Author: Kit Redwine
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…
The King County Public Health department is currently investigating an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O121 (STEC) linked to Wonder Coffee and Sports Bar in Seattle, Washington. Two individuals fell ill between July 12 and July 17, 2024, experiencing symptoms typical of STEC infection. Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC), a strain that can cause severe symptoms. While many E.coli bacteria are harmless, STEC infections can lead to diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever and potentially life-threatening complications, especially for young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. To prevent infection, health officials urge thorough cooking of food products and proper…
Personal hygiene is a cornerstone of food safety, especially for those who handle food regularly. Whether a professional chef, a food service worker, or simply preparing meals at home, maintaining high standards of personal hygiene is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure the safety of the food being served. Why Personal Hygiene Matters Food handlers are in direct contact with the food that others will consume. This means that any germs or contaminants on their hands, clothing, or body can easily transfer to the food, potentially causing illness. Common pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Norovirus can be spread…
A popular gourmet burger chain in Madrid, Spain, is at the center of a food poisoning outbreak that has affected 17 people, with two individuals hospitalized. The incident occurred at two Hundred Burgers locations in the Spanish capital. The outbreak, which is suspected to be caused by salmonella, has been linked to a truffle egg yolk sauce served at two of the restaurant’s branches. Customers who dined at these locations on August 4 and 5 reported symptoms including fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, according to Express. A spokesperson for the region stated that public health services are investigating the incident, focusing…