Author: Kit Redwine

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…

Suspected Food Poisoning Sickens Over 100 Tribal Students Over 100 children from tribal schools in India’s Palghar district fell ill due to suspected food poisoning on Monday night. The students, who had been served dinner from a central kitchen, began experiencing symptoms including stomach ache, nausea, and vomiting around midnight. District Collector Govind Bodke confirmed that the affected children were from various Ashram Shalas (residential schools for tribal children) under the Dahanu Project of the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP). The incident impacted schools across four local administrative areas: Dahanu, Palghar, Talasari, and Vasai. The central kitchen in Dahanu, operated…

Authorities Investigate Mass Food Poisoning at Singapore ByteDance Office Singapore’s health and food safety authorities have launched an investigation into a severe case of gastroenteritis that affected 130 individuals at ByteDance’s office. The outbreak in Singapore, reported yesterday by Food Poisoning News, has been linked to food catered by two companies, Yun Hai Yao and Pu Tien Services.  The incident has resulted in 17 hospitalizations, with the remaining affected individuals seeking outpatient treatment or recovering without medical intervention. In response, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has suspended the food business operations of both suppliers effective July 31, 2024 until further…

The Kwara State Government in Nigeria has placed its healthcare sector on high alert following a series of foodborne related incidents in Ilorian, in the western area of the state, according to Punch. Dr. Amina El-Imam, the State Commissioner for Health, has confirmed four deaths in the Eruda community due to food poisoning. The food poisoning outbreak is linked to the consumption of amala, a local dish made from cassava flour. Cassava is a starchy tuber that can be eaten raw or dried and grated to make flour. A 70-year-old woman, her son, and grandchildren fell ill and died after…

A recent norovirus outbreak in the UK on the P&O Cruises ship Ventura affected over 500 passengers and crew members, according to BBC News. The outbreak, which occurred during a two-week cruise to Spain’s Canary Islands departing from Southampton, England on May 11, 2024, has raised concerns about the cruise line’s transparency and outbreak management protocols. At first, P&O Cruises reported that only 0.64% of those on board were experiencing norovirus symptoms. Food Poisoning News previously reported on initial reports of over 250 passengers being sickened by norovirus on that cruise. However, newly revealed data obtained from a Freedom of…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a safety advisory regarding oysters harvested from Lewis Bay, Massachusetts, due to potential Campylobacter jejuni contamination. Campylobacter jejuni is a bacteria that causes infectious disease in the intestines, resulting in cramping, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. Background The contamination came to light following an outbreak of Campylobacter jejuni illnesses in Massachusetts linked to oysters consumed on July 1 and 3, 2024. In response, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries closed the SC28 harvest area on July 19, and two certified dealers – Chatham Shellfish Co. and Island Creek Oysters – initiated…

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games have encountered a new challenge as the Belgian Olympic team withdrew from Monday’s mixed relay triathlon. According to NPR, the decision came after one of their athletes, Claire Michel, fell ill following last Wednesday’s main triathlon event where athletes swam in the Seine river. Belgium’s Olympic committee announced that Michel had to withdraw due to illness, forcing the entire team’s forfeit from the mixed relay competition because a replacement wasn’t available. While the official statement did not specify the nature of Michel’s illness, Belgian newspaper De Standaard reported that she was hospitalized and treated for…