Author: Kit Redwine

A recall by Tipp Distributors, Inc., dba Novamex, based in El Paso, Texas, first initiated on November 4, 2024 for Jarritos Coconut Water due to a potential compromised seal on the lid of the product remains ongoing. A compromised seal could lead to microbial contamination with pathogens like Clostridium botulinum that could potentially cause foodborne illness. Background No press release was issued for this recall. The company has not said how the potential issue was discovered. This recall is classified as a Class II recall, meaning that the recalled product has a lower chance of causing significant injuries or death,…

A voluntary recall first issued by Ocean Group, Inc., based in Los Angeles, California, on November 1, 2024 for multiple salmon products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) remains ongoing. 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 potential for Listeria contamination was discovered after environmental sampling of a cutting board and floor drain by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tested positive for the pathogen. This recall is classified as a Class…

Fiji SIGATOKA – Seven Hospitalized in Fiji Resort Cocktail Investigation Seven tourists, including four Australian women, were hospitalized after consuming pina coladas at The Warwick resort in Fiji last Saturday night. The incident has prompted a major investigation by Fijian authorities and raised concerns about drink safety in popular tourist destinations. The sickened guests experienced severe symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and neurological complications after drinking at one of the five-star resort’s bars. Among those critically affected were a 56-year-old woman now under close medical supervision and a 19-year-old woman in serious condition. Two other Australian women, aged 18 and 49,…

“The number of infected individuals and related hospitalizations continue to grow. It is possible that some recalled product could still be out there. I urge any consumer who bought cucumbers, or any food containing cucumbers, in recent weeks to check the list of recalled items and search their homes.”

The Ottawa Public Health (OPH) department in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada has issued a health alert regarding potential hepatitis A exposure at a Tim Hortons restaurant, located in the city at 372 Hunt Club Road, after confirming an infection in an employee. The exposure period spans from November 15 to December 8, 2024. While health officials said the transmission risk remains low due to proper hygiene and food safety protocols at the establishment, they recommend customers who consumed food or beverages during this period monitor their health for 50 days post-exposure. Hepatitis A is a liver infection transmitted through the fecal-oral…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a safety alert concerning norovirus contamination in shellfish products harvested from Washington state’s Pickering Passage growing area. The alert affects oysters and Manila clams harvested by Rudy’s Shellfish between November 15 and December 11, 2024, with distribution across multiple states. The contaminated shellfish have been traced to Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, and Washington, though the agency noted possible wider distribution. Washington state authorities initiated the recall on December 12, 2024, after detecting potential norovirus contamination in products from Rudy’s Shellfish, operating under certification number WA-1590-SS. Consuming contaminated shellfish…

The Israeli Health Ministry has reported an outbreak of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a rare condition that has affected 26 people so far this year, according to The Jerusalem Post. The syndrome causes destruction of red blood cells, blood clotting disorders, and kidney damage. Health officials believe the infections likely originated from poor hygiene or consumption of contaminated food, specifically under-cooked meat, unwashed vegetables, and fruits. HUS typically emerges following severe diarrhea, triggered by a specific E. coli strain that produces Shiga toxin. The disease is more prevalent among children under five years old and tends to occur during summer…

Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Raw Milk Larger than First Reported The California Department of Public Health released an updated report revealing a salmonella outbreak linked to raw milk from Raw Farm LLC in Fresno County, California was larger than first reported. The outbreak, identified in San Diego County on October 18, 2023, initially involved eight salmonellosis cases but ultimately grew to encompass a much broader health crisis, according to The Fresno Bee. The report, released on October 15, 2024, documented 171 total salmonella infections across five states: California, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington. Of these cases, 159 were confirmed…

A norovirus outbreak aboard the Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam cruise ship affected nearly 80 passengers and crew during a voyage that left port on December 4th. As part of its Vessel Sanitation Program, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 74 guests out of 1,923 and four crew members out of 757 experienced illness during the journey. The primary symptoms included vomiting and diarrhea. A Holland America Line spokesperson characterized the cases as “mostly mild and quickly resolving” and detailed comprehensive response measures to address the outbreak. According to USA Today, the cruise line implemented enhanced sanitation protocols…

A voluntary recall first issued on November 15, 2024 by Impossible Foods Inc, based in Redwood City, California, for its Impossible Savory Ground Sausage Meat from plants and Impossible Spicy Ground Sausage Meat from plants due to potential contamination with pieces of metal remains ongoing. Food contaminated with foreign objects has the potential to cause severe harm, including choking, injury, illness, damage to teeth, or even death. Background No press release was issued for this recall. The company has not said how the potential presence of metal contamination was discovered. This recall is classified as a Class II recall, meaning…