As the FDA announces a voluntary recall of lettuce from Freshway Foods, we find ourselves at the heart of another E. coli outbreak. The interesting thing is that this time, it is not E. coli O157:H7 which is causing the food poisoning outbreak. It is another E. coli, E. coli O145 which has lead to these foodborne illnesses. E. coli O145 has many similarities to E. coli O157:H7. Both strains of E. coli... [more]

Since the initial Illinois Subway Shigella outbreak was reported, 116 people have contracted Shigella and 13 have been admitted to the hospital for Shigella related illnesses. The DuPage County Health Department has been investigating this outbreak of Shigella foodborne illness. The Subway restaurant in question, situated in Lombard, Illinois has been closed; however, the Shigella’s cause has not... [more]

Although not typically recognized as a foodborne illness, Hepatitis A can be contracted when eating food prepared by an infected individual who has not followed proper food safety procedures. Additionally, victims can contract Hepatitis A if they come in contact with contaminated fecal matter and then some how ingest this contaminant. Hepatitis A can also be found in contaminated food or water. In... [more]

As a follow up to the voluntary recall of black pepper from Mincing Overseas Spice Company announced on March 5, 2010, John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. (Nasdaq: JBSS) (the “Company”) announced today that it is voluntarily recalling various snack mix and cashew products, which have been flavored with seasoning containing the recalled black pepper and which are listed below, as a precautionary... [more]

It’s hard to miss the hundreds of articles and blogs buzzing around a singular subject, the recently published Pew Charitable Trusts’ commission report on the cost of foodborne illness for the United States. After the numbers provided by the FDA, CDC and USDA (among other government agencies) were crunched, the final cost of foodborne illness was significantly higher than previous estimates, a... [more]

With Easter right around the corner and many individuals giving baby chickens as pets to young children, the CDC published an article warning of the risk of Salmonella contamination from baby chickens and other poultry. The article was appropriately entitled “Risk of Human Salmonella Infections from Live Baby Poultry.” Live poultry can be a source of Salmonella foodborne illness.  Salmonella food... [more]

On March 10th, 2010 in Washingotn D.C., the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) held public meetings regarding the traceability of E. coli O157:H7. On the agenda for the Escherichia  coli (E. coli) focused meeting were a discussion of PulseNet, current policy implementation, and future issues. Jerold Mande, Deputy Undersecretary for Food Safety, reiterated the high level of importance the Obama... [more]

Food safety has become an increasingly important governmental issue. FoodQualityNews.com posted notification of two public food safety meetings to be held soon in Washington, D.C. On March 10th, 2010, the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) will host an informational meeting on E. coli O157:H7 tracking. On March 30, 2010, several governmental agencies will be hosting another food safety meeting... [more]

According to the CDC’s Escherichia Coli General Information webpage, there are different forms of E. coli bacteria. Some are harmless, others can be potentially fatal. E. coli O157:H7 is a unique form of E. coli bacteria.  This form of E. coli is capable of generating Shiga toxin.  When the toxin are produced from E. coli bacteria, complications can result. The E. coli bacteria itself can cause... [more]

Mentally, I have been planning a camping trip for several years now. Sleeping under the starry skies and hiking through some of the most pristine forests this country has to offer. I have looked at backpacks with lightweight frames, moleskin to prevent blisters, outdoor cooking equipment, and, of course, a coffee pot. One interesting thing that I have looked at are water treatment tablets. After researching... [more]