Author: Kit Redwine

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,…

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…