Author: McKenna Madison Coveny
Nationally known E. coli lawyer Ron Simon has seen more than his share of petting-zoo and fairground tragedies. From the deadly E. coli outbreak at the San Diego County Fair to multiple state-fair petting zoo cases around the country, his firm has represented families whose children went from “fun day at the fair” to ICU and dialysis in a matter of days. In past coverage of these outbreaks, Simon has stressed that these illnesses are not freak accidents. In one interview after the San Diego County Fair outbreak, he said his investigation showed the illnesses were “entirely preventable.” And, writing…
Zoonotic diseases—illnesses transmitted from animals to humans—represent a longstanding but often underestimated public-health threat. In the United States, some of the most significant zoonotic risks occur not on commercial farms or in industrial agriculture, but in petting zoos, traveling animal exhibits, pony rides, educational farms, and state or county fairs. These environments, beloved by families and educators, provide children with opportunities for tactile learning and animal interaction. Yet they also serve as ideal conditions for Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC)—especially E. coli O157:H7 and related non-O157 serotypes—to spread. Children are disproportionately affected by these pathogens. Because…
Infant botulism is one of the most feared pediatric neuroparalytic illnesses, not because it is common, but because of its severity, subtle presentation, and potential for rapid progression. Caused by the ingestion of Clostridium botulinum spores that germinate and produce botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) in the immature gut, infant botulism remains a critical public-health and clinical concern despite its rarity. For physicians, parents, public-health investigators, and legal professionals—particularly those involved in foodborne illness litigation—understanding how infant botulism happens, how it presents, and how it is managed is essential. I. What Is Infant Botulism? An Overview Botulism is a paralytic illness caused…
The holidays are a time for laughter, togetherness, and of course — food. But amid the joy of home-cooked meals, potlucks, and buffet spreads lies a silent threat: foodborne illness. Each year, millions of Americans suffer from preventable infections caused by Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and other bacteria lurking in undercooked meats or mishandled leftovers. The good news? A few simple precautions can protect your family and make your holiday celebrations both delicious and safe. 1. Clean Hands and Surfaces: The Foundation of Food Safety Before preparing food, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap for at least…
From grocery stores and restaurants to our own kitchens, food safety is something that affects everyone, every day. Even with advances in regulation, outbreaks of foodborne illness continue to occur — from E. coli and Listeria to Salmonella and Campylobacter. Each year, the CDC estimates that roughly 48 million Americans get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from foodborne diseases. These illnesses are almost always preventable, making food safety one of the most important — yet overlooked — aspects of public health. The Basics: Clean, Separate, Cook, Chill The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Drug Administration…
E. coli is a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. Many strains are harmless and even play a role in normal gut flora. But certain strains can cause serious disease—including urinary tract infections (UTIs), bloodstream infections, foodborne illness, and sepsis. In particular, antibiotic-resistant strains of E. coli have become a major global health concern. When E. coli enters sites of the body where it doesn’t belong—such as the urinary tract, bloodstream, or other normally sterile tissues—it can trigger infection. The bacterium’s ability to adapt, survive in hostile environments, and resist antibiotics means that what might once…
Botulism is one of the rarest but most dangerous foodborne illnesses known to science. Caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, this condition can lead to severe paralysis and even death if not promptly treated. Despite modern food safety standards, outbreaks still occur every year, often tied to improperly processed foods, contaminated canned goods, or — more recently — infant formulas and home-prepared items. What Is Botulism? Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium that thrives in low-oxygen environments such as sealed containers, soil, and dust. Under certain conditions, its spores produce the botulinum toxin — one of the most potent…
Federal health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of infant botulism tied to a powdered baby-formula brand, leading to the recall of two specific lots of product. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 13 infants — all of whom consumed the formula in question — have been hospitalized across 10 U.S. states. No deaths have been reported so far. The formula implicated is produced by ByHeart Inc., and the recalled lots are labeled 206VABP/251261P2 and 206VABP/251131P2, both with a “Use by” date of December 1 2026. Infant botulism is caused when spores from the bacterium Clostridium…
A popular peach salsa sold at major grocery stores across the United States has been recalled over potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination, according to a recent announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and JFE Franchising, Inc., a Houston-based company. The recall affects SNOWFRUIT-branded peach salsa, packaged in 16-ounce plastic clamshell containers with best-by dates of November 3 or November 4, 2025. The product was distributed nationwide, primarily through Kroger and affiliated grocery chains. The decision follows the recall of fresh peaches supplied by Moonlight Companies, a California-based grower that warned of potential contamination discovered during routine sampling. Although…
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall for three varieties of tomato-based pasta sauces manufactured by First and Last Bakery, LLC (Hartford, Connecticut) after regulators determined the products were processed without an approved safety schedule, creating a risk for contamination with Clostridium botulinum — the bacterium that causes botulism. The affected products are: All are packaged in 26-fluid-ounce jars bearing a “Use By” date of 09/26 (September 2026), and were distributed to Connecticut and Massachusetts retail outlets beginning September 22, 2025 through October 28, 2025. Although illnesses have not yet been reported, the severity of potential botulism…