Author: Kit Redwine
The rise of eco-conscious living has made natural cleaners like vinegar and lemon juice popular alternatives to chemical disinfectants. But do these household staples truly eliminate dangerous kitchen bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria? Research reveals a mix of potential and limitations. Acidity as a Germ Fighter Vinegar, which contains acetic acid, and lemon juice, rich in citric acid, rely on their low pH to break down bacterial cell walls. Studies suggest undiluted white vinegar can eliminate approximately 80% of common germs, including some strains of E. coli and Salmonella, when applied to surfaces for at least…
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced a public health alert for pork carnitas products 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 The alert was issued after FSIS was alerted that a routine inspection of production equipment uncovered damage that may have led to contamination of the affected product with metal pieces. Distribution The affected products were distributed to Aldi grocery stores across the…
We’ve all been there: A chip slips from your hand at a party or a cookie tumbles onto the kitchen floor. For decades, the “5-second rule” has offered a tempting loophole, snatch it up quickly, and it’s still safe to eat. But science now confirms what microbiologists have long warned: Bacteria don’t wait for a countdown. A landmark study by researchers at Rutgers University put the rule to the test, analyzing how quickly harmful bacteria like Salmonella transfer to food. Their findings? Contamination can happen in less than one second, especially on moist surfaces like tile or wood. Using four…
Federal officials are examining potential changes to how the Food and Drug Administration conducts routine food safety inspections across the United States, according to recent reports. While CBS News cited multiple unnamed federal health officials claiming the FDA plans to end most routine inspections, the Department of Health and Human Services has disputed this characterization. The discussions come amid heightened concerns about food safety following a significant E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s onions that resulted in one death and over 100 illnesses. Federal data indicates foodborne diseases affect approximately 48 million Americans annually, with 3,000 fatalities. A Department of…
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Importations Pie Che Dolci Inc., based in Laval, Quebec, Canada, have issued a voluntary recall of more Sweet Cream-brand and D. Effe T.-brand frozen pastries 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 an investigation into an outbreak of foodborne illness by the CFIA. The investigation is still active. Distribution The affected products were distributed to a variety of businesses…
Harvest NYC Inc, based in Brooklyn, New York, has issued a voluntary recall of Enoki Mushroom due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria). 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. Background The potential for contamination was detected when samples taken from a store in Buffalo, New York were analyzed by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Laboratory. Testing confirmed the presence of Listeria Monocytogenes in certain 200 g packages of Enoki Mushrooms.…
Safe Storage, Safe Stomachs: Proper Food Storage to Avoid Food Poisoning Food poisoning can strike suddenly and severely, often catching people off guard after what seemed like a harmless meal. While much attention is given to washing produce or cooking meats thoroughly, food storage is just as critical in preventing foodborne illness. According to the national food poisoning lawyer, Tony Coveny, improper storage can turn even the safest foods into dangerous carriers of bacteria and toxins. From the grocery store to the fridge and beyond, learning how to store food properly is one of the most effective ways to keep…
The Canadian Food Inspection Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Henlong Oriental Gifts & Foods Co. Ltd., based in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, have issued a voluntary recall of Captain’s Choice-brand shredded coconut 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 potential presence of Salmonella was discovered during routine testing. This is classified by the CFIA as a Class II recall, meaning that the recalled product has a remote chance of causing a…
Poland KETRZYN – Food Poisoning Outbreak Hospitalizes Dozens at Border Guard Training Center A large-scale salmonella outbreak has struck a border guard training facility in Kętrzyn, northeastern Poland, sending 76 trainees to the hospital on Monday. The outbreak, which began over the weekend, has affected 83 people in total. The Kętrzyn facility, situated near Poland’s border with Russia, is one of three border guard training centers in the country and currently supports approximately 300 officers in training. Health officials report that affected individuals have displayed typical salmonellosis symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and fever. Initial investigations have eliminated contaminated…
In the quiet hours of a suburban home, six-month-old Emma began exhibiting unsettling symptoms. What started as fussiness and weak cries progressed to lethargy, difficulty feeding, and a sudden loss of head control. Rushed to the emergency room, Emma was diagnosed with a rare but life-threatening condition few parents have heard of: infant botulism. Her story, while uncommon, highlights a critical gap in public awareness about this stealthy illness, one that preys on the youngest and most vulnerable. What Is Infant Botulism? Infant botulism is a rare neuromuscular disorder caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which produces a potent neurotoxin.…