Author: Tony Coveny, Ph.D

FDA Announces Yet Another Recall on Enoki Mushrooms Due to Listeria Concern On April 20, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall on Guan’s Mushroom Co Enoki Mushrooms for a potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Unfortunately, this is not the first time that Enoki Mushrooms from this source have been connected with a listeria contamination. On June 9, 2020, Enoki Mushrooms from H&C Food Inc., Guan’s Mushroom Co, and Sung Hong Foods, Inc., were declared the source of an extended Listeria Outbreak, comprised of a total of 36 connected cases, in 17 different states, resulting in 31…

“Real Water” Linked with Acute Non-Viral Hepatitis Illnesses “Real Water” brand alkaline water is currently under investigation by the FDA, the CDC, and the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) due to a likely connection with recent reports of acute non-viral hepatitis in the state of Nevada. In a press release, “Real Water” Inc. stated that the recalled alkaline water products were distributed nationwide and include the 5-gallon container, 1.5 liter, 1 liter, 500 ml and 1 gallon ready-to-drink alkaline water bottles and the 4 oz. concentrate. Since March 31, 2021, the FDA has conducted a series of health and safety…

Public Health Alert Issued Regarding Plainville Raw Ground Turkey Products Linked to Salmonella Outbreak A public health alert, regarding 211,406 pounds of Plainville Brand, LLC, ground turkey products, was issued by the US Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Services (USDA-FSIS), on April 10, 2021, in connection with the recent Salmonella Hadar illnesses. The USDA-FSIS says that one person who contracted Salmonella Hadar reported having eaten Plainville Brand ground turkey. A sample taken from an unopened package within the person’s freezer revealed the presence of Salmonella Hadar. Further, epidemiological and traceback methods confirmed that numerous cases of food poisoning…

Food Safety while celebrating the achievements of 2021 graduates: Whether graduating looks like watching the remote services on an iPad or computer in the living room (in this era of COVID), or walking across the stage followed by get togethers at various homes (hopefully practicing social distancing), Americans have entered the season of graduation parties – remote or otherwise. Along with parties comes the higher risk of foodborne illnesses. However, while the danger level of food poisoning increases significantly at large parties, a few helpful food safety tips can easily prevent chances of bacteria growth. Keep cold foods cold, and…

FDA Publishes Investigation Report Regarding Fall 2020 E. Coli Outbreak Linked with Leafy Greens The FDA and CDC have been investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 linked with Leafy Greens which began in October of 2020. By January 27, 2021, the FDA announced that epidemiological and traceback studies had discovered that the outbreak was linked to Leafy Greens, though the region from which these came was still undetermined. The FDA also reported that the sample analysis revealed a genetic connection between the strain of the E. coli outbreak in Fall of 2020 and that of Fall 2019…

Food Safety for All Holidays Individuals across the country have fridges and pantries full of leftover festive foods- and are at a higher risk for food poisoning due to this fact. By following a few simple, precautionary guidelines, individuals can enjoy leftover holiday treats without the worry of food poisoning. The most common food item/ingredient prepared and consumed during the festivities of the Passover and Easter is eggs. A few practical tips such as the following will prevent foodborne illnesses due to eggs. Store hard-boiled eggs in the refrigerator up until they are served. Eggs should not sit out for…

Sabra Dipping Company Issues Limited Recall on Classic Hummus Due to Salmonella Contamination The Sabra Dipping Company, LLC and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a voluntary recall of 2,100 cases of its single serving 10 oz Classic Hummus, on March 29, 2021, due to a detection of Salmonella in a single case of Hummus during a routine safety test. The products included in the recall are limited to 1 SKU of the 10 oz Classic Hummus produced on February 10, 2021 with the UPC number 300067 and the “Best Before” date of April 26, 2021. No other…

Food Safety and Food Delivery Food delivery through corporations such as UberEats, Grubhub, etc. have rapidly become the preferred mode of eating out in America. As this practice is so common amongst American individuals, food safety should be practiced (as always) to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses. The process of delivering food to the doorstep is much more complicated than just the delivery, and it can be made safer by following these simple yet practical food safety tips. Before placing the order Research the company and know their credentials. Feel free to call the customer service and ask about…

Utah Passes Legislation Enforcing Cage-Free Conditions for Egg-Laying Hens On March 17, 2021, Utah’s legislature and Governor Spencer Cox of Utah passed a bill which will enforce changes to the Agricultural Code regarding egg-laying hens, effective January 1, 2025. The bill is an important victory for animal welfare activists and food safety officials alike. This bill addresses two major problems with conventionally run egg farms that house egg-laying hens in confined spaces. Firstly, this method inflicts inhumane living conditions on the chickens and secondly, this environment provides a breeding ground for diseases, such as salmonella. When chickens are kept in…

Sangamon Health Department Confirms Norovirus is Cause of Arby’s Outbreak