Author: McKenna Madison Coveny
When most people think of food poisoning, they imagine an unpleasant few days of nausea, vomiting, and recovery. But for some, a single contaminated bite can become a matter of life or death. Among all foodborne pathogens, few are as insidious—or as deadly—as Listeria monocytogenes. Over the past decade, Listeria outbreaks have repeatedly made headlines for contaminating products that seemed harmless: deli meats, soft cheeses, lettuce, cantaloupe, ice cream, even hummus. Behind each recall lies a pathogen capable of surviving where others die, striking hardest at the most vulnerable populations and leaving a wake of hospitalizations, miscarriages, and fatalities. What…
A massive nationwide recall has been announced after more than 2 million pounds of ready-to-eat pork jerky were found to be contaminated with small pieces of metal wire. The product, sold under the Golden Island brand name, was distributed through Costco and Sam’s Club stores across the United States, raising widespread concern about manufacturing oversight and food safety. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the recall was initiated by LSI, Inc., a food producer based in Alpena, South Dakota. Investigators discovered that fragments of wiry metal likely originated from a conveyor-belt malfunction in…
Health authorities in Queensland have launched an urgent investigation after a cluster of people were hospitalized with symptoms consistent with ingestion of a potent rodent-poison chemical. Officials warn the public to remain vigilant and provide guidance on what to do. What happened According to Queensland Health, five individuals — including one child — from three families in the Logan / Metro South region (south-east Queensland) presented within a week with unexplained bleeding-related symptoms. The patients were treated at major hospitals including Princess Alexandra Hospital and Logan Hospital. Laboratory testing suggested the chemical implicated is brodifacoum — a powerful anticoagulant commonly…
A recent outbreak of E. coli infections has been linked to cheese products produced by Twin Sisters Creamery, a Washington-based artisan cheese company. According to state health officials at least three people, one of them being a child under the age of five, have fallen ill after consuming cheese tied to the creamery. Two are known to be residents of Whatcom County, while another lives in Ohio. Genetic testing by public-health laboratories confirmed that the strain of E. coli found in the sick individuals matches samples taken from Twin Sisters products—prompting an immediate recall and widespread consumer warning. The recall…
Incident summary Why this concerns public-health and trust Health risks of E. coli in drinking water E. coli are indicator organisms of fecal contamination; when present in drinking-water systems they raise risks of pathogenic microbes (like E. coli O157, or other disease-causing bacteria, viruses or parasites) that can cause gastrointestinal illness, dehydration, and in vulnerable populations (children, older adults, immunocompromised) more serious outcomes. In a boil-water scenario, residents may need to refrain from normal use (drinking, brushing teeth, cooking). As one resident put it: “We’re using bottled water to brush our teeth… it’s terrifying to think about what could happen.”…
The Recalled Product Maison Gabriel Coulet brand Roquefort – La Cave cheese (100 g wedge) has been recalled in Canada due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. So the key takeaway is: if you have this exact product (brand, 100 g size, best before Nov 3 2025) in Ontario or Quebec, you should throw it away or return it to the store, and avoid consuming it. Why this is especially important: Listeria’s dangers While many foodborne pathogens are serious, Listeria monocytogenes has a few characteristics that make it especially noteworthy in food-safety: Survival and growth in cold conditions Unlike many bacteria…
What happened Why this matters Salmonella risk from eggs Eggs are a well-known vehicle for Salmonella contamination. Even when they look clean and normal, eggs can harbour Salmonella bacteria inside or on the shell. If eggs are under-cooked or used in raw preparations (e.g., homemade mayonnaise, hollandaise, cookie dough), the risk increases.Symptoms of salmonellosis typically include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps and may appear 6 hours to 6 days after ingestion. Most healthy people recover in 4-7 days, but young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems may suffer more serious illness. The scope of the hazard Even though…
On October 17, 2025, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) updated its public-health alert to include the ground cinnamon product Haetae (HT) Brand Cinnamon Powder (8 oz) distributed by Haitai, Inc. of Cerritos, California. The reason: elevated levels of lead detected in product samples. What is affected. Health / safety implications.The hazard here is chemical contamination (lead) rather than a microbial or allergen issue. According to the FDA alert, consuming these cinnamon products with elevated lead “could contribute to elevated levels of lead in the blood.” The risk is greater for children, infants, and pregnant people, because lead is known to…
On October 17, 2025, Publix Rich & Creamy French Vanilla Ice Cream (half-gallon) was voluntarily recalled because it may contain egg, a major allergen, that is not declared on the label as required by law. The recalling firm is Publix Super Markets, Inc., based in Lakeland, Florida. What product is involved Why the recallBecause eggs (which are one of the nine major food allergens under U.S. law) may be present in the product but are not declared on the packaging. If someone with an egg allergy consumed the ice cream unknowingly, they could have a serious allergic reaction. No illnesses…
Listeria Wrongful Death Lawsuits Wrongful death litigation arising from foodborne illness is one of the most emotionally charged and legally complex areas of product liability law. Among the pathogens that can trigger such lawsuits, Listeria monocytogenes stands out. Unlike Salmonella or E. coli O157:H7, Listeria is particularly lethal to vulnerable populations—pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and the immunocompromised. When an outbreak leads to the death of a loved one, families are often devastated not only by the loss itself, but also by the sudden realization that the tragedy was preventable. The civil justice system provides recourse through wrongful death lawsuits.…