The CDC reports: Shigellosis is a nationally notifiable diarrheal illness caused by gram-negative bacteria. Shigella infection is spread through fecal-oral transmission and sexual contact. Although most infections are self-limited, antibiotics are indicated for severe illness or to reduce transmission in settings with high risk for spread. Since 2015, a growing proportion of cases has been caused by […]
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the Study And Framework for Efficiency in Food Oversight and Organizational Design (SAFE FOOD) Act, legislation that would direct the Department of Agriculture to conduct a study on the consolidation of federal agencies that have a primary role in ensuring food safety into a single agency. “Current […]
According to Food Safety News: The patient count in an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections has jumped to 103, with no source yet identified as the route of the pathogen. A week ago there were 78 confirmed patients, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The agency has not reported how old the patients are […]
The Journal of Food Protection landed in my inbox as I flew back from the other Washington this afternoon. It is well worth the read. An Overview of Farm Investigation Findings Associated with Outbreaks of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Infections Linked to Leafy Greens: 2009 – 2021. Tip of the Pen to a hero of […]
With yet another Salmonella cucumber outbreak being reported, it might be helpful to step not too far back in history. 2025 Total Illnesses: 26Hospitalizations: 9Deaths: 0Last Illness Onset: April 28, 2025States with Cases: AL, CA, CO, FL, IL, KS, KY, MI, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, and VA Grown by Bedner Growers, Inc., in […]
Whole cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers Inc. and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Inc. are linked to a multistate outbreak of Salmonella in several states that began April 29, 2025, and continues to this past Monday, May 19, 2025. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and […]
When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took over the Department of Health and Human Services is declared that his plans include “radical transparency.” Here is an E. coli outbreak that sickens 89, killing 1 that was swept under the rug even know the product and the chain of production. On November 25, 2024, PulseNet coded an […]
A total of 42 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes were reported from 21 states – Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia. Illnesses started on dates ranging from August 17, 2018, to March 13, 2025. […]
I landed in Washington DC a few hours ago to the FDA reporting, despite personal cuts, on ongoing outbreak investigations. And, there was this image: The FDA is investigating two new outbreaks of foodborne illnesses (Salmonella and E. coli). The sources of the pathogens have not yet been determined. An outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo infections […]
I have tried to steer clear of politics with respect to the Felon in Chief, but this is nuts, or at least peanuts. According to yet another edict from the White House, it is now the policy of the United States that: (a) Criminal enforcement of criminal regulatory offenses is disfavored. (b) Prosecution of criminal regulatory offenses […]
With the CDC and FDA reported on a Listeria outbreak over the weekend and others still being investigated, what do consumers need know. Listeria is a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that is ubiquitous and can grow under either anaerobic (without oxygen) or aerobic (with oxygen) conditions. A. The Prevalence of Listeria in Food and the Environment Listeriosis is one of […]
Sandwiches sold in California, Arizona, Nevada and Washington. As of May 9, 2025, a total of 10 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from two states. Sick people’s samples were collected on dates ranging from December 3, 2023, to September 9, 2024. Of 10 people with information available, all 10 have been […]
To date, the County has recorded 37 probable and confirmed cases of people who have gotten sick with Salmonella after dining at the Aladdin Mediterranean Café in the Clairemont San Diego area between April 25 to May 1. The restaurant voluntarily closed on May 1. Operators have since been working closely with the County’s Environmental […]
Despite depletion of their ranks at FDA, investigations are still being posted on the FDA”s Outbreak Table. Investigations can be a long and winding road.
I turned 68 yesterday. I must admit most of the time I do not feel it. I still have much to do, but clearly a little less time in which to do it. A good friend of mine sent me the below article from the Pullman Herald. In the Fall of 1977, at the age […]
San Diego County public health officials are investigating an outbreak of salmonella linked to dining at Aladdin Mediterranean Café in the Clairemont area of San Diego. County epidemiologists have identified 14 confirmed and probable cases associated with this outbreak ranging between 18 and 79 years of age. Five people have been hospitalized. People who […]