Author: Kit Redwine

UK health authorities have issued travel advisories for tourists planning visits to the Czech Republic following a substantial increase in hepatitis A infections across the country. The outbreak has particularly affected Prague and the Central Bohemia and Moravia-Silesia regions. The Czech Republic documented 450 confirmed hepatitis A cases and six deaths by May 5, 2024, already surpassing the previous year’s annual total of 636 cases with two fatalities. The Czech Health Ministry has identified poor hygiene practices as the primary factor driving transmission of the liver-affecting virus. Hepatitis A spreads through the fecal-oral route when people consume food or water…

During foodborne outbreaks, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses distinct communication tools to inform the public: food safety alerts and outbreak investigation notices. These serve different purposes based on the level of evidence and public health risk, guiding consumers on protective actions. Food Safety Alerts: Specific, Actionable Warnings Food safety alerts are issued when investigators have clear and convincing evidence linking illnesses to a specific contaminated food product available in stores or homes. These alerts: Outbreak Investigation Notices: Early-Stage Advisories Investigation notices signal an ongoing outbreak before a specific food…

Foodborne pathogens cause an estimated 48 million U.S. illnesses annually, driving scientific efforts to revolutionize detection, sanitization, and prevention methods. Recent innovations focus on speed, precision, and sustainability to safeguard global food supplies, addressing challenges from farm-level contamination to supply chain vulnerabilities. Rapid Pathogen Detection Traditional pathogen testing takes ≥24 hours, allowing contaminants to proliferate. Breakthroughs in 2024 include: Advanced Sanitization Technologies Emerging FDA-approved methods overcome limitations of chemical sanitizers, which struggle with biofilms and leave residues : Digital Integration and Traceability IoT sensors and Blockchain are reshaping food safety infrastructure: Conclusion Science bridges detection, sanitization, and digital oversight to…

Food poisoning affects millions annually, often stemming from preventable errors in home kitchens. Understanding these pitfalls can significantly reduce the risk of illness. Neglecting Hand Hygiene Hands are prime carriers of pathogens like Norovirus and Staphylococcus aureus. Failure to wash hands with soap for 20 seconds before cooking, after handling raw meat, or after using the bathroom spreads bacteria to food and surfaces. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that a significant percentage of foodborne outbreaks involving food workers originate from hand contamination. Washing Raw Poultry Rinsing chicken or turkey splashes Salmonella and Campylobacter onto sinks, countertops, and nearby utensils. Cooking…

Outbreak Background – May 30, 2025 Update Federal health officials, working with state and local authorities, are actively investigating a multistate Salmonella outbreak connected to whole cucumbers. Combined epidemiological evidence, laboratory testing, and supply chain tracking have established a potential link between the Bedner Growers cucumbers distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. and Salmonella infections affecting multiple individuals. The investigation suggests these particular cucumbers may harbor Salmonella bacteria and could be responsible for ongoing illnesses. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has asked businesses to not sell or serve any whole cucumbers that were grown by Bedner…

The Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) designation, established under the 1958 Food Additives Amendment to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), exempts certain food ingredients from mandatory FDA premarket approval. This exemption applies when qualified experts universally recognize a substance as safe under its intended conditions of use, based either on extensive pre-1958 consumption history or robust scientific evidence. Unlike formal food additives, which require FDA review and approval, GRAS substances bypass this process, shifting safety validation responsibilities to manufacturers. Pathways to GRAS Status Two distinct routes exist for GRAS designation: Both pathways demand equivalent scientific rigor as…

The Salmonella Spring of 2025 continues. Health officials are investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Mattoon, Illinois, after ten people fell ill, five of whom reported eating at the location. The Coles County Health Department (CCHD) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) confirmed the infections date back to May 23, 2025. Response and Investigation The restaurant voluntarily closed early on May 23 to conduct “additional deep cleaning” and is cooperating with health authorities to identify the source of contamination. No specific food item or operational lapse has yet been confirmed. CCHD emphasized that the…

The path from farm to fork involves countless safeguards, yet food safety systems frequently weaken during the final stages, known as the “last mile.” This critical phase encompasses delivery, final storage, and preparation, where lapses can directly introduce pathogens to consumers. Evidence indicates this segment is disproportionately vulnerable to errors that compromise food integrity. Vulnerability Points in the Final Phase Temperature abuse during transport is a primary concern. Perishable items requiring strict refrigeration often experience breaks in the cold chain. During delivery, foods may sit in vehicles or staging areas without adequate temperature control, allowing bacterial proliferation in the “danger zone”…

Despite widespread knowledge of food safety protocols, consumers and food handlers frequently engage in behaviors that increase the risk of foodborne illness. Research reveals this disconnect stems from psychological, social, and systemic factors that override rational safety judgments. Cognitive Biases and Knowledge Gaps Many individuals underestimate personal susceptibility to foodborne pathogens due to optimism bias, the belief that “bad outcomes happen to others, not me.” This manifests in ignoring expiration dates, cross-contamination risks, or inadequate cooking temperatures. Additionally, consumers often lack specific safety knowledge, such as the “danger zone” (41°F to135°F) where bacteria multiply rapidly, or the need to reheat leftovers to…

Animal feed represents the foundational link in the global food chain, with direct implications for human health. Contaminated feed introduces pathogens to livestock, which can subsequently enter the human food supply through meat, dairy, and eggs. Research confirms that feed frequently harbors bacteria like Salmonella enterica, which colonizes food animals and contaminates carcasses during slaughter or cross-contaminates other foods. Notably, feed-associated risks extend beyond bacterial hazards to include viruses, parasites, chemicals, and antimicrobial residues. The Pathway to Human Illness The transmission cycle often begins when livestock consume pathogen-laden feed. For example, Salmonella-contaminated feed can infect poultry flocks, leading to contaminated eggs…