Author: Kit Redwine
An American travel blogger has stirred up controversy with his latest video, in which he deliberately sought to contract food poisoning by consuming street food in Lahore, Pakistan. The blogger, identified as Colin, documented his journey through the city’s streets, sampling various local delicacies with the explicit goal of falling ill. Colin’s video, which has since gone viral on Instagram, begins with a bold declaration of his intentions. “Eating street food until I get food poisoning,” he announces, explaining his plan to seek out the “weirdest things” he can find in Lahore’s culinary landscape. Throughout the video, he samples a…
Nova Scotia Health, in Nova Scotia, Canada, has issued a public health alert following the confirmation of a hepatitis A case in the province, according to a story in Now Toronto. An investigation by the agency has traced the source to a Tim Hortons in the city of Amherst, with potential exposure dates between May 30 and June 14. While officials emphasize that the risk to the public is low, they are urging vigilance. Individuals who dined at the identified Tim Hortons during the specified period are advised to monitor their health closely. Those experiencing symptoms since June 15 or…
Newburgh, NY-based Solata Foods LLC has issued a recall for their “Fresh Spinach” products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes (“Listeria”). 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 Routine sampling by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Market Food Inspectors uncovered the contamination. Additional analysis confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. In response to this finding, Solata Foods LLC has suspended production of the affected products. Product Details The recall affects multiple sizes of fresh…
A severe food poisoning outbreak linked to a kebab shop in Abergavenny, Wales, in the UK has left at least one victim still suffering from health complications more than a year later. John Inglesby, 76, is among over 50 customers who contracted shigella bacteria after eating at Marmaris Kebab House in February 2023. Food Poisoning News reported on this story last month. Inglesby’s ordeal began when he visited the kebab shop shortly after returning to work following his wife’s death, according to The Sun. What should have been a comforting meal turned into a nightmare as he experienced severe symptoms…
A recent E. coli outbreak in the United Kingdom (previously covered by Food Poisoning News here and here), traced to contaminated lettuce, has claimed its first life in England. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported that while two individuals died within 28 days of infection, one death is likely connected to the Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection. Both deceased individuals had underlying medical conditions and passed away in May, according to Sky News. The outbreak has affected 275 people across the UK, with England reporting 182 cases, Scotland 58, Wales 31, and Northern Ireland 4. At least 122…
Despite Singapore’s reputation for cleanliness and stringent food safety regulations, gastroenteritis outbreaks continue to plague the city-state’s food establishments, according to a recent article on Channel News Asia. From street food kiosks to high-end restaurants, no sector seems immune to these incidents, highlighting the ongoing challenges in maintaining food hygiene standards. Recent statistics from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) paint a complex picture. While the number of major gastroenteritis incidents has fluctuated since 2019, ranging from 44 to 60 cases annually (excluding the pandemic-affected 2020), the rate of foodborne illness cases per 100,000 population has remained relatively stable, hovering around…
Foppen Seafood, based in Harderwijk, The Netherlands, has initiated a recall of a specific lot of their Smoked Norwegian Salmon Slices 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 presence of Listeria was discovered in a specific lot of the affected product was discovered during routine testing. The recalled smoked salmon was distributed to Kroger and Payless Supermarkets across 15 states, including AL, AR, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MI, MO,…
Owings Mills, Maryland-based Totally Cool, Inc. has issued a nationwide recall of several ice cream products due to the potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes (“Listeria”). 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 This recall comes after recent FDA sampling detected the presence of Listeria in certain products. The affected products were distributed across the United States and were available through both retail locations and direct delivery services. Totally Cool, Inc. has halted production and distribution of the affected…
Recent research has uncovered a concerning trend in infant care: over half of baby bottles tested positive for E. coli bacteria. This discovery, published in the Journal of Community Medicine & Public Health, has prompted health experts to emphasize the critical importance of proper sterilization techniques for infant feeding equipment. The study revealed a wide range of potentially harmful microorganisms present in baby bottles, including klebsiella, enterobacter, citrobacter, staphylococcus aureus, bacillus cereus, shigella, and salmonella. Most alarmingly, E. coli was detected in 56.3% of the bottles examined. Dr. Pamela Mason, co-author of the research review, explains that milk residue creates…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced the conclusion of a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections linked to organic basil. The outbreak, which affected 14 states, was investigated in collaboration with public health and regulatory officials across the country and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Food Poisoning News reported on the initial alert and subsequent recall expansion in April. According to the CDC’s final report, released on June 18, 2024, a total of 36 confirmed cases were identified. The outbreak strain was traced back to Infinite Herbs brand organic basil, which is believed to…