Author: Kit Redwine
A Salmonella outbreak at an IHOP restaurant in Bellevue, Washington, has health officials puzzled. The outbreak, which began in October 2023, has affected six individuals to date, with two requiring hospitalization. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in humans. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, appearing six hours to six days after exposure to the bacteria. While most people recover without specific treatment, the infection can be severe, especially for young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The King County Public Health Department has been…
Popular YouTuber Billy LeBlanc, known for his channel with over 200,000 subscribers, recently shared sad news with his followers. In an emotional update posted on July 16, LeBlanc revealed that his girlfriend, Natalie Clark, had passed away following a severe illness caused by consuming contaminated raw oysters, according to Indy 100. LeBlanc explained that both he and Clark were sickened after eating oysters together. LeBlanc endured a lengthy 12-day hospital stay, including eight days in the intensive care unit. When he woke up,LeBlanc learned Clark had passed away. He admits to having little memory of this time, stating he was…
Indio, California-based Stutz Packing Company has initiated a voluntary recall of their 1-pound packages of Shelled Walnuts due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes (“Listeria”). 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 potential for Listeria contamination was discovered through routine testing, prompting Stutz to halt production and distribution of the affected walnuts. The affected products were distributed to food bank warehouses in Texas and Arizona, with potential further distribution to various centers serving consumers, smaller…
A recall has been issued for Banana raisin oatmeal organic whole grain baby cereal from Baby Gourmet Organic, based in Calgary, Canada, due to potential contamination with Cronobacter, a bacterium that can cause serious and even life-threatening infections, such as sepsis or meningitis. Background The recall was initiated after testing by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) uncovered the presence of potential Cronobacter contamination. The recalled product was distributed nationwide across Canada. No other Baby Gourmet Organic products are affected by this recall. Product Details Consumer Action Consumers should check their homes for the impacted product. As with all food…
Hyderabad, the bustling capital of Telangana state in India, is currently grappling with a significant increase in norovirus infections. The scale of this highly contagious gastrointestinal illness is significantly larger than in recent years and has been affecting residents and impacting healthcare facilities across the city. Norovirus, often referred to as the “stomach flu,” is known for causing sudden onset of severe vomiting and diarrhea. The virus spreads rapidly through contaminated food or water, as well as through close contact with infected individuals. Its ability to survive on surfaces for extended periods makes containment particularly challenging. Note: Another recent Norovirus…
A recall for swiss cheese meatballs in cream mustard sauce from ready-to-eat meal company WeCook, based in Dorval, Quebec, Canada, has been issued due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes (“Listeria”). 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 A notice on the website of The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) said that the contamination was discovered during testing. The affected product was distributed online and also in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The CFIA said…
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has posted an investigation notice on the agency’s website regarding an outbreak of Listeria linked to consumption of sliced deli meats. 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 A significant number of individuals affected by this outbreak have reported consuming deli-sliced meats. As of July 19, 2024, health officials have identified 28 cases of Listeria infection linked to this outbreak across 12 states. The infections were detected between May 29…
Canada is grappling with a Listeria outbreak linked to plant-based milk products that has resulted in two deaths and multiple hospitalizations. This incident has caught the attention of health experts and consumers alike, challenging the perception of plant-based alternatives as universally healthier options, according to Global News. The Public Health Agency of Canada reported 12 confirmed cases of Listeria infection between August 2023 and early July 2024. The majority of cases occurred in Ontario, with additional incidents in Quebec and Nova Scotia. Most affected individuals were adults over 60, with ages ranging from 37 to 89. As reported by Food…
In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, content creators constantly seek new ways to capture audience attention. From fad dances to food hacks, trends can explode overnight, garnering millions of views. While many of these phenomena are harmless or even entertaining, some can pose significant risks. The latest trend raising eyebrows and concern among experts is the “sink drink.” This viral sensation, popularized by the content creator Tipsy Bartender, showcases an unconventional drink preparation method. In the video, various fruits, ice, and an assortment of alcoholic beverages are combined directly in a kitchen sink. The mixture is then served and…
A luxurious summer event in Millbrook, New York, took an unexpected turn when a widespread stomach bug struck attendees of a high-profile gala. The picturesque upstate town, known for its affluent residents and lavish events, found itself grappling with a parasite outbreak that left many of its well-heeled inhabitants feeling under the weather, according to Page Six. The incident occurred on June 15 at the Dutchess Land Conservancy’s annual Spring Barn Dance. What was meant to be a festive fundraiser quickly turned into a health crisis, with approximately 200 out of 400 attendees reporting symptoms consistent with Cyclospora infection. Cyclospora…