Author: Kit Redwine

The rapid growth of CBD-infused foods and supplements has outpaced regulatory frameworks, raising significant food safety concerns rooted in contamination risks, labeling inaccuracies, and regulatory gaps. Research reveals that hemp plants bioaccumulate heavy metals from soil, leading to detectable contaminants in final products. A study of 121 U.S. CBD edibles found 42% contained lead, 37% mercury, 28% arsenic, and 8% cadmium, with some products exceeding California’s Proposition 65 threshold for daily lead consumption. Phthalates, linked to long-term health impacts, were detected in 13% – 80% of products. Microbial hazards also persist, including risks from Clostridium botulinum spores during extraction, which survive pasteurization and…

The United Kingdom’s Food Standards Agency has announced a recall of Ballymaguire Foods’ Good Food Locally Sourced Freshly Prepared Bacon and Cabbage Dinner 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 product. Distribution The recalled item was distributed to unnamed retailers in Northern Ireland. Product Details BrandProductSizeBatch CodeBest by DatesGood Food Locally SourcedFreshly Prepared…

A recent study from the University of Copenhagen has uncovered significant financial losses associated with Salmonella Dublin infections in cattle herds, according to an article on futurity.org. Salmonella Dublin, a multi-drug resistant bacterial disease affecting cattle, causes pneumonia and blood poisoning in animals while posing serious risks to human health. The infection kills thousands of calves and cows annually and proves fatal to up to 12 percent of infected humans. People can contract the disease through direct animal contact, unpasteurized dairy products, or undercooked meat. Denmark launched a national eradication program in 2008 aimed at completely eliminating the disease from cattle…

The chief executive of a catering company pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges stemming from a mass food poisoning incident that hospitalized 60 ByteDance employees last year, according to Channel News Asia. Lu Zhi Tao, CEO of Yunhaiyao, entered guilty pleas on behalf of his company to two charges related to the July 30, 2024 incident at ByteDance’s One Raffles Quay office canteen. The Singapore Food Agency investigation revealed that wok-fried diced chicken provided by Yunhaiyao contained staphylococcus aureus bacteria levels exceeding regulatory limits. Food samples tested showed more than 200,000 colony-forming units per gram of the bacteria, far above the permitted maximum of…

As technology continues to evolve in the home, smart refrigerators have emerged as a popular innovation in kitchen appliances. Marketed as tools to promote food safety, these appliances offer a range of features aimed at improving how food is stored and managed. But do they actually help prevent foodborne illness? Smart refrigerators are typically equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity and internal cameras, as well as sensors that monitor temperature and humidity. Some models send alerts to users when the internal temperature rises above safe levels or when doors are left open too long. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration…

The United Kingdom Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a recall for The Compleat Food Group’s Wall’s The Classic Scotch Egg and Wall’s 2 Classic Scotch Eggs due to Salmonella contamination . 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 No explanation was given as to how the presence of Salmonella was discovered in the recalled products. The company said that no other Wall’s products are affected by this recall and the contamination is limited only to the specific…

Viruses represent a significant and evolving challenge to global food safety, responsible for an estimated 600 million foodborne illnesses annually according to the World Health Organization. While norovirus, hepatitis A virus (HAV), and hepatitis E virus (HEV) dominate reported outbreaks, scientific attention is increasingly focused on other viruses with emerging foodborne transmission potential. These pathogens exploit gaps in surveillance, complex food supply chains, and environmental contamination pathways. Established Threats with Evolving Dynamics Norovirus remains the leading cause of viral foodborne illness globally, responsible for approximately 125 million cases yearly. Its extreme environmental persistence, low infectious dose (as few as 100 particles), and high shedding concentration…

The July 4th holiday weekend, marked by outdoor gatherings and communal meals, sees a documented increase in foodborne illnesses due to warmer temperatures and challenges in maintaining safe food handling outdoors. Implementing evidence-based precautions can significantly reduce risks. Preventing Cross-Contamination Cross-contamination is a primary cause of foodborne illness outbreaks. Always separate raw meats (like beef, poultry, and seafood) from ready-to-eat foods (such as salads or fruits) using distinct cutting boards, plates, and utensils. After handling raw items, wash surfaces and tools with hot, soapy water and sanitize them thoroughly. USDA surveys indicate 34% of people fail to use separate utensils for…

The financial repercussions of foodborne illness outbreaks present a stark contrast to the investments required for prevention, with mounting evidence underscoring the fiscal imperative for proactive food safety measures. In the United States alone, recent studies estimate the annual economic burden of foodborne illnesses at $75 billion, encompassing medical expenses, lost productivity, loss of life, and related costs. Globally, the World Health Organization reports productivity losses and medical expenses from unsafe food total $110 billion annually in low- and middle-income countries. These figures far exceed the investments needed to mitigate such outbreaks through robust safety protocols. Outbreak Costs: A Multilayered Burden Food safety…

Morocco KENITRA – 29 Hospitalized After Food Poisoning at Market Twenty-nine people were hospitalized Monday evening after eating contaminated sandwiches purchased at a weekly market near Souk El Arbaa, Morocco. The victims developed symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain shortly after eating food from the market, according to medical authorities. Patients initially sought treatment at the local hospital in Souk El Arbaa before being transferred to a larger medical center for additional care. Most of those affected responded to medical treatment and were discharged the following day. Eight patients remained under medical supervision as of Tuesday evening, with hospital…