Author: Alicia Maroney
On August 14, 2025, Fromi USA, based in New York, issued a voluntary recall of its Brie Royal Faucon 1 kg cheese due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall came after the company was notified by its foreign supplier that some products may be tainted. What’s Being Recalled: No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall in the U.S. Understanding Why Listeria Matters Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria of significant concern in cheese recalls, especially soft cheeses like Brie, because it can survive refrigeration and grow slowly even in cold conditions. Although healthy individuals may experience mild symptoms such as fever,…
We often turn to creams, serums, and treatments to improve our skin, but true radiance begins in the kitchen. The foods you eat supply the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your skin needs to repair itself, stay hydrated, and fight off damage. A diet rich in skin-boosting nutrients can help reduce premature aging, calm inflammation, and give your complexion a natural glow. Here’s a look at some of the healthiest foods for your skin and why they make such a difference. Fatty Fish for Omega-3s Salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which play a key role in…
When natural disasters strike, whether hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, or wildfires, communities often face more than physical damage. One of the most immediate and pressing concerns is food safety. With power outages, damaged water systems, and disrupted supply chains, the infrastructure that normally keeps food safe may be compromised. In these situations, disaster relief meals become a lifeline for affected populations. However, without careful handling, these meals can introduce additional risks of foodborne illness, compounding an already dire situation. Why Food Safety Is Compromised in Disasters Under normal circumstances, food safety is supported by electricity, clean water, functional kitchens, and proper…
Nursing homes play a vital role in caring for some of the most vulnerable members of society. Many residents are elderly, frail, or managing chronic illnesses that weaken their immune systems. For this population, food safety is not just a matter of comfort but of survival. A foodborne illness that might only cause a few days of discomfort in a healthy adult can lead to hospitalization, long-term complications, or even death in a nursing home resident. Protecting these individuals requires stringent food safety practices, careful planning, and constant vigilance. Why Food Safety Matters More in Nursing Homes Older adults face…
Recalls have been issued in both the United States and Canada for camembert and products containing camembert due to possible Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) contamination remains ongoing. Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Wegmans Food Markets, Inc., based in Rochester, New York and D. Tyers Foods International Inc., based in Oakville, Ontario issued the recalls in the United and Canada, respectively. Background The Wegmans recall was initiated after their supplier notified the company that three shipments from their…
In early August 2025, Canadian authorities issued a serious recall affecting certain Andalos brand pastries due to possible Salmonella contamination. The move came amid a broader outbreak linked to pistachios and pistachio-containing products, which have been tied to dozens of illnesses across the country. The Recall at a Glance On August 7, 2025, Boulangerie Andalos Inc., the manufacturer of Andalos pastries, initiated a recall after the Public Health Agency of Canada traced a spate of Salmonella cases to pistachio-based baked goods. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) subsequently issued an official recall notice targeting multiple Andalos-branded products, as well as similar…
For most healthy people, a mild case of foodborne illness can mean a few uncomfortable days of stomach upset. But for individuals with weakened immune systems, the consequences can be far more serious, sometimes even life-threatening. Immunocompromised individuals must take extra precautions with the food they consume because their bodies are less able to fight off infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites in contaminated food. Whether the weakened immunity is due to a medical condition, medication, or age, understanding the unique food safety risks and implementing stronger protective measures is critical to staying healthy. Why Immunocompromised Individuals Are at…
Food safety is a critical public health issue, yet people’s fears about which foods pose the greatest risks often don’t match the reality. Certain foods get a bad reputation, while others fly under the radar despite being more commonly linked to foodborne illnesses. Understanding the difference between risk perception and actual risk is key to making safer food choices and reducing the chance of getting sick. The Gap Between Perception and Reality Foodborne illness affects millions annually worldwide, and the media, social narratives, and personal experiences shape public attitudes about food safety risks. However, what people fear and what actually…
Frozen foods have become a cornerstone of modern kitchens worldwide, prized for their convenience, extended shelf life, and ability to preserve taste and nutrition. However, despite their popularity, there remain some persistent misconceptions about the safety of frozen foods. One of the most critical misunderstandings is the belief that freezing food kills harmful pathogens. This misconception can lead to unsafe food handling practices and increase the risk of foodborne illness. In this article, we will explore why freezing is not a kill step for pathogens and discuss the implications for food safety. Understanding Freezing and Its Effects on Microorganisms Freezing…
When people think of foodborne illness, names like Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, and Listeria monocytogenes often come to mind. These pathogens have been the focus of public health campaigns, industry safety measures, and media headlines for decades. However, a quieter shift is taking place in the world of food safety, one that involves lesser-known bacteria, viruses, and parasites emerging as significant contributors to outbreaks and recalls. Why Novel Pathogens Are Gaining Attention Advances in genomic sequencing, epidemiology, and food testing technology have dramatically improved our ability to detect pathogens. As a result, foodborne illness outbreaks once attributed to “unknown causes”…