Odwalla Crisis

The objective of this case is to understand the importance of crisis management. This case is intended to make the reader consider not only financial implications at the time of the event but the effects on the long term strategies of the organization. Also, the case urges participants to think about the consequences not only on the customer but on those within the organization as well.

In Aug 2012, a Toronto Maple Leaf Foods (“the Company”) plant was confirmed as being involved in the outbreak of the food-borne illness, caused by the bacterium Listeria. A day later, Maple Leaf upgraded a precautionary recall of 23 of its products in previous week to all 220 packaged meats from the plant at the Bartor’s Road, which has been shut down. The company has estimated the recall will directly cost it at least $20 million, with further costs expected due to lost sales and reputation damage. Since the outbreak of Listeria bacterium, 22 people died and there were 57 total confirmed cases of illness caused by Listeria 1. Although the Listeria outbreak was described by the Company’s CEO as “the

Initially, the outbreak and recall was set for bagged spinach on September 14th, but the very next day the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalled all spinach, both bagged and fresh. The outbreak was due to a suspected E. coli O157:H7. Because of the outbreak, 200 people were reported to the CDC from 26 states as having been infected with that particular outbreak strain; more than 100 of those cases were hospitalized, and 31 of them developed a form of kidney failure, which resulted in the deaths of three people. So why is a breakout that may only have affected 200 people so important and relevant to everyone? It’s important to make sure that our food is edible and not contaminated because in this situation with spinach—according to data collected through surveys— nearly half (48%) of Americans reported that they ate fresh spinach before the recall and did so frequently. There was no complete resolution on the exact cause of E. Coli on spinach, but it was believed to be from samples taken from a stream and from feces of cattle and wild pigs present on ranches, due to a genetic match from those who were infected. For some consumers, the spinach recall may be a type of “signal event” indicating a wider problem that they do not yet see as having been solved. Although spinach is something that is generally looked at as “healthy” to its consumers, it is apparent that there is still a problem with the safety and health concerning fresh produce for the public. This occurrence in 2006 was a turning point for many, realizing that even what should be our freshest food can be contaminated, and that more effort needs to be taken in order to protect the public from

A) Heat is an effective means of sterilization because it destroys the proteins of microbial

Escherichia coli O157:H7 causes 73,000 illnesses in the United States annually. A review of E. coli O157 outbreaks reported to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to better understand its epidemiology. E. coli O157 outbreaks revealed that in that period, 49 states reported 350 outbreaks, representing 8,598 cases, 1,493 (17%) hospitalizations, 354 (4%) hemolytic uremic syndrome cases, and 40 (0.5%) deaths. Clinical laboratories began examining more stool specimens for E. coli O157. In 1994, E. coli O157 became a nationally notifiable infection, and by 2000, reporting was mandatory in 48 states. Escherichia coli O157:H7 was first recognized as a pathogen in 1982 during an outbreak investigation of hemorrhagic colitis.

Things that are used commonly by students and staff should be routinely disinfected to ensure the health and safety of the people using the provided materials. Bacteria is related to disease (American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1885) Previous studies on the surface of a high school telephone showed that the phones had an uncountable number of bacteria colonies (Yalowitz, 2003). We know that surfaces used by the public often become contaminated because of the bacteria on peoples hands. A study on the bacteria on peoples hands showed that 28% of people have fecal matter on their hands (Judah, 2010). A study done on the contamination on public doorknobs showed that over 86.7% were contaminated (Nworie, 2012). This experiment was to show us how much bacteria is on the surface of the things we use

¬¬¬¬In an article published on the 25th anniversary of the Oka Crisis by the CBC titled “Oka Crisis Deepened understanding of land claims in Canada” the event is describes as having changed the dialogue between First Nations and government on the topic of land claims, yet is not necessarily a shining moment in Canadian history. The writing starts by mentioning the standoff and its quick escalation, without mentioning any historical events surrounding this same land. The plan of the town to build its new golf course is mentioned as if it were the first time the burial grounds were threatened and land claim was made. This article chooses not to align itself with the Canadian government and gives indigenous perspective through interviews with Mohawk who experienced the event themselves. This however is 25 years after the conflict, I would be surprised if the same tone would be taken in 1990. The Mohawk are described as having “rose up in defense of what they said was their land”, which is

As Schlosser proves with his alluring facts, E. Coli is one of the most popular infections to be recognized throughout the nation. With his in-depth research, he provides the stories of the average everyday American who has been infected or passed away with such a horrid disease. Furthermore, Ingrid Abboud, from nittygriddy.com states, “Studies revealed 50% of fountain drink dispensers were found to be contaminated with fecal bacteria”.

