At a recent Northwest Michigan fair, three children are believed to have contracted E. coli poisoning. Although the source of the E. coli has not yet been identified, there is talk that it could be related to food, water, or even a farm animal. As fall quickly approaches, school fairs will soon arrive. This means cotton candy, candy apples, hay rides, and petting zoos. While petting zoos can be fun,... [more]

During the week, we reported that eggs linked to the Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms voluntary egg recall (due to the possible presence of Salmonella enteritidis) had been found in West Virginia. Now recalled eggs linked to the Salmonella situation have been found in Kentucky. News reports by The Lincoln-Herald Leader indicated that a Wal-Mart in Ashland-Boyd County Kentucky had discovered... [more]

Over the course of the last few weeks, Salmonella has been associated with everything from eggs to pistachios, alfalfa sprouts, milk, fruit juice and even mamey frozen pulp. Contaminated food items such as these can teach you a lot about the differences between different kinds of Salmonella bacteria as well as other forms of food poisoning. The recent egg recall which has been linked to Salmonella... [more]

  A Jackson, Mississippi company, CalMaine Foods Inc. has recalled 800,000 dozen eggs due to possible Salmonella contamination. CalMaine is the “nation’s largest egg seller and distributor” according to the Associated Press. The news release held: Cal-Maine said it was notified by an Iowa egg producer that between April 9 and Aug. 19, the producer sold 32 truckloads of eggs, or about 800,000... [more]

Umpqua Dairy Products Company closed one plant located in Roseburg, Oregon due to Salmonella concerns. Salmonella has been identified on plant equipment and sterilization is currently underway.  This Salmonella identification has led to the recall of certain Umpqua Dairy products. The dairy’s press release identified the following items, if “purchased on or prior to August 16, 2010,” as being... [more]

It is a known fact that children are disproportionately affected each year by foodborne illnesses. The CDC reports that almost half of all reported foodborne illness cases in the United States involve children, mostly under the age of fifteen. Foodborne illnesses occurring in children is a serious problem and can lead to long-term health issues and even death.  Why are children disproportionately... [more]

Broward County, Florida is currently experiencing a widespread outbreak of Shigella. With 81 illnesses already reported, Florida health officials are now trying prevent additional cases of Shigella. The Shigella bacteria is known to cause serious cases food poisoning. This foodborne illness presents symptoms such as mucus in stool or bloody diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. These symptoms typically... [more]

As the CDC continues to investigate the outbreaks of Salmonella Hartford and Salmonella Baildon, there has been quite a bit of confusion among the general public. Let’s be honest, even many medical professionals are unaware or misinformed about the facts behind foodborne illnesses, which are some of the most common stomach ailments in the United States. In order to help people who may have concerns... [more]

Following the Subway Shigella outbreak earlier this year, the Shigella family of bacteria received a lot of attention. But, what exactly is Shigella? Discovered by Japanese researcher Shiga at the turn of the century, this group of microscopic bacteria are known primarily for causing diarrhea in human victims. Two common forms of Shigella found in the United States include Shigella flexneri and Shigella... [more]

Summer is the perfect time for family reunions, barbeques, and outdoor weddings. Many people find it much easier to simply have the event catered as opposed to cooking for hundreds of picky eaters. While catering can party planners with more time to enjoy themselves, picking a caterer can be an important task. A recent MSNBC article reminded readers about two weddings and a reunion only last year,... [more]