Author: Kit Redwine

Lead exposure remains a critical public health concern due to its pervasive presence in food, environments, and its capacity to harm multiple organ systems. While children are particularly vulnerable, adults and pregnant individuals also face significant risks. Below is an overview of symptoms and complications linked to lead exposure, supported by clinical and public health research. Symptoms in Children Children exposed to lead may exhibit nonspecific or subtle symptoms, making early detection challenging. Common signs include headaches, abdominal pain, vomiting, fatigue, and irritability. Behavioral changes, such as hyperactivity and reduced attention span, are also reported. Many children remain asymptomatic despite…

Lead exposure remains a critical public health concern due to its pervasive presence in food, environments, and its capacity to harm multiple organ systems. While children are particularly vulnerable, adults and pregnant individuals also face significant risks. Below is an overview of symptoms and complications linked to lead exposure, supported by clinical and public health research. Symptoms in Children Children exposed to lead may exhibit nonspecific or subtle symptoms, making early detection challenging. Common signs include headaches, abdominal pain, vomiting, fatigue, and irritability. Behavioral changes, such as hyperactivity and reduced attention span, are also reported. Many children remain asymptomatic despite…

Publix Super Markets, INc. Fruselva USA, based in Lakeland, Florida, has issued a voluntary recall of GreenWise Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea Baby Food produced by Bowman Andros LLC and distributed by Publix grocery stores due to elevated levels of lead. Lead is a neurotoxin that can affect nearly every system in the human body and is especially dangerous for young children. Background The potential contamination with elevated levels of lead was discovered through routine product sampling. The company said that all affected product has been removed from store shelves. Distribution The affected product was distributed through Publix grocery stores…

Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium responsible for the serious infection listeriosis, poses a unique threat in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods – products consumed without additional cooking or reheating. These foods, ranging from deli meats to pre-packaged salads, are particularly susceptible to contamination due to factors rooted in production, handling, and the pathogen’s biology. Lack of a “Kill Step” RTE foods undergo processing but are not subjected to high-heat treatments or other pathogen-eliminating steps before reaching consumers. Unlike raw meats or poultry, which are typically cooked, RTE items like sandwiches, soft cheeses, and smoked fish are consumed as-is. This absence of a final…

On Monday, May 19th the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that it was actively investigating an outbreak of Salmonella connected to whole cucumbers that, so far, had led to 26 cases of infection and 9 hospitalizations across 15 states. Cucumbers, a popular fresh produce item, are vulnerable to Salmonella contamination through multiple points in the supply chain. Understanding these pathways is critical for mitigating risks and ensuring food safety.   What is Salmonella? Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in humans. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, appearing six hours to six…

Scombroid poisoning, also known as histamine fish poisoning, is a foodborne illness caused by consuming fish that has been improperly stored, leading to elevated histamine levels. Commonly implicated species include tuna, mackerel, mahi-mahi, sardines, and anchovies, which naturally contain high levels of the amino acid histidine. When these fish are not refrigerated promptly after being caught, bacteria such as Morganella morganii and Klebsiella species convert histidine into histamine, a toxin responsible for the condition. Unlike true allergies, scombroid poisoning can affect multiple individuals who consume the same contaminated fish, with symptoms often resembling an allergic reaction. Symptoms and Onset Symptoms…

Infusing oils with garlic, herbs, or chili peppers is a popular culinary practice, offering a burst of flavor to dishes. However, this seemingly simple technique carries significant food safety risks when not prepared or stored correctly. At the heart of the issue lies Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that thrives in oxygen-free environments like oil and produces a deadly neurotoxin that can attack the body’s nerves, make it difficult to breath, causes muscle paralysis, and can potentially lead to death. Unlike commercial products, homemade infused oils often lack the acidification or preservatives necessary to inhibit bacterial growth, creating a potential hazard…

So far in 2025, a Listeria outbreak linked to frozen nutritional shakes served at long-term care facilities and nursing homes has dominated the news. Several outbreaks in 2024 also made headlines including a Listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats and an E. coli outbreak connected to contaminated slivered onions at internationally famous fast food chain McDonald’s. McDonald’s E. coli Outbreak Background In October 2024, a multistate E. coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers sickened 104 people across 14 states, resulting in 34 hospitalizations, and one death. According to a McDonald’s E. coli lawsuit attorney Tony…