How do you know your infant has cereulide poisoning? This toxin is produced by some strains of the bacteria Bacillus cereus. This pathogen is found in soil and dust, and can contaminate foods like pasta, rice, and dairy products. When the bacteria grow, they produce the toxin. Cereulide is very heat stable, meaning that it's almost impossible to deactivate or destroy it by cooking, using boiling water, or preparing infant formula. Even properly prepared infant formula can still have the toxin and make babies sick. And the toxin is not destroyed by freezing. Symptoms of cereulide poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain and cramps. Infants may express their distress by persistent crying and refusal to eat. These symptoms usually appear within 30 minutes to a … [Read more...]
FDA Warns Against Eating Gomez Shellfish Because of Norovirus
The FDA is warning restaurants and food retailers against selling, serving, or eating Gomez Shellfish raw oysters and clams that were harvested from March 22 through April 9, 2026 in Washington state because of possible norovirus contamination. The shellfish were harvested from a portion of Hammersley Inlet in that state. They were sold to restaurants and retailers in the states of California, Oregon, Texas, and Washington and may have been distributed to other states. Gomez Shellfish LLC has the number WA-1724-SS. Shellfish that is contaminated with norovirus can cause illness when eaten. While most people recover quickly from norovirus, some, especially the elderly and very young and those with compromised immune systems, can become seriously ill. Norovirus does not change the … [Read more...]
Maricopa County Fair Excludes Petting Zoo After E. coli Outbreak
Maricopa County Fair is excluding a petting zoo among its attractions this year after a 2025 E. coli outbreak that sickened at least 18 people, including 13 children, was associated with the zoo, according to Arizona Central. Pony rides are also being excluded. Executive director Karen Searle told The Arizona Republic in a statement, "Out of an abundance of caution and in response to public concern, the Maricopa County Fair has made the decision that while there will be plenty of livestock exhibits and displays this year, there will be no direct public animal contact." Fair goers won't be allowed to touch the animals, but bacteria can get onto fence posts and gates, surrounding materials like hay, and even become airborne. There is no word on whether or not this ban will be … [Read more...]
USDA Offers Safety Tips For Spring Holiday Meals
The USDA is offering safety tips for spring holiday meals such as Easter, Passover, and Mother's Day. Those meals frequently offer ham, brisket, and egg-based dishes. Following food safety practices can help reduce the risk of foodborne illness. First, make sure you understand the danger zone, which is between 40°F and 140°F. Bacteria can double every 20 minutes when food is kept at these temperatures. Do not leave perishable food out of refrigeration for more than two hours, or it will spend too much time in the danger zone. Discard ham slices, brisket, chicken, beef, and deviled or hard cooked eggs if they are at room temperature for more than two hours. Ham requires special handling. Ready to eat hams are fully cooked and can be eaten cold without further cooking, or reheated. … [Read more...]
CPSC’s Water Beads Safety Standard Protects Children
CPSC's Water Beads Safety Standard is now in effect to protect children from this deadly hazard. Water beads manufactured after March 12, 2026 must meet the new performance, labeling, and testing requirements. Water beads can cause blockages if ingested, and other injuries if inhaled or inserted into the ears or nose. These beads are small, water-absorbing, colorful balls of super absorbent polymer that can grow up to 100 times their original size when exposed to water. They are often marketed as toys, sensory tools, and crafts. You can see the size difference between the actual bead (red) and the bead after it has absorbed water (green) in the photo above. CPSC Acting Chairman Peter A. Feldman said in a statement, "This new rule establishes clear safety standards for water beads … [Read more...]
Rep Delauro Introduces Infant Formula Safety Modernization Act
Representative Rosa Delauro (D-CT03) has introduced the Infant Formula Safety Modernization Act into Congress in the wake of the ByHeart formula botulism outbreak. The Act is intended to close gaps in testing, transparency, and regulatory enforcement. In that outbreak, at least 48 infants were sickened with a botulism infection. All were hospitalized and all were treated with BabyBIG®, the FDA-approved treatment for this infection that was developed by the California Department of Health. And in 2022, Abbott Nutrition's facility in Sturgis, Michigan shut down after a Cronobacter outbreak. A huge recall of Abbott's products triggered a shortage of infant formula in the United States. DeLauro said in a statement, "“The food we give our babies must meet the highest standard of … [Read more...]
How to Clean Your Kitchen After a Food or Supplement Recall
While Food Poisoning Bulletin has had an article on how to clean your fridge after a recall for years, we noticed that we should also have a piece on how to clean your kitchen after a food or supplement recall. After all, not all recalled items that are contaminated with pathogenic bacteria are stored in the refrigerator or freezer. The USDA puts it plainly: clean, then sanitize. It's usually not enough to just wipe down surfaces after you have discarded a potentially contaminated product. Sanitizing is a critical step toward making your kitchen safe again. Of course, the first step is knowing about recalls from the FDA and USDA. You can subscribe to our newsletter for up to date information. Once you have learned that a product you purchased has been recalled, you need to … [Read more...]
Raw Milk Warning Issued in New Mexico as Infant Dies
A raw milk warning has been issued by the New Mexico Department of Health after a newborn infant has died from a Listeria monocytogenes infection. Officials believe that the most likely source of the pathogen was unpasteurized, or raw, milk, that the mother drank while she was pregnant. Public health investigators say that can't pinpoint the actual cause of the pathogen, but this death underscores the serious health risks of consuming raw milk, especially for pregnant women, young children, anyone with a weakened immune system or chronic illness, and the elderly. Dr. Chad Smelser, deputy state epidemiologist of the New Mexico Department of Health, said in a statement, "Individuals who are pregnant should only consume pasteurized milk products to help prevent illnesses and death … [Read more...]
California Wild Death Cap Mushrooms Sicken 39 People
California wild Death Cap mushrooms have sickened at least 39 people and killed three, according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Foraging for wild mushrooms can be dangerous, especially for the inexperienced. The problem is that poisonous wild mushrooms can look much like edible mushrooms. Illness onset dates range from November 18, 2025 to January 18, 2026. The counties where patients live include Alameda, Contra Costa, Monterey, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Sacramento, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sonoma. About 60% of the patients spoke Spanish as their primary language. During California's rainy season, wild mushrooms start to grow in many areas of the state. The two most toxic are the Death Cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides) and the Western … [Read more...]
After Arizona Fair E. coli Outbreak Bill Introduced For Handwashing Stations
After the Arizona fair E. coli outbreak, that sickened an unknown number of children, a bill has been introduced to the Arizona Senate requiring handwashing stations at petting zoos and animal exhibits. SB 1082 was introduced by Senator Kavanaugh. The state fair was held from September 19 to October 26, 2025. The bill would mandate that operators of these types of attractions must make sure that visitors wash their hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer right after leaving any area where animals are accessible to the public. In addition, an official would have to be present to supervise this process. And a sign must be prominently displayed at all entrances and exits containing this statement: "For the safety of all persons, participants must wash their hands on … [Read more...]
