Author: Kit Redwine

Trichinosis (trichinellosis) is a foodborne parasitic infection caused by nematodes of the Trichinella genus, most commonly Trichinella spiralis. Humans contract this disease exclusively through consuming raw or undercooked meat containing encysted larvae. While domestic pork was historically the primary source, modern agricultural practices have reduced this risk in commercial pork. Today, most U.S. cases stem from wild game like bear, walrus, wild boar, and cougar. Globally, trichinosis affects approximately 10,000 people annually, though U.S. incidence has plummeted from 400 cases per year in the 1940s to just 16 annually by 2015. The Parasite’s Journey Infection begins when digestive enzymes release larvae from…

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has confirmed that one adult has died from Listeriosis, as health officials investigate an extensive outbreak linked to contaminated ready-made meals, according to multiple media sources. The Health Service Executive’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre is conducting an investigation into the death, though no additional details can be released due to medical confidentiality requirements. This fatality comes amid confirmation of nine total Listeriosis cases connected to the current outbreak. In response to the outbreak, authorities have initiated a voluntary precautionary recall affecting 141 ready-made food products distributed across major Irish retailers including Tesco, SuperValu, Centra, and Aldi. The…

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Saginaw Enterprises Ltd, based in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, have issued a voluntary recall notice for 7 – Select Bake Shoppe-brand chocolate fudge brownie due to possible contamination with pieces of plastic. Food contaminated with foreign objects, like plastic, has the potential to cause severe harm, including choking, injury, illness, damage to teeth, or even death. Background The recall notice did not say how the presence of plastic was found in the impacted food. Distribution The recalled item was distributed to a retail audience only in the Canadian province of Ontario. Product Details…

A recall has been issued by W.W. Industrial Group, Inc., NY for pear slices due to possible contamination with elevated levels of lead and cadmium. Lead is a neurotoxin that can affect nearly every system in the human body and is especially dangerous for young children. Consuming elevated levels of cadmium can cause gastrointestinal distress, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and more long term health effects. Background The recall was issued after sampling by the Maryland Department of Health uncovered the potential for lead and cadmium contamination. Distribution The impacted product was distributed to Grocery Outlet retail stores in California and…

Overview The FDA’s CORE Response Teams manage multiple outbreak and adverse event investigations at various stages of completion. These investigations range from those with limited initial information to cases nearing resolution. Healthcare providers and public health officials encourage individuals experiencing potential foodborne illness symptoms to report details about food consumption prior to becoming ill, as this information assists in resolving active and emerging outbreaks. The FDA issues public health advisories when investigations produce specific actions consumers can take for protection. These advisories contain the most current investigation details and consumer safety information. Some investigations may not identify a definitive source or contributing…

Food safety lore often elevates freezing as a universal pathogen killer, but scientific evidence reveals significant limitations. While freezing at 0°F (-18°C) halts microbial growth and preserves food safety indefinitely, it does not reliably eliminate harmful bacteria or parasites. This gap between perception and reality carries public health implications, particularly concerning Listeria monocytogenes and parasites like Trichinella. Parasites: Variable Freezing Efficacy Trichinella spiralis, a parasite found in raw meat, illustrates freezing’s limitations. Government-supervised commercial freezing programs can destroy this parasite under strict conditions (-10°F for 10+ days), but standard home freezing cannot be relied upon for elimination. Thorough cooking remains the…

The concept of airborne transmission in foodborne illness traditionally focuses on respiratory pathogens, but emerging evidence suggests that kitchen activities may aerosolize foodborne pathogens, creating invisible routes of contamination. Pathogen-laden aerosols, microscopic particles suspended in air, can be generated during routine tasks like washing produce, using high-pressure faucets near raw meat, or even emptying a contaminated sink strainer. These aerosols behave differently based on particle size: droplets larger than 20 micrometers typically fall quickly onto surfaces within 3 feet, while smaller particles under 10 micrometers (true aerosols) can remain airborne for extended periods, traveling on air currents and potentially being inhaled or…

Kratom, an herbal supplement derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, has been linked to multiple Salmonella outbreaks in the United States. Despite its growing popularity for self-managing pain, anxiety, or opioid withdrawal, the unregulated nature of kratom production poses significant contamination risks. In 2018, the FDA and CDC investigated a multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to kratom products, ultimately identifying 199 cases across 41 states and 54 hospitalizations. Epidemiologic data revealed that 74% of interviewed patients had consumed kratom in powder, pill, or tea form, with most purchasing it online or from retail stores. Contamination Pathways Salmonella contamination likely occurs…

For international travelers, navigating tap water safety remains a critical health consideration, with significant variations between destinations. In countries like Japan, Canada, and Germany, tap water undergoes rigorous treatment and monitoring, making it safe for direct consumption. Japan’s tap water, subject to advanced filtration and real-time quality control systems like SCADA, meets stringent standards comparable to bottled water. Similarly, the U.K. boasts 99.97% compliance with water safety parameters, as monitored by the Drinking Water Inspectorate. Conversely, nations including Indonesia, Vietnam, and parts of the Caribbean pose inherent risks. Indonesia’s tap water, sourced from rivers and groundwater, frequently contains bacteria (e.g., E. coli), parasites…

Researchers at Cornell University have developed new recommendations for reducing E. coli contamination in romaine lettuce through targeted interventions across the entire production and distribution chain. The study, conducted by professors Renata Ivanek from the department of population medicine and diagnostic sciences and Martin Wiedmann from food safety, examined multiple factors contributing to contamination risks and identified specific areas where improvements could significantly enhance food safety. The research team found that contaminated irrigation water represents a major source of E. coli in romaine lettuce crops. Their analysis revealed that overhead spray irrigation systems using untreated surface water pose particular risks to produce safety. According…