Author: Kit Redwine

Maryland health authorities have concluded their investigation into a mass food poisoning incident that affected dozens of workers at a wholesale fish distribution facility. The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) confirmed that Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) was responsible for sickening 46 employees at North Atlantic Fish Company (NAFCO) Wholesale Fish Distribution on October 21. The outbreak was traced to a homemade noodle dish brought in by an employee to share with coworkers, rather than any food products from the NAFCO facility itself. Laboratory testing of both clinical samples from affected individuals and remnants of the consumed food confirmed the presence of…

A high school freshman from Grand Junction, Colorado, was hospitalized after suffering from severe food poisoning, suspected to be linked to E. coli-contaminated McDonald’s burgers. Fifteen-year-old Kamberlyn Bowler experienced life-threatening complications after eating Quarter Pounders at McDonald’s two to three times over a two week period, around the time an E. coli outbreak was identified in mid-October, according to Associated Press. Due to her serious condition, Kamberlyn was flown to a hospital near Denver, where she underwent ten days of dialysis to help protect her kidneys from further damage. Kamberlyn’s case is one among at least 75 confirmed in this…

Dynarex Corporation, based in Montvale, New Jersey, has announced an expanded recall, first announced on September 19, 2024, of specific batches of its dynacare baby powder due to potential contamination with asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that can cause serious health issues, including death. This article contains information from both the initial September 19th and subsequent expanded recall notices. Background Routine testing by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed the presence of asbestos in the affected products. According to the company, “Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is often found near talc, an ingredient…

Most of us are familiar with landscaping, the process of planning, designing, and transforming outdoor spaces. In the age of social media-driven home organization; however, ‘Fridgescaping’ has emerged as a popular trend among home cooks and food enthusiasts, according to msn.com. This aesthetic approach to refrigerator organization promises both functionality and visual appeal. However, experts are now warning that one particularly attractive trend could pose serious health risks. The practice of storing fresh produce in water-filled glass jars, while visually striking, has raised significant food safety concerns. While these arrangements – featuring strawberries glowing like jewels and mandarin segments floating…

Malaysia PETALING JAYA – Private School Forced to Close After Food Poisoning Outbreak A private school in the Kota Damansara township has been temporarily shut down after a number of students reportedly suffered from food poisoning reportedly connected to the school’s cafeteria. The school acknowledged the incident and said they were focused on stopping the spread of the illness and supporting the affected students. The school said it was “very grateful for the support, advice and guidance that many in our community have contributed.” Exact numbers were not provided, but it is believed over 20 students have fallen ill. The…

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc., based in Phoenix, Arizona and Fresh Express, based in Windermere, Florida, have each announced recalls of their respective Chicken Street Taco Meal Kit and Gourmet Cafe Chicken Caesar Salad Bowl 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 affected products from both Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. and Fresh Express are being recalled as part of a larger recall of meat and chicken products by…

An E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s has prompted the fast food chain to pull specific ingredients and its Quarter Pounder hamburgers in several locations. The outbreak is currently under investigation by multiple federal and state agencies. Here is everything known to date about this large-scale incident: Background The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS), are working to identify the specific contaminated ingredient causing the E. coli O157:H7 infections. Most affected individuals reported consuming McDonald’s Quarter Pounders before…

Costco, based in Issaquah, Washington, has issued a voluntary recall of Kirkland brand smoked salmon 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 No information was provided in the recall notice as to how the potential presence of Listeria in the affected product was discovered. Distribution The recall notice said that the recalled product was distributed only in “select” Costco stores in their Southeast region. Product Details Consumer Action…

A recall first initiated by Puget Consumers Co-op (PCC), based in Seattle, Washington, on September 30, 2024 for Hungarian Mushroom Soup produced by Ladle & Leaf due to potential presence of larvae remains ongoing. Larvae may carry bacteria like salmonella and E. coli or cause intestinal myiasis. Background According to Newsweek, the larvae were discovered at a PCC store and that it was “an isolated incident limited to one small batch of mushroom soup.” PCC has removed the item from store shelves and has alerted customers. This is classified as a Class II recall, meaning that the recalled product is…

McDonald’s is grappling with a serious E. coli outbreak linked to its Quarter Pounder burgers, resulting in 49 confirmed cases and one death across 10 states. According to CNBC, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerted the fast-food giant late last week. After receiving notification, McDonald’s engaged with multiple federal agencies, including the CDC, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Food and Drug Administration. The company has proactively removed Quarter Pounder burgers from approximately 20% of its U.S. restaurants, particularly in affected areas including Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, and parts of eight other states. Investigation details reveal that among…