Author: Kit Redwine

For decades, public health officials and clinicians primarily hunted for one notorious pathogen: E. coli O157. Its unique biochemical characteristics made it relatively easy to identify in laboratories, and its association with severe, sometimes fatal, foodborne illness was well-established. This focus, however, created a blind spot. Lurking in the shadows were hundreds of other E. coli serotypes capable of producing the same dangerous Shiga toxins, a diverse family of pathogens now known as non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Thanks to a revolution in diagnostic technology, the true scale of this hidden threat is finally coming into focus, revealing a…

The Outbreak at a Glance Federal health officials are investigating a significant multistate outbreak of infant botulism linked to a powdered infant formula. The situation is dynamic, with case counts rising as the investigation progresses. The following table outlines the states where cases have been reported as of November 19, 2025: StateArizonaMichiganRhode IslandCaliforniaMinnesotaTexasIdahoNorth CarolinaWashingtonIllinoisNew JerseyKentuckyOregonMainePennsylvania Investigation Timeline and Key Findings The investigation, a collaborative effort between the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program (IBTPP), has evolved rapidly,…

In the wake of a 2025 multistate outbreak linked to prepared pasta meals that resulted in dozens of hospitalizations and multiple deaths, a complex question confronts food safety regulators, manufacturers, and consumers: what is the acceptable amount of a deadly pathogen in food? The investigation, which traced Listeria monocytogenes contamination to pre-cooked pasta from a single supplier, triggered a cascade of recalls affecting products from major national retailers including Trader Joe’s, Kroger, and Albertsons. As of late October 2025, this outbreak had sickened 27 people across 18 states, led to 25 hospitalizations, caused six confirmed deaths, and resulted in one…

In restaurants across the United States, a routine but little-understood process takes place daily: the health inspection. These evaluations, conducted by trained professionals, represent the front line of defense in preventing foodborne illness, yet few diners understand what actually occurs during these inspections or how to interpret their results. The National Restaurant Associated reported total sales in eating and drinking places in August 2025 alone at nearly $100 billion. With so many American adults eating at a restaurant on any given day, the inspection system carries significant weight in protecting public health. The reality of restaurant inspections reveals a complex…

Vietnam HO CHI MINH CITY – Authorities Investigate Widespread Food Poisoning Linked to Sandwiches Health officials in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam are investigating a large-scale food poisoning outbreak that has now affected 316 people. The cases have been traced back to banh mi, a popular Vietnamese sandwich, sold at two locations of a local sandwich chain. Health department authorities have identified the bacteria responsible as Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella spp, which were detected in tests performed on patients. The incident began last week, when over 200 people were hospitalized with symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever after…

In the complex world of food safety, one of the most challenging public health problems involves animals that appear perfectly healthy. Across farms, households, and food processing facilities, numerous animal species naturally carry Salmonella bacteria in their intestines without showing any signs of illness. These asymptomatic carriers continuously shed the bacteria through their feces, creating invisible pathways of contamination that reach into our food supply, homes, and environment. Understanding this stealthy transmission has become increasingly critical as scientists work to unravel how Salmonella causes an estimated 1.35 million human illnesses annually in the United States alone and maintains its presence…

A rare and serious outbreak of infant botulism has led to a voluntary recall of specific batches of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, following an investigation by federal health agencies. The outbreak has resulted in the hospitalization of 13 infants across ten states, though no deaths have been reported. This developing situation is notable because, if confirmed, it would mark an unprecedented event in the U.S., as there is no historical precedent of infant formula causing botulism, according to a statement from ByHeart in their recall notice. Health officials and the company have stressed the importance of immediate action for…

In the summer of 2025, a wave of foodborne illness swept across multiple states, sickening individuals with listeria bacteria and claiming lives. At the heart of this outbreak were common, ready-to-eat pasta dishes, a convenience many take for granted. While such outbreaks are a public health concern for all, they are a catastrophic threat to a specific, and growing, segment of the population: adults aged 65 and older. For them, a simple meal can carry a risk that is both disproportionate and severe.  This reality is coming into sharper focus as demographic shifts point toward an increasingly older population. This…

As households across the United States begin planning their upcoming Thanksgiving feasts and holiday celebrations, hosts are urged to prioritize food safety alongside their menu preparations. The convergence of large groups, multiple dishes, and often-inexperienced cooks creates ideal conditions for foodborne pathogens to flourish. Each year, an estimated one in six Americans becomes sick from foodborne illness, with outbreaks frequently increasing during the holiday season. For vulnerable populations including young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems, the consequences can extend beyond a ruined meal to serious health complications. The challenges are particularly pronounced during Thanksgiving,…

A nationwide outbreak of Salmonella has been linked to dietary supplements containing moringa leaf powder, prompting a federal investigation and a large-scale recall of products sold at Sam’s Club. The investigation, led by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has identified a single lot of organic moringa leaf powder imported from India as the source of the contamination. The outbreak has resulted in 11 reported illnesses across seven states, leading to three hospitalizations. While the affected product has been pulled from store shelves, health officials are concerned that consumers may…