Author: Kit Redwine

Eggs are a breakfast staple for millions of people around the world. Whether scrambled, fried, or boiled, they are a versatile and nutritious food. Eggs are also a vital ingredient in baking and provide needed structure, moisture, and flavor to many desserts. However, eggs also have a hidden risk: Salmonella, a bacteria that can cause serious foodborne illness. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced that a Salmonella outbreak linked to imported pastries that led to 18 infections and one hospitalization in the United States was declared over although the source of the contamination was not determined. Every…

Outbreak Background – March 20, 2025 update Federal health agencies have finished investigating a multistate Salmonella outbreak connected to Italian-manufactured mini pastries distributed in the United States. The Sweet Cream-brand pastries, exported by Quebec-based Importations Piu Che Dolci Inc., was linked to 18 infections across seven states. One person was hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. In interviews conducted with seven of those affected, five confirmed consuming pastries before falling ill. The investigation began on January 21, 2025, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was alerted to a Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak matching a strain under investigation in Canada.…

Foodborne illnesses are a significant public health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), contaminated food can cause more than 200 diseases, ranging from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe, life-threatening conditions. Restaurants, as key players in the food service industry, have a critical role to play in preventing foodborne illness outbreaks. By adhering to strict food safety protocols and implementing best practices, restaurants can protect their customers, maintain their reputation, and contribute to public health. Understanding the Risks Foodborne illnesses are typically caused by consuming food contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites,…

Multiple products from different companies in the United States and Canada are being recalled due to contamination with foreign material. Food contaminated with foreign objects, like wood, metal, and plastic has the potential to cause severe harm, including choking, injury, illness, damage to teeth, or even death. Nestle USA, based in Arlington, Virginia, is voluntarily recalling a selection of Lean Cuisine and STOUFFER’S frozen meals due to the potential presence of wood-like material. A recall by Stiebs, LLC, based in Madera, California, first announced on February 7, 2025, for 25,484 cases of frozen Organic Acai Bowls with berries, bananas, granola,…

Title: Ensuring Safety and Hygiene in Food Processing Facilities: Mitigating the Risk of Foodborne Illness In the bustling world of food production, where millions of meals are prepared and packaged daily, the importance of sanitation cannot be overstated. The deadly Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak last year was caused by multiple food safety violations at a plant in Virginia. Food processing facilities are the backbone of the global food supply chain, and maintaining impeccable hygienic conditions is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a moral obligation to protect public health. From the cleanliness of equipment to the personal hygiene of workers, every…

China XIAMEN – Six Hong Kong Students Fall Ill During Exchange Tour Hong Kong health officials are investigating a new outbreak of acute gastroenteritis affecting six students during an educational exchange trip to Xiamen, Fujian, China. The affected students are three boys and three girls aged 15 to 16. According to the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), the students were part of a larger group of 36 teachers and students who traveled to Xiamen from March 13 to 15. The six students developed symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and fever between 9pm on March 14 and 7am on March 15. Five…

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has issued a public health alert after confirming a case of hepatitis A in a food handler at Tim Hortons Milbourne Market Mall in Edmonton, Canada. The employee was preparing food while infectious, potentially exposing customers to the virus. Anyone who consumed food or beverages from this location between February 20, 2025 and March 5, 2025 may have been exposed to hepatitis A. For those who visited the restaurant between March 3 and March 5, there is still time to receive preventative treatment. Post-exposure immunization can effectively prevent illness if administered within 14 days of exposure. …

New Age International Inc, based in Brooklyn, NY has issued a voluntary recall of its Daily Veggies 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 West Virginia were analyzed by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. Testing confirmed the presence of Listeria Monocytogenes in certain 200g packages of Daily Veggies Enoki Mushrooms imported from…

SeaBear Company, based in Anacortes, Washington, has issued a voluntary recall for its Smoked Salmon Chowder and Alehouse Clam Chowder 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 The recall was initiated after a customer complained of a sealing issue with the product pouches. After investigation, the company determined the issue was caused by a manufacturing problem. Distribution The impacted products were distributed to retail stores in Alaska, California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington and online at the company’s website…

In recent years, veganism and vegetarianism have surged in popularity, with millions of people worldwide adopting plant-based diets. While ethical, environmental, and health concerns have long been driving factors, a new and compelling reason is emerging: the fear of foodborne illnesses linked to animal products. As reports of food poisoning outbreaks from contaminated meat, dairy, and eggs continue to make headlines, consumers are increasingly turning to plant-based alternatives as a safer and more reliable option. This shift is not only reshaping individual dietary choices but also influencing the food industry at large. The Growing Threat of Foodborne Illnesses Food poisoning,…