Author: Kit Redwine

Wolverine Packing Co., based in Detroit, Michigan, has issued a recall of approximately 167,000 pounds of ground beef products due to potential contamination with E. coli O157:H7, a bacterium that can cause severe illness in certain populations. Background The contamination came to light after the Minnesota Department of Agriculture notified the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on November 13, 2024 that a number of people had become sick after consuming ground beef products. FSIS was able to identify a connection between the illnesses and ground beef products from Wolverine Packing Co. On November 20, 2024,…

In the aftermath of a deadly outbreak of E. coli, and several McDonald’s E. coli onion lawsuits filed by the same law firm, McDonald’s has announced a $100 million investment plan to support franchisees and recover from the recent E. coli outbreak linked to slivered onions in Quarter Pounder burgers. The investment will be divided into two primary components: $65 million dedicated to supporting owners in the most affected states, and $35 million allocated to traffic-driving marketing programs, according to cnbc.com. The company plans to develop local recovery strategies for heavily impacted markets, with additional details expected in the coming…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded two separate investigations into cyclospora outbreaks in North Carolina, identifying sources of illness that impacted more than 100 individuals across the state, according to wral.com. The first investigation, initiated on July 31, 2024, determined that 49 people became ill after consuming imported parsley. A second investigation began on August 7, 2024, linking 61 individuals to a shrimp salad containing fresh produce. According to FDA reports, ingredient samples and products were collected and analyzed during the investigation. However, no samples tested positive for the cyclospora parasite. The Centers for Disease Control and…

E. coli Outbreak in St. Louis County Linked to Andre’s Banquets & Catering and Events at Rockwood Summit High School: Nearly 100 Victims Identified St. Louis County health officials have reported that 94 individuals, an increase of nearly 30 people since Food Poisoning News first reported on the incident, have now fallen ill in an E. coli outbreak linked to multiple events in early November 2024, according to npr.com. The cases are connected to four separate events that were hosted or catered by Andre’s Banquets & Catering, a local St. Louis County establishment. According to health department reports, over half…

A lawsuit has been filed against Grimmway Farms in Kern County, California, following a nationwide E. coli outbreak linked to their carrot products. The legal action was initiated by Ron Simon & Associates and The Gomez Trial Attorneys on behalf of Melinda Pratt, who became seriously ill after consuming Bunny Luv Fresh Organic Carrots supplied by Grimmway Farms. According to case documents, Pratt purchased the contaminated carrots on September 30, 2024. After consumption, she developed severe symptoms including bloody diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. When Pratt’s condition worsened over two weeks, she sought medical treatment and was hospitalized for three days…

Norovirus Outbreak Reported on Coral Princess Cruise Ship A recent outbreak of norovirus has affected 70 passengers and crew members aboard the Coral Princess cruise ship during its current sailing from Singapore to Los Angeles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that among the vessel’s 1,822 passengers, 55 individuals reported illness symptoms, along with 15 crew members. The primary symptoms documented were vomiting and diarrhea, according to USA Today. The Coral Princess, operated by Princess Cruises, departed Singapore on October 17 for a month-long voyage to Los Angeles. In response to the outbreak, the cruise line has…

A confirmed case of shigellosis at La Escuela Fratney Elementary School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin has triggered a comprehensive health response from Milwaukee school authorities, according to fox6now.com. The Milwaukee Health Department has identified a single case of shigella bacteria at the school, which has prompted immediate medical and administrative intervention. Shigellosis, a potentially serious bacterial infection, can spread through multiple transmission routes, including contaminated food, water, and direct contact with fecal material. Dr. Greg Demuri, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at UW Health, provided critical insights into the outbreak. While acknowledging the bacteria’s aggressive nature, he said that most individuals…

Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) is investigating a case of potential botulism after a 38-year-old woman received unauthorized botulinum toxin injections in Dongguan, on the Chinese mainland. The patient, who was previously in good health, received injections from an unverified source on October 27. Unable to confirm the practitioner’s professional qualifications, she soon developed alarming symptoms including limb weakness, swallowing difficulties, and partial eyelid drooping. After initially seeking medical attention in Dongguan on November 3, she was later admitted to North District Hospital in Hong Kong on November 8, where her condition remains stable but under close medical…

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Nutworks Canada, based in North York, Ontario, Canada, has issued a voluntary recall for its Nutworks-brand raw whole pistachios due to potential Salmonella contamination. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious infections, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Background The recall was initiated after testing by the CFIA revealed the potential presence of Salmonella contamination. This is classified as a Class II recall, which means the affected products may pose a moderate health risk, but the probability of serious health consequences is…

Grimmway Farms, based in Bakersfield, California, has issued a voluntary recall of select whole carrots and organic baby carrots due to potential contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, a bacterium that can cause severe illness in certain populations. One national food poisoning law firm has prepared the first e. coli lawsuit in the outbreak. And now, the nation’s first Carrot E. Coli Lawsuit has been filed by the E. coli Lawyers at Ron Simon & Associates. Background A nationwide investigation is underway as federal and state health authorities examine an outbreak of E. coli O121:H9 infections connected to organic carrots…