Author: Kit Redwine

Brucellosis remains one of the world’s most widespread bacterial zoonoses, silently affecting millions across the globe. Caused by various Brucella species, primarily B. melitensis (goats/sheep), B. abortus (cattle), B. suis (swine), and B. canis (dogs), this disease infiltrates human populations through direct contact with infected animals or consumption of contaminated products. The bacteria demonstrate remarkable adaptability, preferentially infecting reproductive systems of livestock and causing late-term abortions, placental infections, and reduced milk production. In humans, initial symptoms mimic common influenza: fever, joint pain, fatigue, and headache, often appearing anywhere from five days to several months after exposure. Without proper treatment, approximately 5-10%…

The World Health Organization (WHO) is advancing toward the release of its second comprehensive report on the global burden of foodborne diseases, mandated by World Health Assembly Resolution WHA 73.5. Scheduled for 2025, this landmark assessment will provide updated estimates of worldwide foodborne disease incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The initiative aims to quantify health impacts from physical, chemical, and microbial hazards in food, building upon the first edition published in 2010. Expanded Methodology and Hazard Coverage The 2025 estimates incorporate significant methodological advancements, extending coverage to 42 foodborne hazards, a substantial increase from the 31 hazards evaluated in 2010.…

Outbreak Scope and Demographics Public health officials are tracking a multistate Salmonella outbreak involving four strains – Enteritidis, Indiana, London, and Mbandaka – linked to contact with backyard poultry. As of June 23, 2025, 187 infections have been reported across 42 states, resulting in 42 hospitalizations (30% of cases with available data) and one fatality in Illinois. Illness onset dates range from February 9 to May 31, 2025. Epidemiologic data indicate that 82% of patients (107 of 131 interviewed) reported contact with backyard poultry prior to symptom onset. Affected individuals span ages <1 to 86 years, with a median age of 36.…

The simple act of preparing a meal harbors a surprisingly common and dangerous risk: cross-contamination. This unseen threat occurs when harmful bacteria from raw foods like meat, poultry, or seafood spread to ready-to-eat items such as salads, fruits, or cooked dishes via contaminated hands, utensils, cutting boards, or countertops. Recognizing this pervasive hazard, the Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety (CFS) has launched its annual Food Safety Day (FSD) 2025 campaign under the critical theme “Preventing Cross-contamination”. This initiative, closely aligned with the UN’s World Food Safety Day (June 7th), highlighted a global effort to combat foodborne illnesses, which sicken an alarming 1.6 million people…

A recall first announced on July 15, 2025 by Newly Weds Foods, Inc., based in Chicago, Illinois for various bread products due to possible Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) contamination remains ongoing. Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Background How the potential presence of Listeria was found in the impacted products was not announced. Distribution The recalled items were distributed in Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, New York, Oregon, Texas, Washington, and Canada. Product Details ProductSizeLot NumbersQuantity RecalledA60447-PANKO JAPANESE…

Personalized nutrition utilizing genetic testing has expanded consumer access to customized dietary recommendations, but this approach introduces distinct food safety considerations that differ from conventional nutrition guidance. As direct-to-consumer genetic testing grows annually by 11.6%, regulatory and scientific communities are examining potential risks associated with gene-based dietary advice. Scientific Validity Concerns The predictive value of nutrigenomic tests varies significantly across genes and conditions. While certain gene-nutrient interactions like MTHFR variants affecting folate metabolism have stronger scientific backing, many commercial tests analyze genes with insufficient clinical evidence for dietary applications. The field faces challenges in establishing standardized validation protocols and demonstrating consistent health…

Advanced sensor technology, known as electronic noses (e-noses), is increasingly replacing static expiration dates by providing real-time, objective assessments of food freshness. These systems detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during microbial growth, identifying spoilage before it becomes perceptible to human senses. Technology Fundamentals and Sensor Types E-noses operate using arrays of chemical sensors that react to specific VOCs associated with decay: These sensor arrays generate unique composite response patterns (“fingerprints”) for different spoilage states. Machine learning algorithms compare these patterns against databases of known spoilage profiles to determine freshness. Data Processing and Machine Learning Accurate spoilage detection requires sophisticated data analysis…

Rising temperatures and humidity are accelerating pathogen growth in street foods across global megacities, pushing vendors in Mumbai, Lagos, and Bangkok to deploy innovative solutions to protect public health. As climate change intensifies, these cities, where street food sustains millions daily, are becoming testing grounds for adaptive strategies against foodborne illnesses. Climate Pressures on Street Food City-Specific Innovations Mumbai, India Vendors are adopting centralized “clean food hubs” with regulated cold storage and UV-treated water for washing produce. Following climate-linked outbreaks during 2018 floods, the city piloted mobile apps providing vendors with real-time weather alerts and food safety reminders. Rice and dairy-based dishes,…

Public health officials and food safety experts highlight essential measures to prevent foodborne illness outbreaks at weddings, corporate gatherings, and other large catered events. Multiple incidents underscore the risks, including a cruise ship owner’s wedding where guests required medical treatment and a Missouri event that sickened approximately 300 attendees due to suspected food safety failures. Selecting and Vetting Caterers: The primary defense is choosing a reputable, licensed caterer. Event organizers should inquire about the caterer’s food safety practices. Key questions include: where food will be prepared (a licensed kitchen versus home kitchen), procedures for transporting food while maintaining safe temperatures (using insulated…

A voluntary recall by Doehler Dry Ingredient Solutions, LLC, based in Cartersville, Georgia, has been issued for Member’s Mark Freeze Dried Fruit Variety Pack 15 count boxes due to possible Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) contamination. Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Background The potential presence of Listeria was found through internal company testing. Distribution The recalled items were distributed through Sam’s Club retail stores and sent to distribution centers in the following states: AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT,…