Author: Tony Coveny, Ph.D

Flowers bread products potentially contaminated with salmonella A number of bread products produced by Flowers Foods Inc. are being recalled because an ingredient in the bread, whey powder, is potentially contaminated with salmonella. The ingredient has also been recalled by the third-party whey powder manufacturer and supplier because of potential contamination. Flowers has recalled Swiss Rolls that are distributed nationwide under the brand names Mrs. Freshley’s, Food Lion, H-E-B, Baker’s Treat, Market Square, and Great Value. The recall also includes Captain John Derst’s Old Fashioned Bread distributed in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. No illnesses have yet been reported related to salmonella…

Hy-Vee pasta salad recalled for potential salmonella contamination At least 21 people have become ill apparently after consuming Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salads. Five of those people have been hospitalized with severe food poisoning symptoms. Hy-Vee is recalling the pasta salad because of its potential to be contaminated with salmonella. The company, based in West Des Moines, Iowa, initiated the voluntary recall after reports of illnesses from consumers in Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa were potentially linked back to the salad. There are now 21 reports of salmonella-related illnesses in 5 states: Iowa (8), Minnesota (7), Missouri (1), Nebraska (4),…

At least 50 ill from salmonella contamination in State College A going-away picnic held for a long-time teacher at Grace Prep High School in State College, Pennsylvania, has caused illnesses in at least 50 attendees. The picnic involving approximately 100-150 people, including students at the school, was held on Friday, July 6. By Saturday, July 7, many of those who had eaten at the picnic were complaining of severe gastrointestinal issues. Mount Nittany Medical Center has confirmed that its doctors have seen 50 patients associated with a common activity since Saturday who presented with gastrointestinal-type symptoms. The illnesses have been…

Ron Simon files nation’s first Cyclospora Lawsuit against McDonald’s following massive outbreak of Cyclospora.  The outbreak has led to a major recall by McDonald’s of salads sold at about 3000 of its locations.  The full extent of the outbreak remains unknown, as well as whether cross contamination, or failure in its HACCP or GMPs, caused the contamination.  The lawsuit is on behalf of Jennifer Smith, whose case was featured on NBC Nightly News by Lester Holt on July 13th.  It has been filed in Cook County, where McDonald’s is headquartered.  Jennifer Smith was sickened after eating numerous salads from her…

Vibrio Tainted Crab Alert: Crab meat from Venezuela possibly contaminated The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an advisory to consumers that crab meat from Venezuela may be contaminated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Consumers should not eat this fresh crab meat, to avoid potential illness. As of July 12, there have been twelve reported cases of illness related to the contaminated crab meat, with four people hospitalized. Crab meat from Venezuela is sold to consumers in plastic tubs and may be labeled as “pre-cooked.” The crab meat may also be served in restaurants. The FDA is urging consumers to ask…

Illnesses related to Del Monte vegetable trays increase to 227 In mid-June, Del Monte recalled a number of vegetable trays after consumers reported illnesses caused by cyclospora in the produce. A month later, on July 12, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 227 cases of cyclosporiasis in people who reportedly consumed pre-packaged Del Monte Fresh Produce vegetable trays containing broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and dill dip. The recalled Del Monte vegetable trays included 6 oz., 12 oz., and 28 oz. trays containing fresh broccoli, cauliflower, celery sticks, carrots, and dill dip. Recalled products were sold in clear, plastic clamshell…

McDonald’s salads causing illnesses in Illinois and Iowa In another case of salads making people sick, 115 people have reported intestinal illnesses apparently related to salads they ate at McDonald’s restaurants in Illinois and Iowa. These illnesses appear to have been caused by a cyclospora parasite, which can cause consumers to become sick after eating contaminated food. Since mid-May, Illinois has reported that 90 people across multiple counties became ill shortly after eating salads at McDonald’s restaurants. In Iowa, 15 people have reported similar illnesses with similar causes since late June. Health officials in both states are continuing to investigate,…

CDC issues updated warning not to eat Honey Smacks The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a new warning against eating Honey Smacks, regardless of package size or best-by date. Although the cereal was recalled in mid-June, new illnesses continue to be reported. The CDC has added 27 people and 2 states to the list of those affected by food poisoning related to the cereal. To date, 100 people in 33 states have become ill with salmonella after eating Honey Smacks. Thirty people have been hospitalized. Those impacted by the salmonella contamination of Honey Smacks cereal now…

More than 500 people ill from e. coli contamination at zipline attraction A significant number of visitors at a zipline attraction in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, became ill after drinking water served in coolers between mid-June and early July. 548 people reported becoming sick with gastrointestinal illnesses. Tests conducted by the Tennessee Department of Health confirmed the presence of e. coli in the water at Climb Works Zip Line Canopy Tour. Health officials believe the actual number of people who became ill is much higher and will increase as more people seek medical attention. The Department of Health sent surveys to people…

Several Kitty’s employees returned after being prohibited from working Health department officials allowed Kitty’s Restaurant in North Reading, Massachusetts, to reopen after 39 customers became ill with salmonella contamination. The restaurant was ordered to undergo a thorough cleaning and to prohibit certain employees from returning to work. However, an inspection several days after the restaurant reopened found numerous food safety concerns, including the fact that employees who had been prohibited from working were on-site and preparing food for customers. The North Reading Health Department received additional complaints after allowing Kitty’s to reopen. They conducted an inspection of the facility and…