Author: Kit Redwine
A recall first issued on May 19, 2025 by Crystal Creamery Inc, based in Modesto, California, for 92,594 lbs of non fat dry milk due to potential Salmonella contamination remains ongoing. 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 How the potential presence of Salmonella was discovered has not yet been released. No press release was issued for this recall. This recall has not yet been classified. Distribution The recalled product was distributed only in California and Texas. As…
Forensic food epidemiology employs advanced genetic analysis to trace pathogens through food supply chains, transforming how investigators solve contamination mysteries. By examining the DNA fingerprints of bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, scientists can pinpoint outbreak sources with unprecedented precision. This approach relies on whole-genome sequencing (WGS), which decodes nearly all 3 million DNA letters of a pathogen’s genome to identify unique mutations that act as biological barcodes. From PFGE to Precision: The Evolution of Outbreak Detection Historically, investigators used pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), a method that separated DNA fragments into banding patterns. While PFGE could link some cases, its…
Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety (CFS) has issued an urgent public health notice regarding contaminated durian-flavored ice cream that contains bacterial levels exceeding legal safety standards. The agency has instructed the public to immediately stop consuming the affected product and has ordered retailers to remove it from shelves. Product Details and Contamination The contaminated product is Alchemia brand Durian Gelato, manufactured by Pay & Pay Ice Cream International Company Limited and distributed by Kai’s Gourmet Limited. The 70-milliliter containers carry a best-before date of April 13, 2026, and originate from Hong Kong production facilities. Laboratory testing revealed the ice…
Hofood99 Inc, based in Brooklyn, New York, has issued a voluntary recall of Enoki Mushroom due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria). 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 contamination was detected when samples taken from a store in Michigan were analyzed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) Laboratory Division Testing that confirmed the presence of Listeria in certain 200 g packages of Enoki Mushrooms. Distribution The impacted product…
Overview The FDA’s CORE Response Teams manage multiple outbreak and adverse event investigations at various stages of completion. These investigations range from those with limited initial information to cases nearing resolution. Healthcare providers and public health officials encourage individuals experiencing potential foodborne illness symptoms to report details about food consumption prior to becoming ill, as this information assists in resolving active and emerging outbreaks. The FDA issues public health advisories when investigations produce specific actions consumers can take for protection. These advisories contain the most current investigation details and consumer safety information. Some investigations may not identify a definitive source…
The Science Behind Seaweed’s Antimicrobial Power Seaweed-based packaging leverages natural polysaccharides, such as carrageenan (red algae), alginate (brown algae), and ulvan (green algae), that inherently disrupt bacterial cell membranes. These compounds create films that inhibit pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria through electrostatic interactions, causing cell leakage and death. For example, chitosan-crab shell films enhanced with Ulva lactuca algae powder reduced bacterial growth by 99% against foodborne pathogens due to synergistic effects between algal polyphenols and chitosan’s positively charged molecules. Unlike synthetic preservatives, these antimicrobial mechanisms require no chemical additives, making them safe for direct food contact. Table: Key…
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Marini Foods Limited, based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, have issued a voluntary recall of Bornibus-brand tahini due to potential 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 due to an investigation by the CFIA into an outbreak of foodborne illness. This has been categorized as a Class I recall, meaning that the CFIA believes there is a significant risk that consuming the affected food…
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: …