Author: Kit Redwine
Traveling to new destinations is an exciting way to explore different cultures, landscapes, and, of course, cuisines. However, for many travelers, the adventure can take an unpleasant turn when foodborne illnesses like “traveler’s diarrhea” strike. This common ailment, often caused by consuming contaminated food or water, can quickly derail a trip. Fortunately, with a few precautions, travelers can minimize their risk and enjoy their culinary adventures safely. Understanding the Risks Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common foodborne illness affecting tourists, with symptoms including stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and frequent trips to the bathroom. It’s typically caused by bacteria such as…
Buffets have long been a popular dining option for those who love variety, value, and the freedom to customize their meals. From all-you-can-eat breakfast spreads to lavish dinner feasts, buffets offer something for everyone. However, behind the endless trays of food lies a hidden risk: buffets are often hotspots for food poisoning. The unique challenges of buffet-style dining make them particularly vulnerable to food safety issues, but with the right precautions, these risks can be minimized. Why Buffets Are Risky Buffets present several food safety challenges that aren’t as prevalent in traditional restaurant settings. The most significant issue is the…
Hong Kong health authorities are investigating a series of food poisoning cases affecting 11 diners who ate at a restaurant this month in the city’s Tsim Sha Tsui district. Norovirus has been identified as a possible cause. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) reported that patrons who visited the Oyster Station restaurant developed symptoms between 16 and 61 hours after dining at the establishment. The affected group, ranging in age from 28 to 35, experienced gastrointestinal distress including nausea and diarrhea. While six of the dinners sought medical care, no hospitalizations were required. Preliminary findings indicate raw oysters served at…
In recent years, the culinary world has seen a surge in the popularity of raw and undercooked foods. From sushi bars to steak tartare and runny eggs, these dishes have become staples for food enthusiasts seeking bold flavors and unique dining experiences. However, the trend has also sparked a heated debate about food safety. Are these dishes worth the risk, and how can consumers enjoy them without putting their health in jeopardy? The Appeal of Raw and Undercooked Foods The allure of raw and undercooked foods lies in their texture, flavor, and nutritional value. Sushi, for example, is celebrated…
Boar’s Head, the 120-year-old premium meat and cheese producer, recently announced comprehensive food safety reforms following last year’s unprecedented liverwurst recall due to Listeria contamination. The Listeria outbreak spread across 19 states, resulted in 61 illnesses, and 10 deaths between late May and mid-September of 2024. Yesterday, the company designated a company-wide “Boar’s Head Food Safety Promise Day,” during which all facilities will pause operations to focus on newly enhanced safety and sanitation protocols. The company is implementing several new safety measures and has established an independent Food Safety Advisory Council to oversee quality control efforts. Frank Yiannas, former Deputy…
The New York City Health Department has issued a public health advisory after confirming a case of hepatitis A in a food handler at ilili Restaurant on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. The department is taking preventive measures, though no additional cases have been reported. Health officials are advising customers who dined at or ordered takeout from ilili between January 31 and February 9, 2025, to receive a hepatitis A vaccination if they haven’t previously been immunized. Those who consumed food from the restaurant between January 17 and February 9 are advised to monitor for symptoms for seven weeks after their…
Founded in 2011, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Coordinated Outbreak Response & Evaluation (CORE) Network combines medical, public health, and scientific expertise to fight foodborne illness outbreaks. In that time, it has identified nearly 1,000 potential outbreaks and issued over 400 public safety alerts. This specialized network has responded to 234 outbreaks linked to FDA-regulated food products. In 100 of these cases, CORE successfully identified specific foods as the source of contamination, leading to targeted consumer warnings and recalls. CORE’s operational structure consists of several specialized teams working in concert to detect, respond to, and prevent foodborne illness outbreaks.…
Earlier this week, Food Poisoning News reported on a multi-state recall of various canned tuna products due to potential risk of contamination with Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes botulism. Today, there was even another recall linked to botulism, this time for bamboo shoots. Other stories have covered botulism infections linked to unlicensed Botox injections in China, Australia, and the United States. However, while botulism has featured heavily in the news, many may not know just what it is, what symptoms to look for, and best practices for how to avoid a botulism infection. Botulism is a rare but serious…
A major clinical trial testing a vaccine against E. coli has been discontinued following an interim analysis that showed insufficient efficacy, pharmaceutical companies Sanofi and Johnson & Johnson announced today in Paris. The phase 3 E.mbrace study, which began in June 2021, was evaluating a vaccine candidate’s ability to prevent invasive E. coli disease, including sepsis and blood infections, in adults aged 60 and older with a history of urinary tract infections. The trial spanned more than 250 sites across five continents. The majority of E. coli strains are not harmful and play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy…
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that Common Sense Soap, based in North Walpole, New Hampshire, is recalling over 30,000 pounds of beef tallow. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the products were processed, packaged, and labeled without required federal inspection oversight. Background FSIS was notified by a local health department who found that Lady May Tallow had contracted Common Sense Soap, a company without a federal grant of inspection, to process, package, and label the recalled product. The presence of nutrition facts labels on the products could mislead consumers into…