"Detention Without Physical Examination of Cheese Due to Microbiological Contamination"

*** Revision of this import alert dated 2/23/2012 updates the CHARGE section language to REMOVE Adulteration, Section 402(a)(4) for the OASIS charge code: MFR INSAN ***

Since the implementation of this alert in 1996, CFSAN continues to receive information, based on FDA sampling and analyses of imported cheese for microbiological contamination, about entries of cheese found to be violative due to the presence of Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, enterotoxigenic E. coli, enterohemorrhagic E. coli, Staphylococcal enterotoxin, E. coli and S. aureus.

The attachment to this alert includes manufacturers whose products have been found to contain either Salmonella, L. monocytogenes, enterhemorraghic E. coli (EHEC O157:H7) enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), Staphylococcal enterotoxin or excessive levels of E. coli or S. aureus.

Districts may detain without physical examination all cheese and cheese product(s) from the identified manufacturers on the attachment to this import alert. The violative microbiological findings of concern are referenced on the attachment to this alert.

The Division of Import Operations and Policy should coordinate concurrence with CFSAN *** if enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC O157:H7), enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), Staphylococcal enterotoxin, or excessive levels of E. coli and S. aureus are found. DIOP has direct reference authority for findings of Salmonella or L. monocytogenes. ***

For questions or issues concerning science, science policy, or analytical methodology, the Division of Field Science should be contacted at (301) 827-7605. Refer to the Domestic and Import Cheese and Cheese Product Compliance Program (7303.037) for guidance on product coverage, sample collection, sample preparation, and sample analysis.

ALL cheese and cheese product(s), except soft and soft ripened cheese from France (refer to Import Alert 12-03 for guidance).

For Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, enterohemorrhagic
E. coli (EHEC 0157:H7), enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC)
and Staphylococcal enterotoxin charge:

"The article is subject to refusal of admission pursuant to section 801(a)(3) in that it appears to be adulterated in that it appears to bear or contain Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC O157:H7), enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), or Staphylococcal enterotoxin, a poisonous or deleterious substance, which may render it injurious to health [Adulteration, Section 402(a)(1)]."

OASIS CHARGE CODES:
SALMONELLA
LISTERIA
BACTERIA

and/or

For S. aureus or E. coli charge:

"The article is subject to refusal of admission pursuant to Section 801(a)(3) in that it appears to be adulterated in that it appears that it has been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with filth, or whereby it may have been rendered injurious to health [Adulteration, Section 402(a)(4)]."

OASIS CHARGE CODE: INSANITARY

and

"The article is subject to refusal of admission pursuant to Section 801(a)(1) in that it appears to have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions."

OASIS CHARGE CODE: MFR INSAN

PROBLEM:
Salmonella
Listeria monocytogenes
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC)
Entertoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETE)
Staphylococcal Enterotoxin
Escherichia coli
Staphylococcus aureus