Author: Kit Redwine
Yu Shang Food, Inc., based in Spartanburg, South Carolina, has issued a recall of certain ready-to-eat meat and poultry products 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 The recall was initiated after routine testing by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) confirmed the presence of Listeria in the affected products. Approximately 4,589 pounds of meat and poultry products are subject to the recall.…
Recent action by major fast-food restaurants chains to remove fresh onions from their menus have highlighted a persistent challenge in food safety: fresh produce presents more significant contamination risks than beef, according to The Western Producer. This reality came into sharp focus following a widespread E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s onions that affected 90 people across the Midwest and western United States, resulting in one death. The incident, which prompted McDonald’s to remove Quarter Pounders from approximately 2,800 of its U.S. locations, is a stark reminder of how vulnerable fresh produce supply chains remain to contamination. This stands in…
Health officials have concluded their investigation into a norovirus outbreak connected to a McDonald’s restaurant in Kirkland, Washington. The outbreak, which affected three customers who dined at the location between October 23 and October 26, 2024, has now been resolved. Two of the affected customers tested positive for norovirus, a highly contagious virus known for causing gastroenteritis. The infected individuals had no connection to each other, with their symptoms beginning between October 25 and October 26. None of the cases required hospitalization and no fatalities were reported. King County Public Health officials launched their investigation after receiving reports of illness…
CIBUS Fresh, based in Noblesville, Indiana, ihas issued a voluntary recall of products made with Glenview Farms Spreadable Brie 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 The recall was initiated after the company received notice from a supplier of the potential for Listeria contamination in the affected product. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been notified by the company of the recall and is working to…
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…