Author: Kit Redwine

Quaker Oats has confirmed that it will shutter its Danville, Illinois food production plant on June 8, 2024. A community staple for 65 years, the plant’s closure will result in the loss of 510 local jobs. The plant’s fate was sealed by a series of unfortunate events. In December 2023 and January 2024, Quaker Oats faced a double whammy of recalls due to potential Salmonella contamination. This dangerous bacterium can spread through raw foods and contaminated surfaces, which can lead to severe gastric distress, infections in other parts of the body after circulating in the bloodstream, and potentially typhoid fever,…

Delicious and nutritious, bean sprouts have long been a favored addition to salads and sandwiches. However, sprouts have a longer history of being the source of many food poisoning outbreaks. In 2010, a nationwide outbreak of salmonella in the United Kingdom was linked to bean sprouts, raising concerns about food safety. The investigation centered around a wedding held in Manchester, England where an 82-year-old woman lost her life after contracting a rare strain of Salmonella known as S Bareilly. The Wedding and Larger Outbreak The event was a wedding in Manchester where the victim, a great-aunt of the bride, was…

Foodborne illnesses can strike anywhere, but certain regions of the world pose a higher risk than others. According to a recent report in Healthnews, ten countries stand out as having the highest risks of food poisoning. Let’s explore these regions and the factors contributing to their susceptibility. Researchers looked at Google search data from 36 countries and focused on food poisoning-related keywords and associated treatments. Commenting on this article, one national food safety attorney said, “These findings emphasize the importance of food safety awareness, especially when traveling to regions with higher risks.” While raw and undercooked foods are often implicated,…

In early 2024, two Washington state residents fell ill from similar strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). The common factor? Before getting sick, each consumed raw milk from the Cozy Vale Creamery in Tenino, Washington. Although praised by some for its perceived health benefits, raw milk poses a significant risk for STEC infection because it is not pasteurized to kill germs. STEC and other harmful microorganisms are found in cow manure and can potentially contaminate the milk during the production process. Cozy Vale Creamery initiated a recall of its raw milk and cream products on February 16, 2024 due…

St. Louis, Missouri-based Baron Spices, Inc. has issued an allergy alert and recall of 708 units of their product, Blues Hog Sweet and Savory Seasoning due to the potential presence of undeclared soy and wheat allergens, which could pose serious risks to individuals with specific allergies or sensitivities. Food Poisoning News recently reported on similar recalls due to undeclared allergens from Geisslers Supermarkets and Abdallah Candies. Cause of the Recall The recall was initiated after an alternative ingredient from one of Baron Foods’ suppliers was found to contain the undeclared allergens that were previously not part of the product. Distribution…

In collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration, Hamtramck, Michigan-based Home Style Foods, Inc. has issued an allergy alert and recall for their product, Kowalski Simply Sides – Jack’s Potato Salad due to presence of an undeclared egg allergen, which could pose serious risks to individuals with egg allergies or sensitivities. Food Poisoning News recently reported on a similar recall due to undeclared allergens by grocery chain Lidl. Cause of the Recall A routine inspection by Home Style Foods’ quality assurance department found that an incorrect label was applied to the product during the packaging process. While the top and…

Fort Myers, Florida-based Belgian Yummies has issued an allergy alert due to the presence of undeclared allergens in their ice cream sandwiches and gelato products. The affected items contain ingredients that could pose serious risks to individuals with specific allergies or sensitivities. Cause of the Recall The recall was initiated after an inspection by the company and the Florida Department of Agriculture revealed that undeclared allergens coconut, egg, FD&C Yellow #5, peanuts, soy, and wheat were present in the product, resulting from the use of outdated labels at the production facility. Labels have since been corrected and updated labels were…

Global warming, driven by climate change, is reshaping our world in multifaceted ways. Beyond melting glaciers and rising sea levels, it also exerts a significant influence on our food systems and safety. Let’s delve into how global warming intersects with foodborne illness, those who are most at risk, and strategies for increasing sustainability. The Link Between Climate Change and Foodborne Illness: According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), climate change directly impacts our global food system, presenting new challenges to food safety and human health. Here’s how: Pathogen Distribution and Survivability: The pathogens responsible for foodborne illnesses…

Food poisoning is an unpleasant experience and common concern for anyone who enjoys a good meal. While both plant-based and meat-based diets have their merits, some recent research suggests that opting for a plant-based diet may offer distinct advantages when it comes to food safety – notably, the jury is still Lower Bacterial Contamination Risk Plant-based diets emphasize fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. These foods are often consumed raw or minimally processed, reducing the risk of bacterial contamination. Natural compounds in fruits and vegetables can inhibit bacterial growth, and thorough washing further minimizes risk.  In addition, avoiding…

Consumers are regularly faced with a bounty of prepackaged options when it comes to snacks. Unfortunately, these tasty nibbles are often full of salt, sugar, or other processed ingredients. When it comes to maintaining a healthy snack, however, simplicity often reigns supreme. The healthiest foods are often basic ingredients that provide essential nutrients without the need for complicated preparation or exotic ingredients. Let’s explore a small handful of some of these wholesome snack options that can keep consumers on track with their health goals. Avocado Avocados are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. A half-cup serving provides nearly…