Author: Kit Redwine

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…

Milo’s Poultry Farms, LLC, based in Bonduel, Wisconsin, has initiated a voluntary recall of certain egg products due to potential Salmonella contamination. 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. Background The recall was prompted after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informed Milo’s Poultry Farms that environmental samples had tested positive for Salmonella. Further analysis using whole genome sequencing revealed that these samples were linked to an ongoing Salmonella outbreak investigation. In response to this situation, Milo’s Poultry Farms has halted all…

A significant food poisoning incident occurred in Casablanca, Morocco, on Wednesday evening, initially affecting approximately 35 people who had consumed sandwiches from a fast-food restaurant in the Sabata neighborhood. By Thursday evening, the regional hospital reported that the number of victims had increased to 63. The emergency room at Sidi Othmane Hospital in Ben M’Sik received an influx of patients early Thursday morning, with around 30 individuals showing symptoms of food poisoning. The source of the illness was traced to a sandwich known locally as “khobza aajiba” or “wonder bread,” a specialty of a local fast-food establishment, that typically contains…

Nobody likes to get food poisoning. Symptoms can range from a mild upset stomach to lifelong or life-threatening conditions. Rarely, a case of foodborne illness leads to positive, unintended consequences. In April, Food Poisoning News reported on a man in England who was hospitalized for food poisoning only for his doctors to discover and immediately start treating a rare form of cancer. This story, as first reported by The Mirror, began as a case of suspected food poisoning but soon happily turned into something else altogether. A camping trip turned into an unexpected life-changing event for Zoe Doyle, a 38-year-old…

Slow cookers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their convenience and versatility. These countertop devices offer benefits throughout the year, not just during colder months. In winter, they provide comforting meals like beef stew or chicken noodle soup. During summer, they offer an alternative to using a hot oven, helping to keep the kitchen cool. Additionally, slow cookers are more energy-efficient compared to conventional ovens. The safety of slow cookers is a common concern, but when used correctly, they are indeed safe for food preparation. These appliances cook food at low temperatures, typically between 170° and 280° F.…

Singapore: Suspected Food Poisoning Sickens 35 Students Last week, 35 students and two staff members in Singapore experienced symptoms of gastroenteritis following a school camp. Fortunately, none of the affected individuals required hospitalization, according to a joint statement from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA). The school camp took place at the Ministry of Education’s Labrador Outdoor Adventure Centre from Monday to Wednesday. On Tuesday afternoon, the school informed parents that several students had been experiencing stomach issues since earlier in the day. The message assured parents that the affected students were immediately cared for…

In today’s globalized world, food often travels thousands of miles before reaching our tables. This journey from farm to fork involves multiple stages, each critical in maintaining food safety. In part four of this series, we’ll explore how proper transportation and storage are paramount to prevent spoilage, maintain quality, and minimize exposure to contaminants. Maintaining Proper Temperatures Temperature control is crucial in food transportation. Perishable items like fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat require specific temperature ranges to stay fresh. For instance, dairy products need to be kept between 33.8°F and 39°F, while frozen foods must remain at 0°F or lower.…

Increasing incidents of food poisoning in Gauteng, South Africa, particularly those affecting children, has sparked significant concern at the local health department. A recent series of tragic events has brought this issue into sharp focus, with four children losing their lives on a single day after becoming ill. In the City of Tshwane, two brothers aged four and six fell victim to suspected food poisoning. The younger sibling was pronounced dead upon arrival at a local hospital. His older brother, who showed symptoms of foaming at the mouth and nostrils, also succumbed despite medical intervention. A third child, their three-year-old…