Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) has been detected at dangerous levels in Hood Canal, Washington. Lab testing detected lethal levels of the poison in shellfish samples that were collected near Union, as well as high levels in surrounding areas. PSP is a naturally occurring marine toxin that is produced by a specific algae. Since shellfish are … Read more
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is offering Memorial Day weekend food safety reminders to help keep you safe. This weekend is traditionally the start of the picnic and barbecue season, although the holiday itself is solemn. First, remember to always wash your hands before preparing food, before eating, and before packing … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
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, … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more