displaying the USDA Organic seal shows your commitment to transparency and quality. It helps you build a trusted reputation with your customers, which is a critical component of a successful food business.

Best Practices for Handling Organic Products in Your Operation

Incorporating certified organic products requires more than just purchasing them; it demands specific handling procedures to maintain their integrity throughout your operation. As a food manager, implementing clear protocols is crucial to ensuring compliance and delivering on the promises made on your menu.

Verify at Receiving: Train your staff to do more than just check for quantity and temperature upon delivery. They must learn to identify the USDA Organic seal or other recognized certification marks on packaging and cross-reference them with invoices. Do not accept a supplier’s verbal claim alone.
Prevent Cross-Contact: Maintaining organic integrity is like managing allergens. Implement procedures for separate storage, preparation surfaces, and utensils for certified organic ingredients to prevent contact with conventional foods.
Ensure Accurate Labeling and Training: If you label a menu item as “certified organic,” every ingredient within that item must meet the standard. Train your team on these handling requirements to ensure they understand the importance of maintaining organic integrity from the stockroom to the customer’s plate.

Understanding these distinctions is essential for any certified food protection manager seeking to ensure regulatory compliance and establish a brand centered on trust. Protecting your customers and your reputation starts with expert knowledge. Ensure you and your team are prepared to meet Minnesota’s food safety standards by enrolling in our personalized, instructor-led certified food protection manager course.

Contact Safe Food Handling Minnesota today to schedule training for your team.

March 23, 2025March 21, 2025

Recent Surge in Foodborne Illness Outbreaks: A 6-Month Snapshot

In the past six months, the United States has witnessed a troubling increase in foodborne illness outbreaks, raising significant concerns for public health and safety. Understanding these outbreaks is essential for both consumers and food protection managers as they navigate the complexities of food safety.

Notable Foodborne Illness Outbreaks

Recent Surge in Foodborne Illness Outbreaks — *Image credit: andreypopov via 123rf*

Notable outbreaks have emerged, highlighting the severity of the situation. One significant incident involved a listeria outbreak linked to frozen supplemental shakes served in hospitals and nursing homes, resulting in 12 deaths and 38 infections across 21 states. This outbreak prompted a recall of Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes manufactured by Prairie Farms Dairy, emphasizing the need for vigilance in food sourcing and distribution.

Another alarming recall involved over 7 million pounds of deli meats and poultry items from Boar’s Head due to a multistate listeria outbreak. The Maryland Department of Health detected the outbreak strain in a liverwurst sample, underscoring the critical importance of rigorous testing and monitoring in food production.

Additionally, a Salmonella outbreak linked to raw milk products from Raw Farm LLC in Fresno, California, has sickened at least 165 individuals since 2023, extending into 2024. These incidents illustrate the diverse sources of foodborne illnesses and the need for heightened awareness among consumers and producers alike.

Huge Increase in Illnesses

Statistical data reveals a 25% increase in foodborne illnesses in 2024 compared to the previous year, with 1,392 reported cases. Hospitalizations more than doubled, rising from 230 to 487, and deaths increased from 8 to 19. Alarmingly, 98% of these illnesses stemmed from just 13 foodborne illnesses outbreaks, primarily involving Listeria, Salmonella, or E. coli.

Several factors may contribute to this surge in outbreaks, including infrastructural issues, regulatory gaps, and oversight challenges. Inadequate resources and enforcement have delayed responses to contamination incidents, highlighting the need for systemic improvements in food safety regulations.

To mitigate risks, consumers are advised to stay informed about recalls and practice safe food handling and preparation. Food producers should implement stringent safety protocols and regular inspections to ensure compliance with food safety standards. Moreover, there is a pressing need for enhanced regulatory measures and increased funding for food safety oversight agencies to prevent future outbreaks.

In conclusion, the recent surge in foodborne illness outbreaks underscores the importance of vigilance from both consumers and producers in ensuring food safety. Addressing systemic issues in food safety regulations and infrastructure is crucial to mitigating the risk of future outbreaks, ultimately protecting public health and fostering consumer trust in the food supply.

March 17, 2025April 28, 2025

Shocking Truth: Is Your Food Really Safe from COVID-19 Contamination?

