Author: Kit Redwine

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Fruit Dome Inc., based in Ville Mont-Royal, Quebec, Canada, have announced a recall in Canada of Fruit Dôme-brand Thyme due to contamination with E. coli, a pathogen that can cause serious, and sometimes severe, foodborne illness in certain populations. Background The information has been released as to how the presence of E. coli in the affected product was discovered. This is classified as a Class I recall, which means consuming the affected product poses a high risk of serious health problems or death. Distribution The recalled product was distributed to a warehouse audience…

Norovirus, a highly contagious pathogen causing acute gastroenteritis, is notorious for spreading rapidly in confined spaces such as cruise ships and restaurants. While cruise ship outbreaks garner significant media attention, restaurants remain the most common settings for norovirus transmission, accounting for two-thirds of foodborne outbreaks. Understanding the factors driving its spread in these environments, and implementing science-backed prevention strategies, is critical to reducing infections. Spread in Confined Spaces Norovirus thrives in densely populated, enclosed environments. On cruise ships, close living quarters, communal dining areas, and frequent passenger turnover create ideal conditions for transmission. The virus spreads through direct contact with…

The intersection of foodborne illnesses and allergic reactions has become a focal point in public health, driving increased awareness of food allergies. Misdiagnoses between these conditions are common due to overlapping symptoms, prompting individuals and healthcare providers to prioritize accurate identification and management strategies. Symptom Overlap and Diagnostic Challenges Food poisoning and food allergies share symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea, complicating initial diagnoses. For example, Staphylococcus aureus toxins in contaminated food can cause acute vomiting within hours, mimicking IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Similarly, Bacillus cereus toxins induce diarrheal or emetic syndromes that overlap with allergy symptoms. Conversely,…

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Canbrands Speciality Foods Inc., based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, have announced a recall of Paneriso-brand Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins due to contamination with pieces of metal. Food contaminated with foreign objects, such as pieces of metal, has the potential to cause severe harm, including choking, injury, illness, damage to teeth and tongue, or even death. Background No information has yet been released as to how the contamination with pieces of metal was discovered. This has been categorized as a Class II recall in Canada, meaning that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) believes…

“Moldy foods may harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria . . . ” Molds are microscopic fungi that grow on plant or animal matter, appearing as fuzzy spots in colors such as green, white, or black. While molds play a role in decomposing organic material in nature, their presence on food raises health concerns due to potential toxin production and bacterial contamination. Health Risks of Mold Some molds produce mycotoxins, toxic compounds linked to acute and chronic health issues. Aflatoxins, a well-studied mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus species, are carcinogenic and associated with liver damage, immune suppression, and even death…

Wanted to make sure you saw this since it’s another Listeria outbreak On Mon, May 12, 2025 at 9:19 AM Kit Redwine <[email protected]> wrote: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) linked to ready-to-eat sandwiches and snacks. 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. In response, a recall has been issued by Fresh & Ready Foods for select ready-to-eat sandwiches and snacks due to potential contamination with Listeria. Background The…

More Pumpkin Seed Brands Recalled in Canada Due to Salmonella Contamination The Hope Eco-Farm Store and Canada Nut have each issued voluntary recalls of Organic Pumpkin Seeds in Canada 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 recalls were initiated a supplier’s recall in another country. These have been categorized as Class II recalls in Canada, meaning that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) believes there is a moderate risk that…

Solid organ transplant recipients face heightened risks of foodborne infections due to immunosuppressive therapies, which reduce the body’s ability to combat pathogens. Despite established guidelines, adherence to food-safety practices remains inconsistent, exposing this population to preventable illnesses with potentially severe outcomes. Immune Vulnerability and Risks Immunosuppressants, critical for preventing organ rejection, weaken defenses against bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Transplant recipients are 10–100 times more likely to develop severe complications from foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli compared to the general population. A 2020 study found that 17.9% of transplant recipients experienced microbiologically confirmed foodborne infections within…

The consumption of exotic meats, such as kangaroo and alligator, has gained popularity due to culinary curiosity and perceived health benefits. However, undercooked preparations of these meats pose significant risks of parasitic infections, which vary depending on the species, processing practices, and regional hygiene standards. Parasitic Risks in Exotic Meats Prevention and Mitigation Public Health Implications Global trade in exotic meats necessitates stricter oversight. For example, Russia banned kangaroo imports due to repeated contamination findings, while the EU depends on Australian safety certifications without routine testing. Consumers of exotic meats should prioritize verified sourcing and adhere to cooking guidelines to…

Certain foods pose higher risks for foodborne illness than others, requiring specific handling procedures to ensure safety. Understanding these high-risk categories and implementing proper food safety techniques can significantly reduce the chances of food poisoning. Meat products require careful handling as raw meat may harbor harmful organisms including E. coli and Salmonella. Thorough cooking eliminates these pathogens, but improper storage or handling after cooking can lead to recontamination. Following established preparation guidelines helps minimize these risks. Poultry similarly presents substantial food safety challenges due to potential Salmonella and Campylobacter contamination. Contrary to common practice, raw poultry should never be washed…