Author: Kit Redwine

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…

In recent years, social media has revolutionized the way we discover, share, and experiment with food. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have turned once-niche culinary practices—like fermenting vegetables, drinking raw milk, or dry-aging steaks at home—into viral sensations. These trends tap into a growing desire for natural, traditional, and hands-on food preparation, but they also come with hidden dangers. While a 60-second video might make homemade kimchi or foraged mushrooms look easy, the reality is that many of these trends require precise techniques to avoid serious health risks.   The speed at which food trends spread online often outpaces proper…

Hospitals are meant to be sanctuaries of healing, yet an often-overlooked danger lurks on patients’ meal trays. Just last week, reports surfaced of three deaths in the United Kingdom linked to Listeria-contaminated hospital desserts. While most people assume hospital food undergoes rigorous safety checks, the reality is more complicated. For vulnerable patients—those recovering from surgery, undergoing cancer treatment, or battling chronic illnesses—a simple meal can become a source of life-threatening infection. The risks stem from a troubling intersection of factors: weakened immune systems, high-risk foods, and the challenges of mass food production in healthcare settings. Unlike healthy individuals who might…

Food recalls are a critical safety net in our food supply chain, protecting consumers from potentially life-threatening contamination. Whether it’s Salmonella in peanut butter, E. coli in romaine lettuce, or undeclared allergens in packaged snacks, recalls are a necessary disruption to prevent widespread illness. But how do health officials pinpoint the source of an outbreak? What triggers a recall, and how is the contaminated product tracked down before more people get sick? This process behind preventing food poisoning outbreaks is a blend of epidemiology, cutting-edge laboratory science, and supply chain detective work. From the first signs of an unusual illness…

Taiwan TAIPEI – Record Compensation Awarded in Deadly Restaurant Outbreak The families of six individuals who died from a severe food poisoning incident at a Malaysian restaurant in Taiwan will receive a record compensation of NT$10.8 million (approximately $326,500). The deaths occurred at Polam Kopitiam’s Xinyi outlet in Taipei between March 19 and 24, 2024, affecting three men and three women aged 39 to 66, including a 40-year-old Malaysian man. The victims succumbed to serious complications after consuming the restaurant’s flat rice noodles. An investigation revealed critical food handling errors, with noodles improperly stored at room temperature instead of being…

In recent years, food safety has become a growing concern as outbreaks of foodborne illnesses continue to threaten public health. Traditional methods like pasteurization, chemical disinfectants, and antibiotics have been effective to some extent, but they come with limitations, including the risk of antibiotic resistance and altered food quality. Now, scientists are turning to a natural and precise solution: bacteriophages, or simply phages—viruses that specifically target and destroy bacteria. These microscopic predators are emerging as a powerful tool in the fight against harmful pathogens in our food supply. Understanding Bacteriophages Bacteriophages are the most abundant organisms on Earth, outnumbering…

Hot on the heels of last week’s multiple food product recalls due to contamination with foreign material comes even more recalls and alerts connected to foreign matter contamination. Food contaminated with foreign objects, like metal and plastic has the potential to cause severe harm, including choking, injury, illness, damage to teeth and tongue, or even death. A recall by The Karma Sauce Company LLC, based in Rochester, New York, first announced on February 14, 2025 Hot Ones brand Verde and Rojo Los Calientes Hot Sauces by Heatonist due to the potential presence of plastic remains ongoing. A recall by Great…