Author: Kit Redwine

Two separate food poisoning outbreaks affected more than 800 students across Indonesia this week, highlighting ongoing challenges with the country’s ambitious free school meal initiative. The incidents represent the latest in a series of health concerns that have plagued the program since its inception. The larger outbreak occurred in West Java province’s Garut region, where 569 students from five schools experienced nausea and vomiting after consuming chicken and rice meals provided by a government-sponsored kitchen. The symptoms appeared on Wednesday, one day after the meals were served. According to a local government official, approximately 30 students required hospitalization initially, while…

In an increasingly interconnected global food system, innovative approaches to food safety have emerged as critical tools for preventing outbreaks and protecting public health. Countries worldwide are mastering strategies that blend technology, international collaboration, and education to address foodborne risks, offering valuable models for broader adoption. These practices emphasize preparedness, real-time response, and harmonized standards to mitigate the staggering burden of foodborne illnesses, which affect nearly 600 million people annually and cause 420,000 deaths worldwide. One of the most impactful innovations is the adoption of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for pathogen tracking. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in collaboration…

Overview The FDA’s CORE Response Teams manage multiple outbreak and adverse event investigations at various stages of completion. These investigations range from those with limited initial information to cases nearing resolution. Healthcare providers and public health officials encourage individuals experiencing potential foodborne illness symptoms to report details about food consumption prior to becoming ill, as this information assists in resolving active and emerging outbreaks. The FDA issues public health advisories when investigations produce specific actions consumers can take for protection. These advisories contain the most current investigation details and consumer safety information. Some investigations may not identify a definitive source…

A recall has been issued by Sweet Organics for a lot of its Sweet Potato Apple and Spinach pouches due to possible contamination with elevated levels of lead. Lead is a neurotoxin that can affect nearly every system in the human body and is especially dangerous for young children. Background No information was provided in the recall notice as to how the presence of lead in the impacted product was discovered. Distribution The recalled product was distributed to Walgreens and “some independent stores” in the South of the United States between September 2024 and December 2024. Product Details BrandProductSizePackagingLot CodeExpiration…

Health officials across Canada are investigating an ongoing Salmonella outbreak that has affected 27 people in four provinces and territories, with cases connected to contact with dog food and treats. The outbreak, which began in mid-February and continued through mid-August 2025, has resulted in six hospitalizations but no deaths. The majority of cases have been concentrated in western Canada, with Alberta reporting 13 illnesses and British Columbia documenting 12 cases. Ontario has recorded one case, while the Northwest Territories has also reported a single illness. Women represent 59 percent of those affected, and the age range spans from infants to…

In an era where foodborne illnesses affect millions annually, mobile applications have become essential tools for consumers seeking to protect themselves and their families. These digital solutions provide immediate access to critical safety information, recall alerts, and product evaluation features that were previously difficult to obtain. The integration of official government data with user-friendly interfaces has created a new layer of protection in the food supply chain, putting vital knowledge directly into consumers’ hands. One of the most comprehensive applications available is Food Recalls & Alerts, available for both Apple and Android devices, which provides official notifications from multiple government…

Water is a critical yet often underestimated component in the food supply chain, playing a significant role in both the propagation and prevention of foodborne illnesses. Contamination events frequently originate from water used during irrigation, processing, and preparation, where pathogens can infiltrate our food at multiple stages. Understanding these pathways and the emerging technologies designed to address them is essential for enhancing food safety globally. Irrigation water, particularly from surface sources like rivers and ponds, is a well-documented vector for pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli. These microorganisms can colonize crops through contaminated water, leading to widespread outbreaks.…

Food safety remains a critical public health issue, yet numerous misconceptions persist in home kitchens and food handling practices. Food microbiologists and safety experts have identified common myths that contribute to preventable foodborne illnesses, offering evidence-based corrections to replace misinformation with science-backed recommendations. One prevalent myth is that rinsing raw chicken or poultry removes harmful bacteria. In reality, research confirms that washing raw meat can spread pathogens like Salmonella and Campylobacter through splashed water droplets, contaminating sinks, countertops, and nearby utensils. The only effective way to eliminate bacteria is cooking poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Another widespread…

A recall has been issued by Haifa Smoked Fish, based in Jamaica, New York, for Haifa-brand cold smoked salmon and cold smoked seabass due to possible Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) contamination. 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 Listeria contamination was discovered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors during testing and confirmed with additional laboratory analysis. Distribution The affected items were distributed nationwide through retail outlets and through…

British retailer Sainsbury’s has initiated an immediate recall of two popular hummus products following the discovery of bacterial contamination. The affected items, JS Classic Houmous and JS Lemon & Coriander Houmous, have tested positive for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). The United Kingdom’s Food Standards Agency has issued an official alert advising customers to immediately stop consuming these products as a precautionary measure. The contamination poses serious health risks, with symptoms typically manifesting three to four days after consumption. Initial symptoms include diarrhea and severe abdominal pain, which can progress to more dangerous complications. Health authorities have identified specific batch…