Author: Kit Redwine
An idyllic wedding celebration turned into a nightmare for more than 100 guests in Cuernavaca, Mexico. The lavish reception, which should have been a joyous occasion, quickly descended into chaos as guests fell violently ill after consuming their meals. Wild Mushrooms Suspected A dinner of wild mushrooms accompanied by goat cheese and tomato coulis is the suspected culprit. The exact type of mushroom responsible for the outbreak remains unclear, but it highlights the importance of food safety precautions during large gatherings. Symptoms and Hospitalizations Guests experienced symptoms such as vomiting, headaches, and severe gastrointestinal distress. Emergency services rushed to the…
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that Hazleton, Pennsylvania-based Cargill Meat Solutions, has issued a recall for over 16,000 pounds of raw ground beef products due to potential contamination with E. coli O157:H7. Background The recall was initiated after Cargill Meat Solutions discovered that “previously segregated product had been inadvertently utilized in the production of ground beef.” The affected product was distributed to Walmart retail stores across the United States. Product Details Consumer Action Consumers should check their refrigerators or freezers for the affected products and are strongly urged not to consume any that…
A food poisoning outbreak has tragically claimed the lives of four individuals who recently dined at a branch of the Malaysian restaurant chain Polam Kopitiam in Taiwan, according to an article in the New Straits Times. The victims experienced severe symptoms of foodborne illness after consuming food from this establishment, leading to their deaths. According to a Taiwanese Deputy Health Minister, the most recent fatality linked to this food poisoning incident was a 40-year-old woman who succumbed to multiple organ failure earlier this week. Just three days prior, another customer had also passed away due to similar complications. The chain…
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has taken a significant step to enhance food safety by declaring Salmonella an adulterant in raw breaded stuffed chicken products. An adulterant is a contaminant that can cause food poisoning. According to the USDA press release, this determination applies when these products “exceed a specific threshold of 1 colony forming unit (CFU) per gram or higher for Salmonella contamination.” Why Is This Important? The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) aims to curb Salmonella-related illnesses linked to raw poultry in the United States. By declaring Salmonella an adulterant, the organization can take action…
Gibson Farms has initiated a recall for its Organic Light Halves and Pieces shelled walnuts due to potential contamination with Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (E. coli). E. coli infections from contaminated food can cause serious, and sometimes fatal, illnesses in at-risk populations. Background Gibson Farms issued the recall after the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported 12 E. coli infections from two states that are potentially connected to consumption of the affected product. An investigation has been launched to determine the source of the contamination. The announcement from Gibson Farms states that the affected product was sold to distributors in California…
E. coli is a diverse group of bacteria that naturally inhabit the intestines of humans and animals. Most strains are harmless, playing essential roles in digestion and nutrient absorption. However, some pathogenic strains can cause illness, leading to conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs) and foodborne illnesses. E. coli and Food Poisoning When we think of foodborne illnesses, certain strains of E. coli immediately come to mind. These bacteria often find their way into our meals through contaminated food or water. Here are the key points about E. coli in food: E. coli and Urinary Tract Infections Now let’s shift…
Although rare, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) is a serious condition that can occur as a complication of an E. coli infection. Let’s look into the details of this disease, its causes, symptoms, and potential consequences. What is Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)? HUS primarily affects the kidneys and blood clotting functions in a human body. It arises when small blood vessels become damaged and inflamed, leading to the formation of clots throughout the body. These clots can wreak havoc on vital organs, like the kidneys, leading to life-threatening kidney failure. Causes of HUS E. coli infection occurs from consuming any product…
Doral, Florida-based Tama Corporation has issued a voluntary recall for its product, “Queso de Mano PAISA”, due to concerns about 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 Routine laboratory product testing of the specified lot code revealed the presence of Listeria. A second test confirmed the findings of the first, leading to the company issuing the recall. This specific batch was distributed exclusively in Salt Lake City, Utah, and was only sold at Rancho Markets stores.…
In recent years, the cruise industry has grappled with the challenge of norovirus outbreaks onboard ships. However, that battle changed significantly for Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruise ships in 2023 when the company successfully eradicated norovirus outbreaks after implementing a comprehensive sanitation campaign. 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…
In a recent development, particles of the H5N1 avian influenza virus were detected in pasteurized milk from dairy cattle. However, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reassured consumers that the nation’s milk supply remains safe to drink. Bird Flu in Dairy Cattle Trace fragments of the bird flu virus were found in dairy cattle although it’s already understood that these particles may not be eliminated during the pasteurization process. The FDA said that further testing is underway to assess the virus’s potential for replication in laboratory conditions. Why Milk Is Still Safe The FDA has stated that…