Author: Kit Redwine
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: …
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…