Author: Kit Redwine

United Kingdom LONDON – UK Politicians Concerned About Public Health Risks from US Chicken Imports A prominent UK politician has sounded the alarm over potential dangers to British public health if a UK-US trade deal permits imports of American poultry treated with chlorine or antimicrobial washes. Lord Rooker, of the UK’s Labour Party, highlighted evidence that approximately one in 25 chicken packages in US supermarkets poses a salmonella risk, a statistic that raises serious concerns about food safety standards across the Atlantic. “This idea that we can import chicken from America safely is simply not true,” Rooker stated during a…

Ground beef is a kitchen staple, found in everything from juicy hamburgers to hearty Bolognese sauces. Yet lurking within those raw, crumbled bits of meat can be a dangerous pathogen: Escherichia coli O157:H7, a strain of bacteria capable of causing severe, even life-threatening, illness. Despite repeated warnings from food safety experts, undercooked ground beef remains a leading cause of foodborne outbreaks in the U.S. and beyond. The risks are real, but the solution is straightforward: understanding the science behind E. coli and adhering to strict cooking temperatures can mean the difference between a safe meal and a medical emergency. The…

University of Glasgow scientists have achieved a breakthrough in treating dangerous food poisoning caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Their research, published in npj Antimicrobials and Resistance, demonstrates that an antivirulence compound called Aurodox effectively treats STEC infections in mice, offering hope for a safer alternative to conventional antibiotics. STEC infections present a particular challenge for medical treatment. Traditional antibiotics often worsen an e. coli/STEC condition by triggering the release of potent toxins into the patient’s gut while simultaneously disrupting beneficial gut bacteria. This leaves doctors with limited options for treating patients with severe symptoms, which can include bloody…

Supercan Bulk, based in Miami, Florida, has issued a voluntary recall of a lot of its Supercan Pig Ear Slivers-Thick Cut Piggy Ear Slices pet treats due to 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 samples collected by the Washington State Department of Agriculture tested positive for Salmonella. Distribution The recalled item was distributed to a North 40 retail store in Washington state. Product Details Consumer Action Consumers should…

From ancient times to the modern era, food poisoning has been an ever-present danger lurking in humanity’s food supply. What began as mysterious illnesses attributed to divine punishment or bad humors has evolved into a sophisticated understanding of microbial contamination and food safety systems. Throughout history, major outbreaks of foodborne illness have served as catalysts for sweeping reforms in how societies regulate, produce, and distribute food. These tragic events have repeatedly exposed vulnerabilities in food systems, forcing governments and industries to implement stricter controls and better safety measures. The relationship between food poisoning outbreaks and regulatory changes follows a consistent…

Salmonella Outbreak Investigation Continues into Rare Strain Affecting Dozens Health authorities are continuing their investigation into an unusual Salmonella outbreak that affected more than 50 people across the United Kingdom in 2024, according to multiple media outlets. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has been leading efforts to identify the source of the rare Salmonella Blockley strain, which resulted in multiple hospitalizations last summer. Between July 27 and August 24, 2024, officials documented 54 cases spanning three nations within the UK: 36 in England, 11 in Scotland, and 7 in Wales. The outbreak’s scope prompted the formation of a specialized…

Cargill Kitchen Solutions, based in Lake Odessa, Michigan, has issued a voluntary recall of approximately 212,000 pounds of liquid egg product due to potential contamination with a cleaning solution, sodium hypochlorite. Background In an announcement, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) said that the organization received a “tip” about potential contamination in the recalled products. Distribution The affected items were sent to distributors in Ohio and Texas and were then distributed to foodservice locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, and Iowa. FSIS said that there could have been further distribution to additional states. Product…

Walker’s Wine Juice LLC, based in Forestville, New York, has issued a voluntary recall of its pumpkin juice due to potential risk of Clostridium botulinum contamination. Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium that causes botulism, a type of food poisoning that can cause severe or fatal illness. Background An inspection by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets uncovered the potential for contamination in the recalled product. According to the recall notice, “the pumpkin juice pH was too high to be processed per Walker’s ‘hot fill’ schedule process” and “as a result, it was determined that no adequate kill…

In the age of instant gratification, meal kit delivery services have become a staple for busy households. Companies like Blue Apron, HelloFresh, and Home Chef promise restaurant-quality meals with minimal effort—fresh, pre-portioned ingredients delivered straight to your doorstep. But behind the glossy packaging and enticing recipes lies a question few consumers ask: How safe are these meal kits, really?  Is there a guarantee of avoiding salmonella, listeria, e. coli or other food poisoning? While the convenience is undeniable, the journey from farm to fork in meal kits introduces unique food safety challenges. From temperature control during shipping to the risk of…

Every year, millions of people fall ill due to foodborne pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli, often traced back to contaminated food. However, an overlooked factor in many outbreaks is the presence of biofilms – slimy, structured communities of bacteria that cling to kitchen surfaces, protecting harmful microbes from routine cleaning. These microbial fortresses allow pathogens to persist on countertops, utensils, and appliances, turning seemingly clean kitchens into potential hotspots for infection. Understanding how biofilms operate is essential for improving food safety and preventing illness. The Nature of Biofilms Biofilms are complex colonies of bacteria encased in a sticky…