Author: Kit Redwine

DNA Barcoding Against Fraud DNA barcoding combats food fraud by using genetic markers to verify species authenticity, particularly in vulnerable products like seafood and spices. This technique sequences short, standardized genome regions (e.g., the COI gene) to identify species, even in processed goods where visual inspection fails. Studies reveal 33% of U.S. seafood is mislabeled, tuna substituted with escolar, or cod with cheaper pollock, posing allergy and conservation risks. Portable devices like SwissDeCode’s DNA analyzers now enable on-site contamination checks without lab delays, while blockchain-linked barcoding creates unforgeable digital twins for products like organic crops or sustainably sourced fish. Global…

The Challenge of Contamination Fresh produce can be contaminated by water, soil amendments, wildlife, or human handling during cultivation. Farmers play a critical role in managing these risks, yet knowledge gaps persist, particularly in agricultural water management and soil amendment use, which remain the least understood food safety practices globally. Conversely, worker hygiene practices are typically better adopted. In developing regions, farmers producing crops for sale often demonstrate inferior safety practices compared to subsistence farmers, highlighting how market pressures can compromise safety protocols without targeted interventions. Theory-Driven Educational Models Effective training programs leverage behavioral psychology to drive change:…

A recall has been issued by August Egg Company, based in Hilmar, California, for 1,700,000 brown cage free and brown certified organic eggs 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 as part of a multistate Salmonella outbreak investigation by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The recall notice said that the firm is “not selling fresh shell…

Outbreak Background – June 6, 2025 Federal health officials, working with state and local authorities, are actively investigating a multistate Salmonella outbreak connected to eggs. Combined epidemiological evidence, laboratory testing, and traceback data have established that eggs from August Egg Company are possibly contaminated with Salmonella and may be making people sick. Case Count – June 6, 2025 Product Details – June 6, 2025 Eggs were recalled by August Egg Company on June 6, 2025 and include both organic and cage free brown eggs. The plant code number on the packaging or carton will read P-6562 or CA5330. The impacted…

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are carbon-based toxic chemicals that resist environmental degradation, bioaccumulate in living organisms, and transport globally through air and water currents. Notable POPs include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, furans, and pesticides like DDT. These compounds share four critical properties: long-term persistence (remaining intact for years to decades), bioaccumulation in fatty tissues, long-range environmental transport, and toxicity to humans and wildlife. Dioxins, primarily by-products of industrial processes, and PCBs, historically manufactured for electrical equipment, exemplify the risks of unintentional POP release. Origins and Environmental Pathways POPs originate from two primary sources: Once released, POPs cycle through air, water, and soil. Their semi-volatile nature enables transcontinental…

Massachusetts Department of Public Health officials are investigating four recent botulism cases connected to cosmetic Botox injections administered on the state’s South Shore, according to multiple media sources. The cases have prompted a clinical advisory urging healthcare providers to be alert for botulism symptoms following botulinum toxin treatments. The advisory, issued Thursday, did not specify the exact locations where the four cases were reported within the South Shore region. State officials characterized the incidents as iatrogenic botulism, a rare but serious adverse reaction resulting from botulinum toxin product administration. Botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, is widely used in cosmetic procedures…

Prions, abbreviated from “proteinaceous infectious particles”, are misfolded proteins capable of transmitting their abnormal shape to normal cellular proteins, triggering fatal neurodegenerative diseases in humans and animals. Unlike bacteria or viruses, prions lack genetic material (DNA or RNA) and propagate solely through structural corruption of the major prion protein (PrP). Normally, PrP exists as a harmless, alpha-helix-rich protein (PrPC) on cell surfaces. When misfolded into a beta-sheet-dominant form (PrPSc), it aggregates into toxic clumps that destroy brain tissue, creating microscopic holes that give the brain a sponge-like appearance. Mechanisms of Pathogenicity The danger of prions lies in their unique properties: …

The World Health Organization (WHO) serves as the cornerstone of international efforts to combat foodborne diseases, which sicken 600 million people and cause 420,000 deaths annually, disproportionately affecting children under five and low-income populations. Through science-driven strategies and coordinated governance, WHO addresses this pervasive public health threat across 194 member states. Surveillance and Burden Assessment A core WHO function involves quantifying the global impact of foodborne hazards. In 2015, the Foodborne Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference Group (FERG) published landmark estimates: 31 biological and chemical hazards cause 33 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost yearly, with diarrheal agents like norovirus and Campylobacter…

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and The Market Garden 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 a recall in another country because of Salmonella contamination. This has been categorized as a Class II recall, meaning that the CFIA believes there is a moderate risk that consuming the affected food could lead to short-term or non-life threatening health…

New research has examined how long influenza viruses, including the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain, remain viable in unpasteurized milk. The study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, provides insights into potential transmission risks associated with contaminated dairy products. The research follows the March 2024 identification of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in U.S. dairy cattle. Scientists discovered this virus after investigating significantly reduced milk production across affected farms. Genetic analysis indicated the virus was first introduced to cattle populations in late 2023. Unlike typical respiratory influenza infections in mammals, H5N1 in cattle produces extremely high levels of viral shedding in…