When streaking bacteria and handling mannitol and xylitol solutions, the experimenter wore an apron, nitrile gloves on both hands and plastic protective goggles. After each set of plates were prepared, the experimenter removed the gloves from both hands without skin contact and thoroughly washed their hands for approximately 20 seconds with soap and warm water. Throughout the entire experiment the experimenter was cautious also to avoid contacting bacteria with eyes, mouth, or open wound.

safety was an E. coli outbreak in 2007. The Topps Meat Company of Elizabeth, New Jersey,

A report done by the CDC indicates that within the year of 2013, there have been two reported cases of E. coli. In one case, and investigation done by local, state and federal officials revealed that two consumptions of ready to eat salads produced by Glass Onion Catering and sold at Trader Joe’s had a total of 33 people infected with an outbreak strain of STEC O157:H7. Of the 33 there was 1 person in Arizona, 28 in California, 1 in Texas and 3 in

Every day as American's go about their lives, most do so with out the cumbersome worry of their food safety. It is because of the Food and Drug Administration that we are able to enjoy such a freedom that many around the world are lacking. Unfortunately, the FDA is ill equipped to meet the needs of a market that is continually expanding. The 400 inspectors that the FDA currently employs are unable to keep up in a market that has doubled in the last decade. Despite new discoveries in food preservation, the FDA simply cannot keep stride with the daunting task of assuring public food safety. Armed with this knowledge, companies are finding that they can simply disregard governmental regulations, as the odds are

coli, another undisclosed truth comes to light in this documentary. To get rid of the E. coli, our meat products are thoroughly cleansed with ammonia. Ammonia is a chemical that most Americans recognize as a household cleaning item, and now this chemical is in our meat. We are being secretly exposed to this chemical and it is not even guaranteed to work 100% of the time. However, this is not the only chemical used in our food. When eating an out of season fruit, Americans run the risk of eating a fruit that is artificially ripened. Since tomatoes cannot grow in America in the winter, they are picked while green from overseas. Once they arrive in America and are ready to go to market, they are ripened with ethylene gas. Ethylene gas “contains traces of arsenic and phosphorus hydride” (Siddiqui). These traces can cause chronic health defects such as “vomiting, diarrhea with or without blood, burning sensation of the chest and abdomen, thirst, weakness, permanent eye damage, etc.” (Siddiqui). As we can see, the major food companies hide very serious issues from the public, because if they knew the truth, many consumers would be appalled and possibly stop buying their products.

Zaremba (2010) points out that “crisis is any unanticipated event, incident, situation, or development that has the potential to damage or destroy your organization’s reputation”. (P.234) This definition indicates two attributes of crisis: unexpectedness and destructiveness, so effective communication is crucial to manage a crisis. The Nuance Group, a successful management consulting company, with a reputation of experienced and highly educated consultants, was facing the crisis brought by its great “reputation”. As a consultancy, it’s their profession to market themselves. A glossy brochure with specific introduction of consultants’ information, which is the highlight of the company’s reputation, is a fabulous method to market

Prior to the cantaloupe outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes, there were no previous incidents with Jensen Farms foods. On September 8th, the CDPHE; and on September 9th, 2011, the FDA collected and tested samples from grocery stores where the ill people reported buying cantaloupe, after the first incident on September 2nd (CDC 2012b). The FDA found that 9 of 10 cantaloupes tested positive for L. monocytogenes (FDA 2012). Then on the 10th of September, the CDPHE and the FDA visited Jensen Farms to test the production facility (CDC 2012b). 39 samples were taken from various points across the production line including conveyer belts and packing sheds, and 13 tested positive (FDA 2012). No positive tests were found in the field, on in the facility