Author: Mary Elise Cosgray
On the 3rd of July, 2023, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) published Van’s International Foods’ recall of Van’s Gluten Free Original Waffles due to a packaging error and potential allergen danger. The Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois-based company, Van’s International Foods, revealed that some of their Van’s Original Waffles which are labeled as “gluten free”, may contain wheat in the product. The United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) included in the urgent recall announcement that it was initiated after “…it was discovered that wheat-containing products were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of wheat. Subsequent investigation…
On the 16th of June, 2023, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) published Conagra Brands, Inc.’s recall of Marie Callender’s Shepherd’s Pie Products due to potential contamination with foreign matters. The recall was reportedly initiated due to the discovery of plastic-like, flexible, clear material in a Marie Callender frozen beef pie. The Food Safety and Inspection Service shared in the report that the recalled Marie Callender frozen beef pies were produced on the first of March, 2023. The following weights, Lot codes, Best By Dates and other descriptions were provided by Conagra Brands…
On the 7th of June, 2023, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) issued a public announcement concerning an Illinois Salmonella outbreak. The product that is suspected to be at the center of the outbreak is ground beef. The Illinois state press release shared that, “a source of the ground beef has not yet been identified, but public health officials urge Illinois residents to follow safe food handling steps when preparing and eating ground beef. Ground beef should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F before eating and the temperature should be checked with a food thermometer.” With…
On the 30th of May, 2023 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released alarming information regarding food poisoning cases, restaurant employees, and their close connection. According to this report, 40% of food poisoning outbreaks are tied to restaurant workers; whether by working with food while sick or by failing to follow standard hygienic practices. While this statistic is unnerving, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gave reason for hope: titling the report “Restaurants Can Manage Sick Workers To Help Prevent Outbreaks;” and listing the following as recommendations for restaurants to consider in order to decrease the…
As the graduation celebrations die down with the end of May, summer festivities are just around the corner! Known to be the top picnic and grilling days of the year, holidays such as Memorial Day and the Fourth of July can turn into food poisoning fests if consumers fail to take the proper precautions. According to one National Food Poisoning Lawyer, Dr. Tony Coveny, “…following a few simple food safety steps can go a long way when avoiding food poisoning this summer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other official food safety organizations have shared key information regarding…
The United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) published Chang Farm’s recall of their Mung Bean Sprouts on the first Friday of May, 2023. The Whatley, Massachusetts-based company, Chang Farm, shared their decision to recall the Mung Bean Sprouts after a routine testing by Markets Food Safety and Inspection and the New York State Department of Agriculture revealed the presence of Listeria Monocytogenes in the product. Chang Farm has recalled all of their Mung Bean Sprouts 12 oz. retail and 10 lb. bags. Both were reportedly packaged on April 23rd, 2023, with the Sell By Date of May 7th, 2023.…
On the 5th of May, 2023, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced there had been an increase in the number of Hepatitis A illnesses linked to frozen strawberries. Back in March California Splendor Inc. voluntarily recalled their Kirkland Signature Organic Frozen Strawberries due to the possibility one of their products, frozen strawberries to be specific, was contaminated with Hepatitis A and suspected to have caused human illnesses. The next month, two Hepatitis A hospitalizations had been confirmed, with a total of 7 ill individuals. The number of hospitalizations in the Hepatitis A outbreak caused by frozen strawberries has…
On the first of May, 2023, Bozeman Daily Chronicle reported the death of a 64-year-old woman named Donna Ventura. At this time, authorities believe Donna passed away due to a foodborne illness – the findings of the of Gallatin, Montana coroner. In the full media release concerning the death of Ms. Ventura, published on April 30th, 2023, it is reported that “the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office investigated a death that occurred at the Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center. The victim was identified as 64-year-old Donna Ventura of Belgrade. Donna’s death is suspected to be related to a foodborne illness.…
On the 22nd of April, 2023 the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published information on Kawasho Foods USA Inc. expanding recall of canned GEISHA Medium Shrimp. Originally, only Lot number LGC12W12E22 of the canned GEISHA Medium Shrimp 4 oz. product was recalled- due to reports of swelling, bursting and leaking cans. However, all canned lots of 4 oz. GEISHA Medium shrimp have been recalled due to likely contamination with Clostridium botulinum after under-processing of the product. According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Clostridium botulinum contamination is dangerous because it creates Botulism, a “rare but…
On the 20th of April, 2023, the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) published Lipari Foods’ recall of Lipari Branded Ground Cumin Tubs due to possible Salmonella contamination. The recalled product was found to be containing Salmonella bacteria as a result of routine testing performed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. According to one National Food Poisoning Lawyer, Ron Simon, “Salmonella is a type of bacteria that causes salmonellosis, a foodborne illness that can be fatal if left untreated. It is one of the leading causes of foodborne illnesses in the world. Salmonella bacteria are commonly…