Author: Kit Redwine
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…
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…