Author: Kit Redwine

Fears of potential salmonella contamination have led to recalls of cream cheese at several major supermarket retailers. On Wednesday, May 8, Food Poisoning News reported on cream cheese recalls at Iowa-based Hy-Vee, Inc. but the size of the incident has now grown as store-branded cream cheese from Aldi, Schnucks, and Hornbacher’s grocery chains have joined the list. The affected products were manufactured for the retailers by Green Bay, Wisconsin-based Schreiber Foods. Recall Background A supplier to Schreiber Foods discovered that one of the ingredients used to make many of their cream cheese spreads had the potential to be contaminated by…

Foodborne illnesses, caused by various pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, have significant economic consequences. These illnesses range from mild symptoms like gastrointestinal distress to severe outcomes such as difficulty swallowing, organ failure, and sometimes death. Understanding their economic impact is crucial for policymakers, public health agencies, and industries. Estimating Costs The United States Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (ERS) has been assessing the economic burden of major foodborne illnesses since the mid-1990s. By quantifying health effects in monetary terms, ERS provides a common metric for comparing the impacts of different pathogens and evaluating the costs of prevention.…

West Des Moines, Iowa-based Hy-Vee, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall for certain products due to potential Salmonella contamination. The recall affects two varieties of Hy-Vee Cream Cheese Spread and bulk-packaged Cookies & Cream Mix. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes severe infections in vulnerable populations. Background Hy-Vee initiated the recall after third-party manufacturers raised concerns about potential Salmonella contamination. These products were distributed to multiple retail outlets including Hy-Vee, Hy-Vee Drugstore, Dollar Fresh Market locations, and Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh convenience stores across eight states including Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and…

Sioux City, Iowa-based Palmer Candy Company has issued a voluntary recall of its “White Coated Confectionery Items” due to possible Salmonella contamination. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections in vulnerable populations. Background Palmer Candy Company became aware of the potential contamination after its liquid coating supplier discovered an ingredient used in the coating process from one of their suppliers was potentially contaminated with salmonella. In response, the company suspended production of the affected products and has said they are working with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to uncover the cause of…

In conjunction with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Hormel Foods Sales, LLC of Austin, Minnesota has issued a voluntary recall for specific batches of PLANTERS® Honey Roasted Peanuts and Deluxe Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts. The recall was prompted by concerns that these products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious health issues, especially in vulnerable populations. Background The company has not yet disclosed how the contamination was discovered but that an investigation into the cause of the incident has been initiated. Hormel has said that the affected products were produced last month at…

Over 450 people in Dong Nai, Vietnam, have been hospitalized with stomach pain, vomiting, and other symptoms after consuming ‘banh mi’ Vietnamese-style sandwiches from a well-known bakery in the region, reports Tuoi Tre News. The victims began showing symptoms approximately 4 to 8 hours after consuming the sandwiches. The affected individuals, many who were children, were admitted to a local hospital where they received medical attention. Among the hospitalized patients, many have been stabilized and discharged, while the remaining patients’ health still requires further monitoring before they can be released. Two patients are in critical care and have been put…

A public health alert for potentially E. coli-contaminated beef products has been initiated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).  This alert aims to inform consumers that these products should not be consumed.  In the announcement, released on April 20, 2024, the FSIS stated that no recall is associated with the alert because the products are no longer for sale. Key Details: Background: An inventory by Greater Omaha Packing Company of on-hold product that had previously tested positive for E. coli led to the discovery of additional contamination. They mistakenly utilized some of the tainted…

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…