Author: Kit Redwine
Vancouver Island’s Island Health organization has issued a public health notice regarding a potential hepatitis A exposure at a Dairy Queen restaurant in Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada. The alert pertains to customers who visited the Dairy Queen Grill and Chill Restaurant located at 1030 Cliffe Ave. in Courtenay on September 10, 12, 13, or 14 between 5 pm and 9 pm Pacific Time. While the risk of transmission is considered low, Island Health has recommended precautionary action for potentially affected individuals. As a preventive measure, those who ate at the restaurant during the specified dates and times are advised to…
The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming the global food supply chain by enhancing food safety, transparency, and efficiency. IoT devices, such as sensors and RFID tags, are being integrated at various stages of the supply chain to monitor and manage food products from farm to fork. “This technological advancement is crucial in addressing the challenges of food safety and ensuring that consumers receive high-quality, safe food products,” says the nation’s top food poisoning lawyer, Ron Simon. One of the primary benefits of IoT in the food supply chain is the ability to monitor food products in real-time. Sensors can…
In today’s globalized economy, supply chain transparency has become a critical issue for businesses, consumers, and regulators alike. The complexity of the modern global food supply chain, which often spans multiple countries and involves numerous suppliers, makes it challenging to ensure that food and food products are grown, processed, transported, and distributed with safety and quality in mind along with a growing view of ensuring it is both ethically and sustainably sourced and farmed. This is where the collaboration among stakeholders becomes essential. In part seven of this series, we look at how through sharing information about suppliers, handling practices,…
Researchers at Texas A&M University are developing a treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs) that harnesses beneficial bacteria to combat harmful pathogens. This collaborative effort between the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and the College of Engineering aims to create a novel approach for individuals who tend to suffer from recurring UTIs. According to Texas A&M Today, the project focuses on utilizing a benign strain of E. coli bacteria to disrupt the growth of infection-causing bacteria in the urinary tract. To deliver these beneficial microbes effectively, the team is working on specialized slow-release gels that release the helpful…
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced a recall by General Mills Canada Co. of Kirkland Signature brand Greek Yogurt sold in Costco retail locations across Canada 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 Greek yogurts were sold in Costco retail stores in the following Candian provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. Product…
Introduction Cutting boards are essential kitchen tools, but improper use can lead to the unintentional consequence of foodborne illness. Nobody wants to get or be responsible for food poisoning so this guide will cover best practices for choosing, using, cleaning, and maintaining cutting boards to ensure food safety. Choosing the Right Cutting Board Selecting the right cutting board is the first step in preventing foodborne illnesses. Nonporous materials like plastic, glass, or marble are recommended because they are easier to clean and less likely to harbor bacteria compared to wooden boards. Choosing the right material: Separate Cutting Boards for Different…
The debate over raw milk consumption continues to be a contentious issue in many states, including Nevada, where the sale of unpasteurized milk remains illegal. Despite health warnings from officials, some consumers seek out raw milk, believing it offers superior nutritional benefits. However, health experts and regulatory bodies strongly caution against its consumption due to significant health risks. Milk industry experts frequently address misconceptions about raw milk, emphasizing that raw milk is unhealthy and potentially lethal if consumed. This stance is echoed by the Southern Nevada Health District, which recently reported an increase in illegal raw milk sales in the…
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…