Author: Tony Coveny, Ph.D

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…

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…