Author: Kit Redwine

A voluntary recall first initiated on June 10, 2025 by Big O’ Smokehouse Inc., based in Caledonia, Michigan, for two sizes of Whitefish Spread due to plastic contamination remains ongoing. 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 product is being recalled because it is with plastic material. No press release was issued for this recall. How the contamination with foreign objects was discovered has not been announced. This recall is classified as a Class II recall, meaning that the impacted products may…

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 How the presence of Listeria contamination in the affected products has not been published. Distribution According to the recall notice, the products were distributed to a retail audience in the Canadian…

Dishwasher sanitization cycles are engineered features designed to significantly reduce microbial contamination on dishware through specific temperature protocols. These cycles meet standards established by organizations like the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), which requires a minimum water temperature of 150°F (65.5°C) during the final rinse to achieve a 99.999% reduction in common food-soil bacteria such as E. coli and Legionella. In residential models, this process typically extends cycle times by 30–90 minutes and employs internal heating elements to elevate water temperatures beyond typical wash cycles (which average 140°F). Successful sanitization is often indicated by an illuminated “Sanitized” light or dashboard notification. Key Mechanisms and…

Thermal pasteurization remains the primary defense against Salmonella enteritidis (SE) in eggs, with regulatory standards mandating a 5-log reduction of this pathogen to ensure safety. Current methods employ precise time-temperature combinations validated through computational and experimental studies, though they face significant limitations in preserving egg functionality and scalability. Thermal Efficacy and Computational Optimization Moist heat pasteurization at 57°C for 5 minutes achieves a 2-log reduction of SE in yolks, while higher temperatures (60°C) require shorter durations but risk protein denaturation. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations refine these parameters, revealing that large eggs (63–72g) need 37.2 minutes at 56°C, including cooling phases, to…

Religious slaughter methods adhering to Halal (Islamic) and Kosher (Jewish) requirements involve specific procedures that differ from conventional slaughter, with several documented welfare and safety considerations emerging from scientific and regulatory reviews. Animal Welfare Concerns A primary focus surrounds conscious slaughter without stunning, required under Kosher law and traditionally practiced in Halal slaughter. Studies indicate that after the throat cut, animals may retain consciousness for extended periods, up to 14 seconds in sheep with optimal cuts, and potentially 70 seconds or longer with suboptimal techniques. During this period, animals may experience distress, as evidenced by physiological responses and behavioral observations. While some…

China is advancing a multi-faceted modernization of its food safety system through legislative reforms, agricultural development initiatives, and updated technical standards. These efforts aim to enhance food security safety protocols and supply chain resilience by 2035. Agricultural Modernization and Food Security Targets A 10-year agricultural plan announced in April 2025 targets stabilized grain output capacity of approximately 700 million metric tons by 2027 building on 2024’s record production. The strategy emphasizes self-sufficiency in staple crops, biotech innovation for high-yield soybeans, and salt-alkali-tolerant varieties and diversification of oilseed sources like rapeseed and peanuts. Concurrently it prioritizes modernization of livestock sectors, including…

A voluntary recall first announced on 6/5/2025 by Hy-Vee, based in West Des Moines, Iowa, for multiple sushi products 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 No press release was issued for this recall. How the presence of Listeria contamination in the affected products has not been published. Distribution According to the recall notice, the products were distributed to “retail locations throughout the Midwest.” Product Details ProductSizeCode…

A salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated salami has now affected 72 people across three Canadian provinces, with seven individuals requiring hospitalization. Background Those affected include 57 people in Alberta, 14 in Ontario, and one (1) in Manitoba who became ill after consuming three specific salami products. The contaminated items are Rea brand Genoa Salami Sweet, Rea brand Genoa Salami Hot, and Bona brand Mild Genova Salami. Most cases occurred between mid-April and mid-June, with patients reporting illness after eating the salami in prepared sandwiches or purchasing it from delicatessen counters. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued recalls for these…

Health authorities in Pingtung County, Taiwan have launched an investigation into a suspected food poisoning incident that left seven people hospitalized after eating breakfast at a hotel in the popular tourist destination of Kenting. The Pingtung County Public Health Bureau received notification Monday evening from Kaohsiung City’s Department of Health about patients being treated for suspected food poisoning at E-Da Hospital. Initial epidemiological findings indicated the incident occurred at a Pingtung County hotel, prompting local health officials to dispatch teams to collect samples for testing. The seven affected victims were part of a 31-person group of New Taipei company employees…

An Air India flight from London to Mumbai landed safely Monday after multiple passengers and crew members reported feeling dizzy and nauseous during the journey. Flight AI-130, operated with a Boeing 777 aircraft, experienced health incidents involving at least two crew members and five passengers who became ill during different phases of the flight, according to an Air India spokesperson. The aircraft continued its scheduled route despite the medical issues and touched down safely at Mumbai’s airport, where medical teams were stationed and ready to assist. Following the landing, two passengers and two cabin crew members who continued experiencing symptoms…