Author: Kit Redwine

Extending the shelf life of perishable food items has been crucial throughout the ages for reducing food waste, ensuring food safety, and maintaining the quality of food products. Prior to the modern day, people relied on various traditional methods to store and preserve food. Today, various modern techniques and practices have been developed to achieve this goal, each addressing different aspects of food preservation. In this article, we explore early methods of food preservation, current practices, and emerging technologies to extend the life of perishable food items. Traditional Food Storage Techniques Common pre-modern food storage techniques included drying, salting, smoking,…

Globalization has significantly impacted the food supply chain. As food products cross international borders, ensuring their safety becomes increasingly complex. Harmonizing safety standards is crucial to protect consumers and facilitate safe trade. In part eight of this series, we explore the importance of harmonizing food safety standards in the context of globalization and the role of international agreements and certifications in achieving this goal. The Challenge of Globalization Globalization has led to a more diverse and extensive food supply chain. Food products are now sourced from various parts of the world, processed in different countries, and sold in international markets.…

The cause of a recent outbreak of gastrointestinal symptoms across Aswan, Egypt has been identified as E. coli, a bacterium that can cause severe illness in humans. The announcement came during a press conference today by Egyptian Health Minister Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar following the analysis of patient samples, shedding light on a health crisis that has affected hundreds in the region. The outbreak has led to a significant influx of patients at Aswan’s hospitals, with 648 individuals seeking treatment for gastrointestinal symptoms. Currently, 168 patients remain hospitalized, including 78 in stable condition and 36 elderly patients requiring intensive care. While most…

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced a recall by Quebec, Canada-based Agropur Dairy Cooperative of Central Dairies brand and S’Milk brand 2% Partly Skimmed Milk due to spoilage. Background The recall notice did not specify how the spoilage in the affected products was discovered but news outlets have reported that the recall was initiated after the company received customer complaints of finding black residue in the milk cartons. According to the CBC, “the recall was caused by a quality issue that emerged within the plant that seemed to prematurely spoil milk within the affected dates.” Distribution The recalled…

Myanmar A foodborne illness outbreak occurred Tuesday in a village in Myanmar’s Tatkon Township. Both local residents and rescue volunteers who were assisting with flood response efforts in the area were affected. People began feeling sick late Tuesday afternoon after consuming food that had been donated due to recent flooding. Symptoms consistent with food poisoning included nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Patients were transported to various medical facilities for treatment, including the township’s hospital. A healthcare worker in Tatkon Township reported that over 100 people sought treatment, with 60 admitted to the local hospital and more than 50 taken to a…

A Los Angeles area restaurant was temporarily closed following an outbreak of Salmonella last week, according to multiple sources. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious infections, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. The closure of Madre Oaxacan Restaurant in Valencia, California came after several patrons reported experiencing severe gastrointestinal issues symptomatic of food poisoning after dining at the restaurant. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed that at least ten individuals fell ill. The outbreak was first reported over the weekend when customers began experiencing…

Kazakhstan Sixteen students in Kazakhstan’s Mangistau region were treated for suspected food poisoning from their school cafeteria last Thursday. Initial reports indicated that a large number of schoolchildren in the region had been affected by food poisoning, with two children in intensive care. However, all 16 children were treated for fluid loss and discharged. The students were reported to be in stable condition and all returned to school the following day. The cause of the outbreak is being investigated by government officials. The school cafeteria has been closed pending further investigation. New Zealand Food safety officials have issued an alert…

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,…