Author: Kit Redwine
In 2023, food recalls in the U.S. surged to their highest levels since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent report released by the nonprofit U.S. Public Research Interest Group Education Fund. The increase in recalls was primarily due to undisclosed allergens and listeria contamination. Here are the key findings from the report: Recall Numbers and Impact Commonly Recalled Foods Snack foods like cookies and granola bars accounted for one in five recalls. Other frequently recalled items included fruit (especially cantaloupes), beef, soup, salads, leafy greens, poultry, cheese, vegetables, supplements, and pet food. Reasons for Recalls Notable…
At least 20 people in Oregon have fallen ill due to paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) after harvesting mussels from specific beaches in Tillamook and Clatsop counties. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported that those infected individuals fell ill after gathering mussels last weekend at Short Beach near Oceanside in Tillamook County and Hug Point near Seaside in Clatsop County. While some cases have required hospitalization, no deaths have been reported. PSP is the most severe type of shellfish poisoning, caused by saxitoxins. According to the National Institute of Health, saxitoxin is “an alkaloid isolated from the marine dinoflagellates and cyanobacteria…
Mesa County Colorado’s public health department has issued a food safety alert regarding a recent recall of frozen, half-shell oysters. The recall is due to a potential contamination of norovirus, a highly contagious virus that spreads easily. This follows a number of growing concerns about food poisoning and consumption of raw oysters. Background How the contamination was discovered has not yet been released. However, the affected product was distributed nationwide. Because the contaminated oysters were distributed in Colorado, and thus potentially Mesa County, the public health department is alerting local consumers. Product Details The recalled product consists of frozen, half-shell oysters…
In a quiet corner of Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, the Marmaris Kebab House once beckoned hungry patrons with tantalizing aromas of grilled meat and spices. However, behind the counter, a darker story unfolded—one of negligence, contamination, and the suffering of unsuspecting customers. The Outbreak In February of last year, more than 50 people fell ill after consuming food from Marmaris. Eleven of them ended up in the hospital, their symptoms ranging from vomiting and fever to severe stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea. The guilty party? Shigella, an intestinal infection that, while not life-threatening, can cause significant discomfort and hospitalization in some cases.…
The Saudi Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority has made a surprising discovery in its investigation into recent food poisoning incidents. According to their findings, crucial evidence related to the cases has been deliberately hidden and destroyed. The cases in question involve several incidents of food poisoning across the country at a popular hamburger chain. Seventy-five people fell ill, and one person died, after eating mayonnaise that was found to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes botulism. Symptoms of botulism may be apparent in as little as six hours but can sometimes take up to 10 days to present. …
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to backyard poultry. As of the latest update, numerous cases have been reported across several states, requiring increased public health education about the health risks associated with handling live poultry. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in humans. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, appearing six hours to six days after exposure to the bacteria. While most people recover without specific treatment, the infection can be severe, especially for young children, the elderly, and…
An outbreak of norovirus has struck over 250 passengers on a cruise ship in the United Kingdom. The outbreak was identified after several passengers reported symptoms consistent with norovirus infection. Norovirus, often dubbed the “stomach flu,” is a highly contagious virus known for causing acute gastroenteritis in individuals of all ages worldwide. The pathogen is especially contagious and can be transmitted through multiple routes, including person to person contact, on contaminated surfaces, in contaminated food and water, and from aerosolized particles. Outbreaks can occur quickly in settings where people are in close proximity such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants,…
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…