Author: Kit Redwine
A voluntary recall has been issued by World Market, based in Alameda, California, for Emek Spread Pistachio Cacao Cream with Kadayif due to potential Salmonella contamination remains ongoing. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious infections in animals and humans, especially those in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Background The impacted product was recalled after sample testing by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) revealed the presence of Salmonella. Distribution The recalled product was mainly sold in World Market retail stores in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois,…
A recall first announced on June 9, 2025 by Seal The Seasons Inc, based in Durham, North Carolina for 208 cases of frozen organic blueberries 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 product was discovered. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has classified this as a Class 1 recall, meaning that exposure to the…
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Dawn Food Products Canada Limited, based in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, has issued a voluntary recall notice for Soft Raised Donut Mix due to plastic contamination. 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 discovered in the impacted items. This recall has been designated a Class II recall, meaning there is a “moderate risk that consuming the food may lead to short-term or non-life threatening health…
A voluntary recall has been issued by LLK Trading Inc., based in Linden, New Jersey, for200 g packages of Needle Mushrooms 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 for Listeria contamination was discovered by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) during routine random testing in a sample package of the impacted product. The recall notice said that sales of the recalled product have been stopped while the…
Kentucky Restaurant Outbreak Health officials in Hopkins County, Kentucky, confirmed 24 cases of giardiasis in July 2025, significantly exceeding the county’s typical annual incidence of one to two cases. The Hopkins County Health Department traced the outbreak to El Tapatio restaurant in Madisonville, where state environmentalists identified temperature control issues in a walk-in refrigerator. The establishment ceased operations for thorough disinfection, food disposal, and staff retraining while cooperating with investigators. Public Health Director Denise Beach, speaking to local media, noted the investigation involved interviewing infected individuals about common exposures, including geographic proximity, shared recreational water venues, and dining locations. National Outbreak Patterns According…
What is Giardia? Giardia duodenalis (also known as G. lamblia or G. intestinalis) is a microscopic, single-celled parasite that infects the small intestine of humans and animals worldwide. This flagellated protozoan causes giardiasis, one of the most common waterborne diarrheal diseases globally. The parasite exists in two forms: hardy, infectious cysts shed in feces, and disease-causing trophozoites that multiply in the host’s gut. Transmission and Risk Factors Infection occurs when people ingest Giardia cysts through contaminated water, food, surfaces, or person-to-person contact. The cysts are remarkably resilient, surviving for months in cold water and resisting standard chlorine levels in drinking water. …
The Hopkins County (Kentucky) Health Department has launched an investigation into a giardia outbreak that officials believe may be connected to El Tapatio restaurant. The establishment has voluntarily closed its doors temporarily for training and maintenance while the investigation continues. Health officials report that more than 20 cases of giardia have been documented in Hopkins County over the last month. The parasitic infection affects the intestinal system and can cause significant gastrointestinal symptoms in those affected. Giardia transmission occurs through multiple pathways. The parasite can be contracted from contaminated water sources including lakes, swimming pools, and streams. Person-to-person spread is also possible…
Frozen chicken nuggets, a staple in many households, present unique food safety challenges that consumers often overlook. While convenient, these processed meat products carry risks when improperly cooked, potentially leading to foodborne illnesses. The combination of industrial processing methods and consumer cooking habits creates potential hazards that warrant closer examination. The Manufacturing Process and Its Risks Chicken nuggets undergo extensive processing before reaching freezer aisles. Mechanically separated chicken, a common ingredient, has been associated with higher bacterial contamination risks due to the process of removing meat from bones. The grinding and mixing stages can distribute pathogens throughout the product, unlike…
Frozen berries, a staple in smoothies and desserts, have been linked to multiple hepatitis A outbreaks worldwide, raising concerns about food safety in the frozen food industry. Unlike fresh produce, frozen fruit is often considered low-risk due to its extended shelf life and convenience. However, contamination can occur before freezing, turning these convenient foods into unexpected carriers of viruses. How Frozen Berries Transmit Hepatitis A Hepatitis A, a highly contagious liver infection, spreads through the fecal-oral route. In the case of frozen berries, contamination typically happens at the farm level. Berries may be exposed to hepatitis A through: Unlike bacteria,…
Eggs are a leading cause of Salmonella infections, with thousands of foodborne illnesses linked to contaminated eggs each year. Recently, the United States faced yet another outbreak of Salmonella connected to contaminated eggs from the August Egg Company that led to multiple infections, hospitalizations, and one death. At least one lawsuit by national Salmonella law firm Ron Simon & Associates has been filed. The susceptibility of eggs to Salmonella stems from biological factors in poultry, farming practices, and the nature of egg production. Understanding these risks helps explain why eggs remain a high-risk food despite modern safety measures. Internal Contamination:…