Author: Kit Redwine

A significant food poisoning incident occurred in Casablanca, Morocco, on Wednesday evening, initially affecting approximately 35 people who had consumed sandwiches from a fast-food restaurant in the Sabata neighborhood. By Thursday evening, the regional hospital reported that the number of victims had increased to 63. The emergency room at Sidi Othmane Hospital in Ben M’Sik received an influx of patients early Thursday morning, with around 30 individuals showing symptoms of food poisoning. The source of the illness was traced to a sandwich known locally as “khobza aajiba” or “wonder bread,” a specialty of a local fast-food establishment, that typically contains…

Nobody likes to get food poisoning. Symptoms can range from a mild upset stomach to lifelong or life-threatening conditions. Rarely, a case of foodborne illness leads to positive, unintended consequences. In April, Food Poisoning News reported on a man in England who was hospitalized for food poisoning only for his doctors to discover and immediately start treating a rare form of cancer. This story, as first reported by The Mirror, began as a case of suspected food poisoning but soon happily turned into something else altogether. A camping trip turned into an unexpected life-changing event for Zoe Doyle, a 38-year-old…

Slow cookers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their convenience and versatility. These countertop devices offer benefits throughout the year, not just during colder months. In winter, they provide comforting meals like beef stew or chicken noodle soup. During summer, they offer an alternative to using a hot oven, helping to keep the kitchen cool. Additionally, slow cookers are more energy-efficient compared to conventional ovens. The safety of slow cookers is a common concern, but when used correctly, they are indeed safe for food preparation. These appliances cook food at low temperatures, typically between 170° and 280° F.…

Singapore: Suspected Food Poisoning Sickens 35 Students Last week, 35 students and two staff members in Singapore experienced symptoms of gastroenteritis following a school camp. Fortunately, none of the affected individuals required hospitalization, according to a joint statement from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA). The school camp took place at the Ministry of Education’s Labrador Outdoor Adventure Centre from Monday to Wednesday. On Tuesday afternoon, the school informed parents that several students had been experiencing stomach issues since earlier in the day. The message assured parents that the affected students were immediately cared for…

In today’s globalized world, food often travels thousands of miles before reaching our tables. This journey from farm to fork involves multiple stages, each critical in maintaining food safety. In part four of this series, we’ll explore how proper transportation and storage are paramount to prevent spoilage, maintain quality, and minimize exposure to contaminants. Maintaining Proper Temperatures Temperature control is crucial in food transportation. Perishable items like fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat require specific temperature ranges to stay fresh. For instance, dairy products need to be kept between 33.8°F and 39°F, while frozen foods must remain at 0°F or lower.…

Increasing incidents of food poisoning in Gauteng, South Africa, particularly those affecting children, has sparked significant concern at the local health department. A recent series of tragic events has brought this issue into sharp focus, with four children losing their lives on a single day after becoming ill. In the City of Tshwane, two brothers aged four and six fell victim to suspected food poisoning. The younger sibling was pronounced dead upon arrival at a local hospital. His older brother, who showed symptoms of foaming at the mouth and nostrils, also succumbed despite medical intervention. A third child, their three-year-old…

A case of hepatitis A in an employee at Hana Koa Brewing Company in Honolulu has been confirmed by the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH). The affected employee worked at the brewery between August 3 and 16, 2024. Customers who consumed food or drinks from Hana Koa Brewing Company during this period may have been exposed to hepatitis A. The DOH is advising individuals who have not been vaccinated against the disease to contact their healthcare providers if they develop symptoms, and to mention their potential exposure. The DOH said that Hana Koa Brewing Company did not commit any food…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced that Hickory Hollow Jerky, based in Eufaula, Alabama, is recalling approximately 6,229 pounds of ready-to-eat jerky products. The recall was initiated because these products were produced without the required federal inspection. Background The issue came to light during routine FSIS surveillance activities. It was discovered that the company continued to produce and label jerky products with the USDA mark of inspection after requesting to voluntarily halt FSIS-inspection activities. The affected beef jerky and bacon jerky items were manufactured between January 19, 2024, and August 21, 2024. During…

Bringing a food poisoning wrongful deth lawsuit: A Boar’s Head deli meat plant in Jarratt, Virginia, linked to a deadly listeria outbreak, has been found to have violated federal regulations 69 times over the past year, according to multiple news sources. Food Poisoning News has extensively covered the outbreak including recall announcements, one victim’s story, and overall danger of Listeria infection: The plant has been associated with at least nine deaths and approximately 50 hospitalizations across 18 states. All affected individuals contracted listeria after consuming Boar’s Head deli meats. The company recalled over 7 million pounds of products last month…

Asli Fine Foods, based in Woodridge, Illinois, has issued a voluntary recall of its 7 ounce Asli Cinnamon Powder due to potential lead contamination. Lead is a neurotoxin that can affect nearly every system in the human body and is especially dangerous for young children. Background The recall was initiated after routine testing by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services revealed the presence of lead in the company’s cinnamon powder. Product and distribution of the affected product has been halted. The company and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are actively investigating the cause of the contamination.…