Author: Kit Redwine

Federal health authorities have concluded an investigation into a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to contaminated soft cheeses, including requesón and ricotta-style products, that resulted in 15 illnesses across four states, 14 hospitalizations, and one death. The outbreak, which spanned more than three years from 2023 to 2026, stresses the persistent risks associated with soft cheeses and the challenges of identifying contaminated products in a complex distribution network. Outbreak Overview As of June 24, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had reported a total of 12 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes across four states: Illinois,…

Federal health authorities are investigating a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and Salmonella infections linked to alfalfa sprouts distributed by Everything Sprouts, LLC of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The outbreak, which has sickened at least 55 people across 15 states, involves multiple pathogens simultaneously, an occurrence that has complicated the investigation and raised questions about contamination pathways in sprout production. Outbreak Scope and Case Counts As of August 21, 2026, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported a total of 55 confirmed cases across 15 states. The affected states include Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New…

Federal health authorities are investigating a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and Salmonella infections linked to alfalfa sprouts distributed by Everything Sprouts, LLC of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The outbreak, which has sickened at least 55 people across 15 states, involves multiple pathogens simultaneously, an occurrence that has complicated the investigation and raised questions about contamination pathways in sprout production. Outbreak Scope and Case Counts As of August 21, 2026, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported a total of 55 confirmed cases across 15 states. The affected states include Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New…

Federal and state health authorities are continuing to investigate the largest known outbreak of cyclosporiasis in U.S. history, which has now expanded to 15 states and involves more than 22,000 confirmed and suspected cases. The outbreak, linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico, has resulted in the first two confirmed deaths ever recorded in a U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak. Public health officials are urging consumers, restaurants, and retailers to remain alert as the investigation continues and additional cases are expected to be reported. Outbreak Scope and Case Counts As of August 4,…

The July 2026 recall of nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs due to Salmonella Enteritidis contamination is the latest in a decades-long pattern of outbreaks linked to shell eggs. As of late July, 98 people across 17 states have been sickened, with 26 hospitalized, in an outbreak that investigators have traced, at least in part, to Midwest Poultry Services. The recall, affecting eggs sold under multiple brand names including Kroger and Brookshire’s, underscores a persistent food safety challenge. Unlike other forms of Salmonella that typically contaminate the exterior of eggs through contact with feces, Salmonella Enteritidis can infect the ovaries of…

The summer of 2026 has brought the largest outbreak of cyclosporiasis in U.S. history. As of this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had received reports of 4,173 confirmed domestic cases, with more than 2,500 additional cases requiring further analysis. At least 308 people have been hospitalized, and the true number of illnesses is likely much higher, as cyclosporiasis is often underdiagnosed and underreported. The source, investigators believe, is shredded iceberg lettuce from a single supplier in Mexico, Taylor Farms de Mexico, served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. This outbreak…

The practice of saving leftovers is nearly universal. Across cultures and households, the ritual of packing away extra food after a meal is driven by thrift, convenience, and a simple desire not to waste. A hearty stew, a pasta dish, or a portion of roasted chicken can provide a delicious and effortless meal the next day. However, this common practice carries risks that are often underestimated. The science of food safety reveals a complex relationship between time, temperature, and the microorganisms that can transform a comforting meal into a source of foodborne illness. Understanding why some leftovers reheat safely while…

The summer of 2026 has brought a familiar but no less urgent challenge to public health officials across the United States: a diverse array of foodborne illness outbreaks, each with its own pathogen, its own implicated food, and its own set of victims. As of early July, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is actively coordinating between 17 and 36 investigations of multistate foodborne illnesses each week, involving pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli. While not all of these investigations result in public outbreak notices, a significant number have advanced to the point where consumers are…

On June 30, 2026, members of the Shinnecock Nation on Long Island’s East End gathered for a funeral meal, a traditional community event meant to honor a departed member and provide comfort to the bereaved. Within days, dozens of attendees began experiencing severe gastrointestinal distress. By July 13, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital had treated at least 58 patients with symptoms consistent with salmonellosis, with the number of those affected eventually rising to 62. One person remained hospitalized, and reports say that as many as 100 community members may have been sickened. The outbreak is described as being “isolated” to the…

A multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, has sickened at least 145 people across 17 states as of mid-June 2026, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The parasite, which is transmitted through contaminated fresh produce, causes frequent, watery diarrhea that can persist for weeks and often relapses if untreated. Unlike many foodborne pathogens, Cyclospora is not transmitted person-to-person; infection requires consumption of food or water contaminated with mature oocysts. The source of the 2026 outbreak remains unidentified. Michigan has experienced a particularly sharp escalation, with more than 150 cases identified since…