Author: Kit Redwine

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…

When we think of food poisoning, we often picture undercooked chicken, spoiled dairy, or unwashed vegetables. However, some of the most surprising outbreaks of foodborne illness have come from foods we consider safe—even staples like ice cream, cereal, and peanut butter. These unexpected sources of contamination remind us that no food is immune to the risks of improper handling, production, or storage. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most unusual cases of food poisoning and what they teach us about food safety. Ice Cream: A Sweet Treat with a Sour Side Ice cream is a beloved dessert, often…

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Olymel, based in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada, have issued a voluntary recall for Swiss Chalet-brand chicken breast nuggets due to potential contamination with pieces of bone. Food contaminated with bone or other material has the potential to cause severe harm, including choking, injury, illness, damage to teeth, or even death. Background How the potential presence of bone in the recalled product has not been announced by the company. This recall is classified as a Class 2 recall, meaning that there is a moderate risk that consuming food may lead to a short-term or non-life…

When we think about the challenges of space travel, food safety might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, ensuring that astronauts have safe, nutritious, and palatable food is a critical part of any mission. In the unique environment of space, where gravity is absent and resources are limited, preventing foodborne illness takes on a whole new level of complexity. NASA’s approach to food safety is a fascinating blend of science, engineering, and meticulous planning, offering lessons that can benefit us on Earth as well. The Unique Challenges of Space In space, the absence of gravity creates…