Author: Tony Coveny, Ph.D

CDC Again Investigating Recent Salmonella Outbreaks as Being Linked to Chickens in Peoples’ Backyards! The disruption in the food supply chain caused by the COVID-19 economic shutdown led many people to become interested in producing their own food. Consequently, many people became backyard chicken owners, in order to produce their own eggs and raise their own poultry meat. However, the rise in backyard poultry ownership has led to an increase in Salmonella Outbreaks. On May 20, 2021, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced an ongoing investigation regarding the rise in Salmonella Outbreaks connected with backyard poultry.…

11 Individuals Reported Sick at Chipotle located in Aurora, CO                Yet again, Chipotle customers report back with illness received at the restaurant.  Over a dozen cases of food poisoning have been reported from Chipotle consumers dating from May 1st to May 15th 2021. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is currently collaborating with the Tri- County Health Department to thoroughly investigate a suspected food-poisoning outbreak from Chipotle. This franchise is located at 6710 S Cornerstar Way. While 5 of the ill individuals were from the local tennis team, according to local reporting, the remaining 6…

Cornell University Discovers 5 New Species Within the Listeria Genus A food science researcher group at Cornell University recently discovered five new species within the listeria genus while studying the prevalence of listeria in agricultural soil throughout the U.S. Their research was published on May 17, 2021, in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. This new discovery is an important accomplishment for the food safety industry because it will provide a deeper understanding of the potential growth niches of the bacteria. Catherine Carlin, the lead author of the research and a doctoral student in food science said, “this…

Pure Eire Dairy Recalls Yogurt Products Due to Serious E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak On May 14, 2021, Pure Eire Dairy recalled its PCC Organic Grass-Fed brand Yogurt due to the suspected presence of E. coli O157:H7. Pure Eire Dairy is a family-owned 100% Grass-Fed dairy operation based in Washington State. On May 15, 2021, the Washington State Department of Health confirmed the connection between PCC Community Market brand yogurt produced by Pure Eire Dairy and an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak. All 8-OZ and 16-OZ PCC Community Market brand yogurt flavors, as well as PCC Deli products which contain the concerned…

Food Safety in Sprouts vs. Microgreens There is a new way of growing vegetables, grains, seeds, sprouts, nuts, and legumes known as “activating.” Activating is becoming an increasing popular practice, and many people are starting at-home businesses and hobbies around “microgreen” farming. Microgreen farming is a process in which certain types of greens are grown through ‘activation’. Microgreens undergo a “sprouting” stage in which seeds are soaked in room temperature water for 24-48 hours, after which they are planted either in soil or a hydroponic system, and then harvested in their youthful stage. The sprouting stage ‘activates’ the organism’s nutritional…

FDA Releases Investigation Report for Largest Salmonella Outbreak In Over A Decade The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the investigation report for the Summer 2020 Salmonella Newport Outbreak on March 13, 2021. The report provides an executive summary of the outbreak explaining the processes and conclusions of the investigation. Beginning in June through October 2020, Federal and state health officials investigated the Salmonella Newport foodborne outbreak connected with the consumption of Thompson International Inc. red onions sourced from farms in Southern San Joaquin Valley and Imperial Valley in California. This is the largest Salmonella outbreak in over a…

Further Developments Regarding Jule’s Cashew Brie Salmonella Outbreak The multistate Salmonella Outbreak linked to Jule’s Cashew Brie products, first announced on April 22nd, 2021, remains under investigation as two new cases of related illness have emerged, bringing the total number of illnesses caused by the outbreak to seven. Initial laboratory testing revealed the presence of a rare strain of Salmonella known as Salmonella Duisburg. Subsequent Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), DNA fingerprinting, and selective testing conducted independently by Tennessee and California public health departments and the FDA have revealed the presence of a second strain, Salmonella Urbana, in ingredients, in aging…

E. coli Recall of Boneless Beef Products Imported on November 10, 2020 On the 16th of April, 2021, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a recall of nearly 5000 lbs. of JBS USA Food Company’s boneless, raw and frozen beef products due to a possible contamination of E. coli O157:H7. According to one National Food Poisoning Lawyer, Ron Simon: “An E. coli O157:H7 infection is often accompanied by significant amounts of blood in the victim’s stool.  Most victims suffer severe abdominal pain, cramping, and E. coli infections can lead to a significant risk of dehydration and, in some,…

Voluntary Nationwide Recall Issued by Scentsational Soaps and Candles Inc. for Scented Hand Sanitizers. On the 28th of April, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published Scensationals Soaps and Candles Inc.’s voluntary recall of their scented hand sanitizers. Scensational Soaps and Candles Inc. chose to recall their scented hand sanitizer due to the presence of Acetaldehyde, Wood Alcohol (Methanol), and Benzene in the following list of products published by the FDA: LabelScentSizeUPCLOT #Retailer and StatesUlta Beauty CollectionFresh Lemon Scented Hand Sanitizer100.55ml/3.4 fl. oz.71789709201720357A, 20358B, 20363CUlta Beauty: CA, IL, IN, PA, TXSS Black and White CollectionCoconut Breeze Black and…

Arby’s Springfield Location Closed Its Doors Twice Due to Norovirus Outbreak Arby’s Springfeild, Illinois location closed its doors for the second time in less than a month after being linked to an outbreak of Norovirus affecting at least 100 people. Around February 20th, 2021, people began reporting cases of flu-like illness after having eaten at the 3009 S. Dirksen Parkway in Springfield Arby’s location. By February 25th, 2021, the Sangamon County Department of Public Health announced an official outbreak after receiving around 40 filed cases of illness connected with dining at this Arby’s location. Upon investigation, it was discovered that…