Author: Kit Redwine
Maintaining food safety requires consistent adherence to scientifically backed methods that minimize exposure to harmful pathogens. These practices span shopping, storage, preparation, and handling leftovers, forming a comprehensive defense against foodborne illness. Strategic Shopping & Storage Begin at the grocery store by selecting perishables last and separating raw meats from other items to prevent cross-contamination. Refrigerate purchases within two hours (one hour if temperatures exceed 90°F/32°C). Store raw meats in sealed containers on the refrigerator’s bottom shelf to contain potential leaks. Maintain refrigerator temperatures at or below 40°F (4°C) and freezers at 0°F (-18°C), verified with an appliance thermometer. Cleanliness Protocols …
A voluntary recall has been issued by Face Rock Creamery, based in Bandon, Oregon, for its Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds 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 company during routine testing, which revealed contamination in the finished product. The company has notified federal and state health authorities and is investigating what caused the contamination. Distribution The affected items were distributed…
A Port Angeles, Washington-based seafood company has issued a recall for its smoked salmon products after state testing revealed potential contamination with a dangerous bacteria. Sunrise Meats Inc. announced the voluntary recall of Smoked Wild White King Salmon following discovery of Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) during routine inspection procedures. Product Details and Distribution The recalled product consists of Smoked Wild White King Salmon bearing a sell-by date of July 21, 2025. The affected salmon was packaged and sold directly from the company’s Port Angeles, Washington location. Customers who purchased this specific product with the indicated date are advised to take immediate…
Health authorities across Central Europe are monitoring a hepatitis A outbreak that has affected four countries since the beginning of 2025. Austria, Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia have all reported significantly elevated numbers of hepatitis A virus cases, with two distinct but related viral strains identified through genetic sequencing. Outbreak Details and Affected Populations From January through May 2025, the four countries documented case numbers exceeding normal expectations for hepatitis A virus subgenotype IB infections. Laboratory analysis revealed two clusters of closely related viral strains, with genetic data collected from Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia contributing to the identification. The outbreak has…
Madagascar ANTANANARIVO – 20 Dead from Food Poisoning The number of fatalities from a poisoning incident in a suburb of Madagascar’s capital has climbed to 20, government officials announced Wednesday. The incident occurred during a birthday party in the Ambohimalaza rural district near Antananarivo. Incident Details Approximately 50 people gathered for the birthday celebration on Saturday in the rural area outside the capital city. Following the event, multiple attendees developed severe symptoms including dizziness and impaired vision. Those affected required immediate medical attention due to the severity of their conditions. Government Response and Investigation Authorities have classified the incident as…
A 12-year-old girl has died and seven other children have been hospitalized following a severe food poisoning outbreak in Saint-Quentin, a town in northern France. The outbreak has prompted authorities to close two local butcher shops as a precautionary measure while investigations continue. Timeline and Symptoms The first symptoms appeared on June 12 in and around Saint-Quentin, with affected children being admitted to hospitals over the subsequent days. The outbreak has impacted children ranging in age from 1 to 12 years old. All eight hospitalized children presented with severe digestive symptoms, including bloody diarrhea. The 12-year-old victim died on Monday…
Public health officials in King County, Washington have completed their investigation into a Salmonella outbreak linked to an IHOP restaurant in Bellevue, Washington. The outbreak resulted in 33 confirmed cases, 6 hospitalizations, and no deaths over a period spanning from October 2023 to September 2024. Outbreak Origins and Contamination Source The outbreak began with contaminated diced onions that were part of a nationwide Salmonella contamination incident in 2023. These onions were delivered to the Bellevue IHOP location and subsequently caused illness among customers. The contaminated onions were recalled and disposed of in October 2023 following the national recall notice. Despite the…
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Chaeban Ice Cream, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada have issued a recall for Chaeban Mediterani Mascarpone Fresh Soft Cheese due to possible contamination with E. coli, a pathogen that can cause serious, and sometimes severe, foodborne illness in certain populations. Background No information was provided as to how the contamination with E. coli was discovered. This has been classified as a Class II recall, meaning that there is some risk that consuming the recalled food item may lead to short-term but non-life threatening health issues. Distribution The recalled product was distributed to a retail…
A recall first announced on April 10, 2025 by Bakkavor Foods USA Inc, based in Carson, California, for California Pizza Kitchen Tequila Lime Base due to possible contamination with wood remains ongoing. Food contaminated with foreign objects, such as wood, has the potential to cause severe harm, including choking, injury, illness, damage to teeth and tongue, or even death. Background The recall was issued after the company was notified by a supplier that the affected product may be contaminated with pieces of wood. This recall has not yet been classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Distribution The affected…
The modern diet is saturated with processed foods containing thousands of approved additives, emulsifiers, sweeteners, preservatives, and colorants, designed to enhance texture, shelf life, and appeal. While deemed safe individually by regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA, emerging research reveals complex interactions between these substances and our digestive system, particularly concerning gut microbiome balance and intestinal barrier integrity. Unlike whole foods, many additives aren’t digested by human enzymes but are metabolized by gut bacteria, potentially triggering cascading effects on health. Emulsifiers: Gut Barrier Disruptors Common emulsifiers like sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polysorbate 80, prevalent in ice cream and…