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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Haribo is recalling all 1kg bags of Happy Cola F!ZZ sweets in the Netherlands with a best-before date of January 2026 after cannabis was detected in three packs. Several consumers, including a family, reported feeling unwell—specifically dizziness—after consuming the sweets. Dutch authorities are investigating the contamination source, which remains unclear, and are working with Haribo to determine if the affected bags are genuine. The recall is a precautionary measure, and Haribo assures consumers that products outside the Netherlands are unaffected.
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A recent E. coli outbreak, linked to contaminated romaine lettuce and sickening nearly 90 people, saw federal agencies fail to issue any public warnings, a departure from standard practice. This inaction follows a pattern of the Department of Health and Human Services neglecting public health information regarding infectious diseases like listeria and hepatitis. Furthermore, the administration has withdrawn a proposed regulation to reduce salmonella in poultry and disbanded a Justice Department unit focused on contaminated food, shifting responsibilities to under-resourced states. This lack of federal oversight and resource allocation raises serious concerns about public safety and food security.
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Publix voluntarily recalled its Greenwise Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea Baby Food pouches due to elevated lead levels exceeding the FDA’s 10 parts per billion limit. The recall, encompassing pouches produced by Bowman Andros and sold in eight states, followed routine testing by North Carolina officials revealing 13.4 parts per billion of lead. All affected products have been removed from shelves, and customers can receive full refunds. This recall follows a similar incident involving Target baby food earlier this year, highlighting ongoing concerns about lead contamination in baby food products. No illnesses have been reported in connection with the Publix recall.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood