Author: Kit Redwine

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…

Ontario, California-based Western Mixers Produce & Nuts, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall of its yogurt-covered pretzels due to potential contamination with Salmonella. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes severe infections in vulnerable populations. The recall affects several brands and distribution channels in the state of California. Background The recall was initiated after routine sampling by the source supplier of the yogurt coating revealed the presence of Salmonella in the finished products. Western Mixers Produce & Nuts, Inc. has halted production and distribution of the affected product. Both the company and the FDA are actively investigating…

Hospital admissions for food-related illnesses have reached an alarming level in England, prompting concerns about food safety and governmental response. According to a recent article in The Guardian, nearly 1,500 people were admitted to hospitals in England for salmonella infections between April 2022 and March 2023. This represents a rate of three admissions for every 100,000 people, marking an all-time high. Additionally, E. coli and campylobacter infections have also surged in the past two years, with over 4,300 hospital admissions for campylobacter alone. The reasons behind this increase are multifaceted and somewhat contentious, say experts: Tim Lang, a professor of…

A study published this week by The BMJ journal involving 115,000 people has shed additional light on the potential dangers of consuming ultra-processed foods. These highly processed food items, which include cookies, doughnuts, frozen meals, hot dogs, potato chips, and white bread have been associated with several health risks. The study defines ultra-processed foods as “ready-to-eat/heat industrial formulations made mostly or entirely from substances derived from foods, including flavors, colors, textures, and other additives with little if any intact whole food.” As such, ultra-processed foods are usually low in nutritional value, lacking important dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Further complicating…