Author: Kit Redwine

The June 27, 2024 recall of Santa Ana, California-based Prophet Premium Blends, LLC Diamond Shruumz-brand infused cones, chocolate bars, and gummies due to toxic levels of muscimol is still ongoing. Muscimol is a chemical found in mushrooms of the genus Amanita. Background Based on complaints received in May from consumers who reported being sickened by consumption of certain Diamond Shruumz products, a company investigation showed that the products contained elevated levels of muscimol. The affected products were distributed to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY,…

Colonna Brothers of North Bergen, NJ has expanded its voluntary recall of ground cinnamon products due to potentially high lead content. Lead is a neurotoxin that can affect nearly every system in the human body and is especially dangerous for young children. Background This recall was initiated following FDA’s targeted sampling of discount cinnamon brands. This recall expands upon a previous voluntary recall issued on March 6, 2024, which included several other lot codes of the same products. Those earlier recalled items have already been removed from store shelves. The affected products were distributed nationwide through retail stores and mail…

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the food supply is an increasingly critical issue in public health. While the American food supply is generally safe, according to a recent article by the CDC, the presence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in food can lead to infections that are difficult to treat with conventional antibiotics. AMR bacteria can enter the food chain through various routes. During animal slaughter and processing, resistant bacteria can contaminate meat products. Animal feces containing these bacteria can contaminate soil, water, and fertilizers, potentially leading to the contamination of fruits and vegetables. People can become infected by handling or consuming contaminated…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled a proposal this week aimed at significantly reducing Salmonella contamination in poultry products. Developed by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the proposed rule represents a three-year effort to reevaluate and enhance strategies for controlling Salmonella in poultry and protecting consumers from related foodborne illnesses. Salmonella remains a persistent threat to public health, causing over 1 million infections annually in the United States. Poultry products are among the leading sources of these infections, with an estimated 125,000 chicken-associated and 43,000 turkey-associated illnesses each year. Despite decreasing Salmonella contamination rates in poultry products,…

Lower Valley Processing, a Kalispell, Montana-based meat processor, has initiated a voluntary recall of all ground meat products produced from animals slaughtered on June 5, 2024 due to potential meat contamination with E. coli O157:H7, a dangerous strain of bacteria that can cause severe illness in humans. Background The contamination came to light when the Flathead City County Health Department in Montana began receiving reports of E. coli O157:H7-related illnesses. An investigation involving state and local health authorities traced the outbreak to potentially undercooked Wagyu burgers served at various restaurants. Subsequent testing of products from lot 1400 confirmed the presence…

Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc., based in Jarratt, Virginia, has announced an expansion of last week’s widespread recall to include an additional 7 million pounds of its sliced deli-meat, packaged meat, and poultry products due to potential Listeria monocytogenes (“Listeria”) contamination. Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Background The recall was first initiated after the Maryland Department of Health discovered Listeria monocytogenes in a sample of unopened liverwurst during an outbreak investigation. The finding prompted Boar’s…

One dead, nearly 150 sickened by grilled eel in Japan A recent food poisoning outbreak in Japan connected to the consumption of grilled eel sold at a department store near Tokyo has resulted in one death, nearly 150 illnesses and two hospitalizations. The incident occurred at the Keikyu Department Store in Yokohama, where customers who consumed grilled eel between July 24 and 25 reported symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, according to AP News. A woman in her 90s died after developing symptoms, though the exact cause of her death is still under investigation. Two other individuals required hospitalization, while…

Legumes are a diverse and nutritious family of plants that have been a staple in human diets for thousands of years. These foods are the seeds or fruits of plants belonging to the Fabaceae family, also known as the legume, pea, or bean family. Encompassing a wide variety of items, legumes include familiar favorites like green beans, lentils, peas, kidney beans, and chickpeas, as well as lesser-known varieties such as fava beans and mung beans. What sets legumes apart is their impressive nutritional profile. They are renowned for being excellent sources of plant-based protein, making them particularly valuable for vegetarians…

Three more companies have announced recalls of ground cinnamon products due to potential lead contamination. American Spices, LLC, based in Ozone Park, NY, Advance Food International, Inc., based in Maspeth, NY, and ALB-USA Enterprises, Inc., of Bronx, NY have each initiated voluntary recalls in the past few days. 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 Elevation in lead can lead directly to decreased cognitive function, reduced IQ, difficulty in problem solving, reduced or stunted brain development or reduced neuroplasticity.…

Despite Malaysia’s renowned culinary reputation, a recent surge in food poisoning cases across Malaysia has exposed a critical need for improved food safety measures, says The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA). The organization notes the particular vulnerability of young children in these incidents, although people of all ages have been affected. Dr. Azizan Abdul Aziz, MMA’s president, pointed out a glaring disparity between the quality of local cuisine and the standards of food hygiene, especially with street food vendors, according to Free Malaysia Today. The MMA has identified several troubling practices, including the lack of separation between food handling and money…