Update from FDA teleconference Posted
by Tim at 01/28/09 06:49 PM
Ironically, the background music while we were on hold for the call was a muzak version of "Desperado" by the Eagles -how appropriate!.
FDA has announced that PCA will now recall ALL peanut products (peanut butter, peanut pieces, peanut meal, granulated peanuts, peanut paste, etc.) produced since JANUARY 1, 2007!! So the voluntary recall is moving back from all material produced since July 1, 2008. So rather than recalling 6 months of production, they are recalling an extra 18 months. This could represent a large number of more products, although much of the material could have already been eaten
CDC: 501 people sick, 43 states + 1 case in Canada. 108 hospitalized (22%). 8 deaths all in people over 59 years old (1 case in OH, ID, NC; 2 cases in VA; 3 cases in MN). 50% of cases are in children under 10 years old
One clear question was repeated to FDA that they didn't really address. What laws--beyond violating GMP (good manufacturing practices)--have been broken and what actions can be taken against PCA? FDA's response was to basically waffle and say that they are continuing to investigate and look at their options. But it's not clear whether a violation of GMP can lead to jail time and/or fines. So, even though the plant knowingly shipped contaminated product that killed people, FDA simply says that they are investigating their options.
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