Author: Kit Redwine
A recent Consumer Reports study found high levels of lead in various cinnamon products available for retail sale. Food Poisoning News has previously reported this year on the widespread discovery of lead in ground cinnamon from a number of brands due to elevated levels of lead: Consumer Reports tested 36 ground cinnamon products and spice blends containing cinnamon, such as garam masala and five-spice powder. The products were sourced from mainstream grocery stores and specialty stores catering to international cuisines. The results were concerning: 12 of the 36 products tested contained lead levels exceeding 1 part per million (ppm), the…
Boar’s Head, the Sarasota, Florida-based company, announced on Friday that it will close its plant in Jarratt, Virginia, which was linked to a current listeria outbreak. The company will also discontinue the production of liverwurst, the product associated with the outbreak. The listeria outbreak resulted in nine reported deaths and approximately 50 hospitalizations across 18 states. Multiple lawsuits against Boar’s Head are pending, including a wrongful death case filed on behalf of the family of victim Gunter Morgenstein. In a statement posted on the company’s website, Boar’s Head apologized for the incident and its impact on everyone affected. According to…
Vietnam A bakery in southern Vietnam has been fined VND90 million ($3,660) and suspended for four months following a food poisoning incident that affected 149 customers in August. The decision also requires the bakery to pay medical costs of VND383 million ($15,569) for the affected individuals. The bakery, located in the city of Hong Ngu, was found to have violated numerous safety regulations that resulted in the food poisoning outbreak. After consuming the bakery’s bahn mi sandwiches, the 149 customers became ill and were hospitalized with symptoms consistent with food poisoning. Health authorities conducted tests on stool samples from 51…
Seattle’s Public Health department is currently investigating an outbreak of illness resembling norovirus linked to Stoneburner restaurant in the city’s Ballard neighborhood. The investigation began on August 20 when authorities received reports of seven customers falling ill after dining at Stoneburner on August 11 and 14. Symptoms reported by affected individuals align closely with those of norovirus, including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and chills. Further inquiry revealed that at least two restaurant staff members had experienced similar symptoms around the same time period. No hospitalizations or deaths in connection with the outbreak have been reported at this time. Norovirus, a…
Pasteurization, a process named after the French scientist Louis Pasteur, has revolutionized food safety and preservation since its inception in the 19th century. This method involves heating food and beverages to a specific temperature for a set period to kill harmful microorganisms without compromising the quality of the product. The history of pasteurization is a fascinating journey of scientific discovery and innovation that has had a profound impact on public health and the food industry. Early Discoveries and Innovations The concept of using heat to preserve food dates back centuries. In fact, as early as 1117 AD, the Chinese were…
Temperature control and cold chain management are critical components in ensuring the safety and quality of food products in the global supply chain. These systems are designed to maintain food at specific temperatures from the point of production to the point of consumption, thereby preventing spoilage and contamination. In part six of this series, we explore the importance of these practices and their role in promoting food safety. The Role of Temperature Control Temperature control is essential in preserving the freshness and safety of perishable food items. Foods such as dairy products, meats, fruits, and vegetables are highly susceptible to…
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced a recall by Maple Leaf Foods Inc., based in Mississauge, Ontario, Canada of specific A & W brand chicken breast products due to undercooking. Consuming undercooked chicken can be dangerous and result in food poisoning from various pathogens. Background The recall notice did not specify how the undercooked chicken was discovered or who it was discovered by. Distribution The recalled chicken products were distributed across Canada to hotels, restaurants, and other institutions. Product Details Commercial Action Food service businesses should search their premises for the recalled products. Businesses are requested to not…
Recent articles by Food Poisoning News on the importance of good record keeping in food distribution and safety in the global food supply chain touched on blockchain technology as a potential solution for enhanced traceability and increased accuracy. But what is blockchain and what value does it provide to consumers and businesses alike? Blockchain technology is revolutionizing the global food supply chain by enhancing safety, transparency, and efficiency. As the food supply chain becomes more complex, the need for reliable tracking and traceability systems has grown. Blockchain offers a robust solution to these challenges, with its decentralized and immutable, or…
Botulism from adulterated pesto sauce is suspected in the illness of five people who are all currently receiving medical treatment. Botulism is a potentially fatal illness caused by a potent toxin that attacks the nervous system. The incident occurred in west-central France, where authorities believe a locally produced sauce may have been contaminated with the pathogen. Botulism can occur when the bacterium Clostridium botulinum grows and produces toxins. Symptoms of botulism can include general weakness, dizziness, double vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing, breathing problems, muscle weakness, abdominal distension, and constipation. These symptoms may appear anywhere from six hours to two…
Cambodia: Raw Beef Suspected in Illness of 15 Last Saturday, approximately 15 people in a Cambodian village were struck by food poisoning symptoms of diarrhea, headaches, and vomiting after eating “funeral beef.” A funeral for a local villager included a traditional meal of raw beef and rice at the wake. Later in the day, attendees began suffering from symptoms of food poisoning and ten of the affected sought medical treatment at local clinics. A provincial health department team responded and is currently investigating the incident. Food samples were sent to a lab in the country’s capital for testing but the…