The CDC has significantly reduced the scope of FoodNet, a three-decade-old program tracking food poisoning infections, by narrowing required monitoring to only two pathogens: salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. This change, which began in July, reduces mandatory surveillance from eight pathogens, with the remaining six now optional. While the CDC claims the change allows for prioritization and effective resource management, food safety officials express concern that the reduced monitoring could hinder the detection of outbreaks and obscure the comprehensive picture of food-related infections. This is concerning as FoodNet provided robust data, including case numbers, that helped to understand certain infections and risks in the food supply.
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Southwind Foods, a California-based seafood company, has issued a voluntary recall of a limited quantity of frozen shrimp products due to potential exposure to Cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive material. The recalled shrimp, distributed between July 17 and August 8 to several states, include brands like Sand Bar and Best Yet. This recall follows a similar one from an Indonesian company, with the FDA actively investigating the source of the contamination, and the public is advised to discard or return the recalled shrimp to the point of purchase due to potential health risks from exposure.
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The FDA is sounding the alarm, and it’s about something you might not expect: potentially radioactive shrimp sold at Walmart. This isn’t some obscure conspiracy theory; it’s a real warning, based on investigations into imported frozen shrimp. The story starts with U.S. Customs and Border Protection detecting Cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive isotope, in shipping containers at several U.S. ports. The FDA got involved, and their tests confirmed the presence of this radioactive material in some frozen shrimp products. It’s a situation that’s raised a lot of questions, and understandably, some concerns.
The primary focus of the FDA’s warning is on certain lots of Great Value brand raw frozen shrimp, specifically those imported from an Indonesian firm, PT.… Continue reading
The Boar’s Head deli meat plant in Jarratt, Virginia, is preparing to reopen following a deadly food poisoning outbreak last year that resulted in multiple fatalities and a plant shutdown. Despite the USDA lifting its suspension after reviewing the plant and declaring it compliant, recent inspections at other Boar’s Head facilities in three states revealed ongoing sanitation issues similar to those that led to the initial listeria contamination. These problems include product residue on equipment, blocked drains, and staff noncompliance with hygiene protocols. Food safety advocates and lawmakers have expressed concern about the company’s ability to address systemic issues, prompting questions about federal oversight and the potential risks for consumers.
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Florida reports 21 cases of E. coli infections linked to raw milk, and it’s hard not to feel a certain sense of “told you so.” It’s almost like a chapter out of a textbook on how not to handle food safety. The raw milk craze, fueled by a desire for “natural” and “unprocessed” food, seems to have collided head-on with some rather nasty, microscopic realities. These 21 cases, including six children under the age of ten, aren’t just numbers; they represent real people, real discomfort, and, in the worst cases, real health scares.
It’s a stark reminder of why we have processes like pasteurization in the first place.… Continue reading
A recent incident in Gansu province, China, involving the poisoning of over 230 kindergarten children with food colored using industrial-grade lead paint has led to widespread scrutiny. The investigation revealed that the school’s principal sought to enhance the food’s appearance by adding toxic pigments, resulting in dangerously high lead levels in the children’s blood. Authorities have arrested six individuals and launched disciplinary investigations into nearly 30 others, citing failures in oversight, cover-up attempts, and manipulated test results across multiple levels. The incident also triggered protests by parents who clashed with police outside the kindergarten, highlighting the severity of the issue.
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In Tianshui City, Gansu province, 233 children at Peixin Kindergarten suffered lead poisoning after consuming food decorated with inedible paint. Tests revealed that the steamed red date cake and sausage corn rolls contained lead levels far exceeding national safety standards. The school principal and seven others have been arrested and are under investigation for producing toxic food. Authorities are looking into how long the paint had been used, as children have reported symptoms like stomach and leg pain since March. The mayor acknowledged the incident exposed shortcomings in public food safety supervision.
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A listeria outbreak linked to recalled FreshRealm chicken fettuccine alfredo products has resulted in three deaths and one pregnancy loss, affecting at least 17 individuals across 13 states. The recalled products, sold at Kroger and Walmart, include several varieties with best-by dates prior to June 27th. The contamination source remains unidentified, although the CDC is concerned that further contamination may exist. Consumers are urged to discard or return any recalled products.
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A Salmonella outbreak linked to approximately 1.7 million recalled August Egg Company eggs has sickened at least 79 people across seven states, resulting in 21 hospitalizations. The recall, encompassing specific plant codes (P-6562 or CA5330), covers eggs distributed between February and May. August Egg Company is conducting an internal review to prevent future occurrences, while the CDC advises consumers to discard or return recalled eggs and sanitize affected surfaces. This outbreak is one of several recent salmonella incidents involving various foods.
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A salmonella outbreak, traced to approximately 1.7 million recalled August Egg Company eggs distributed across nine states, has resulted in 79 illnesses and 21 hospitalizations. The recall encompasses brown organic and cage-free eggs sold between February and May. Symptoms range from diarrhea and fever to severe vomiting and dehydration, though most recover within a week; however, vulnerable populations may require hospitalization. Consumers are urged to discard or return recalled eggs and sanitize affected surfaces.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood