Author: Kit Redwine

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a recall for Meta brand Enoki mushrooms from Lian Teng Produces Inc. due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that poses serious health risks, especially to pregnant women, young children, and those with compromised immune systems. Background The recall was initiated following routine CFIA testing that detected the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the product. The contaminated Enoki mushrooms are confirmed to have been distributed to Ontario but the recall notice states that distribution may have also occurred in other Canadian provinces and territories. Retailers have been instructed to remove…

Lubbock, Texas-based United Supermarkets is notifying customers in New Mexico and Texas regarding a voluntary recall of products manufactured by Palmer Candy. The recall was prompted by potential Salmonella contamination in these products. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections in vulnerable populations. This warning is connected to the Palmer Candy recall recently reported on by Food Poisoning News. Background Palmer Candy, the supplier of these confectionary items, received notification from its liquid coating supplier about the possibility of Salmonella contamination. The concern arose from an ingredient that might have been contaminated by one of…

In Belagavi, India, at least 46 people have fallen ill due to suspected food poisoning. The affected individuals, who exhibited symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are currently receiving medical attention. The incident occurred at the annual temple fair of a local village in India’s Karnataka state. Attendees who consumed prasadam – typically vegetarian food served to religious devotees after a specific service – began to report symptoms consistent with foodborne illness. Eight attendees were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Fortunately, initial reports suggest that the situation is under control, with all patients responding well to treatment…

Los Angeles County health officials are currently investigating a case of hepatitis A at a Whole Foods store in Beverly Hills. The incident has raised concerns about the spread of the disease, particularly among the city’s homeless population. What Is Hepatitis A? Hepatitis A is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the liver. It is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, meaning it spreads when a person ingests food or water contaminated with the virus. Close personal contact can also lead to transmission. The Whole Foods Connection The affected Whole Foods location (239 North Crescent Dr.), situated in the…

Vietnam Last week, more than 350 workers at a South Korean plant in the northern Vietnamese province of Vinh Phuc experienced food poisoning symptoms after consuming lunch at the company cafeteria. The affected employees exhibited symptoms such as abdominal pain and nausea, which emerged immediately after lunch. The incident occurred at the Shinwon textile company, where approximately 3,300 Vietnamese citizens are employed. The workers had lunch in two shifts at 11:30am and 12:30pm, with meals prepared on-site by the company. The menu included chicken, broccoli, beans, and pickles. At 2pm, five employees became ill and were taken to a local…

In March of this year, a cluster of gastrointestinal illnesses emerged in the Issaquah, Washington area, a suburb of Seattle. The epicenter of this outbreak was Coho Cafe, a popular dining establishment known for its Pacific Northwest-inspired cuisine. The Outbreak Between March 11 and April 5, six patrons reported falling ill after dining at Coho Cafe. Symptoms included vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and chills—classic signs of gastrointestinal distress. The King County Public Health department launched an investigation to identify the cause and prevent further spread. Note: Another recent Norovirus outbreak in Seattle was just announced on September 13, 2024. Investigation…

In cooperation with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), popular snack brand Frito Lay Canada has issued a voluntary recall for certain products due to potential Salmonella contamination. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious or severe infections in vulnerable populations. Background Frito Lay Canada has not revealed how the potential contamination was discovered. The affected products were distributed nationally across Canada. The CFIA has launched an investigation into the cause of the contamination. Product Details Consumer Action Consumers should check their homes for the affected products. Consumers that have any of the recalled products are strongly advised to…

In cooperation with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), California-based Natural Sourcing International has initiated a voluntary recall of one specific lot of Great Value Organic Black Chia Seeds due to possible Salmonella contamination. Salmonella is a bacterium, and a leading source of foodborne illness, that can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections in vulnerable populations. Background National Sourcing International has not yet disclosed how the contamination was discovered. The affected product was distributed to Walmart retail locations nationwide. Product Details Consumer Action As with all product recalls, consumers are advised to not consume the affected product. Instead, consumers…

Bread Spread Ltd., a company based in Southall, England, has issued a voluntary recall of various chilled and ready to eat sandwiches, wraps, baguettes, and other 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 As of this writing, Bread Spread Ltd. has not revealed how the contamination was discovered. The affected products are usually sold in various convenience store locations throughout the United Kingdom. The company will ensure that notices…

In a heartbreaking incident, a 12-year-old boy in India tragically lost his life this weekend after consuming instant noodles, sparking concerns about food safety and the potential risks associated with processed foods. The incident highlights the importance of understanding foodborne illnesses and the measures needed to prevent such tragedies. According to a report from Times Now, the young boy and five members of his family fell ill with food poisoning symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea shortly after consuming instant noodles. The family soon went to the hospital, where they recovered overnight and then left the next day. However, later…