Listeria is a bacterial infection, which is particularly dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn children. A news article on MyFox8.com describes how a North Carolina pregnant woman, who battled this disease and almost lost both her life and that of her baby, is now lobbying for stronger governmental food safety regulations. The mother contracted Listeria from cheese and delivered her daughter... [more]

Queseria Bendita ofYakima, Wash., is recalling three types ofcheese, Queso Fresco, Panela, and Requeson, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that 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 only short-term symptoms... [more]

On January 27, 2010, the FDA issued a public warning letter to Kellogg regarding a manufacturing plant in Atlanta that tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes during 2010. Apparently, the initial investigation of the plant began in August of 2009 when the Georgia Department of Agriculture identified Listeria in samples taken from Eggo Buttermilk Waffles.  Then, in October 2009, the FDA conducted... [more]

Food irradiation is a possible method of getting rid of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, on meats, fruits, and vegetables. According to the CDC, this process can reduce consumer contact with Camplylobacter, Salmonella, and E. coli O157:H7, which can lead to foodborne illnesses and potentially fatal complications such as Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). For example, meat can be bombarded with gamma... [more]

Two companies, Ecolab and AvidBiotics, are cooperating to develop new food safety techniques associated with preventing foodborne illness bacteria in red meat. The companies are currently working specifically with E. coli O157:H7 bacteria. E. coli bacteria is a foodborne illness which can cause diarrhea, nausea, and other food poisoning symptoms. E. coli prevention is especially important as it can... [more]

A press release from Giant Eagle announced a recall of Giant Eagle and Food Club frozen loose hash browns due to possible Listeria contamination.  Below is this Gaint Eagle’s press release.     The independent and unrelated manufacturer of Giant Eagle and Food Club frozen loose hash browns has been informed of the presence of a bacterium in products made in the same facility as these items. Upon... [more]

Recently, Nestlé USA announced that two samples of its Toll House Cookie Dough produced at its Danville, VA plant tested positive for E. coli. This happened just months after Nestlé had to recall its ready-to-bake Toll House Cookie products after a cluster of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses were linked to the victims handling Nestlé’s raw cookie dough. According to Nestlé, none of the product that... [more]

Yesterday, the FDA named Michael R. Taylor as the new Deputy Commissioner for Foods. This is a newly created position within the brand new “Office of Foods”.  Mr. Taylor will be responsible for overseeing the FDA’s various food and nutrition programs. No doubt qualified for this position, Taylor is a nationally recognized food safety expert, author, lawyer and professor who has held various... [more]

HP Hood is recalling select Heluva Good branded 8 oz. plastic cup containers of Cold Pack Cheese Food because they may contain 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 only short term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache,... [more]

The FDA has been pretty busy the past few weeks. The regulatory agency recently filed a lawsuit to prevent, a New Jersey cheese manufacturer from making food ever again. The permanent injunction came in response to continued cleanliness issues and repeated positive tests for Listeria. Shortly after the announcement of the injunction against the cheese maker, a Denver catering company was almost shut... [more]