Author: Kit Redwine

In a recent health scare, oysters served at 100s Seafood Grill Buffet in Mission Valley, San Diego, have been implicated in an alarming norovirus outbreak.  Local health officials have identified 11 cases of norovirus illness likely linked to oyster consumption at the restaurant. The infection occurred between March 31 and April 1, affecting patrons who ate oysters imported from South Korea.  So far, one individual required emergency room treatment due to the severity of symptoms.  This is the second oyster-related norovirus outbreak in San Diego this year.  In January, multiple people were sickened after consuming contaminated oysters imported from Mexico.…

In a chilling revelation more suited to the plot of a horror movie, scientists have uncovered a macabre phenomenon: bacterial vampirism. Some of the world’s most lethal bacteria exhibit a peculiar craving for human blood. Led by researchers from Washington State University, this groundbreaking study sheds light on how these microscopic predators seek out and feed on the liquid component of blood, known as serum. Our story opens in deep, dark Transylvania the Pacific Northwest… Act I: The Bloodthirsty Pursuit The team focused on three notorious bacterial culprits: Citrobacter koseri, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica. These pathogens are responsible for…

There’s a long standing belief held by both medical professionals and their patients that infections from hospital stays are caused by exposure to so-called “superbugs.” However, new research published by two members of the University of Washington’s medical faculty on The Conversation website now suggests the opposite to be true and that bacteria already present on patient’s skin prior to the hospital visit are responsible for many infections. The body hosts a diverse array of bacterial microorganisms, collectively known as the microbiome, that live in the nose, on the skin, and other parts of the body. The bacteria coexist harmoniously…

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…