Author: Kit Redwine

Every year, an estimated 600 million people, nearly 1 in 10 worldwide, fall ill from contaminated food, with 420,000 dying from preventable foodborne diseases, according to the World Health Organization. Behind these staggering statistics lie familiar culprits: Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and other pathogens that slip through our food safety nets despite modern sanitation practices. While traditional methods like pasteurization, chemical washes, and antibiotics have served us for decades, they come with limitations – bacterial resistance, altered food quality, and environmental concerns. Now, a revolutionary gene-editing technology called CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is rewriting the rules of…

The allure of raw seafood is undeniable. From the buttery texture of premium sashimi to the briny burst of freshly shucked oysters, these delicacies have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. Yet beneath their culinary appeal lies a potentially dangerous reality that every seafood lover should understand. As consumption of raw seafood continues to rise globally, so too do reports of foodborne illnesses linked to these marine delicacies. The Growing Popularity and Hidden Risks In recent years, raw seafood consumption has seen unprecedented growth. Sushi restaurants have moved from niche ethnic eateries to mainstream dining options, with the global…

Food poisoning is an all-too-common health issue that strikes without warning, leaving its victims grappling with nausea, vomiting, and debilitating stomach cramps. The culprits? Harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which lurk in improperly handled or contaminated foods. While proper cooking and hygiene are the first lines of defense, scientists are increasingly turning to an unexpected ally in the fight against foodborne illness: probiotics. These live beneficial bacteria, often found in fermented foods, do more than just support digestion—they actively combat dangerous pathogens, offering a natural shield against food poisoning.   The Science Behind Probiotics Probiotics are live microorganisms…

United Kingdom LONDON – UK Politicians Concerned About Public Health Risks from US Chicken Imports A prominent UK politician has sounded the alarm over potential dangers to British public health if a UK-US trade deal permits imports of American poultry treated with chlorine or antimicrobial washes. Lord Rooker, of the UK’s Labour Party, highlighted evidence that approximately one in 25 chicken packages in US supermarkets poses a salmonella risk, a statistic that raises serious concerns about food safety standards across the Atlantic. “This idea that we can import chicken from America safely is simply not true,” Rooker stated during a…

Ground beef is a kitchen staple, found in everything from juicy hamburgers to hearty Bolognese sauces. Yet lurking within those raw, crumbled bits of meat can be a dangerous pathogen: Escherichia coli O157:H7, a strain of bacteria capable of causing severe, even life-threatening, illness. Despite repeated warnings from food safety experts, undercooked ground beef remains a leading cause of foodborne outbreaks in the U.S. and beyond. The risks are real, but the solution is straightforward: understanding the science behind E. coli and adhering to strict cooking temperatures can mean the difference between a safe meal and a medical emergency. The…

University of Glasgow scientists have achieved a breakthrough in treating dangerous food poisoning caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Their research, published in npj Antimicrobials and Resistance, demonstrates that an antivirulence compound called Aurodox effectively treats STEC infections in mice, offering hope for a safer alternative to conventional antibiotics. STEC infections present a particular challenge for medical treatment. Traditional antibiotics often worsen an e. coli/STEC condition by triggering the release of potent toxins into the patient’s gut while simultaneously disrupting beneficial gut bacteria. This leaves doctors with limited options for treating patients with severe symptoms, which can include bloody…

Supercan Bulk, based in Miami, Florida, has issued a voluntary recall of a lot of its Supercan Pig Ear Slivers-Thick Cut Piggy Ear Slices pet treats 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 The recall was initiated after samples collected by the Washington State Department of Agriculture tested positive for Salmonella. Distribution The recalled item was distributed to a North 40 retail store in Washington state. Product Details Consumer Action Consumers should…

From ancient times to the modern era, food poisoning has been an ever-present danger lurking in humanity’s food supply. What began as mysterious illnesses attributed to divine punishment or bad humors has evolved into a sophisticated understanding of microbial contamination and food safety systems. Throughout history, major outbreaks of foodborne illness have served as catalysts for sweeping reforms in how societies regulate, produce, and distribute food. These tragic events have repeatedly exposed vulnerabilities in food systems, forcing governments and industries to implement stricter controls and better safety measures. The relationship between food poisoning outbreaks and regulatory changes follows a consistent…

Salmonella Outbreak Investigation Continues into Rare Strain Affecting Dozens Health authorities are continuing their investigation into an unusual Salmonella outbreak that affected more than 50 people across the United Kingdom in 2024, according to multiple media outlets. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has been leading efforts to identify the source of the rare Salmonella Blockley strain, which resulted in multiple hospitalizations last summer. Between July 27 and August 24, 2024, officials documented 54 cases spanning three nations within the UK: 36 in England, 11 in Scotland, and 7 in Wales. The outbreak’s scope prompted the formation of a specialized…

Cargill Kitchen Solutions, based in Lake Odessa, Michigan, has issued a voluntary recall of approximately 212,000 pounds of liquid egg product due to potential contamination with a cleaning solution, sodium hypochlorite. Background In an announcement, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) said that the organization received a “tip” about potential contamination in the recalled products. Distribution The affected items were sent to distributors in Ohio and Texas and were then distributed to foodservice locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, and Iowa. FSIS said that there could have been further distribution to additional states. Product…