Author: Kit Redwine
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…
Traceability in the global food supply chain is a critical component that ensures food safety, quality, and sustainability. As the food supply chain becomes increasingly complex and globalized, in part five of this series, we will explore how the ability to track and trace food products from their origin to the consumer has never been more important. One of the primary benefits of traceability is its role in ensuring consumer health and safety. By tracking food products through every stage of the supply chain, from production to distribution, traceability systems can quickly identify and address any issues that arise. For…
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced a recall by Lowlaws supermarket chain of PC Blue Menu brand original margarine and margarine with olive oil 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 margarines were distributed to retail channels across Canada. Product Details BrandProductSizeCodesUPC CodePC Blue MenuOriginal Margarine907 gBB/MA 2024 NO 17 HH:MM 582550 BB/MA 2024 NO 18 HH:MM 5825610 60383 77867 51.81 kgBB/MA…
Outbreaks of H5N1 bird flu in three California dairy herds located in the Central Valley have been confirmed by federal officials. The infections are believed to have resulted from interstate cattle transportation rather than exposure to infected wild birds, according to the LA Times. Testing revealed that the virus strain in the California herds closely matches that found in Colorado dairy herds. The genetic sequence, identified as B3.13, strongly indicates human-facilitated movement of the virus between states. While the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) reports no confirmed human cases of H5N1 in the state, four human infections linked…