As food safety managers, you play a critical role in both implementing proper safety protocols and communicating accurate information to staff and consumers. A common question since the emergence of COVID-19 has been whether the virus can be transmitted through food consumption. Let’s address this concern with current scientific evidence about COVID-19 contamination in food.

COVID-19 Contamination and Food: The Current Evidence

According to the CDC, FDA, WHO, and other leading health authorities, there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through food consumption. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, primarily spreads through:

Respiratory droplets when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or talk
Close person-to-person contact
Contact with contaminated surfaces followed by touching the eyes, nose, or mouth

Unlike foodborne pathogens such as Listeria or E. coli, SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory virus that requires host cells in the respiratory system to replicate. Even if the virus were present on food, it would need to survive:

The acidic environment of the stomach
Digestive enzymes throughout the gastrointestinal tract

Both conditions significantly reduce viral viability, making food consumption an extremely unlikely transmission route.

Food Packaging Considerations for COVID-19 Contamination

While the virus may potentially survive on packaging surfaces for short periods, the risk of transmission via food packaging is considered very low. Standard food safety cleaning and sanitizing procedures effectively eliminate the virus from surfaces.

Focus Areas for Food Safety Managers

Rather than concerning yourself with the unlikely transmission through food itself, focus on:

Worker Health Screening: Implement consistent protocols to ensure food handlers with COVID-19 symptoms or exposure are excluded from the workplace
Respiratory Hygiene: Ensure proper mask wearing according to current local guidelines
Enhanced Handwashing: Reinforce the importance of thorough and frequent handwashing
Surface Sanitization: Maintain rigorous cleaning schedules for high-touch surfaces in your facility
Social Distancing: Configure workstations to maximize distance between employees where possible

Communication Approach

When addressing staff or customer concerns:

Provide clear, science-based information
Emphasize that standard food safety protocols remain effective
Highlight the additional measures your facility has implemented
Direct them to credible sources like the FDA or CDC for further information

By focusing on these established risk mitigation strategies, food safety managers can effectively protect both staff and consumers while maintaining confidence in the safety of the food supply chain.

March 17, 2025March 21, 2025

Boar’s Head Listeria Crisis: Urgent Recall, Lawsuit Surge, and Factory Shutdown

The recent listeria crisis linked to Boar’s Head products has raised significant concerns within the food safety community, particularly for food protection managers. This outbreak impacted public health. It highlighted the critical importance of stringent food safety protocols in food production facilities.

Listeria Crisis Timeline

The timeline of the outbreak began in mid-2024, when health officials identified a cluster of listeria cases. By the end of the year, reports indicated that 61 individuals had fallen ill. Ten fatalities were attributed to contaminated deli meats. Investigations traced the source of the outbreak to Boar’s Head’s facility in Jarratt, Virginia. The plant was found to have inadequate sanitation practices contributing to the contamination.

Huge Boar’s Head Recall

Boar’s Head initiated a massive recall of over 7 million pounds of deli meats, including liverwurst, ham, salami, and bologna in response to the outbreak. The Jarratt plant has since been permanently closed. The company announced the discontinuation of liverwurst production altogether. To restore consumer confidence, Boar’s Head has implemented enhanced food safety measures. They also appointed a new chief food safety officer to oversee these initiatives.

Legal Implications of the Listeria Crisis

Legal repercussions have followed the outbreak, with numerous lawsuits filed by affected consumers and the families of victims. Notably, a $20 million wrongful death lawsuit was filed by Kathleen Hamilton, whose family member succumbed to listeria after consuming the contaminated products. Class-action lawsuits are also underway. This highlights the ongoing legal challenges Boar’s Head faces as it navigates the fallout from this crisis.

The USDA’s investigation revealed prior health violations at the Jarratt plant, raising questions about the effectiveness of regulatory oversight and enforcement actions. This incident underscores the need for a thorough examination of food safety regulations and practices. It also shows the importance of maintaining consumer trust in food products.

As of now, Boar’s Head continues to address the implications of the listeria crisis while working to ensure that such incidents do not recur. For food protection managers, this serves as a critical reminder of the importance of rigorous food safety practices. It underlines the need to stay informed about potential recalls and safety measures. By prioritizing food safety, we can protect public health and foster consumer confidence in our food supply.