Author: Kit Redwine

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…

The United Kingdom’s Food Standards Agency has announced a recall of multiple Ballymaguire Foods’ prepared meals and side dishes 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 recall notice did not say how the potential presence of Listeria was discovered in the affected products. Distribution The recalled items were distributed to multiple retailers in the UK. Product Details BrandProductSizeBatch CodeBest Before DateClean CutBeef Stroganoff400 gramsAll Batch CodesAll Best Before DatesChicken…

Food poisoning extends beyond temporary gastrointestinal distress, potentially triggering long-term neurological and psychological consequences through complex gut-brain axis interactions. Research indicates that infections from pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter can disrupt gut-brain communication pathways, leading to persistent mood disorders, cognitive changes, and altered behavior. Neural Wiring for Aversion and Anxiety When food poisoning occurs, specialized neurons in the hindbrain containing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) transmit distress signals to the central amygdala, a brain region governing emotional memory. This pathway “tags” novel flavors consumed before illness, creating lasting aversions. Princeton University researchers demonstrated this in mice: animals avoided grape Kool-Aid for…

When diners suspect they’ve contracted food poisoning from a restaurant, online review platforms often become the first outlet for their frustration. This practice, known as “review bombing”, or flooding a business with negative ratings, raises significant ethical and practical concerns. While customers view these reviews as legitimate warnings, restaurateurs and public health experts caution that unverified accusations can cause unintended harm. The Consumer’s Dilemma Customers who experience symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or fever after dining out may turn to platforms like Yelp or Google Reviews to alert others. For many, this feels like a civic duty, especially when they perceive…