Author: Kit Redwine

Ray & Mascari Inc., based in Indianapolis, Indiana, have issued a recall of select tomatoes 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 after the company was notified by Hanshaw & Capling Farms that tomatoes sent to Ray & Mascari Inc. had the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Distribution The affected products were sold by Gordon Food Service stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New York,…

A voluntary recall has been issued by Williams Farms Repack LLC, based in Lodge, South Carolina, of select sizes of tomatoes 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 after the company was notified by Southeast Tomato Distributors that tomatoes from H&C Farms had the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Distribution The affected products were distributed between April 23, 2025 and April 28, 2025 in Georgia, North…

Health officials in Los Angeles County have declared a community-wide hepatitis A outbreak following a significant increase in cases and elevated virus levels detected in local wastewater. Since 2024, the county has confirmed 165 hepatitis A cases, which represents three times the number reported in 2023. A notable shift in infection patterns has emerged in 2025. While people experiencing homelessness typically face higher risk due to limited access to handwashing and toileting facilities, most of the 29 cases confirmed this year have occurred among individuals without housing or travel risk factors. This change coincides with recent increases in hepatitis A…

Power outages pose significant risks to food safety as refrigeration systems fail, potentially leading to foodborne illness if proper precautions aren’t taken. Power outages mean loss of refrigeration, often, which can lead to bacteria (like salmonella and E. coli) growing rapidly. Gathered below are guidelines to help consumers and businesses protect their food during electrical disruptions. When power fails, keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed becomes essential to maintaining safe temperatures. Potentially hazardous foods, particularly meat and poultry, must remain at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth. A closed, full freezer can maintain freezing temperatures for approximately two days…

Background Earlier this week, Food Poisoning News reported that San Diego County health officials were investigating a Salmonella outbreak connected to a local restaurant that had resulted in five hospitalizations. This is a rapidly developing case and new information has been made available: Timeline Initial cases in the outbreak affected patrons who dined at Aladdin Mediterranean Café on April 25 and April 26, 2025, but since then (according to the Aladdin Mediterranean Café Salmonella Claims Center) there are multiple reports of illnesses from those who ate on the 27th and 28th. The outbreak may continue to grow. Demographics Earlier this…

The consumption of raw oysters, a delicacy enjoyed worldwide, carries growing health risks due to the spread of Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterium thriving in warm coastal waters. As global ocean temperatures rise, this pathogen’s prevalence in shellfish-harvesting regions has intensified, prompting heightened concerns among health authorities and researchers. Understanding Vibrio vulnificus Vibrio vulnificus naturally inhabits brackish and marine environments, particularly in regions where water temperatures exceed 55°F. The bacteria accumulate in filter-feeding shellfish, such as oysters, which are often consumed raw. Infection can occur through ingestion or exposure of open wounds to contaminated water. While many cases result in mild…

A new study by researchers at the University of California, Berkely has revealed that household environments play a larger role in bacterial transmission than previously understood. Their research shows that stored drinking water serves as a key transmission pathway for E. coli bacteria within and between households in developing countries. The majority of E. coli strains are not harmful and play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut ecosystem by assisting in breaking down the food, contributing to the production of essential vitamins, and acting as a defense mechanism against more dangerous microorganisms. However, not all E. coli are…

Food safety remains a global priority as advancements in detection technologies help identify harmful pathogens, chemical residues, and allergens in food products. With the economic cost of foodborne illness estimated to be as much as $75 billion annually in the United States, these methods are critical for preventing outbreaks, ensuring regulatory compliance, and protecting public health. Pathogen Detection Pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria are among the leading causes of foodborne diseases. Traditional culture-based methods, which involve growing microorganisms in lab media, remain a standard for confirming bacterial presence. However, newer molecular techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR)…

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Elsafadi Investments Ltd., based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, have issued a voluntary recall of Al Kanater-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 after testing by the CFIA uncovered the potential presence 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…

Kitchen sponges and dishcloths, essential tools for cleaning, are among the most contaminated items in households, harboring pathogens (like salmonella or E. coli) that pose risks to food safety and human health. Research highlights how improper maintenance of these tools can inadvertently spread bacteria, contributing to cross-contamination and foodborne illnesses.   High Contamination Levels Studies show that kitchen sponges and cloths can contain up to 54 billion bacterial cells per cubic centimeter, including harmful pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus. A 2022 USDA-funded study found that 60% of kitchen sponges tested positive for fecal coliforms, with many hosting…