Author: Kit Redwine

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health officials are currently investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to small turtles. Turtles with shells less than 4 inches long are known to be a common source of Salmonella transmission, particularly to young children. As of August 16, 2024, the investigation has identified 51 confirmed cases of Salmonella across 21 states. Of these cases, 23 individuals have been hospitalized. As with previous Salmonella outbreaks tied to small pets, young children have been the most affected. Seventeen of the 51 confirmed cases are children under five and 10…

A two-year-old boy named Hayden from Grants Pass, Oregon is currently hospitalized with a severe E. Coli infection that has progressed to Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), causing acute kidney failure, according to kdrv.com. Although rare, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) is a serious condition that can occur as a complication of an E. coli infection. HUS primarily affects the kidneys and blood clotting functions in a human body. It arises when small blood vessels become damaged and inflamed, leading to the formation of clots throughout the body. These clots can wreak havoc on vital organs, like the kidneys, leading to life-threatening…

Two more companies have joined a growing list of businesses that have issued recalls of ground cinnamon due to elevated levels of lead. El Chilar HF, LLC, based in Apopka, Florida and Gutierrez Distributor, based in Passaic, New Jersey have each initiated voluntary recalls in the last week. Lead is a neurotoxin that can affect nearly every system in the human body and is especially dangerous for young children. Background Product Details Consumer Action Health Risks Both companies said that no injuries or illnesses related to the recalled products have been reported. However, consumers who have been exposed to the…

Norovirus Outbreak Sickens Over 450 in Japan A norovirus outbreak in southwest Japan has affected up to 458 people who consumed food prepared with potentially contaminated spring water at the Ryokan Kurotakesou inn in Yufu, Oita Prefecture. The incident occurred between August 10 and 12, with over 500 guests visiting the inn during this period. The outbreak primarily caused symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting, with more than 130 affected individuals aged 78 and older. Initially reported as 28 cases on August 13, the number of affected people rapidly increased. Carbonated spring water was used in dishes like cold noodles and…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert regarding various meat and poultry products illegally imported from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Myanmar is not eligible to export meat and poultry products to the United States. Background FSIS discovered the issue during routine surveillance activities at a retailer, where they found meat and poultry products from Myanmar that are not approved for import into the U.S. The agency is investigating how these products entered the country. The affected products were distributed to retail locations nationwide. FSIS routinely conducts recall…

Perdue Foods LLC, based in Perry, Georgia, has initiated a recall of approximately 167,171 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat chicken breast nuggets and tenders due to potential contamination with metal fragments. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall on August 16, 2024. Background The issue came to light after Perdue received consumer complaints about metal wire found in the product. The company then notified FSIS of the problem. These products were distributed nationwide to retail locations and sold online directly to consumers. Product Details Product NameSizeBest By DatePlant CodePackagingUPC CodePERDUE Simply Smart ORGANICS Breaded…

A voluntary recall issued by Subco Foods, Inc. based in West Chicago, Illinois for Fox’s u-bet Sugar-Free Chocolate Flavored Syrup and Fox’s u-bet Vanilla Flavored Syrup on July 9, 2024 for bloated bottles of the product remains ongoing. Bloated bottles may be indicative of contamination and potential foodborne illness. Background A customer reported issues with bloated bottles, leading to tests that showed these product lots failed to meet safety standards. Elevated pH and water activity levels were found, which could indicate the presence of harmful microorganisms and potential for foodborne illness. The products were distributed in the following states: CT,…

The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) in Guam has issued a warning against consuming mahi-mahi imported from Ecuador and Taiwan following a case of scombroid poisoning. The incident, reported on August 6, involved a person who ate the fish at a local restaurant. Guam is an unincorporated territory of the United States in the westernmost point of the country. An investigation by the DPHSS Division of Environmental Health traced the fish to local distributor Luen Fung Enterprises. The affected mahi-mahi was delivered to 18 food establishments across Guam, including restaurants, hotels, and markets. See below for the…

Three Children Die of Suspected Food Poisoning in Bara, Nepal Three children from the same family in Bara, Nepal have died of suspected food poisoning. The incident occurred after the family consumed a meal of rice and fish curry on Sunday night. Only the children were affected, while their mother and grandparents, who ate the same food, showed no symptoms of illness. The children’s father was not home and is reportedly working in India. Initially taken to a local clinic, the children were then transferred to a provincial hospital. One child died en route, while the other two passed away…

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has issued a warning regarding raw milk contaminated with E. coli bacteria. The affected product, sold by Meadow View Jerseys of Leola, Pennsylvania, was distributed to 14 stores across Lancaster County and surrounding areas in southcentral Pennsylvania between August 5 and 12, 2024. The contaminated milk, packaged in various plastic and glass containers with a sell-by date of August 19, was identified through routine pathogen testing. The Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of E. coli through independent testing and is advising consumers to immediately dispose of any purchased products. E. coli is a…