Author: Kit Redwine
A significant increase in norovirus cases is being reported across the United States and much of the rest of the world, with health officials noting a particular rise since October. The highly contagious virus, also commonly known as stomach flu, is the primary cause of both foodborne illness and gastrointestinal distress in the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data indicates that nationwide cases are not only exceeding typical levels for this time of year, but also are at their highest point in twelve years. While viral stomach illnesses are typically not reportable conditions in most areas…
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released an in-depth report detailing its investigation into a major Listeria monocytogenes outbreak connected to a Boar’s Head manufacturing facility in Jarratt, Virginia. The outbreak, which occurred between May and November 2024, resulted in 61 infections across 19 states, leading to 60 hospitalizations and 10 fatalities. The comprehensive investigation revealed significant food safety violations and has prompted widespread changes in federal inspection protocols. Listeria – A Dangerous Pathogen Listeriosis is the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes. Although medical advancements and public awareness have reduced the number of listeriosis cases, outbreaks continue to occur. …
Recent incidents of widespread food poisoning and contamination in Kenya have brought attention to the country’s growing food safety crisis, affecting both urban and rural communities. The challenges range from contaminated water supplies to unsafe food handling practices, particularly in roadside eateries and informal settlements, creating a complex public health challenge that impacts thousands of families across the nation, according to a recent article in The Eastleigh Voice. In a recent case that highlights these concerns, Cynthia Namatsi’s family of six experienced simultaneous symptoms of diarrhea, chills, and vomiting after exposure to contaminated tap water. Despite regular precautions like boiling…
An investigation in China’s Liaoning Province has revealed extensive Salmonella contamination throughout the commercial poultry production chain, highlighting potential risks and confirming long-suspected risks in global food safety systems, according to a recent article from earth.com. The research, led by a team from China’s Yangzhou University, presents evidence of bacterial contamination at multiple stages of production, raising concerns about current safety measures and antibiotic resistance. In their comprehensive analysis, researchers examined 1,207 samples collected from various points along a commercial egg production line. The study identified 130 samples, representing 10.8% of the total, as testing positive for Salmonella. Most of…
Bestway Sandwiches Inc., baked in Valencia, California, has issued a voluntary recall of frozen chicken and cheese taquito products due to potential contamination with pieces of metal. 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 a customer complaint regarding a piece of metal that was found in the impacted product. A separate customer reported to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) that they received a dental injury after eating the now recalled product. Distribution The…
Toronto-based Joriki has permanently ceased operations at all four of its processing facilities in the wake of a deadly listeria outbreak, resulting in massive layoffs across its North American operations, according to The Canadian Press. The company, which specialized in processing plant-based milk products, has closed two plants in Ontario, one in British Columbia, and a subsidiary-operated facility in Pennsylvania. The shutdown comes as Joriki seeks creditor protection, with company officials confirming they lack the financial resources to maintain operations. Financial documents reveal the extent of the company’s difficulties, showing outstanding debts exceeding CAD 200 million owed to more than…
Outbreak Background – January 8, 2025 update The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have finished investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections associated with cucumbers from grower Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. in Sonora, Mexico. As of January 8, 2025, 113 people across 23 states have been infected with the outbreak strain. No deaths have been reported to date. 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.…
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,…