Author: McKenna Madison Coveny

Listeria is a Dangerous and Pervasive Bacteria that Threatens Many Vulnerable Populations Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic bacterium responsible for listeriosis, a serious and potentially fatal foodborne illness. Although rare compared to other foodborne pathogens, Listeria infections have a high case-fatality rate, particularly among vulnerable populations such as older adults, pregnant people, neonates, and immunocompromised individuals. The severity of the disease and the wide distribution of contaminated foods have made Listeria outbreaks a major public health concern. When public health officials detect a national Listeria outbreak, there is often public pressure to quickly identify and eliminate the source.…

We have put together a list of 18 facts many people do not know about Salmonella Food Poisoning:

Summarizing the FDA and CDC Approaches to the Use of Epidemiology, with Some Interesting Facts Thrown In Epidemiology is the discipline that turns scattered illnesses into a coherent signal, and in modern foodborne outbreaks that signal is what makes traceback possible at speed and at scale. A traceback investigation—whether led by FDA for most foods or USDA-FSIS for meat, poultry, and certain egg products—needs a defensible starting point: a credible hypothesis about which food, which product form, which lot or brand universe, and which exposure window is most consistent with the illnesses being reported. Epidemiology supplies that starting point by…

There is a Significant Link Between Salmonellosis and Myocardial Infarction Introduction Food poisoning — clinically referred to as gastroenteritis — affects millions worldwide, and is caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria such as Salmonella. While gastroenteritis primarily presents with gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal cramps, an important question in clinical research is whether such infections can contribute to cardiovascular events, specifically myocardial infarctions (MI). A myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, often by a blood clot that formed on ruptured plaque (which is…

A beloved Canadian chocolatier has issued a precautionary recall of select pistachio-containing chocolate products after one of its raw-ingredient suppliers reported a possible Salmonella contamination in a specific lot of pistachios. Peace by Chocolate — a Nova Scotia-based company known for its artisan chocolates — voluntarily pulled the products after being alerted to the issue, working with retail partners and Canadian food safety authorities to inform consumers. What Triggered the Recall? The recall stems from a supplier-level alert issued by Tootsi Impex Inc., a provider of pistachios used in various food products. The supplier’s notice identified potential contamination of a…

A nationwide recall affecting tens of thousands of cases of frozen tater tots has raised new concerns about food safety and quality control in mass-produced frozen foods. McCain Foods USA Inc., one of the largest frozen food manufacturers in the country, has issued a voluntary recall of select tater tot products after discovering they may be contaminated with hard plastic fragments. The recall impacts products distributed across 26 U.S. states, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall was initiated after reports indicated that foreign material — specifically pieces of clear, rigid plastic — may be present…

A widespread cheese recall involving Pecorino Romano products has been upgraded to a Class I recall — the most serious classification issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This change reflects evidence that the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium known to cause potentially severe or life-threatening illness. Class I recalls — the highest risk level — are reserved for situations where there is a “reasonable probability” that consuming the product could result in **serious illness or death.” What’s Triggering the Alarm? The recall stems from routine testing by the FDA and manufacturer that found…

As 2026 unfolds, foodborne-illness research into pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria is increasingly defined by a shift from reactive outbreak response to proactive prediction and prevention. Across academia, public health agencies, and industry laboratories, investigators are pushing toward earlier detection signals, more precise attribution of contamination sources, and interventions that do not compromise food quality or supply-chain efficiency. The most promising work slated for 2026 sits at the intersection of genomics, data science, and food-systems engineering—where improvements in how we “see” pathogens in food and in patients are beginning to influence how we stop them before they spread.…

Barbecue season is a hallmark of summer—weekend cookouts, holiday celebrations, and casual meals shared outdoors. Yet behind the laid-back atmosphere of grilling lies one of the most common and preventable sources of foodborne illness in the United States. Every year, thousands of people fall ill after eating undercooked meat or food contaminated during outdoor cooking, turning what should be a celebration into days—or even weeks—of serious illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meat and poultry account for a significant share of food poisoning cases nationwide. Barbecue season amplifies the risk due to higher temperatures, less controlled…

As 2026 begins, norovirus — often dubbed the “stomach bug” or “stomach flu” — is circulating widely, leaving many people feeling miserable with sudden vomiting and diarrhea. But what exactly is norovirus, how does it spread, and what can you do to protect yourself and others? Experts in infectious disease and public health have clear guidance to separate myths from facts, describe common symptoms, and explain practical prevention and care. What Is Norovirus? Norovirus is a group of related viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis — inflammation of the stomach and intestines. While often called the “stomach flu,” it is not…