An article by Heywood Hoffman posted on ChicagoBreakingNews.com discussed possible Shigella contamination at a Subway restaurant in Lombard, Illinois.  Although results are still pending, the preliminary examination leads investigators to believe that this could  be Shigellosis food poisoning. The restaurant is currently closed. Four individuals, out of eight who became sick, have been hospitalized. According... [more]

The January 2010 outbreak of Salmonella serotype Montevideo highlights the fact that multiple types of Salmonella bacteria exist. According to the CDC, there are over 2,500 different forms of Salmonella. Additionally, the recent Montevideo strain of Salmonella, currently being investigated by the USDA, the Food Safety Inspection Service, the Food and Drug Administration, and the CDC, has infected 225... [more]

Persons with salmonellosis, an infection of the bacteria Salmonella, usually recover completely with long term complications, although it may be several months before their digestion and bowel health returns to normal. A small number of persons with salmonellosis develop pain in their joints, irritation of the eyes, and painful urination. This is condition is called Reiter’s syndrome or reactive... [more]

Willamette Filbert Growers of Newberg, OR is recalling 29,861 lbs of Shelled Hazelnuts and Shelled Organic Hazelnuts, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious foodborne illness and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons with salmonellosis, an infection... [more]

Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria of the genus Brucella. These bacteria are primarily passed among animals, and they cause disease in many different vertebrates. Various Brucella species affect sheep, goats, cattle, deer, elk, pigs, dogs, and several other animals. Humans become infected by coming in contact with animals or animal products that are contaminated with these... [more]

Yersiniosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium of the genus Yersinia. In the United States, most human illness is caused by one species, Yersinia enterocolitica. Infection with Yersinia enterocolitica can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the age of the person infected. Infection with Yersinia enterocolitica occurs most often in young children. Common symptoms in children are fever,... [more]

Here is the continuation of yesterday’s post about the worst foodborne illness complications. Today we cover the top five nastiest complications. 5. Organ Damage Most “simple” food poisonings are anything but simple. While most food pathogens are not considered a serious threat to a normal healthy person, foodborne pathogens can infect and threaten the life of anyone unfortunate enough to... [more]

For most people who get a foodborne illness, it is a 2 or 3 days of sickness followed by a quick recovery with no serious long term effects (except for the memories of how intense a food poisoning illness can be). But for an unfortunate few and their families, a foodborne bacteria, virus or parasite can change everything in an instant. There are quite a few pathogens that use food as a transmission... [more]

PetSmart is voluntarily recalling two Dentley’s Beef Hoof products for potential Salmonella contamination. The products were manufactured by Pet Carousel, Inc. in Sanger, Calif.  The recalled products include only the following types of Dentley’s Beef Hooves purchased between Oct. 2, 2009 and Nov. 3, 2009: Dentley’s Bulk Cattle Hoof UPC# 73725703323 Dentley’s 10 Pack Beef Hooves... [more]

While the food industry and government safety agencies continue the push of placing food safety responsibilities onto the shoulders of the public, it is interesting to note that some studies have found that more than 50% of all broiler chickens in the U.S. have been found to be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. Bringing a food into your kitchen with even small amounts of contamination can lead... [more]