Author: Kit Redwine
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…
A Chuck E. Cheese birthday party in Lexington, KY turned sour for a couple and their guests, as 20 attendees reportedly fell ill after consuming food at the celebration. The incident, first reported by WKYT news, has raised concerns about food safety practices at the popular entertainment venue. According to Eric and Jennifer Carter, their granddaughter’s birthday party on April 6, 2024 took a turn for the worse 48 hours later when numerous guests began experiencing symptoms of food poisoning, including vomiting and diarrhea. Allegations suggest that contaminated food served at the party may have been the cause of the…
In an updated public health alert, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported an expanded recall effort due to an outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to consumption of organic basil from Infinite Herbs. Fast Facts Organic basil from Infinite Herbs and now Melissa’s brands are part of the affected product recall. So far, twelve people have been sickened but only one person has been hospitalized. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported. The outbreak spans across seven states and three different retailers. See below for specific states where the affected products were sold and associated retail locations.…
CDC Issues Food Safety Alert Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination in Basil Sold at Trader Joe’s
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a food safety alert regarding an outbreak of Salmonella infections associated with potentially contaminated Infinite Herbs-brand organic basil sold at nationwide grocery retailer Trader Joe’s. Cause of the Recall The recall was initiated after 12 cases of Salmonella infections linked to the consumption of Infinite Herbs-brand organic basil were reported across seven states. The CDC also reports that Infinite Herbs will issue a voluntary recall and cooperate with an FDA investigation. Distribution Although infections have only been reported from seven states the affected product was distributed to and sold at…
A well-functioning refrigerator is more than just a kitchen appliance; it helps to keep us healthy and safe. Proper refrigeration plays a pivotal role in safeguarding food from harmful bacteria and ensuring that what we consume remains safe. History of Refrigeration: From Cold Caves to Modern Units The concept of refrigeration dates back to prehistoric times when early humans discovered that storing meat in cool caves or snow extended its shelf life. From there, cooling methods evolved over the centuries. As primitive technology developed, ice was produced from lakes or rivers, stored, and even transported to other countries. In the…
Suspected food poisoning has sickened more than 250 people during a wedding celebration in India. According to Telangana Today, the unfortunate incident occurred in the state of Gujarat after guests consumed buttermilk served at the celebration. Shortly afterward, the guests became severely ill, with symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting. Medical attention was immediately required after the condition of many deteriorated. The impacted guests were promptly taken to a village hospital for care and continued monitoring. However, the small facility faced significant challenges in managing a food poisoning outbreak of this magnitude. Because of limited bed capacity, the sheer volume of…
A Brazilian exchange worker in Colorado finds herself in a harrowing battle against botulism, a rare but potentially life-threatening illness caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, reports the Aspen Daily News. Botulism, often associated with improperly preserved or canned foods, poses a serious health threat due to the neurotoxins produced by the bacteria. Symptoms of botulism can range from mild muscle weakness and blurred vision to paralysis and respiratory failure, making early detection and treatment critical for a positive outcome. On February 17, the exchange worker, Claudia de Albuquerque Celada was first admitted to an Aspen, Colorado hospital “with…
In a remarkable twist of fate, a man from Wigan, United Kingdom, discovered a rare form of cancer after experiencing food poisoning. The case sheds light on the intricate relationship between seemingly unrelated health events and underscores the importance of vigilance in monitoring our bodies. As reported in a recent press release from The Christie, known as “the largest single cancer center in Europe,” the journey began when the man fell ill due to food poisoning. While unpleasant, this seemingly ordinary event would soon reveal an extraordinary secret. In May 2020, railway worker Terry Berry became sick after eating a…