Author: Kit Redwine

A recall has been initiated by Sea Win, Inc., based in Los Angeles, California for 650 cases of Frozen Half Shell Oysters, due to potential contamination with norovirus. Norovirus is a highly contagious pathogen that can cause severe gastroenteritis. Background The recall was initiated after multiple cases of norovirus infection were reported to the California Department of Public Health in connection with consumption of the recalled oysters. Distribution The affected product was shipped to distributors in California and may have been sent to other states as well. Product Details Consumer and Commercial Action As with all food recalls, consumers are…

State health officials have issued a warning to Hawaii residents regarding potentially contaminated enoki mushrooms sold at local markets. The Hawaii Department of Health’s Food and Drug Branch recently discovered possible listeria monocytogenes contamination in MYY Trade Co. brand enoki mushrooms during routine food safety testing. The affected mushrooms were distributed to Palama Supermarket locations throughout Hawaii and can be identified by the following This contamination was identified through the department’s proactive food sampling program, conducted in partnership with the Laboratory Preparedness and Response Branch and funded by a U.S. Food and Drug Administration grant. Health officials have already worked…

A recall first announced on February 21, 2025 by Shearer’s Foods, LLC, based in Massillon, Ohio, for various brands of oyster crackers due to possible contamination with stainless steel wire is ongoing. Food contaminated with foreign objects, like metal, has the potential to cause severe harm, including choking, injury, illness, damage to teeth, or even death. Background No press release was issued for this recall. How the potential contamination with steel wire was discovered has not yet been announced. This recall is classified as a Class II recall, meaning that the impacted products may cause temporary health problems or that…

When we think about food safety, our focus is often on the meals we prepare for ourselves and our families. Rarely do we consider the potential dangers lurking in the bowls of our beloved pets. However, recent studies and reports have shed light on a hidden risk: food poisoning from pet food. While pet food is designed for animals, improper handling or cross-contamination can pose serious health risks to humans. This issue is more common than many realize, and understanding the risks is crucial for protecting both pets and their owners. The Unseen Danger in Pet Food Pet food, whether…

Food poisoning outbreaks are more than just a public health concern—they can spell financial ruin for small businesses. For small restaurants, family-owned farms, and local food producers, the economic impact of a foodborne illness outbreak can be catastrophic. From lost revenue and legal fees to reputational damage and regulatory penalties, the ripple effects of an outbreak can force businesses to close their doors permanently. The Immediate Financial Impact When a food poisoning outbreak is linked to a small business, the immediate financial consequences are often severe. The first blow comes from a sudden drop in sales. Customers, wary of falling…

A recall first initiated on February 12, 2025 by Spicin Foods Inc, based in Kansas City, Kansas, for Noble Made Garlic Parmesan Wing Sauce due to customer complaints of bottles foaming when opened remains ongoing. Foaming could mean a defective container due to microbial contamination with pathogens like Clostridium botulinum, or others, that could potentially cause foodborne illness. Background The recall was initiated after customers complained that foaming occurred when bottles of the impacted product was open This is classified as a Class II recall, meaning that there is a lower chance of serious injury or death, but there is…

In an age where social media dominates communication, platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit are proving to be more than just spaces for sharing memes and opinions. They are emerging as powerful tools for tracking foodborne illness outbreaks in real time, offering public health officials and researchers an unprecedented ability to identify and respond to potential crises faster than ever before. Note: Check out the Food Poisoning Lawyer Tik Tok! Traditionally, tracking food poisoning outbreaks has relied on formal reporting systems, such as hospital records, laboratory tests, and government databases. While these methods are effective, they often involve significant…

South Africa BLOEMFONTEIN – Mass Food Poisoning Strikes School Children More than 200 students fell ill in a severe food poisoning outbreak during a weekend matric study camp at Kagisho Secondary School. The incident, which began on Sunday afternoon, quickly escalated as students displayed classic symptoms of food-borne illness including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. By Monday, the number of affected learners had grown to 214. The situation prompted an emergency response, with students requiring immediate medical attention at various local hospitals. “The Outbreak Response team is surveilling the situation to determine the scope of the outbreak and respond to…

In recent years, the issue of microplastics has gained significant attention as scientists, policymakers, and the public grapple with the far-reaching consequences of plastic pollution. These tiny plastic particles, typically less than 5 millimeters in size, have infiltrated nearly every corner of the environment, from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest mountain peaks. But perhaps one of the most alarming discoveries is their presence in the food chain, raising concerns about their potential impact on food safety and human health. How do microplastics enter the food supply, what are the risks they may pose to consumers, and what efforts…

In recent years, the global food supply chain has faced increasing challenges from emerging foodborne pathogens, many of which were previously unknown or poorly understood. These microorganisms, which include bacteria, viruses, parasites, and even fungi, are evolving and adapting in ways that pose significant risks to public health. As the world becomes more interconnected, the potential for these pathogens to spread across borders has never been greater. This article explores some of the lesser-known or newly identified foodborne pathogens that are raising concerns among scientists, public health officials, and the food industry. The Rise of Emerging Pathogens Foodborne illnesses have…