Author: Kit Redwine
When you order a cold drink at a restaurant or fill your glass with ice at home, the last thing on your mind is the possibility of getting sick. Ice cubes seem innocuous—just frozen water, right? However, the reality is that ice cubes can be a surprising source of foodborne illness. Contaminated water or unsanitary ice machines can turn those seemingly harmless cubes into carriers of harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites. This article explores how ice cubes can lead to food poisoning, the risks involved, and what you can do to protect yourself. The Science Behind Ice Contamination At its…
Ascent Consumer Products Inc., based in Melville, New York, has announced a voluntary recall of one lot of SinuCleanse Soft Tip Squeeze Bottle Nasal Wash System due to contamination with Staphylococcus aureus, a pathogen that can cause serious, and sometimes severe, foodborne illness in certain populations. Background In the recall notice, the company said that recall was “…being initiated due to a confirmed test result of microbial contamination of the product with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).” Distribution The impacted product lot was distributed across the United States in January 2025 to retail and online channels. The company said that distributors…
Flying at 30,000 feet is an experience that combines awe-inspiring views with the convenience of modern travel. However, for some passengers, the journey can take a nauseating turn—not from turbulence, but from the food served onboard. Food poisoning from airline meals, though relatively rare, is a serious concern that highlights the complexities of ensuring food safety in the skies. As millions of passengers take to the air each year, the risks of foodborne illness at high altitudes and the measures airlines take to prevent them are coming under increased scrutiny. The Unique Challenges of Airline Food Safety Preparing and serving…
Insects are often seen as mere nuisances, but when it comes to food safety, they pose a significant threat. Pests like flies, cockroaches, and ants are not just unwelcome guests in our homes and businesses—they are potential carriers of harmful pathogens that can lead to foodborne illnesses. Understanding how these insects contribute to contamination and what steps can be taken to prevent it is crucial for protecting public health. How Insects Spread Foodborne Pathogens Insects are highly mobile creatures that frequently move between unsanitary environments and areas where food is prepared, stored, or consumed. This behavior makes them effective vectors…
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…