Author: Kit Redwine
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and Al-Safa US LLC, based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada have announced a critical recall of approximately 2,010 pounds of imported frozen ready-to-eat chicken products due to 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. Background The recall was initiated by Al-Safa US LLC after routine FSIS testing indicated potential Listeria contamination. The affected products, produced on June 5, 2024 in Canada, imported to…
A food poisoning outbreak in Martil, located in Morocco’s M’diq-Fnideq Prefecture, has affected over 20 individuals, including children, after they consumed meals at a local fast-food restaurant on Thursday morning. The incident prompted a rapid response from local health services and authorities. Victims experienced a range of symptoms including stomach pain, nausea, and severe headaches, leading them to seek medical attention. The emergency department at Martil’s day clinic was inundated with patients arriving in waves throughout the day. While all affected individuals were treated and subsequently released from the clinic, health authorities remain on high alert, acknowledging the possibility of…
Food poisoning is usually caused by food or water contaminated with bacteria, such as E. coli or Salmonella, or viruses like norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus, which can cause viral gastroenteritis. According to the Mayo Clinic, viral gastroenteritis is often called “stomach flu” and affects the intestines, causing symptoms such as watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, a low-grade fever, and occasionally muscle aches or headaches. Although uncomfortable, symptoms of viral gastroenteritis typically last only a few days. However, with the large number of annual global cases, there is a tremendous business opportunity to help ease the suffering with new technologies…
Nestle, the Swiss food giant, is facing legal charges in France over a 2022 E. coli outbreak linked to its Buitoni Fraich’Up pizzas. The contamination resulted in two children’s deaths and dozens of illnesses, prompting a criminal investigation into involuntary manslaughter, deceitful practices, and endangering others, according to an article by the Dow Jones. French prosecutors have filed preliminary charges against Nestle France and its subsidiary, Societe des Produits Alimentaires de Caudry, which operated the plant where the contaminated pizzas were produced. These charges indicate an ongoing investigation, with no final judgment yet rendered. E. coli is typically a harmless…
Urban River Spirits, LLC, based in Forest Grove, Oregon, has initiated a voluntary recall of several non-alcoholic drink mixes due to potential under-processing risks. Under-processing could lead to foodborne illness through the introduction of bacteria, chemicals, viruses, or parasites that contaminate the food products. Background According to a notice from the company, the recall was initiated because the affected products were “produced in an unlicensed and inspected facility.” The notice does not specify where the recalled drink mixes were distributed or sold. The company said they hope to have product testing completed in a timely manner. Product Details Consumer Action…
A Delta flight from Detroit to Amsterdam diverted to JFK Airport in New York early Wednesday due to spoiled in-flight meals. The Airbus A330, carrying nearly 300 passengers, landed safely at 4 a.m. after crew members consulted medical experts who recommended the diversion, according to an article on nbcnewyork.com. Passengers reported that the chicken meals were the cause of the issue. Upon landing, 24 people (10 crew members and 14 passengers) were evaluated by medical crews, but all refused further medical attention. Delta apologized for the incident and provided affected passengers with hotel accommodations and rebooking on a Wednesday evening…
A health alert has been issued following the confirmation of Shigella disease in four children from Malappuram, a city in the Indian state of Kerala. Shigella is a bacterium known primarily for causing diarrhea and other symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. The affected students attend Vennayur AMLP School, where a recent food poisoning incident prompted medical examinations for 127 students who reported symptoms including fever and headache. While the state health department has assured that the infected children are not facing severe health issues, the situation has raised concerns about public health and sanitation in the area. The food poisoning event…
As previously reported on Food Poisoning News here and here, Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. issued a recall in early June 2024 of whole cucumbers that were shipped directly to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in multiple states between May 17th and May 21st due to potential Salmonella contamination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are currently investigating a widespread Salmonella outbreak across the United States. This outbreak, which has now affected 449 individuals in 31 states and the District of Columbia, has been traced back to…
A recent ruling by a court in Marrakesh, Morroco has brought justice in a tragic case of food poisoning that claimed six lives, including a child. The court sentenced three individuals – the owner of a fast food restaurant and two employees – to four years in prison each, along with a fine of 1000 dirhams (about USD $100). The incident occurred in the Mahamid neighborhood of Marrakesh, where over 20 people fell ill after consuming food from the restaurant. Among the victims was a 5-year-old girl. The severity of the poisoning led to multiple hospitalizations at Mohammed VI University…
What should have been idyllic vacations turned into health ordeals for multiple tourists at the Riu Palace Santa Maria, a five-star resort in Cape Verde, an archipelago and island country off West Africa. Several holidaymakers have joined a legal claim against the resort after experiencing severe food poisoning and ongoing health issues, according to an article in the Independent. Among the affected guests is Graham Lamont, a 59-year-old training manager from Glasgow. What was meant to be a celebratory family trip following his daughter’s high school graduation became a nightmare when Graham and his wife Josephine fell ill with severe…