Author: Kit Redwine

Lyons Magnus LLC, based in Fresno, California, has announced a voluntary recall of Lyons ReadyCare-brand and Sysco Imperial-brand frozen supplemental shakes 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 This recall is connected to the previously announced outbreak of Listeria connected to these frozen nutritional shakes that, so far, have resulted in 37 hospitalizations and 11 deaths in long-term care homes in multiple states. In the press release, the…

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and D. Tyers Foods International Inc., based in Oakville, Ontario, Canada have announced a recall of various Jean Perrin-brand cheeses due to contamination with E. coli. E. coli is a pathogen that can cause serious, and sometimes deadly, foodborne illness in certain populations. Background The recall was initiated after a similar recall in another country. This recall is classified as a Class I recall, meaning that there is a high risk that eating the recalled food product will lead to severe health problems or even death. Distribution The recalled product was distributed in the…

What is Currently Known and How this Outbreak Compares to Recent Listeria Outbreaks Last Friday’s FDA announcement regarding an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) connected to frozen nutritional shakes has once again brought food safety into the spotlight. This development is concerning, not only because of the potential health risks but also because it highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of our food supply. While the specifics of this outbreak are still unfolding, it’s worth examining what we know so far, how it compares to previous listeria outbreaks, and what it means for consumers and the food industry. What…

Outbreak Background Federal health officials are investigating a multistate Listeria outbreak connected to frozen supplemental shakes that has resulted in 38 infections, 37 hospitalizations, and 11 deaths. The outbreak, traced to Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial brands, primarily affects residents in long-term care facilities and hospitals. The FDA and CDC, working with state and local partners, identified the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes through environmental sampling. While cases date back to 2018, twenty new infections have been reported across 2024 and 2025. The outbreak spans 21 states, with 89% of cases occurring in individuals who lived in long-term care facilities…

Plant-based diets have surged in popularity in recent years, driven by concerns about health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. From vegan burgers to dairy-free cheeses, the market for plant-based foods is booming. However, as more people embrace these diets, questions have arisen about their safety. Can vegan and vegetarian foods carry unique risks when it comes to food poisoning? The answer is yes—while plant-based diets are often perceived as inherently safer than those involving animal products, they are not immune to contamination. In fact, certain plant-based foods can pose specific risks that consumers need to be aware of. The Perception…

The United Kingdom’s Food Standards Agency and JOD Food Products, based in Kilmallock, Limerick, Ireland, have issued a voluntary recall for various cheese products 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 recall notice did not specify how the potential presence of Listeria in the affected products was discovered. Notices will be provided by the company at points of sale where the products were sold. Distribution The recall…

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has issued a public health alert following confirmation of a hepatitis A case in a food handler at Meltwich Kensington in Calgary. The employee worked at the 405, 10 Street NW location while infectious, potentially exposing customers who visited between February 2 and February 19, 2025. Health officials are offering post-exposure immunization for eligible individuals who consumed food or beverages at the restaurant between February 6 and February 19. These preventive vaccinations must be administered within 14 days of exposure to be effective. Affected customers are urged to contact Health Link at 1-866-301-2668 for exposure assessment…

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Palm Bites Canada have issued a voluntary recall for Palm Bites-brand Date Squares due to potential Salmonella contamination. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious infections, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Background The recall notice said that the “…recall was triggered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s inspection activities.” No information was provided as to how the potential contamination with Salmonella was discovered. This is classified as a Class II recall, which means the affected products may pose a moderate health…

A recall by Feel Good Foods Inc, based in New York, New York, first issued on February 5, 2025 for its Three Cheese Mac & Cheese Bites due to potential contamination with metal pieces remains ongoing. Food contaminated with metal or other material has the potential to cause severe harm, including choking, injury, illness, damage to teeth, or even death. Background No press release was issued for this recall. How the presence of metal pieces in the recalled food has not been announced. This recall is classified as a Class II recall, meaning that there is a low risk that…

Brazil FLORENCE – Food Poisoning Suspected in Deaths of 3 Nursing Home Residents An investigation into the deaths of three elderly nursing home residents, reportedly caused by severe gastroenteritis potentially tied to food poisoning, has been launched by the State Attorney’s Office in Florence, Brazil. The probe focuses on 114 residents from four local care homes who fell ill last Sunday. Prosecutors are evaluating charges of culpable trade of adulterated food and manslaughter, though no individuals have been formally placed under investigation. Two of the residents died on Monday at a local hospital, while a third passed away on Thursday…