Author: Kit Redwine

A health alert has been issued following the confirmation of Shigella disease in four children from Malappuram, a city in the Indian state of Kerala. Shigella is a bacterium known primarily for causing diarrhea and other symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. The affected students attend Vennayur AMLP School, where a recent food poisoning incident prompted medical examinations for 127 students who reported symptoms including fever and headache. While the state health department has assured that the infected children are not facing severe health issues, the situation has raised concerns about public health and sanitation in the area. The food poisoning event…

As previously reported on Food Poisoning News here and here, Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. issued a recall in early June 2024 of whole cucumbers that were shipped directly to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in multiple states between May 17th and May 21st due to potential Salmonella contamination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are currently investigating a widespread Salmonella outbreak across the United States. This outbreak, which has now affected 449 individuals in 31 states and the District of Columbia, has been traced back to…

A recent ruling by a court in Marrakesh, Morroco has brought justice in a tragic case of food poisoning that claimed six lives, including a child. The court sentenced three individuals – the owner of a fast food restaurant and two employees – to four years in prison each, along with a fine of 1000 dirhams (about USD $100). The incident occurred in the Mahamid neighborhood of Marrakesh, where over 20 people fell ill after consuming food from the restaurant. Among the victims was a 5-year-old girl. The severity of the poisoning led to multiple hospitalizations at Mohammed VI University…

What should have been idyllic vacations turned into health ordeals for multiple tourists at the Riu Palace Santa Maria, a five-star resort in Cape Verde, an archipelago and island country off West Africa. Several holidaymakers have joined a legal claim against the resort after experiencing severe food poisoning and ongoing health issues, according to an article in the Independent. Among the affected guests is Graham Lamont, a 59-year-old training manager from Glasgow. What was meant to be a celebratory family trip following his daughter’s high school graduation became a nightmare when Graham and his wife Josephine fell ill with severe…

In a tragic incident at a children’s shelter home in India, two children have died and 12 others have fallen ill over the past two days. The shelter, known as Bal Ashram of Shri Yugpurush Dham, houses over 200 children, including orphans and those with mental health conditions, according to an article in The Free Press Journal. The deceased children were identified as Karan, aged 12, and Akash, aged 7. While the exact cause of their deaths is yet to be determined pending post-mortem investigation, local authorities are examining the situation. The 12 ill children have been sent to the…

As summer temperatures soar, it’s essential to be aware of two potentially serious health issues that can arise: heat stroke and food poisoning. While both conditions can cause similar symptoms, their causes and treatments differ significantly. Understanding these differences can be crucial for proper diagnosis and timely treatment. Heat stroke is a severe form of heat-related illness that occurs when the body’s temperature regulation system fails. It typically develops after prolonged exposure to high temperatures, often combined with dehydration. The body’s core temperature rises rapidly, potentially reaching 104°F or higher. Symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature, altered mental…

Hillsborough, North Carolina-based Viva Raw LLC has issued a voluntary recall of several dog and cat food products due to potential Listeria monocytogenes (“Listeria”) contamination. Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Background The contamination was discovered during a facility inspection by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and The North Carolina Department of Agriculture (NCDA). Testing of Viva Turkey for Dogs samples from Lot 21244 confirmed the presence of Listeria. Although all product from Lot 21244 was…

Torri del Benaco, a picturesque village on the shores of Lake Garda in Italy, is currently grappling with a widespread Norovirus outbreak. In recent days, hundreds of residents have been hospitalized with severe gastrointestinal symptoms, prompting local authorities to take swift action. Reports suggest that approximately 300 people, roughly one-tenth of the village’s population, have sought medical treatment for symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Many of these cases have required hospitalization at the nearby Peschiera del Garda medical facility. The rapid spread of the illness led to an immediate investigation by health officials. Stool samples collected from…

Pine Brook, New Jersey-based Sunco and Frenchie LLC has issued a recall for Terrafina brand “Macadamia in the Raw” due to potential Salmonella contamination. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious infections, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Background The potential contamination was discovered through routine testing by the State of New York Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Laboratory. The affected product was distributed to retail stores in New York state by Oak Foods LLC as the distributor. The recalled nuts were originally manufactured by SolCaribe, S.A. in…

Fresno County, California health officials are investigating a suspected multi-person case of botulism, a rare but serious illness caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The outbreak is believed to be connected to contaminated food served at a family gathering in Caruthers on June 21 and Clovis on June 22. The Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) is working in close collaboration with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to address this public health concern. Dr. Rais Vohra, Interim Health Officer for Fresno County, emphasized that while the…