Shocking new data suggests that pets can carry superbugs and may transmit them to their human owners. Research presented at the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infections conference suggests that owners should isolate their sick pets to avoid catching superbugs like E. coli. What is a Superbug? A superbug is a colloquial name for a type of bacteria that is extremely dangerous. Generally, it means that it is resistant to antibiotics, causes more serious illness, and is difficult to treat. Studies show that certain superbugs can infect both humans and their pets alike, allowing the ..read more

Young Brazilian woman diagnosed with botulism during work exchange program is hospitalized. Family is attempting to move her home for further treatment. A young Brazilian woman participating in a work exchange program in Colorado becomes paralyzed and fighting for her life after becoming infected by a rare bacteria, likely from food poisoning, says her family. Here’s what we know. Brazilian Woman Diagnosed with Botulism The 23-year-old international exchange worker went from seemingly healthy to suffering paralysis and unable to breathe on her own overnight. Two weeks later, she was diagnosed ..read more

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched an investigation on pesticides in spices after Hong Kong halted sales of certain products by Indian spice manufacturers, MDH and Everest. This decision comes after the discovery that some of these products allegedly contain high levels of a cancer-causing pesticide. Several International Food Agencies Suspend Sales of MDH and Everest Spice Blends Earlier this month, Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety suspended sales of three MDH brand spice blends and one Everest fish curry spice mix. The agency said, “Samples of several kinds of prepackaged ..read more

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture issued a consumer warning for raw milk following reports of illness. Campylobacter warning for Pure Pastures Dairy raw milk was issued due to potential contamination with the harmful pathogen. One person has fallen ill with Campylobacter so far. Here’s what we know. One Person Falls Ill According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, a report of Campylobacter infection has been made around Central Pennsylvania. So far, one person has tested positive for Campylobacter infection. The patient reportedly consumed raw milk prior to becoming sick ..read more

A recent outbreak of E. coli linked to walnuts in San Diego County has County Public Health officials telling residents to check their pantries. At least two people have fallen ill after consuming walnuts purchased from local stores and is associated with a national, multi-state outbreak. E. coli Linked to Walnuts in San Diego At least two people in San Diego County have become sickened with the same strain of E. coli as a national, multi-state outbreak linked to walnuts. One local person was hospitalized. According to recall data, several San Diego County area natural food stores and co-ops r ..read more

While it is uncommon an emergency requiring an extended amount of food isn’t out of the question. The Red Cross suggests that we should have food to last our families 2 weeks. How? that is the number one question. Most of us don’t have much extra storage space and the idea of keeping 2 week’s worth of groceries that aren’t going to be used in the near future just seems absurd. After living through a few disasters including a major derecho several years ago my family absolutely knew we had to have food to last at least a few days if the power were to go out. Since then we have acquired a genera ..read more

Are consumers engaging in risky food behaviors due to economic pressure? Several recent studies say yes. A study recently released in the United Kingdom and another in the United States show that consumers from both countries have been impacted by rising food costs. These economic pressures have impacted the way they eat. Even increasing risky food behaviors in an effort to save a penny. Or a pound (UK). United Kingdom Survey Shows Increased Risky Food Behavior in Response to Economic Pressure A Wave 7 survey conducted by the Food Standards Agency surveyed consumers across England, Wales, and ..read more

As I sit today and listen to the sound of jars sealing and the heavenly *pop* that signifies the official sealing I am led to believe that people are heading towards canning more foods at home and that leads me to wonder if people are safely canning food at home or not. Are they doing the research or just winging it? Following random websites or actually doing the homework? My personal canning adventure started when I first met my husband, and we didn’t have a lot of money but loved to eat fresh foods. Like most people I started with jams and jelly which seem to be the gateway canning into oth ..read more

A report from the nonprofit group, U.S. Public Research Interest Group Education Fund, released this month indicated that food recalls in 2023 reached the highest levels since the COVID-19 pandemic. That year’s data may have seen a boost after a new allergen disclosure was mandated. But Listeria contaminations also played a huge role. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) manages food recalls and safety alerts for most of the country’s food supply. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) covers everything else, including meat, poultry, and some egg and fish products. Curious a ..read more

When two or more people become sick with the same strain of a commonly associated foodborne pathogen, it usually prompts a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigation. Recently, the FDA announced a Salmonella outbreak investigation that currently does not have an identified source. Here’s what we know about the current Salmonella outbreak investigation and what it means for you. Salmonella Outbreak Investigation On April 10, 2024, the FDA announced an active Salmonella outbreak. So far there are 11 people linked to the outbreak with related strains of the harmful bacterium Salmonella ..read more