Author: Kit Redwine

​P. East Trading Corp, based in Bronx, New York has issued a voluntary recall for Salted Smoked Split Herring due to potential risk of Clostridium botulinum contamination.  Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium that causes botulism, a type of food poisoning that can cause severe or fatal illness. Background According to the recall, “the sale of uneviscerated fish over 5″ in length may contain Clostridium botulinum spores as they are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other portion of the fish.” The recall was initiated after product sampling by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets…

A voluntary recall has been issued by Bornstein Seafoods, based in Bellingham, Washington, for 44,550 lbs of cooked and peeled ready-to-eat coldwater shrimp meat 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 of the impacted food while in production. The company has stopped distribution and is investigating what caused the potential for contamination. Distribution The affected items were…

Recent months have witnessed a wave of high-profile outbreaks and food recalls tied to Salmonella contamination: 1.7 million dozen eggs sickening 79 people across seven states , cucumbers infecting 45 individuals in 18 states , Class I–designated tomato recalls in the South, and even a restaurant in San Diego. A small list of recent food recalls linked to Salmonella include tahini, pet food, pumpkin seeds, frozen pastries, and many more. What Is Salmonella? Salmonella is a group of bacteria comprising over 2,500 serotypes, commonly causing foodborne gastroenteritis. It thrives in the intestines of animals and humans, contaminating food through fecal contact during growth, processing, or handling. Key traits include: …

While undercooked poultry and raw eggs are well-known food poisoning risks, several unexpected foods have caused significant outbreaks due to their unique contamination pathways. Cereal and Granola Dry cereals—often perceived as low-risk due to their low moisture content—can harbor Salmonella from contaminated raw grains. In 2018, Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal caused a multistate outbreak traced to a single manufacturing facility where Salmonella survived in dry wheat. The bacteria persisted through processing, sickening 136 people across 36 states. This highlights how pathogens can survive in low-water-activity foods. Ice Cream Listeria monocytogenes thrives in cold temperatures, making ice cream an unlikely vector. A…

Climate change is amplifying food safety risks in global seafood supplies through two primary pathways: the expansion of ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) and the proliferation of pathogenic Vibrio bacteria. These interconnected threats stem from rising ocean temperatures, altering marine ecosystems, and contaminating traditional fishing grounds. Ciguatera’s Shifting Geography Ciguatera poisoning occurs when humans consume reef fish contaminated with toxins produced by Gambierdiscus dinoflagellates. These microorganisms thrive on dead coral reefs—habitats expanding due to climate-induced coral bleaching, ocean acidification, and nutrient runoff. As sea temperatures rise: Vibrio’s Climate-Driven Surge Warmer coastal waters and increased brackish environments (where rivers meet oceans) create ideal conditions…

Health authorities in Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan have identified the source of a mass food poisoning incident that affected 17 people who consumed doner kebab from a local restaurant. Response and Medical Treatment The Nakhchivan Infectious Diseases Center Public Hospital alerted the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Food Safety Agency after patients began arriving with food poisoning symptoms on June 9. An infectious disease specialist at the center, reported that all 17 people were admitted to the Emergency Medical Department with confirmed food poisoning diagnoses. Among the affected individuals, nine were minors. Most patients arrived in moderate to serious condition, while two cases were…

New research from Rutgers Health reveals an unexpected mechanism through which antibiotics may inadvertently promote bacterial survival and accelerate resistance development. The study, published in Nature Communications, demonstrates how ciprofloxacin, a commonly prescribed antibiotic for urinary tract infections, creates metabolic conditions that help bacteria endure treatment. Energy Crisis Triggers Survival Response Researchers focused on how ciprofloxacin affects bacterial energy systems, specifically adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which serves as cellular fuel. When ATP levels decline dramatically, bacteria experience what scientists term “bioenergetic stress.” The research team, led by medical student Barry Li and assistant professor Jason Yang, engineered E. coli strains with genetic…

The Farm to Fork Strategy (F2F), adopted by the European Commission in May 2020, serves as a cornerstone of the European Green Deal. It aims to redesign the EU’s food system to make it “fair, healthy, and environmentally-friendly.” The strategy addresses critical challenges: food systems contribute nearly one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, drive biodiversity loss, and impact public health through malnutrition and diet-related diseases. Core Objectives and Targets The strategy outlines 27 actions to transform food production, processing, distribution, and consumption by 2030, including: Table: Key 2030 Targets of the Farm to Fork Strategy Policy AreaTargetBaseline (2020)Pesticide Use50% reduction…

European health authorities are investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated cashew butter that has affected dozens of young children across Austria and Germany, according to Euronews.com. The outbreak, first detected in Germany during late May, has resulted in significant hospitalizations and prompted widespread product recalls. Germany has documented 52 confirmed Salmonella cases among children under five years old, with 24 requiring hospital treatment. Austria has reported an additional 13 cases, predominantly affecting young children as well. The outbreak stems from Salmonella Infantis, a bacterial strain typically associated with contaminated poultry products. Health investigators conducted interviews with approximately two dozen…

Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety (CFS) launched its Food Safety Day 2025 initiative on June 7, centering attention on cross-contamination prevention as a critical component of food safety practices. The annual campaign targets both commercial food businesses and consumers, promoting proper hygiene protocols and safe food handling techniques. Cross-contamination represents a leading factor in foodborne illness cases, occurring when dangerous microorganisms transfer from raw ingredients to prepared or ready-to-consume items. This transfer happens through various pathways including contaminated hands, kitchen implements, cutting surfaces, and food preparation areas. The campaign coincides with World Food Safety Day, reinforcing global efforts to…