Author: McKenna Madison Coveny

Fermented foods have exploded in popularity in recent years. From kombucha and kimchi to kefir and sauerkraut, these products are marketed as gut-friendly superfoods. But beneath the health halo lies a lesser-known truth: fermentation can create opportunities for dangerous contamination when not handled properly. Traditional fermentation relies on beneficial bacteria and yeasts to transform raw ingredients, producing acids and alcohols that inhibit harmful microbes. However, when the process is rushed or performed in unsanitary conditions, pathogens like Clostridium botulinum (the bacteria responsible for botulism) or Listeria monocytogenes can take hold. Cases of botulism linked to home-fermented fish in Alaska and…

Here are the Four Reasons Why Ron Simon is Arguably the Most Successful and Experienced Food Poisoning Lawyer in the United States When it comes to food poisoning litigation, few names command as much respect—or as much fear in corporate boardrooms—as Ron Simon. With decades of practice, thousands of clients represented, and a track record of landmark settlements, Ron Simon has built a reputation as the nation’s most experienced and effective food poisoning lawyer. Here are four reasons why. 1. Unmatched Case Volume and Client Representation Ron Simon and his law firm, Ron Simon & Associates, have represented thousands of…

In July 2025, Hillside Homestead, a small family-run dairy in Vermont, recalled all its unpasteurized goat milk after several local children were diagnosed with Campylobacter jejuni infections. The illnesses, which caused severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever, were traced back to raw milk purchased between July 1 and July 15. Campylobacter is one of the most common bacterial causes of diarrheal illness in the United States. While many cases resolve on their own, severe infections may require antibiotics, and complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome can occur. Young children are particularly vulnerable, making this outbreak especially troubling. Officials emphasized that pasteurization…

In August 2025, health authorities in Florida and Texas linked several deaths to Vibrio vulnificus infections after diners consumed raw “Blue Bay” oysters harvested from Gulf waters. Laboratory testing confirmed the presence of the dangerous bacteria in leftover oyster samples. Officials quickly issued a recall on specific harvest zones and batch codes (Zone G, Batch BB-0825), warning consumers to avoid raw oysters from the region. Vibrio infections are most common during warmer months when coastal waters heat up. While mild Vibrio strains typically cause gastrointestinal upset, V. vulnificus is far more severe, often invading the bloodstream and causing sepsis. The…

In late July 2025, health officials in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania announced a recall of Casa Del Campo queso fresco after routine testing identified Listeria monocytogenes. The recall affected 1-lb tubs with “Lot Code QF-0725,” sold in grocery stores and local markets across the region. Though no illnesses had been confirmed at the time of recall, the risk of Listeria is significant enough to warrant immediate action. Listeria is not like other foodborne bacteria—it can thrive at refrigerator temperatures, making it particularly dangerous in foods like soft cheeses. While healthy adults may only experience mild symptoms similar to…

In mid-August 2025, a multi-state Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak was traced to pre-peeled hard-boiled eggs produced by Nature’s Best Farms, prompting a voluntary nationwide recall. This strain caused more than 240 reported illnesses across 18 states, with at least 20 hospitalizations and several severe cases requiring intravenous fluids. Symptoms—including diarrhea, fever, nausea, and abdominal cramps—typically appeared 6–72 hours after eating the contaminated product. Pre-peeled eggs are marketed for convenience, but that convenience comes at a cost when food safety measures are inadequate. Because they are ready-to-eat, consumers don’t apply any additional cooking step that could kill Salmonella. That makes sanitation at…

Food poisoning isn’t a mystery illness whispered about in medical journals. It’s the consequence of skipping basic kitchen hygiene. In other words, if you end up doubled over in the bathroom, you probably earned that “prize.” Step one: wash your hands. Really wash them. Soap. Warm water. Twenty seconds. That lazy rinse-and-shake move? Useless. Think about it: your hands have touched doorknobs, your phone (basically a germ museum), and who knows what else. Do you want all that seasoning in your sandwich? Didn’t think so. Step two: stop letting raw food mingle. Chicken doesn’t need to hang out with your…

Charlotte, North Carolina — August 25, 2025 — Viva Raw LLC has issued a voluntary nationwide recall of certain frozen raw dog and cat food products due to contamination risks from Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. The recall was announced after routine testing by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture detected potential bacterial contamination. Products Recalled The affected products include items from Lot 21495 and Lot 21975, all sold between July 2 and August 21, 2025: Each product was packaged as 1-pound frozen bricks in clear vacuum-sealed bags, with the lot number printed on the package top. Distribution covered direct-to-consumer sales…

New York, August 2025 — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued its highest-level health warning following a voluntary recall of Brie Royal Faucon cheese due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall, announced on August 14, 2025, was initiated by Fromi USA, a New York–based importer and distributor. Product and Distribution The recall affects 12 cases of Brie Royal Faucon, each weighing 1 kilogram, bearing Lot number 615. The products were imported from France and distributed exclusively to Cheese Plate Park Slope LLC, which operates two shops in Brooklyn: Cheese Plate Brooklyn – Park Slope and…

Labor Day weekend traditionally marks the last big beach holiday of the summer. But this year, millions of Americans planning seaside getaways were met with closures and health advisories at dozens of beaches across the country. Elevated levels of fecal indicator bacteria such as E. coli and enterococci were detected, prompting warnings from New England to California and Hawaii. Widespread Closures and Advisories Authorities temporarily closed or restricted swimming at several major beaches: These findings align with a July 2025 Environment America report, which found that 61% of U.S. beaches tested above safe bacterial thresholds at least once in 2024.…