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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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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The US Food and Drug Administration’s suspension of food safety quality checks due to staff cuts is a deeply alarming development. The potential consequences are severe, raising serious concerns about public health and the safety of the nation’s food supply. This action effectively leaves a gaping hole in the crucial oversight necessary to ensure food safety standards are met.
This situation is especially concerning given the already existing challenges to food security and access. The impact will extend beyond the US borders, likely rendering American-produced food unsellable in many international markets with stricter food safety regulations. This could lead to significant economic repercussions for the US agricultural sector.… Continue reading
The FDA’s food safety program, already underfunded, faces worsening conditions due to recent budget cuts. These cuts, some initiated under the previous administration, reduce critical rapid response teams and compromise the agency’s ability to conduct necessary inspections and remove unsafe products from the market. Experts warn that this underfunding, primarily due to insufficient congressional appropriations compared to the agency’s drug division, will lead to increased outbreaks and recalls, leaving consumers vulnerable. Consequently, current FDA employees are voicing concerns about the agency’s diminished capacity to ensure food safety.
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Norovirus outbreaks are surging across the U.S. this winter, with the CDC reporting 91 outbreaks during the week of December 5th—significantly higher than previous years. This highly contagious virus, responsible for the majority of foodborne illnesses annually, causes vomiting and diarrhea, impacting people of all ages but posing the greatest risk to young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The illness typically lasts one to three days, though severe cases can result in hospitalization or death, primarily among older adults. Practicing diligent handwashing and disinfecting surfaces are crucial preventative measures.
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A California child fell ill with flu-like symptoms after consuming raw milk from Raw Farm, prompting an investigation into a potential H5N1 bird flu case. Initial CDC tests for H5 flu were negative, though further testing is ongoing. The milk producer, Raw Farm, had already recalled several lots of milk and cream after bird flu was detected in their products. The child recovered fully, and there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission.
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The recent news of a Nebraska woman suing McDonald’s after contracting an E. coli infection from their food is undoubtedly alarming. As I delved into the circumstances surrounding Clarissa DeBock’s experience, I couldn’t help but reflect on the sheer unpredictability of consuming food from establishments we generally trust to uphold safety standards. DeBock’s story began with what should have been an ordinary meal—a Quarter Pounder from McDonald’s that, just days later, would land her in the emergency room with severe gastrointestinal symptoms. The reality here is stark: a meal intended for nourishment led to a medical crisis.
Every time I choose to eat out, I enter into an unspoken contract with the establishment.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood