I asked our AI friends – What are the pros and cons of replacing FDA Commissioner Makary with me – here is the response? This is a very timely question — Makary resigned as FDA Commissioner today, May 12, 2026, amid reports of internal tensions and policy clashes, with the vaping dispute reportedly being a […]
Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is a laboratory process that determines the complete DNA sequence of an organism’s genome at a single time. This includes identifying the order of bases in the DNA molecules (adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T)) and assembling them to map out all of an organism’s genetic material. WGS […]
I generally to not take on cases like this, but it was simply to gross and interesting not to investigate. I will report back on how this happened.
Come on now! 2411MOEXH-2 Closeout Summary Closeout Date: January 15, 2025 CDC Primary Contact: Angelo Lodato Classification: Outbreak Vehicle: Romaine Lettuce Vehicle Status: Confirmed Exposure Type: Multistate Hello Colleagues, On November 25, 2024, PulseNet coded an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 2411MOEXH-2. At the time of closing, this investigation included 89 cases across 15 states: […]
I am a firm believer that people and companies can change and improve after doing something horrible, but what happened should not be ignored. the International Daily Foods Association – and Blue Bell should not forget. Here is a bit of a reminder. The Award: Blue Bell Creameries of Brenham, Texas was recognized today with […]
This afternoon, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) sent layoff and separation notices to 170 employees whose positions were funded by recently terminated federal grants. Additionally, “at risk” notices will be going to MDH staff at risk for layoffs due to seniority rules around layoffs. An estimated 300 notices are going to MDH employees today. […]
Our Food Safety Guardians Deserved Capes, Not Pink Slips This is not just another editorial. This is a thank you letter, an acknowledgment, and a rallying cry. For decades, people have stood quietly between us and harm – heroes who safeguarded every bite we take, every meal we share. They kept food safe and public […]
RFK’s cuts to FDA are a threat to public health and safety Statement of CSPI Director of Regulatory Affairs Sarah Sorscher Deadly Listeria in shakes served at nursing homes. Disease-causing E. coli linked to onions served in McDonald’s. Salmonella in cucumbers landed 155 people in the hospital. These are just a few of the disturbing […]
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state partners investigated a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections in 2021 through 2023. This outbreak was given the CDC outbreak code: 2107MLGX6-1. The investigation began in July 2021, when […]
Cargill Kitchen Solutions of Lake Odessa, MI, is recalling 212,268 pounds of liquid egg products that may contain a cleaning solution with sodium hypochlorite, according to the the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The liquid egg items were produced on March 12 and 13. The following products are subject to recall: The products subject […]
It is hard to believe that Poisoned the book came out 14 years ago and that a documentary was inspired by it. The book has quietly become a cult classic in the food safety and legal communities. It was originally published in hardcover and twice in paperback. It is likely an update is on the […]
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing its intention to extend the compliance date for the Food Traceability Rule (the “final rule”) by 30 months. The FDA intends to extend the compliance date using appropriate procedures at a later time, including publishing a proposed rule in the Federal Register. The FDA remains committed to […]
For the outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref #1286) linked to a not yet identified product, FDA has initiated an inspection. For the outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis (ref #1288) linked to mini pastries, the advisory was updated on March 20, 2025. The outbreak has ended, and FDA’s investigation is closed. For the outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes […]
I get a number of calls a week from folks that find something unwanted in their food. Here is a bit from a search of the internet by AI. In 2010, a woman in England found a frozen frog in a bag of green beans purchased from Tesco. “Woman finds frog in Tesco frozen vegetables.” […]
Perhaps CR is going to be the new FSIS? Perhaps the FDA and CDC too? So, where do you get your chicken? Do the stores and restaurants that you frequent get poultry from one of these poultry plants? Might be a good question to ask. Most Contaminated Poultry Plants – Feb 25 299.8 KB Consumer Reports […]
I have said this too many times. In the 1990’s ninety percent of the work I did were E. coli O157:H7 cases linked to hamburger. However, due to the collaboration between regulators (deeming E. coli O157:H7 and adulterant), the beef industry (interventions and implementing “test and hold” and the restaurant industry (following the Food Code […]