Author: Tony Coveny, Ph.D

Health officials have confirmed norovirus as the cause of illness among dozens of people associated with Faccia Luna, a restaurant in State College, Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced the laboratory-confirmed outbreak on Friday after multiple customers and staff members reported gastrointestinal symptoms. Approximately 40 people fell ill with symptoms including diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. The restaurant was closed for three days to address the situation and to allow the staff to thoroughly sanitize the premises. Multiple government agencies, including the Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, and State College Health Department, have collaboratred to investigate the outbreak and…

The Importance of Eating Good Fats: Avocados, Fish Oil, and Other Healthy Fats In recent years, the narrative around dietary fats has shifted dramatically. For decades, fat was demonized as a primary cause of weight gain, heart disease, and other health issues. However, recent research has revealed a more nuanced understanding of fats, particularly distinguishing between “good” and “bad” fats. Today, it is widely recognized that incorporating healthy fats into your diet is essential for optimal health, with benefits ranging from improved heart function to enhanced brain health. In this article, we’ll explore the role of good fats, focusing on…

Intermittent Fasting Aimed at Fat Loss – Explained Intermittent fasting (IF) has gained significant attention as an effective strategy for weight loss, particularly for its potential to target excess body fat. This approach to eating alternates between periods of eating and fasting, focusing not so much on what you eat but when you eat. One of the key reasons It has become so popular is due to the way it alters the body’s metabolism, enabling it to burn calories and fat more efficiently. Understanding how the body burns calories during intermittent fasting reveals why this method can be a powerful…

Eagle Produce LLC, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, has initiated a recall of 224 cases of whole cantaloupe due to potential Salmonella contamination. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious infections, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Background The recall was initiated after routine testing conducted by the State of Michigan revealed the presence of Salmonella in cantaloupe sold at retail. The company said that it is cooperating with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Distribution The affected products were distributed between August 13th to August 17th to retail outlets…

The ongoing outbreak of Listeria tied to contaminated Boar’s Head-brand meat products is the largest in thirteen years. Across 18 states, 57 people have been hospitalized and nine have tragically died. Since symptoms of Listeria infection may not present for up to 10 weeks, it is likely that both case numbers and deaths will increase before the outbreak is over. Prior to the current incident, a Listeria outbreak in 2011 from contaminated cantaloup was one of the deadliest foodborne illness outbreaks in the United States. It was traced back to Jensen Farms in Holly, Colorado, where contaminated cantaloupes were found…

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced a recall of various European Butcher brand bacon products due to potential Listeria monocytogenes (“Listeria”) contamination. Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.  Background The presence of Listeria was discovered during CFIA testing. The affected products were distributed in the province of Ontario. CFIA said they are verifying that the recalled products are being removed from store shelves. CFIA also said they are investigating the incident, which could lead…

A food safety recall initiated on May 2, 2024 is still ongoing and has now expanded. Rise Baking Company, doing business as South Coast Baking, is recalling nearly 30,000 cases of cookie dough due to potential Salmonella contamination. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious infections, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Background No press release was issued for this recall so how the Salmonella was discovered has not yet been disclosed. The affected products were distributed to several retailers across multiple states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois,…

New Claim Center for Cantaloupe Outbreak Salmonella Victims Launched National Cantaloupe Salmonella Lawyer Ron Simon has launched a new Claim Center for Cantaloupe Outbreak Salmonella Victims to allow the many victims and potential victims an easy path to starting their claim for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Simon notes this outbreak is large my nearly any measure, even against the backdrop that there are about 48 million food poisoning victims in the U.S. annually, and nearly 800 distinct outbreaks in some years. The Cantaloupe Salmonella Outbreak has now surpassed 100 confirmed victims (with the actual number thought…

WanaBana Lawsuit Filed: Dangers of Lead Poisoning Explained Lead toxicity affects the human body in devastating and permanent ways. In fact, lead toxicity impacts nearly every function of the human body, making it especially dangerous. Unfortunately lead is both a unique and useful element, making it a common ingredient both now and historically.  For example, it is well known that lead is  soft, malleable, has poor conductibility, and is resistance to corrosion. In the U.S., however, strict laws on the use of lead in household items have been promulgated and its use is now highly regulated. One of the limits…

Yesterday the Gomez Trial Attorneys filed an E. coli lawsuit in San Diego County against the owner and operator of Miguel’s Cocina. Miguel’s Cocina is currently shuttered in the wake of a very serious outbreak of Shiga-toxin-producing e. coli, otherwise know as STEC. The outbreak has impacted more than a dozen families who ate there between October 6th and October 18th, a 12 day period of exposure that, according to the national e. coli lawyer Ron Simon, “is an exceptionally long time for a single restaurant to be serving adulterated food. Usually food that is contaminated is linked to a…