The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced information concerning a multi-state outbreak of E. coli O26. A potential link has been found to the strain of Escherichia coli bacteria and raw clover sprouts sold at Jimmy John’s  restaurants. E. coli O26 is a form of shiga-toxin producing E. coli which can lead to the development of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a rare but potentially... [more]

Food safety has taken on new dimensions over the course of the last several years. Foodborne illness outbreaks including a nationwide egg recall in 2010 related to Salmonella and the 2009 Nestle Cookie Dough recall linked to Escherichia coli, have brought food safety to the forefront of consumers minds every time they set foot in a grocery store. With that increased consumer concern came a governmental... [more]

The following alert cancellation was issued by the CFIA. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is cancelling the alert issued on October 5, 2011. The CFIA is now advising the public that the Strubs ready-to-eat Danish Style Smoked Grav-Lox Atlantic Salmon described below does not represent a health risk associated with Salmonella. Brand & Product Size UPC Lot Code Strubs ready to... [more]

Additional information has been provided by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services regarding a recent E. coli outbreak near St. Louis, Missouri. According to news issued by the state health department, there have been over 40 samples submitted for testing, 26 confirmed E. coli illnesses, and 17 food samples are either going to be tested or have been tested in order to help aid investigators... [more]

Could the answer have been found? Do we know why cantaloupes from Jensen Farms in Colorado became contaminated with deadly strains of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria? It appears that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may have found the answer. According to a press release issued on October 18, 2011, several potential health violations are cited at Jensen Farms cantaloupe production facilities.... [more]

According to the Alexandria TownTalk, East Baton Rouge Parish has reported a possible Listeria linked death which could potentially be related to the multi-state outbreak of Listeria investigators are concerned is related to Jensen Farms cantaloupes. An investigation is underway now through Louisiana state agencies in an attempt to determine the Listeria strain that may have caused the death. The Listeria... [more]

The following was published on the CDC website on September 21, 2011. As of 5pm EDT on September 20, 2011, a total of 55 persons infected with the 4 outbreak-associated strains of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from 14 states.  All illnesses started on or after August 4, 2011. The number of infected persons identified in each state is as follows:  California (1), Colorado (14), Illinois... [more]

Del Bueno of Grandview, WA is recalling all 16oz. size  packages of Queso Fresco Casero Fresh Cheese with a date stamp of Sept 14, 2011 because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer... [more]

What Should I Do If I Can’t Find an Outbreak Source? It is always scary when the source of a foodborne illness outbreak cannot be determined. Governmental agencies, in conjunction with victims, are often left to try to piece together the origin of a victim’s illness from a list of food items recently consumed coupled with any illnesses of other people in close proximity. This technique is slow... [more]

Jensen Farms, of Holly, CO is voluntarily recalling their shipments of Rocky Ford whole cantaloupe because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria. The company is working with the State of Colorado and the FDA to inform consumers of this recall. L. monocytogenes is a bacterium that can contaminate foods and cause a mild non-invasive illness (called listerial gastroenteritis) or a... [more]