Author: Kit Redwine

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…

Supreme Service Solutions LLC, doing business as Supreme Produce, has announced a significant recall of various produce items sold in Kroger stores across five states 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 Routine testing by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) uncovered the risk of Listeria contamination. The affected items were sold in Kroger grocery stores in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio. This recall is…

Houston, Texas-based JFE Franchising, Inc. has announced a voluntary recall of several Snowfruit brand 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 This recall is linked to a previous alert issued by Wiers Farm, Inc. as previously reported on by Food Poisoning News. The recalled products were distributed to select Kroger stores in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, as well as Jay C Food stores in Indiana. Product…

More details about the recall of sliced deli meats, reported on by Food Poisoning News earlier this week, are now available. Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc., based in Jarratt, Virginia, has announced a widespread recall of approximately 207,528 pounds of its meat 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 initiated after the Maryland Department of Health discovered Listeria monocytogenes in a sample of unopened liverwurst…

Approximately 300 Sickened at Mexico Graduation Celebration The celebratory atmosphere of a psychology graduation last weekend quickly soured as a wave of illness swept through attendees. On July 20th, around 1,200 people gathered at a local convention center in Mérida, Mexico to celebrate the achievements of the 2019-2024 graduating class, according to The Yucatan Times. The ceremony itself went off without a hitch, with proud families and friends cheering on the new graduates. However, the festivities took an unexpected turn in the hours and days that followed. Reports of stomach issues began to pour in, with hundreds of attendees experiencing…