Author: Kit Redwine
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced a recall of Chalo! Brand Paneer Unripened Soft Cheese due to package bloating. Bloated packaging may be indicative of microbial contamination that could potentially cause foodborne illness. Background No information has yet been provided as to what led to the recall of the affected product. Distribution The recalled paneer cheese was distributed to retail locations in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. Product Details Consumer Action Consumers should search their homes for the recalled products. As with all food recalls, consumers are advised to stop use of the…
Taiwan: Food Poisoning Sickens 35, 5 Hospitalized Health authorities in Hsinchu County, Taiwan, are investigating a suspected food poisoning outbreak linked to French bread from a market stall. As of Tuesday, August 27, 35 people sought medical treatment, with five hospitalized. The Public Health Bureau of Hsinchu County Government received reports from local hospitals starting last Saturday, August 24. Patients were experiencing symptoms consistent with food poisoning, including stomach pains, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Upon inspection, health officials found multiple hygiene violations at the bread stall, including presence of pests, improper storage, and unlabeled food. The stall has been temporarily…
Te Matuku Oysters, an Auckland, New Zealand-based business, is recalling specific lots of its Premium Export Grade Pacific Oysters in Half Shell and Oyster Meat due to potential contamination with norovirus, a highly contagious pathogen that can cause severe gastroenteritis. Background The recall was initiated after New Zealand Food Safety received reports of illnesses in potential connection with the affected oysters. The oyster farm has been closed and the agency is investigating the incident to understand how the contamination occurred. Distribution The recalled products were sold via retail on Waiheke Island at Waiheke Fresh Fruit & Vege Market and Waiheke…
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Five Star Shellfish Inc., a Prince Edward Island, Canada based company, have announced a recall of Malpeque brand large standard oysters due to contamination with generic E. coli. Background As of this writing, no details have been provided by the CFIA or Five Star Shellfish, Inc. as to how the contamination was discovered. Distribution The recall notice says that the recalled oysters were sold in various amounts via retail on Prince Edward Island in Canada. Specific retailers have not been named. Product Details Consumer and Commercial Action Consumers and retailers should search their…
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.…