Author: Kit Redwine

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for a ready-to-eat turkey wrap product sold at Trader Joe’s locations nationwide due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The alert applies to products that are no longer available for purchase, eliminating the need for a formal recall. The affected product consists of 10-ounce clear plastic clamshell packages labeled “TRADER JOE’S TURKEY GOBBLER WRAP” with a “BEST BY SEP 16, 2025” date. These items were manufactured on September 10, 2025, and bear establishment number “P-1644” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The wraps…

A dangerous threat is seeing an alarming resurgence in the warm coastal waters of the Gulf Coast. Vibrio vulnificus, a rare bacterium that can cause life-threatening infections, has claimed at least five lives in Louisiana so far in 2025, a significant increase over the state’s average of one death per year. This outbreak forms part of a broader pattern of rising cases in the region, linked by experts to warming ocean temperatures. The Louisiana Department of Health confirms that the state has recorded 26 cases of Vibrio vulnificus infection this year, with all patients requiring hospitalization. The data reveals that…

More than a year after a deadly Listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats, the company and affected communities continue to grapple with the aftermath. The outbreak, which spanned from May to November 2024, resulted in 10 deaths and over 60 hospitalizations across 19 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) attributed the crisis to “inadequate sanitation practices” at Boar’s Head’s Jarratt, Virginia processing plant, where inspectors found mold, mildew, insects, and structural defects like cracked floors and dripping condensation. In response, Boar’s Head permanently closed the Jarratt facility…

Two separate food poisoning outbreaks affected more than 800 students across Indonesia this week, highlighting ongoing challenges with the country’s ambitious free school meal initiative. The incidents represent the latest in a series of health concerns that have plagued the program since its inception. The larger outbreak occurred in West Java province’s Garut region, where 569 students from five schools experienced nausea and vomiting after consuming chicken and rice meals provided by a government-sponsored kitchen. The symptoms appeared on Wednesday, one day after the meals were served. According to a local government official, approximately 30 students required hospitalization initially, while…

In an increasingly interconnected global food system, innovative approaches to food safety have emerged as critical tools for preventing outbreaks and protecting public health. Countries worldwide are mastering strategies that blend technology, international collaboration, and education to address foodborne risks, offering valuable models for broader adoption. These practices emphasize preparedness, real-time response, and harmonized standards to mitigate the staggering burden of foodborne illnesses, which affect nearly 600 million people annually and cause 420,000 deaths worldwide. One of the most impactful innovations is the adoption of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for pathogen tracking. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in collaboration…

Overview The FDA’s CORE Response Teams manage multiple outbreak and adverse event investigations at various stages of completion. These investigations range from those with limited initial information to cases nearing resolution. Healthcare providers and public health officials encourage individuals experiencing potential foodborne illness symptoms to report details about food consumption prior to becoming ill, as this information assists in resolving active and emerging outbreaks. The FDA issues public health advisories when investigations produce specific actions consumers can take for protection. These advisories contain the most current investigation details and consumer safety information. Some investigations may not identify a definitive source…

A recall has been issued by Sweet Organics for a lot of its Sweet Potato Apple and Spinach pouches due to possible contamination with elevated levels of lead. Lead is a neurotoxin that can affect nearly every system in the human body and is especially dangerous for young children. Background No information was provided in the recall notice as to how the presence of lead in the impacted product was discovered. Distribution The recalled product was distributed to Walgreens and “some independent stores” in the South of the United States between September 2024 and December 2024. Product Details BrandProductSizePackagingLot CodeExpiration…

Health officials across Canada are investigating an ongoing Salmonella outbreak that has affected 27 people in four provinces and territories, with cases connected to contact with dog food and treats. The outbreak, which began in mid-February and continued through mid-August 2025, has resulted in six hospitalizations but no deaths. The majority of cases have been concentrated in western Canada, with Alberta reporting 13 illnesses and British Columbia documenting 12 cases. Ontario has recorded one case, while the Northwest Territories has also reported a single illness. Women represent 59 percent of those affected, and the age range spans from infants to…

In an era where foodborne illnesses affect millions annually, mobile applications have become essential tools for consumers seeking to protect themselves and their families. These digital solutions provide immediate access to critical safety information, recall alerts, and product evaluation features that were previously difficult to obtain. The integration of official government data with user-friendly interfaces has created a new layer of protection in the food supply chain, putting vital knowledge directly into consumers’ hands. One of the most comprehensive applications available is Food Recalls & Alerts, available for both Apple and Android devices, which provides official notifications from multiple government…

Water is a critical yet often underestimated component in the food supply chain, playing a significant role in both the propagation and prevention of foodborne illnesses. Contamination events frequently originate from water used during irrigation, processing, and preparation, where pathogens can infiltrate our food at multiple stages. Understanding these pathways and the emerging technologies designed to address them is essential for enhancing food safety globally. Irrigation water, particularly from surface sources like rivers and ponds, is a well-documented vector for pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli. These microorganisms can colonize crops through contaminated water, leading to widespread outbreaks.…