There is a possible hepatitis A exposure at two restaurants in Westbrook, Maine, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC). A food worker worked at those establishments while infectious. The restaurants are Legends Rest Taproom and Paper City BBQ, which are both located at 855 Maine Street in Westbrook. The dates where the employee was working are: January 14, January 17 to the 21st, January 24 to the 28th, January 31, and February 2, 3, and 4 in 2024. Anyone who ate there or ordered takeout from those locations during those dates could have been exposed to the virus. Unfortunately, the hepatitis A vaccine is most effective when given within two weeks of exposure. That means that anyone who ate there or ate food prepared at those establishments … [Read more...]
ShopRite Hepatitis A Exposure on Oxford in Northeast Philadelphia
A possible ShopRite hepatitis A exposure on Oxford Street in Northeast Philadelphia has prompted a warning from the Philadelphia Department of Health. A person who worked at that store, located at 6301 Oxford Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was contagious. No more reports of illness have been received by officials to date. Anyone who handled raw beef or pork or who ate undercooked raw beef or pork that was purchased from the store's meat counter between January 4 and January 21, 2024 may have been exposed to the virus. Anyone who has completed the hepatitis A vaccine regimen, or who has had the disease in the past should be protected. The vaccine will protect if it is given within two weeks of exposure. Since the first potential exposure occurred 22 days ago, anyone who … [Read more...]
FDA Warns Tejocote Root Supplements Could Be Yellow Oleander
The FDA is warning consumers that some Tejocote Root supplements could instead be yellow oleander, which is a poisonous plant. In September 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a report of several tejocote root products that were substituted with toxic yellow oleander. The FDA has tested nine products, and found that they do contain yellow oleander. Ingesting yellow oleander can cause serious health problems and can be fatal. The plant affects the neurological system, the gastrointestinal system, and the cardiovascular system. Symptoms of yellow oleander poisoning include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cardiac changes, dysrhythmia, and more. The products the government is warning about are usually sold online through third … [Read more...]
Pennsylvania Sues Farmer Amos Miller For Illegal Raw Milk Sales
The state of Pennsylvania sues farmer Amos Miller to stop the illegal distribution of raw milk and other products, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry and the state's Department of Agriculture. The complaint is against Miller's Organic farm, its owners, and related businesses. Earlier this month, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture searched the farm after two people were sickened with E. coli infections after allegedly consuming eggnog made with raw milk from that facility. The lawsuit was filed after "years of attempts by state and federal officials to bring the farm into compliance with the law," according to the Attorney General. The complaint outlines violations of Pennsylvania’s Milk Sanitation Law, Food Safety Act, Retail Food Facility … [Read more...]
5 Star Nutrition Distributed Misbranded Dietary Supplements
According to the Justice Department, Defyned Brands, also known as 5 Star Nutrition, distributed misbranded dietary supplements. The company pled guilty to a three count information charging it with that action. The company admitted that from September 2018 to July 2020, it delivered into interstate commerce misbranded dietary supplements, which are considered a type of food under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The specific admission was that shipments of products known as Epivar, Alpha Shredded, and Laxobolic were misbranded. They allegedly contained ingredients that were mislabeled as supplements or were not listed on the product label. The products were marketed as dietary supplements. They were sold at 5 Star Nutrition Retail locations. The company has agreed to … [Read more...]
Victor Pet Food Salmonella Outbreak Ends With Seven Sick
The Victor Pet Food Salmonella outbreak has ended with at least seven people sick in seven states, according to the CDC. One person was hospitalized. Several types and brands of dog and cat food were recalled in relation to this outbreak. The recalled pet foods were Mid America Pet Food, all dog and cat food with best by dates before 10/31/2024 and multiple bag sizes including: 5 pounds, 15 pounds, 16 pounds, 30 pounds, 40 pounds, and 50 pounds. Also recalled was Victor Hi-Pro Plus dog food in 5 pound bags with lot code 1000016385 and best by date 4/30/2024 Also recalled was Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Select Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula in 5 pound, 15 pound, and 40 pound bags. The best by date for those products is 6/12/2024 and the lot numbers are 1000016890, 1000016891, … [Read more...]
When Should You See a Doctor if You Get Food Poisoning?
When should you see a doctor when you get food poisoning? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has information you need to know. First, you need to know the symptoms of common foodborne pathogens, such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, norovirus, Staphylococcus, and Campylobacter. Most pathogens cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea that can be bloody, fever, nausea, stomach and abdominal pain, and muscle aches. Listeria is a bit different: the serious symptoms for that infection include a high fever, stiff neck, and severe headache. Some people should always see a doctor if they get sick, even if symptoms aren't very severe. That group includes pregnant women, the elderly, anyone with a chronic illness such as diabetes, and people who have … [Read more...]
Consent Decree Filed Against Cali Rice For Violations of the FDCA
A consent decree was filed by the FDA against Cali Rice for manufacturing food in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). The civil complaint was filed on October 11, 2023, and the government alleged that Cali Rice Valley Inc. violated the law at the company's facility in Antioch, California, and in its previous facility in San Francisco by manufacturing and distributing adulterated food products. Cali Rice makes ready to eat rice noodles, packaged in retail and bulk sizes, along with bakery products. The company allegedly did not conduct an adequate hazard analysis or establishment and implement preventive controls, leaving their food at risk of contamination with pathogens. The complaint also alleges that the FDA inspected the company's facilities four … [Read more...]
The Exclusive Poultry Illegally Hired Children For Dangerous Jobs
The Exclusive Poultry illegally hired children for dangerous jobs, robbed workers of wages, and retaliated by firing employees, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The California poultry processor has agreed to pay nearly $3.8 million in back wages, damages, and penalties. Investigators found that The Exclusive Poultry and related companies established by the owner allegedly employed children as young as 14 to debone poultry using sharp knives and to operate power-driven lifts to move pallets. The children also worked excessive hours in violation of federal child labor laws. In addition, the company retaliated against workers who cooperated with investigators by cutting their wages. The Exclusive Poultry and owner Tony Bran are subject to a consent judgment entered by … [Read more...]
Keep Pets Safe From Holiday Hazards With Tips From FDA
Keep pets safe from holiday hazards with these tips from the FDA. There are many smells, sights, and sounds that may be unfamiliar to curious dogs and cats this time of year, and some can be hazardous to your pet's health. Salt dough ornaments and homemade play dough can be fatal to pets if eaten. The high salt content is the concern. Make sure that you warn your children to keep these items away from your dog or cats as well. One cup of salt is 48 teaspoons. A pet that weighs 10 pounds can get sick after eating just 1/2 teaspoon of table salt. A 1-1/2 teaspoon dose can be fatal. Tinsels and ribbons are also problematic. The sparkly and wiggly items look like prey, and they can cause serious stomach and intestinal damage to dogs and cats. Keep tinsel off the tree and collect all … [Read more...]
