Norovirus is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness worldwide, and several factors contribute to its prevalence: Only a small number of virus particles (as few as 18) are needed to cause infection, making it extremely easy to contract. Norovirus spreads quickly through contaminated food, water, surfaces, and direct person-to-person contact. It can ..read more

Escherichia coli O157:H7 (commonly referred to as E. coli O157) is a particularly dangerous strain of *E. coli* bacteria that can cause severe and life-threatening symptoms in humans. Here is why E. coli O157 can be deadly: E. coli O157:H7 produces Shiga toxins (Stx), which are potent and harmful toxins capable of causing severe damage ..read more

Campylobacter is one of the most common causes of bacterial foodborne illness worldwide. Here’s what you need to know about it: Campylobacter is a genus of bacteria, with Campylobacter jejuni being the most common species responsible for human illness. Other species like *Campylobacter coli* also cause infections but less frequently. These bacteria are spiral-shaped and ..read more

Salmonella is indeed a significant cause of foodborne illness worldwide and can be deadly, especially in certain vulnerable populations. Here are some key points regarding its severity: Symptoms: Infection with Salmonella, known as salmonellosis, usually presents with diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. Symptoms typically begin 6 hours to 6 days after infection and can ..read more

Shigella is a significant cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide and can have serious health implications, depending on the population affected as well as the specific strain involved. Here are some key points: Symptoms: Shigella infection, or shigellosis, typically causes symptoms including diarrhea (often bloody), fever, stomach cramps, and tenesmus (painful straining during bowel movements). The ..read more

The deadliest foodborne pathogen in terms of fatality rates is often considered to be *Listeria monocytogenes*. While infections from Listeria are less common compared to other pathogens like Salmonella or E. coli, the consequences can be much more severe, especially for certain high-risk populations. Here are some key points about Listeria: High Mortality Rate: Listeria ..read more

BrucePac, a Durant, Okla. establishment, is recalling approximately 9,986,245 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The ready-to-eat meat and poultry items were produced from June 19, 2024, to October 8, 2024. These products were shipped ..read more

Out of an abundance of caution, Reser’s Fine Foods is voluntarily recalling a limited number of meal kits due to the inclusion of recalled chicken from an outside ingredient supplier (BrucePac). The ingredient supplier (BrucePac) recall is due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young ..read more

Enoki King Mushroom Farm of Ventura, CA is recalling lot 4877 of its 5.3-ounce (150g) packages of Enoki Mushroom (Product of USA) because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune ..read more

The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) continue to investigate the outbreak of Shigellosis caused by Shigella bacteria, a disease that affects your digestive system. As of October 11, 2024, the SCCHD has identified 24 individuals with positive Shigella lab reports and an additional 44 individuals reporting illness ..read more