Author: Kit Redwine
Bird Flu Outbreak Halts Georgia Poultry Operations at Commercial Farm Georgia health officials have suspended all poultry activities statewide following the confirmation of bird flu in a commercial operation in Elbert County in the northeastern part of the state, according to cnn.com. The case, jointly confirmed by state and federal agricultural authorities, represents the first detection in a Georgia commercial poultry facility since the nationwide outbreak began in 2022. The Georgia Department of Agriculture has implemented immediate containment measures, including the suspension of all poultry exhibitions, shows, sales, and related gatherings. Commercial operations within a 6-mile radius of the affected…
As global populations expand and human-animal interactions increase, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is focused on the importance of One Health, a comprehensive strategy that recognizes the fundamental connections between human health, animal welfare, and environmental conditions. This collaborative approach brings together experts from multiple disciplines to address complex health challenges that span these interconnected domains. The One Health framework has become increasingly critical as communities worldwide face emerging health threats. These challenges stem from several key developments: population growth pushing into new geographic areas, increased contact between humans and both wild and domestic animals, climate change,…
Two companies have issued recalls for products due to the potential for spoilage. A recall by Horizon Organic Dairy, LLC, based in Broomfield, Colorado, first issued on December 13, 2024 for its Horizon Organic Aseptic Plain Whole Milk due to the potential for premature product spoilage remains ongoing. A recall by Mr. Bing Foods Inc., based in New York, New York, also first issued on December 13, 2024 for its Mr. Bing-brand Sriracha Chili Sauce due to the potential for the product to contain spoilage organisms remains ongoing. Background Horizon Organic Dairy, LLC – No press release was issued for…
The King County Public Health department is investigating a foodborne illness outbreak at Kobuta & Ookami Katsu & Sake in Redmond, Washington, following reports of two customers becoming ill after dining at the restaurant in late December. The affected customers dined at the Japanese restaurant on December 22, 2024, with symptoms appearing the following day. Both individuals reported experiencing symptoms consistent with bacterial infection, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and chills. No hospitalizations or deaths have been reported in connection with the outbreak. During a January 10, 2025 inspection, health officials identified several food safety violations at the restaurant.…
A recall first initiated on December 10, 2024 by Summit Import Corporation, based in Jersey City, New Jersey, for Yu Yee Five Spice Powder due to contamination with elevated levels of lead remains ongoing. Lead is a neurotoxin that can affect nearly every system in the human body and is especially dangerous for young children. Background The recall was initiated after product testing revealed elevated levels of lead. This recall is classified as a Class II recall, meaning that exposure to the recalled product has a lower chance of causing major injuries or death yet may still cause temporary or…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a comprehensive strategy to prevent outbreaks of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and norovirus (NoV) linked to fresh and frozen berries, following recent contamination incidents involving imported products. The initiative comes in response to HAV outbreaks in 2022 and 2023 traced to berries from a single international supplier. While domestic berry production has maintained a strong safety record with no reported enteric (of, relating to, or affecting the intestines) virus outbreaks in 35 years, imported berries have been associated with several incidents since 1997. The significance of addressing viral contamination in berries…
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Burnbrae Farms, based in Lyn, Ontario, Canada, have announced a voluntary recall of multiple brands of eggs due to potential 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 The recall was initiated after test results revealed the potential presence of Salmonella. A food safety investigation by the CFIA is currently underway, which may lead to additional product recalls. This is currently classified as a Class II recall, meaning…
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Importations Pie Che Dolci Inc., based in Laval, Quebec, Canada, have issued a voluntary recall of Sweet Cream-brand Mini Patisserie due to potential Salmonella contamination and connection with a Salmonella outbreak in Canada. 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 after an investigation into an outbreak of foodborne illness by the CFIA. The investigation is still active. So far, 61 illnesses have been reported across…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently investigating a number of outbreaks of foodborne illness in the United States. The organization announced on Wednesday, January 15 that they were investigating a new outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria). Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is particularly dangerous for certain vulnerable populations. Pregnant individuals, people aged 65 or older, and those with weakened immune systems are at highest risk. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, sometimes preceded by gastrointestinal symptoms. In pregnant individuals, listeriosis can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, premature…
Boulder County Public Health in Colorado has issued a public health notification regarding potential hepatitis A exposure at Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, located at 1101 Walnut Street in Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall. The exposure risk is specifically linked to beverages containing fresh juice served on December 30, 2023, and January 5, 2024 and include the following drinks: Health officials have clarified that drinks served on other dates or those without fresh-squeezed juices are not considered at risk. For individuals who consumed these beverages on January 5, health officials recommend receiving a hepatitis A vaccine before Sunday if they are not…