Author: Kit Redwine
A recent norovirus outbreak associated with Sammamish Cafe & Spirits in Sammamish, Washington, a suburb of Seattle, has been successfully contained, according to local public health officials. The outbreak, which began in early July 2024, affected multiple patrons and staff members. Note: Another recent Norovirus outbreak in Seattle was just announced on September 13, 2024. Norovirus poses a significant health risk, particularly to individuals with compromised immune systems. What makes the virus especially concerning is that infected food often appears, smells, and tastes normal, making it difficult to detect without proper testing. Symptoms of norovirus infection typically include diarrhea, abdominal…
Greene County in Missouri is currently experiencing an unusual surge in Shigella cases, marking the highest number of infections in over two decades. The Springfield-Greene County Health Department reports that while summer is typically associated with an increase in diarrheal illnesses, this year’s Shigella outbreak is particularly concerning. Shigella is an intestinal infection primarily transmitted through contaminated water and can cause deadly endemics, especially in the developing world. Symptoms typically include painful bowel movements, high fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, and fatigue. In severe cases, Shigella may result in seizures, confusion, and dehydration, which can then lead…
Home canning has long been a popular method for preserving fresh fruits and vegetables, allowing food enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite produce year-round. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) warn that improperly canned foods can pose a serious health risk, potentially causing botulism – a rare but deadly kind of food poisoning. Earlier this month, Food Poisoning News reported on a botulism outbreak at two family events in California linked to the consumption of a salad containing home-canned cactus pads. Ten people were hospitalized and two sisters were in intensive care as…
Suspected Food Poisoning Strikes Malaysian School A suspected food poisoning incident at a school in George Town, Malaysia has led to the hospitalization of 28 students. Nearly 500 students and 2 school staff were served a meal of fried tandoori chicken for lunch at the school’s cafeteria last Friday. Soon after, 28 of them began experiencing symptoms of food poisoning and were forced to seek treatment at a local hospital and a local health clinic. The Penang state Health Department said that a local district health office is conducting an investigation into the source of the food poisoning and have…
New Zealand Food Safety has announced a recall of imported sesame seeds distributed by Davis Trading Company due to potential Salmonella contamination. 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 potential presence of Salmonella was discovered through routine testing. The affected sesame seeds were imported from India but were not re-exported from New Zealand to other countries. These products were sold at Davis Food Ingredients in Auckland and subsequently distributed to supermarkets and smaller retailers nationwide. The products have been removed…
What happens when a product that’s key to business operations gets recalled? Jess Nadel, owner of Beard’s Bakery in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada recently found out, according to CBC News. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a recall on July 8 for Silk and Great Value plant-based beverages because of the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes (“Listeria”). Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. This recall particularly affected Nadel’s bakery, which relies heavily on unsweetened coconut milk in many of…
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has introduced a new online platform to streamline the reporting of food poisoning incidents and food safety concerns. The Foodborne Illness Notification System (FINS) is now available to all Washington residents, offering a user-friendly way to report food-related health issues. Foodborne illness, or food poisoning, affects one in six Americans annually despite being preventable. Certain groups, including the elderly, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems, face a higher risk of severe illness. FINS aims to expedite the identification and response to food-related outbreaks by serving as a centralized reporting…
A routine inspection at Osan Air Base in South Korea has led to the closure of the base exchange food court after potential E. coli contamination was detected in a facility water line, according to Stars and Stripes. The base’s bioenvironmental engineering team conducted the test on Tuesday, with results confirming the presence of E. coli on Wednesday. In response to the contamination, consumers were advised to boil or avoid using the water from building 965 for drinking, showering, bathing, and washing clothes. At present, it’s believed that no other buildings on the base are affected by the contamination. E.…
Argillitte, Kentucky-based AW Farms has issued a recall for approximately 6,900 pounds of hot dog products due to a lack of federal inspection. The Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) mandates that all commercially sold meat must be inspected and approved to ensure it is safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is responsible for conducting these inspections. According to the FMIA, any product meant for human consumption, whether entirely or partially derived from the carcasses or parts of cattle, sheep, swine, or goats, must undergo inspection. Background The recall was announced after the U.S.…
A recent study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has exposed new insights into Salmonella contamination in raw chicken parts that could influence future regulatory approaches. The research, led by a team from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, suggests that a small number of highly contaminated products with virulent Salmonella strains are responsible for the majority of illnesses. Despite the poultry industry’s success in reducing overall Salmonella frequency over the past two decades, the number of related illnesses has not decreased proportionally. This paradox prompted researchers to investigate the relationship between Salmonella serotypes, contamination levels, and public health risks. Using…