Author: Kit Redwine
In 2023, South Korea experienced a significant increase in food poisoning cases compared to the previous three years during the COVID-19 pandemic. The country’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety reported 359 cases affecting 8,789 patients, representing a 1.5-fold increase in cases and more than double the number of patients compared to the 2020 to 2022 average. The analysis revealed a concentration of food poisoning incidents during the summer months, with 33.7% of cases occurring from July to September. Surprisingly, September saw the highest number of cases and patients, with 43 incidents affecting 1,590 individuals. July followed closely with 41…
On Mon, Aug 26, 2024 at 11:44 AM Kit Redwine <[email protected]> wrote: In the last article, we learned that the food safety journey begins on the farm with proper hygiene, pesticide and herbicide management, animal welfare, crop rotation and soil health, water quality, and more. The next step, processing and packaging, play a critical role in maintaining food safety from farm to fork. In this third in a series, we’ll explore essential practices that ensure the integrity of our food supply during these crucial stages. Clean Environment and Personal Hygiene – Food processing areas must be kept spotless. Regular cleaning and…
Refresco Beverages US Inc, based in Tampa, Florida has announced a voluntary recall of nearly 10,000 cases of Great Value Apple Juice sold at Walmart stores in multiple states due to elevated levels of inorganic arsenic, a carcinogen that can be toxic to humans. Background The product is being recalled due to elevated levels of inorganic arsenic. The company has not issued a press release for the recall and has not yet said how the contamination was discovered. The affected product was distributed to Walmart retail locations in the following states: AL, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY,…
Nobody likes to get food poisoning. At best, there are uncomfortable symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, and more. At worst, lifelong injury or even death are possible. However, can food poisoning sometimes lead to a positive outcome? Testing that theory, Australian researchers have developed an innovative method to protect freshwater crocodiles from the deadly effects of invasive cane toads. The study, published recently in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, demonstrates a successful intervention that reduced crocodile mortality rates by up to 95% in some areas. Cane toads were introduced to Australia in 1935 to control beetles damaging sugarcane…
India – 251 Students Hospitalized After Eating Cookies Last Saturday, 251 students, aged 6 to 14 years old, from a school in India’s Maharashtra state, were hospitalized after eating breakfast provided as part of the school’s meal program. The incident occurred when students were given cookies instead of their regular meal of khichdi, a healthy dish made of lentils, rice, and spices. Within 45 minutes of consumption, students began experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomachache, and fever. By Sunday, eight more students were admitted to hospital with food poisoning symptoms. Out of the 251 students hospitalized, 181 have been…
When it comes to food safety, the journey begins right at the source—the farm. Farmers play a pivotal role in ensuring that the food we consume is safe, nutritious, and free from contaminants. In this second in a series, let’s explore some essential farm practices that contribute to a secure global food supply chain. Hygiene and Sanitation – Farmers must maintain impeccable hygiene through regular handwashing, proper use of protective gear, and thoroughly clean facilities. Contaminated hands or equipment can introduce harmful pathogens to crops or livestock. Pesticide and Herbicide Management – Balancing pest control with environmental safety is crucial.…
This Summer has seen a high number of recalls due to contamination with the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria), a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. From raw cheese, to guacamole, walnuts, meatballs, and more, seemingly no category of food has escaped this potentially dangerous bacterium. However, a recall tied to Listeria contaminated deli sliced meats from well-known brand Boar’s Head, has consistently featured in the news over the depth and breadth of affected items and lives. Listeriosis, the infection…
Amendments to Vietnam’s Food Safety Law have been proposed by the country’s Ministry of Health (MOH) to address emerging challenges in food safety management, particularly focusing on small-scale food producers. These changes aim to reduce food poisoning incidents and improve overall food safety standards. The Food Safety Law, enacted in 2010 and implemented since July 1, 2011, has served as a crucial legal foundation for food safety management in Vietnam. However, more than 12 years after adoption and execution, certain aspects of the law no longer meet current needs for developing and improving the food safety legal system. Key issues…
Authentik Fudge, a company based in Sainte-Julie, Quebec, Canada, has issued a recall of their Chocolate Fudge with Nuts product, sold under the brand name MONTREAL FUDGE due to potential contamination with mold. Mold can cause a number of side effects including respiratory illness, allergic reactions, and mycotoxin poisoning. Background The recall was initiated after a consumer complaint about mold pieces inside a purchased box. Subsequently, the company discovered signs of mold in some remaining unpacked sealed products at their manufacturing facility. The affected products were distributed on June 19 and 20, 2024, and sold through TJ Maxx and Marshalls…
Recent months have seen safety alerts on tainted oysters from Korea and recalls for imported tahini contaminated with salmonella. In an interconnected global food system, ensuring the safety of our food supply is paramount and a critical aspect of this safety net lies in the management of supply chains—from the initial production on farms to the final consumption by consumers. For this first in a series, let’s look at key considerations and challenges associated with maintaining food safety throughout this intricate journey. In future articles, we’ll have a deeper exploration on each topic below. The Complexity of Supply Chains Modern…