Author: Kit Redwine
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are strains of bacteria that have evolved the ability to survive or grow despite the presence of antibiotics that would normally kill them or inhibit their growth. This resistance occurs through genetic changes, often accelerated by the overuse or misuse of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture. As a result, infections caused by these bacteria become harder to treat, posing significant risks to public health. Many consumers know to finish their course of antibiotics to prevent the growth of bacterial resistance and good agricultural practices employ similar strategies. Preventing antibiotic-resistant bacteria from contaminating our food involves a combination of…
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced a recall by Mississauga, Ontario, Canada-based Maple Leaf Foods Inc. of multiple brands of sausage products due to contamination with nitrile glove pieces. Food contaminated with foreign objects has the potential to cause severe harm, including choking, injury, illness, or even death. Background The recall notice did not specify how the nitrile glove pieces in the affected products were discovered. Distribution The recalled products were distributed to retail locations nationwide across Canada. Product Details BrandProductSizeBest BeforeCodesUPC CodeBurnsPizza Pepperoni 4×20 COVVariableOctober 17, 2024EST 69BNoneCarver’s ChoiceSausage Snacks750 gNovember 27, 2024 December 3, 20240 63100…
On Friday, September 27, 2024, the Public Health Agency of Canada issued a public health notice for an outbreak of Salmonella Muenchen connected to pet geckos. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause severe illness in both animals and humans. Geckos are small lizards that are found on every continent except Antarctica. Background The Public Health Agency of Canada is actively investigating this outbreak, which has resulted in 25 confirmed cases of Salmonella Muenchen infection spanning from August 2020 to September 2024. The ages of those infected range from 1 to 103 years old with 64% being female. There have…
Malaysia – 86 Students Sickened by Suspected Food Poisoning Food poisoning is suspected in the illness of 86 students at a school in Ipoh, a city near the west coast of the country. After dining at the school cafeteria, the affected students began displaying symptoms of stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting late Tuesday morning. So far, only one student was admitted to the hospital for treatment. An initial investigation has linked contaminated curry as the source of the illness. The local health department collected samples from the cafeteria and the results are pending. South Africa – Poisoned Food Suspected in…
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have made a new discovery in the fight against Campylobacter infections. These infections, which primarily cause enteritis and can lead to severe complications like sepsis, remain a pressing concern worldwide, particularly affecting children under 5 and the elderly, according to a recent article from Asia Research News. Campylobacter jejuni, a pathogen notorious for causing gastroenteritis and occasionally more serious extra-intestinal infections, has long eluded effective prevention and treatment methods. The absence of a vaccine or targeted medication has made controlling these infections challenging. However, the recent findings from the Osaka-based research team offer a promising…
As previously reported on by Food Poisoning News, a recall tied to Listeria contaminated deli sliced meats, which was later expanded to include an additional 7 million pounds of product, has been updated with new information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The CDC’s investigation, which began on July 19, 2024, is still open. September 25, 2024 Update Where People Got Sick According to the CDC, it is likely that more people in more states were affected because “some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Listeria.” Product Details Consumer Advisory Consumers should search their homes…
Around the country, many cities both big and small are known for their vibrant food truck offerings, providing diverse cuisines at concerts, festivals, and sporting events. However, to ensure food safety, mobile food vendors must follow the same rules as traditional brick and mortar restaurants. A number of cities have seen a recent increase in unpermitted mobile food vendors. Local health departments often advise residents to avoid these vendors to protect themselves from possible foodborne illnesses and to support vendors who follow proper food safety practices. A particular concern has arisen in several cities regarding unpermitted vendors using makeshift push…
Food waste stands as a critical global challenge, with substantial quantities of edible products failing to reach consumers. The United Nations reports that in 2022, approximately 1.05 billion tons of food were discarded, averaging 291 pounds per person worldwide. This wastage occurs throughout the food supply chain, from initial production to final consumption, according to a recent article on phys.org. Among the most frequently wasted food items, milk holds a leading position. Research conducted by the University of Edinburgh indicates that one-sixth of global milk production goes to waste. The primary source of this wastage lies within the production process…
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced a recall by Spread’Em Kitchen Ltd., based in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada of its Beet & Balsamic Cashew Dip due to potential mold contamination. Mold can cause a number of side effects including respiratory illness, allergic reactions, and mycotoxin poisoning. Background The recall notice did not specify how the potential presence of mold in the affected products was discovered. Distribution The recalled product was sold through retail locations in the province of British Columbia. Product Details BrandProductSizeBest BeforeUPC Code Spread’EmBeet & Balsamic Cashew Dip185 gOctober 6, 2024 October 27, 2024 November 10, 20246…
A voluntary recall for specific lots of beef and chicken dog food has been issued by Fleetwood, Pennsylvania-based Lystn, LLC doing business as ANSWERS Pet Food. The recal is due to potential contamination from Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria), both bacteriums that can cause severe illness in animals and humans. Background The presence of Salmonella and Listeria were discovered during sample testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Distribution The affected products were distributed nationwide in the United States to retail locations and through online sale. Product Details BrandProductSizeBest BeforeUPC CodeLot CodeANSWERSPet Food Detailed Beef Formula for Dogs4…