Author: Kit Redwine
The rules and regulations governing food safety in the United States are among the most stringent in the world, designed to protect public health by preventing foodborne illnesses. Key legislation, such as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), focuses on proactive measures, requiring food producers to implement rigorous preventive controls and monitoring systems. These regulations also mandate proper labeling, hygiene standards, and regular inspections of facilities. Despite their robustness, challenges remain. Last year saw a seemingly record number of food recalls. From contaminated deli meats, to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders, cucumbers, and more, the general public likely learned more about Listeria,…
Vietnamese health authorities report a significant increase in food poisoning incidents during 2024, with over 130 cases affecting more than 4,700 people and resulting in 23 fatalities, according to Vietnam’s Ministry of Health. This marks an increase of nearly 10 cases from the previous year, with 2,600 more individuals impacted, according to vietnamnews.vn. The majority of incidents occurred in institutional dining facilities, particularly in school and company cafeterias. Health officials identified several bacteria as primary causes, including Salmonella, E. coli, and Bacillus cereus, which flourish in improperly prepared and stored foods. Additional cases stemmed from the consumption of high-risk foods…
Researchers at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) have made a breakthrough discovery revealing how Salmonella infections can trigger cellular changes that may lead to cancer, according to healthcare-in-europe.com. The study, published in the scientific journal Cell Reports, builds on their 2022 findings and explains the biological mechanism behind this process. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in humans. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, appearing six hours to six days after exposure to the bacteria. While most people recover without specific treatment, the infection can be severe, especially for young children, the elderly,…
A recall by Olympia Foods, based in Franklin Park, Illinois, first initiated on November 29, 2024 for its Olympia Foods Grecian Dip Tzatziki Sauce remains ongoing. The recall is due to potential Salmonella contamination. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious infections in humans, especially those in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Background No press release was issued for this recall and the company has not released how the potential for Salmonella contamination was discovered. It is possible this recall is connected to a larger outbreak of Salmonella linked to…
Washington state health officials have initiated a recall of shellstock oysters due to a norovirus outbreak, affecting products harvested by Ruco’s Shellfish from the Hammersley Inlet growing area in the state. The recall covers oysters harvested between December 2 and December 17, 2024, with specific concern for products distributed throughout Washington and Oregon. Officials have noted the affected products may have reached additional states. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a safety alert advising restaurants, food retailers, and consumers to take immediate action regarding these potentially contaminated shellfish. The recalled products can be identified by the harvester certification…
King County Washington public health officials are investigating a salmonella outbreak at Mary Pilgrim Inn, an emergency temporary housing shelter in Seattle, following Christmas dinner services that affected 14 residents and staff members. The outbreak, which began during a holiday celebration has resulted in five hospitalizations with no reported deaths. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in humans. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, appearing six hours to six days after exposure to the bacteria. While most people recover without specific treatment, the infection can be severe, especially for young children, the elderly, and…
Abbey Specialty Foods, based in Fairfield, New Jersey, has issued a voluntary recall of Wicklow Gold Cheddar Nettle & Chive and Wicklow Gold Cheddar Tomato & Herb cheeses due to possible 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 was initiated after Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese LTD notified the company that the products were being recalled due to potential Listeria contamination. Product Distribution The products were distributed to retailers in Colorado,…
Cambodia SIHANOUKVILLE – Food Poisoning Outbreak Affects City Hall Meeting; Bacterial Contamination Identified as Cause Multiple attendees of a city hall council meeting were struck with food poisoning symptoms on December 26, 2024. Approximately 50 attendees who ate sandwiches catered from a nearby shop reported severe stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea around midnight, hours after the afternoon meeting concluded. Several people required hospitalization due to the severity of their symptoms. A subsequent laboratory analysis of 12 food samples from the event identified dangerous levels of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in the sandwiches. The investigation revealed E. coli concentrations…
…most consumers in the Untied States are well aware of Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and even more rare bacterial diseases like Vibrio. But Yersiniosis is an uncommon bacterial infection…
“we are used to outbreaks of salmonella, listeria and e. coli affecting pet food, but this poses a whole new level of concern. Pet food needs to be made with the same care that human food is made with.”