Author: Kit Redwine

Costco has announced a recall by San Juan Salsa Co., based in Arlington, Washington, of several types of salsa due to contamination with pieces of wood. Food contaminated with foreign objects, such as wood, has the potential to cause severe harm, including choking, injury, illness, damage to teeth and tongue, or even death. Background San Juan Salsa Co. said they were notified by a supplier, SupHerb Farms, that a lot of its large cut cilantro was being recalled due to potential contamination with wood particles. That lot was used as an ingredient of the recalled lots of salsa. Distribution Costco’s…

Sprouts, celebrated for their nutritional benefits and crisp texture, continue to pose significant food safety challenges, linked to recurring outbreaks of foodborne illnesses worldwide. This includes of dangerous bacteria like salmonella and e. coli. Health experts and regulatory agencies attribute this risk to the unique growing conditions of sprouts and inherent vulnerabilities in their production process, despite ongoing efforts to improve safety protocols.   Sprouts, such as alfalfa, bean, and broccoli varieties, are grown from seeds in warm, humid environments, ideal for bacterial growth. These conditions, necessary for germination, also foster pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria if present on…

The debate over raw milk cheeses continues to simmer as artisanal producers and food safety advocates grapple with balancing tradition and public health. Made from unpasteurized milk, these cheeses are celebrated for their complex flavors and cultural heritage, yet scrutinized for potential risks linked to harmful bacteria. Rooted in centuries-old practices, raw milk cheesemaking remains a cornerstone of culinary traditions in regions like France, Italy, and Switzerland. Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status safeguards many varieties, such as Roquefort and Comté, mandating traditional methods, including raw milk use. Artisans argue that unpasteurized milk preserves native microbes and terroir, the environmental…

A recall first initiated on March 10, 2025 by New York Wholesale Group, based in Hicksville, New York, of Zaarah Herbals-brand Bhringraj Powder due to contamination with elevated levels of lead and arsenic and Zaarah Herbals-brand Gurmar Powder, Vasaka Powder, and Rasayan Churan due to contamination with elevated levels of lead remains ongoing. Lead is a neurotoxin that can affect nearly every system in the human body and is especially dangerous for young children. Arsenic poisoning can cause a variety of health problems from minor symptoms to deadly conditions. Background No press release was issued for these recalls. How the…

The Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District, in Edinburg, Texas, announced the partial closure of Canterbury Elementary School after discovering E. coli contamination in floorboards and walls following a sewage overflow incident. The district held a press conference Monday at the school to outline relocation plans for affected students and detail safety measures being implemented, according to valleycentral.com. According to district officials, the initial sewage issue was reported on March 29, prompting overnight mitigation work by maintenance crews. The City of Edinburg subsequently evaluated the campus and cleared it for reopening, stating no airborne contaminants were detected. However, more than a…

Pre-washed salad greens, marketed for their convenience and readiness to eat, have become a staple in households worldwide. However, recurring foodborne illness outbreaks linked to these products reveal systemic vulnerabilities in their production and handling. Food safety experts and recent studies highlight these persistent contamination risks, raising questions about the safety of bagged greens despite industry assurances. Contamination Pathways Leafy greens are particularly susceptible to contamination due to their growth close to the ground and exposure to environmental pathogens. Irrigation water contaminated by runoff from nearby livestock operations, such as cattle feedlots, is a primary vector for harmful bacteria like…

The “organic” label on food products has long been associated with health and safety in consumers’ minds, but experts caution that this certification does not inherently guarantee protection from foodborne risks or nutritional superiority. While organic farming practices prioritize environmental sustainability and restrict certain chemicals, the term “safer” requires careful scrutiny in the context of food safety and public health. Understanding the Organic Standard Certified organic foods in the U.S. must meet USDA National Organic Program criteria, which prohibit synthetic pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), antibiotics in livestock, and artificial additives. However, organic farms may use USDA-approved natural pesticides, such…

New research suggests a potential connection between a common food poisoning bacterium found in chicken and the increasing rates of colon cancer, particularly among younger populations. Scientists are examining the role of campylobacter jejuni, a pathogen that can cause food poisoning, in potentially accelerating colon cancer progression, according to an article in the Daily Mail. A recent study by University of Florida researchers tracked over 70 colon cancer patients for three years, comparing campylobacter jejuni levels in their digestive systems. The investigation revealed higher concentrations of the bacterium in 34 patients whose cancer had metastasized compared to 37 patients with…

An investigation has revealed that inadequate hand washing facilities at a Canberra, Australia catering company likely factor in a significant norovirus outbreak affecting dozens of people in late 2022. The findings were detailed in a report released by the Department of Health and Aged Care and the Australian Centre for Disease Control, according to an article on region.com.au. The outbreak came to light in November 2022 when ACT (Australian Capital Territory) Health received multiple complaints from individuals who fell ill after attending events catered by the same business. The subsequent investigation identified 64 affected people, including seven confirmed cases of…

OK, so robots are still a few years off in the future, but there is a new wave of automated sanitation technology transforming restaurant kitchens: ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting robots designed to neutralize harmful pathogens on surfaces, equipment, and even fresh produce. These systems, leveraging UV-C light’s proven germicidal properties, are increasingly adopted by food establishments to bolster safety standards and reduce contamination risks.   How UV-C Technology Works UV-C light, a wavelength within the ultraviolet spectrum, disrupts the DNA and RNA of bacteria, viruses, and molds, rendering them unable to replicate. Studies show it effectively inactivates pathogens like E. coli,…