Author: Kit Redwine
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…
Note: Ron Simon & Associates, the national Listeria lawyers, now represent one of the families of a man who died shortly after consuming the Listeria-Tainted cold-cuts (Sandwich meats). As previously reported on by Food Poisoning News, a recall tied to Listeria contaminated deli sliced meats, which was later expanded to include an additional 7 million pounds of product, has been updated with new information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). August 8, 2024 Update Consumer Advisory Given the severity of the potential health risks, all consumers, whether or not they are generally healthy or at greater risk of serious…
A recall first initiated in June 2024 by Lipari Foods Operating Company, LLC for a number of pre-packaged sandwiches due to potential contamination with Salmonella remains ongoing. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious infections, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Background The company has not yet said how the potential presence of Salmonella was discovered or what specifically led to the voluntary recall of the affected products. The recalled products were distributed to a number of states, including: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New…
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has posted a recall for Hải Yến Ocean Swallow brand Frozen Shredded Young Coconut due to potential contamination with Salmonella. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious infections, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Background The recall was initiated after testing by CFIA uncovered the presence of potential Salmonella contamination. The recalled product was distributed in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. CFIA continues to investigate, which could lead to further product recalls. Product Details Consumer Action Consumers should check their…
The state of Telangana in India has been hit by a series of food poisoning cases at a minority residential educational institution in the town of Jadcherla. Over the course of two days, several students reported experiencing stomach pain and vomiting, resulting in multiple hospitalizations. On Wednesday, August 7th, a group of male students from the school suffered from suspected food poisoning after eating breakfast. Six of the affected students were admitted to the local government hospital for treatment. This incident comes just a day after dozens of students from the same school fell ill due to food poisoning. Following…
Outbreak The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has confirmed an outbreak of cyclosporiasis that has affected more than 100 people in Wake County, according to WRAL. The outbreak was identified in July, though the specific contaminated food item has not yet been identified. According to DHHS, the outbreak appears to be over, but the investigation is ongoing into the source of the Cyclospora parasite. A spokeswoman for the department stated, “We have not identified the specific contaminated food item, and the outbreak appears to be over.” The Wake County Health Department reported that 134 cyclosporiasis cases…
Hallandale, Florida-based North Fish USA Inc. has initiated a recall for their imported packages of Cold Smoked Capelin fish due to potential risk of Clostridium botulinum contamination. Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium that causes botulism, a type of food poisoning that can cause severe or fatal illness. Background The recall was prompted after the product was found to exceed the 5-inch length limit and was uneviscerated, posing a potential Clostridium botulinum risk. Routine inspection by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Market Foods uncovered the potential for contamination. Subsequent testing confirmed the initial findings. The affected product was…
Most strains of the E. coli bacterium are harmless, while others can cause severe symptoms across both healthy and vulnerable populations, causing symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, and dehydration. Sources of E. coli contamination can vary, including raw or undercooked food, unclean drinking water, and physical contact with an infected. A current E. coli outbreak in Flathead County, Montana, confirmed to have been caused by contaminated meat products, has resulted in 14 hospitalizations and one death so far. In France, a 2022 E. coli incident led to the deaths of two children, dozens of illnesses, and a lawsuit against…