Author: Alicia Maroney
A salmonella outbreak linked to Aladdin Mediterranean Café in San Diego’s Clairemont neighborhood has resulted in at least 33 confirmed cases and eight hospitalizations, prompting legal action and a public health investigation. Outbreak Details and Health Impact San Diego County health officials reported that individuals who dined at Aladdin Mediterranean Café between April 25 and April 26, 2025, began exhibiting symptoms consistent with salmonella infection, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. The affected individuals range in age from 18 to 79 years old. As of May 7, 2025, the number of confirmed cases has risen to 33, with…
Fuel Up Right: Healthy Snacks for Athletes to Maximize Performance and Recovery Whether you’re a professional athlete, student competitor, or fitness enthusiast, what you eat between meals matters. Snacks aren’t just filler—they can play a crucial role in optimizing athletic performance, supporting recovery, and maintaining energy levels throughout the day. But not all snacks are created equal. Choosing the right ones can mean the difference between a sluggish workout and a strong finish. Why Snacks Matter for Athletes Athletes expend a significant amount of energy during training and competition. To sustain performance and promote muscle recovery, they require frequent, balanced…
Slow Cookers and Food Poisoning: Simmering Safety Concerns that Ensure Bacteria Like Salmonella or E. coli are Not Allowed to Grow Slow cookers, also known as crockpots, are a staple in many kitchens for their convenience and ability to transform simple ingredients into flavorful meals with minimal effort. With busy schedules and a desire for home-cooked food, slow cookers offer a solution that allows meals to cook while people are at work or asleep. However, when not used properly, these appliances can become a source of foodborne illness – such as Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria or other pathogens. Understanding the…
Understanding the Three Types of Foodborne Hazards: Biological, Chemical, and Physical Foodborne illnesses are a significant public health concern worldwide, with millions of cases reported annually. These illnesses are caused by consuming contaminated food and can result in mild discomfort or, in severe cases, hospitalization or death. Foodborne hazards are generally categorized into three main types: biological, chemical, and physical. Understanding each of these hazard types is essential for food handlers, producers, and consumers alike in order to maintain a safe food supply and prevent outbreaks. 1. Biological Hazards: The Most Common Culprit Biological hazards are microorganisms that contaminate food…
Is It Food Poisoning from a Restaurant? How to Identify the Signs and What to Do Next Food poisoning can be a miserable experience—sudden nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes fever that comes out of nowhere. But one of the most confusing aspects for many people is determining where exactly the illness came from. If you’ve recently eaten out, it’s natural to wonder if a restaurant meal was the culprit. Identifying whether your illness is the result of food poisoning from a restaurant involves recognizing symptoms, timing, patterns among other diners, and knowing how to report your case. Here’s…
Leftovers and Food Safety: How to Enjoy Them Without the Risk of Bacteria Like E. coli Leftovers are a convenient and economical way to make meals stretch further. Whether it’s yesterday’s lasagna, last night’s grilled chicken, or the extra servings from a holiday feast, properly handling and storing leftovers is crucial to avoiding foodborne illness. While many people take for granted that refrigerated food is safe, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that millions of food poisoning cases each year are linked to improper food storage and handling—leftovers included. Why Leftovers Can Be Risky Leftovers can become…
Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Aladdin Mediterranean Café in San Diego In April 2025, San Diego County health officials investigated a salmonella outbreak linked to a local restaurant, resulting in at least 14 confirmed illnesses and five hospitalizations. The outbreak highlighted ongoing concerns about food safety in the region. Outbreak Details The affected individuals reported dining at Aladdin Mediterranean Café between April 25 and April 26, 2025. Upon notification of the outbreak, the restaurant voluntarily closed to facilitate the investigation by the County’s Environmental Health and Quality Department and Public Health Services. This closure allowed health officials to conduct thorough inspections,…
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans: A Blueprint for Better Health The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) are the cornerstone of federal nutrition policy and education in the United States. Jointly issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) every five years, these guidelines provide science-based advice on what to eat and drink to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic disease, and meet nutrient needs. The most recent edition, the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines, represents the ninth edition and reflects the latest evidence on nutrition and public health. A Lifespan Approach For…
Foodborne Illnesses in Children Under Five: A Global Health Challenge Foodborne illnesses pose a significant threat to global health, particularly among children under the age of five. Despite comprising only 9% of the global population, this age group accounts for approximately 30% of deaths from foodborne diseases, highlighting a disproportionate vulnerability. The Global Burden According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 600 million people worldwide fall ill due to contaminated food each year, resulting in 420,000 deaths. Of these, 125,000 deaths occur in children under five, underscoring the severe impact on this demographic. These illnesses are largely preventable,…
Boar’s Head $3.1 Million Listeria Settlement: Approaching Deadline to File a Claim In 2024, Boar’s Head Provisions Co. faced a significant public health crisis when its Jarratt, Virginia, facility was linked to a deadly listeria outbreak. The incident led to a massive recall of deli meats and culminated in a $3.1 million class-action settlement – as well as the settlement of various other Boar’s Head personal injury cases, including at least one wrongful death case. The Listeria Outbreak and Recall In July 2024, Boar’s Head initiated a voluntary recall of over 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products…