Author: Kit Redwine

Restaurant inspections by local food safety officials are crucial for protecting public health by ensuring that food establishments adhere to strict hygiene and safety standards. These inspections help identify potential risks, such as improper food handling, inadequate storage temperatures, cross-contamination, and unsanitary conditions, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. Regular oversight encourages restaurants to maintain consistent safety practices, reduces the likelihood of outbreaks, and fosters consumer confidence in the food they consume. Additionally, inspections provide an opportunity for education, allowing food safety officials to guide staff on best practices and regulatory compliance, ultimately promoting a culture of health and safety…

The United States experienced its most severe impact on egg production since the current bird flu outbreak began, with more than 20 million egg-laying chickens lost in the last quarter, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data. The deaths, which include both birds that succumbed to the virus and those culled to prevent further spread, have contributed to surging egg prices across the country, according to CBS News. The USDA reports that the 2024 outbreak has uniquely affected all major production systems, including conventional caged, cage-free, and certified organic operations. To manage the crisis, the federal government continues to…

A bipartisan bill introduced in Congress on Tuesday would grant the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) new authority to investigate concentrated animal feeding operations during disease outbreaks. The Expanded Food Safety Investigation Act (EFSIA), sponsored by Representative Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), addresses current limitations in FDA’s ability to collect microbial samples from large-scale animal farming operations. The legislation comes amid ongoing concerns about foodborne illness rates in the United States. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, foodborne illnesses affect one in six Americans annually, leading to 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. Over…

A new government report has found that approximately 10 million Americans suffer from foodborne illnesses each year caused by just six major pathogens, resulting in over 53,300 hospitalizations and 900 deaths annually. The forthcoming Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study focuses on illnesses caused by Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter, Clostridium perfringens, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), and norovirus. The economic impact of foodborne illness is substantial, costing Americans an estimated $75 billion annually in 2023 dollars. These costs encompass medical care, lost productivity, and premature deaths, including complications from secondary chronic illnesses that develop after the initial infection.…

Sunday’s Big Game will see people around the world join together to cheer on their favorite team. Celebrations often include plenty of food and drink, which introduce the opportunity for foodborne illness under the right conditions. Food safety experts stress that the typical four-hour duration of Super Bowl gatherings creates specific challenges for food safety, according to the AP. Perishable foods such as chicken wings, deli wraps, meatballs, and fresh produce should not remain at room temperature for more than two hours, as this allows harmful bacteria to multiply to dangerous levels. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends specific…

Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens), first identified as a cause of food poisoning in the 1940s, continues to be a significant food safety concern primarily linked to temperature control issues in food preparation and storage.  According to the nation’s leading food poisoning lawyer, Ron Simon: “We have all heard of salmonella, E. coli and Listeria, to name a few which have become household names, but clostridium perfringens is another dangerous bacteria that should be on any food safety advocates short-list. Nearly 1 million people get C. perfringens food poisoning in the United States each year.” This bacterium, which forms heat-resistant spores,…

D.J.’s Boudain, LLC, based in Beaumont, Texas, has initiated a recall of nearly 18,000 pounds of boudain sausage links due to contamination with foreign materials. Food contaminated with foreign objects has the potential to cause severe harm, including choking, injury, illness, damage to teeth, or even death. Background The recall was initiated after the company received complaints from a consumer that a piece of a pen was discovered in the recalled product. Distribution The recalled items were sent to distributors, restaurants, and retail stores in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Product Details BrandProduct CodePackagingLink SizePackage SizeSell By DateDJ’s Original Boudain42164Vacuum-packaged for…

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) along with A. Bosa & Co. Ltd and Les Amis du Fromage have announced a recall of Jean Perrin-brand morbier cheese 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 only distributed…

A voluntary recall by Clement Foods Co, based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for Keith Valley brand mustard and Red Boy brand mustard due to Salmonella contamination first issued on December 17, 2024 remains ongoing. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious infections in animals and humans, especially those in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Background The recall was initiated because mustard seeds, an ingredient in the recalled products, tested positive for Salmonella. This is classified as a Class III recall, meaning that the recalled products are not likely to cause…

Blue Ridge Beef, based in Statesville, North Carolina, has issued a voluntary recall of its 2lb log Natural Mix due to Salmonella contamination. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious infections in animals and humans, especially those in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Background A sample collected on January 8, 2025 by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture that was tested by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture Food and Drug Protection Laboratory was positive for Salmonella. The company said it was notified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration…