Author: Kit Redwine
A surge in hepatitis A cases has emerged in Syria’s eastern Deir Ezzor countryside, highlighting the region’s deteriorating healthcare infrastructure under the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). The outbreak, primarily attributed to contaminated drinking water, has forced many residents to seek treatment in distant cities due to local hospitals’ severe limitations. Medical surveillance data reveals the scope of the crisis, with over 900 cases recorded in just 40 days across September and October. The early warning system operated by the Future Organization documented 732 cases in September alone, followed by an additional 232 cases in the first…
Cook Children’s healthcare facilities across Texas are reporting a significant increase in salmonella cases, though the Texas Department of State Health Services has not officially declared an outbreak. The spike in cases has been particularly noticeable since July 2024, with medical professionals across multiple locations documenting a concerning trend. According to Texas’ leading Salmonella lawyer, who has filed thousands of salmonella claims and Salmonella lawsuits: “We are getting calls on a daily basis, but have yet to finger the source of this particular salmonella outbreak. We suspect that will change very soon and we can get to work for these…
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert regarding various meat and poultry products illegally imported from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Myanmar is not eligible to export meat and poultry products to the United States. Background FSIS discovered the issue during routine surveillance activities at a retailer, where they found meat and poultry products from Myanmar that are not approved for import into the U.S. The agency is investigating how these products entered the country. Distribution The affected products were distributed to retail outlets in Arizona, California, Iowa,…
As the holiday season approaches, many families are eagerly anticipating the traditional turkey dinner. However, this seasonal favorite can pose serious health risks if not handled and cooked properly, including salmonella and e. coli, to name but two of the common food borne pathogens that can infect turkey. Undercooked or mishandled turkey can be contaminated with harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, and Campylobacter, leading to severe food poisoning. It’s crucial for home cooks to take the right precautions when preparing this centerpiece dish. Dangers of Improperly Stored and Thawed Turkey The first step in safely handling turkey is proper…
Students at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand have been struck by a large-scale outbreak of suspected food poisoning that caused significant disruption across two university residences. Over 100 students reported common food poisoning symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, with the issues seemingly stemming from a catered chicken souvlakia dinner served on Sunday evening. Students living in University Hall and Ilam Apartments began feeling unwell on Sunday night. Descriptions from affected students paint a dire picture – many woke in the night with severe stomach pain, rushing to toilet facilities only to find long lines of fellow students in…
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced a recall of multiple brands of bread and buns due to 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 notice did not specify how the contamination with foreign material was discovered. 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 low. Distribution The recalled products were distributed to multiple retail outlets in…
When we hear the words “food poisoning,” we tend to think about foodborne illness caused by pathogens like salmonella and E. coli or a virus such as norovirus. However, what happens when actual poison is added to food? Tragically, communities in Nigeria and India recently found out. As reported by Food Poisoning News last week, five people were found dead inside a home from what was initially suspected as “traditional” food poisoning. However, it was soon revealed that the five had consumed poisoned food. A 16 year old girl has been arrested for the alleged poisoning of five people who…
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced two recalls due to contamination with foreign material. Shafer-Haggart Ltd, based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is recalling Success-brand sliced black olives due to contamination with pieces of glass. Compass Minerals Canada Corp., based in Overland Park, Kansas, is recalling Sifto-brand Hy-Grade Salt due to 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 No information is available for either recall on how the contamination with foreign material was discovered. Both recalls are…
Savencia Cheese USA, based in New Holland, Pennsylvania, has issued a voluntary recall of select soft ripened cheeses due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria). 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 Routing sampling confirmed that equipment at the company’s manufacturing facility may have been contaminated with Listeria. Additional testing of select cheeses has not revealed any presence of Listeria contamination. Distribution The company’s recall notice said that the affected products had limited regional distribution…
HH Fresh Trading Corp, based in Los Angeles, California, has issued a voluntary recall of its Taiwan Enoki mushrooms due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria). 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 Random testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed the potential presence of Listeria in the affected product. The FDA and the company are investigating the source of the contamination. Production of the affected mushrooms is currently suspended. Distribution The…