Author: Kit Redwine
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…
China HONG KONG – Food Poisoning Outbreak Affects 57 at Local Restaurant Hong Kong health authorities launched an investigation on Wednesday, January 15 into multiple food poisoning incidents at a Kowloon Bay restaurant that affected 57 people over three separate days. Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) reported that the cases were linked to meals served at the Golden Lilies International Banquet Hall on Wang Kwong Road during January 8, 9, and 12. The affected individuals, 28 men and 29 women ranging in age from 25 to 91, experienced symptoms including stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever. The…
A new study from Penn State researchers has identified household dogs as an overlooked source of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella transmission to humans. The research, published in Zoonoses and Public Health, examined the spread of nontyphoidal Salmonella between dogs and their human companions. The study analyzed data from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network, identifying 87 cases of nontyphoidal Salmonella in domestic dogs between May 2017 and March 2023. Researchers matched these cases with human infection data from the National Center for Biotechnology Information database, discovering 77 suspected cases of zoonotic transmission involving 164 strains across…
A voluntary recall by Tree House Foods Inc., based in Oak Brook, British Columbia, Canada, first issued on December 11, 2024 for Great Value-brand chicken broth sold at select Walmart stores in several U.S. states due to potential packaging failures that could compromise the sterility of the product and lead to spoilage remains ongoing. Background No press release was issued for this recall and the company has not said how the potential for packaging failures was discovered. This recall has not currently been classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Distribution The product was distributed to select Walmart…
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…