The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seized nearly 4 million dollars worth of adulterated milk products, over fears of contamination.
US marshals confiscated a number of 40 and 50-pound bags containing dry nonfat milk powder and buttermilk powder from Valley Milk Products LLC in Strasburg, Virginia.
An FDA inspection of Valley Milk between July and September 2016 found Salmonella within the firm’s plant and within its product samples.
Water dripping
FDA investigators discovered water dripping onto food manufacturing equipment and Salmonella on surfaces where pasteurised food came into contact. The FDA urged Valley Milk to recall products that may have been contaminated, although the firm refused.
The Salmonella strains found at the plant are almost identical to strains found at the company in 2010, 2011 and 2013, signifying a persistent strain of the bacteria at the facility.
Whole genome sequencing
The FDA linked the samples collected from the plant over the last 6 years by using a bacteria typing tool called whole genome sequencing (WGS). The technology can show the relationship between pathogens collected from contaminated food, environments and people. This technology is crucial in identifying an outbreak as quickly as possible and tracing it back to its original source.
Around one person in every thousand who is affected by Salmonella will die. The WGS technology would have had to have been processed through the FDA’s rigorous 510k premarket process, to ensure it is at least as safe and effective as other technologies on the market.
How long does it take to get a FDA 510k approved
To get vital technology like this to market as quickly as possible, accredited companies can handle the submission through a company like http://www.fdathirdpartyreview.com/. This can usually cut 100 days from the 510k premarket submission process.
No sign of illness
As yet, there has been no reported illness linked to Valley Milk products. The company has temporarily stopped producing dry powdered milk products and anyone who is concerned with an FDA-regulated product can report a problem to their district office consumer complaint coordinator.
If you or someone you know becomes ill from Salmonella poisoning, it’s advised that you drink plenty of fluids, take anti-diarrhea medication, eat plain food and get plenty of rest. If symptoms persist or get worse, then seek immediate medical attention.
