Author: Kit Redwine

Building a resilient, long-term food supply capable of sustaining households through extended disruptions requires meticulous attention to food selection, preservation techniques, and storage conditions. The primary goals are preventing foodborne illness, such as potentially fatal botulism, and ensuring adequate nutrition. Achieving this relies on scientifically validated methods for stabilizing shelf-stable foods and rigorous management practices. Strategic Food Selection: Prioritizing Nutrition and Stability The foundation of an emergency pantry lies in nutrient-dense, non-perishable staples known for extended shelf lives when properly stored. Bulk grains like wheat berries, rice, and corn provide essential carbohydrates and calories. Legumes, including dried beans and lentils, offer…

Hong Kong health officials are investigating two connected food poisoning incidents that affected eight people who dined at the same Mong Kok restaurant on separate occasions this month. The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health announced Tuesday that it is examining the epidemiologically linked clusters involving seven men and one woman between ages 23 and 25. All of those affected developed symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting within four to 36 hours after eating at Deluxe King Japanese Restaurant. Those taken ill visited the eatery on July 10 and July 19 respectively. Two of the eight people…

Jewel Osco has issued a voluntary recall for several items with tuna salad 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 state how the presence of Listeria was found in the impacted products. The recall was issued after another recall by Reser’s Fine Food because of potential Listeria in breadcrumbs that were used as an ingredient in the tuna salad products. Distribution The recalled items were…

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Natural Pastures Cheese Company Ltd., based in Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada, have issued a voluntary recall for Natural Pastures Cheese Company-brand Mount Becher Buffalo Medium Cheese due to 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 presence of Listeria was discovered after testing by the CFIA. Distribution According to the recall notice the affected product was distributed in the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Ontario…

British health officials have documented 38 cases of iatrogenic botulism between June 4 and July 14, 2025, connected to cosmetic procedures using botulinum toxin products. The UK Health Security Agency reports that patients sought medical attention at NHS facilities after experiencing adverse reactions following aesthetic treatments. Those affected received procedures in the East of England and East Midlands regions, adding to previously identified cases in the North East. Health investigators have not established connections between the newer cases and those diagnosed earlier in the North East region. Preliminary investigation findings suggest practitioners used unlicensed botulinum toxin products during the procedures. Authorities report that the practitioners…

Pre-washed bagged greens, celebrated for convenience, remain a recurring source of foodborne illness outbreaks despite industry assurances. Contamination risks persist throughout the supply chain, with pathogens like E. coli O157:H7, Listeria, and Salmonella implicated in hospitalizations, kidney failure, and fatalities. Leafy greens account for up to 9.2% of known pathogen-related foodborne illnesses in the U.S., approximately 2.3 million annual cases. Contamination Pathways Farm-Level Vulnerabilities: Processing Risks: Temperature Sensitivity: Refrigeration slows but does not kill pathogens. Temperature fluctuations during transport or storage can accelerate bacterial proliferation. Table: Recent Outbreaks Linked to Bagged Greens YearPathogenCases/ImpactsSource2018E. Coli O157:H7210 illnesses, 5 deathsRomaine lettuce2024E. Coli88…

​The convenience of food delivery masks a hidden risk: the temperature danger zone. When hot meals arrive lukewarm or cold items reach room temperature, pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus can multiply to dangerous levels. This “zone” (40°F – 140°F or 4°C – 60°C) enables bacteria to double in as little as 20 minutes, increasing microbial counts by 100 – 1,000 times within hours.  Delivery extends exposure to this zone, turning meals into potential health hazards.   Why Delivery Amplifies the Risk Three factors converge to threaten food safety in transit: Mitigating the Threat For Restaurants and Couriers: For Consumers: Table 1: Consumer Actions…

A recall first announced on June 27, 2025 by Rich Ice Cream Co, based in West Palm Beach, Florida, for 110,292 cases of various ice cream bars 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 The recall notice did not say how the presence of Listeria in the affected products was discovered. Distribution The recalled items were distributed to California, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas,…

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced a comprehensive food safety initiative during the opening of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s modernized Midwestern Food Safety Laboratory. The plan aims to strengthen the Food Safety and Inspection Service’s capacity to protect the nation’s meat, poultry, and egg supply chain. The announcement took place at the new facility in Normandy, Missouri, which replaces an outdated laboratory in St. Louis. The 70,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility secured funding during the previous Trump administration through collaboration with Congressional leaders. The laboratory will analyze verification samples for foodborne pathogens and chemical residues while supporting…

Kayem Foods Inc., based in Chelsea, MA, has issued a voluntary recall notice for 12 tons of ready-to-eat chicken sausage product 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 presence of plastic was discovered after the company received complaints from customers that white pieces of plastic were found in the impacted product. Distribution The recalled item was shipped to retail outlets across the United States. Product Details BrandProductSizeLot CodeUse/Freeze By DateAl FrescoAll Natural al…