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Sargento Cheeses Recalled Amid Listeria Contamination Concerns
Cheese manufacturer Sargento recalled seven of its varieties of packaged cheese amid concerns of Listeria contamination. No cases of illness have been reported in conjunction with the cheese. The company recalled its cheeses after a Listeria outbreak was discovered at one of its suppliers' manufacturing plants. Its Ultra Thin Sliced Longhorn Colby and its Chef Blends Shredded Taco and Nacho Cheese varieties were flagged as being potentially contaminated. To contain any potential outbreak, Sargento also voluntarily recalled five other varieties manufactured at the same facility: Sliced Pepper Jack, Sliced Colby Jack, Off the Block Shredded Fine Cut Cheddar Jack, Off the Block Shredded Fine Cut Colby Jack, and Chef Blends Shredded Taco Cheese. Other cheeses produced at this facility were sold as Meijer's store brand, Sara Lee, and Amish Classics products.
What Can I Do if My Pet Gets Food Poisoning?
Most Americans love their pets as if they were members of their families. Dogs, cats, and other domestic animals enjoy high quality veterinary care, organic pet food, and a range of products from accessories to toys to products to keep them safe. A pet's illness or death can be quite traumatic to the animal's owner.
Recently, capecod.com published a piece discussing the danger that xylitol, a compound used to sweeten gum and other products, poses to dogs. Xylitol is found in many food items that individuals share with their pets, such as peanut butter. When a dog consumes xylitol, it can experience food poisoning symptoms.
Can I Recover Compensation for Veterinary Bills?
Yes. However, you cannot do this in the same way that you would recover compensation for a human's medical bills.
Pets and other domestic animals are considered to be personal property in the eyes of the law. If your pet suffers because of another party's negligence and you then face high medical bills, you can seek compensation for your damages through a property damage claim. Generally, courts treat pets similarly to family heirlooms and other pieces of unique property – the sentimental value of the pet and the emotional anguish felt by the owner because of the loss are considered alongside the pet's market value, which is generally quite low.
Mouse Study Finds Food Poisoning Microbe Linked to Increased Appetite
A study from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies found that a bacterial protein known as SIrP can impact the appetites of mice infected with Salmonella strains that contain the protein. Two groups of mice were infected with Salmonella, one of which was infected with bacteria that contained the protein while the other was infected with bacteria that did not. The mice that were infected with the Salmonella bacteria that did not contain SIrP ate approximately 20% less food than the rodents in the other group and were much more likely to die as a result of their infection. The researchers found that the mice infected with Salmonella that produced SIrP continued to eat at a normal rate because the SIrP blocked the signals transmitted from the hypothalamus to the stomach that normally would slow their appetites.
Food Poisoning Risks of Consuming Raw Sprouts
Certain types of food pose a greater food poisoning risk to consumers than others. Generally, foods with organic sources, such as meat, dairy, and produce products are more likely to harbor dangerous bacteria than processed foods because they are not created in controlled facilities. This does not mean that they cannot harbor harmful bacteria. Any food or consumable product can cause an individual to suffer from food poisoning if it contains harmful bacteria or foreign objects.
One type of food that receives a lot of attention for its food poisoning hazard is raw sprouts. Sprouts can harbor E.Coli and Salmonella bacteria. In the past 20 years, sprouts have been linked to at least 30 food poisoning outbreaks.
Which Sprouts are Most Dangerous to Consume?
All types of seeds and beans are collectively known as sprouts. A few examples of commonly-consumed sprouts in the United States include:
Can Alcoholic Beverages Cause Food Poisoning?
Not all instances of food poisoning are the result of eating contaminated food. Dietary supplements and beverages can contain harmful bacteria that can cause an individual to suffer from illnesses like listeriosis, salmonellosis, norovirus, and botulism. Alcoholic beverages are a bit different than other types of beverage because they are fermented and distilled, which kills any harmful bacteria contained within the liquid. This does not mean that is is impossible to become ill after consuming an alcoholic beverage. It is possible to suffer from food poisoning because of harmful bacteria in the non-alcoholic ingredients mixed into a cocktail, such as contracting listeriosis after consuming a White Russian made with cream that had not been properly refrigerated. It is also possible to contract harmful bacteria because of the way a beverage is packaged.
Botulism and Other Dangers in Alcoholic Beverages
Deli Meats Recalled Due to Listeria Concern
In early January 2017, the United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a public health warning about sliced deli products that were available at Dion's restaurants from mid-December through the first week of the new year amid listeria concerns. The meat, which included pastrami, roast beef, and sliced turkey breast, was served on pizzas, sandwiches, and salads at multiple Dion's locations. None of the food tested was found to be contaminated, but the Peter DeFries Corporation, which produced the meat products, stated that it found a cause for concern during routine testing of its equipment.
There have not been any reports of food poisoning illness from individuals who ate at Dion's restaurants during the time that the potentially contaminated meat was available. Individuals who experienced listeriosis symptoms, particularly the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems, are advised to seek medical attention.
Summer E.Coli Outbreak Linked to Cilantro
In the summer of 2016, an E.Coli outbreak in Chicago caused 52 victims to seek medical attention for their symptoms, 19 of whom needed to be hospitalized. The outbreak was linked to a Carbon Live Fire Mexican Grill location. The restaurant closed this location as well as its other Chicago store to prevent new E.Coli cases while cooperating with the Chicago Department of Public Health's investigation of the outbreak.
Initially, the food poisoning cases could not be linked to a specific food item at the restaurant. But in December 2016, the Chicago Department of Public Health positively linked the outbreak to the cilantro used at the restaurant.
Risks with Cilantro and Other Fresh Herbs and Produce
When many people think of E.Coli, they think of contaminated beef. E.coli is a group of bacteria that can be found in human and animal intestines and if an individual consumes meat from an animal infected with E.Coli, he or she can suffer from E.Coli poisoning.
E.Coli Outbreak Linked to Bridgeport Restaurant
In the summer of 2016, 25 Chicago residents fell ill with symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing E.Coli (STEC), five of whom had to be hospitalized. STEC is one of many strains of E.Coli that exist, all of which can cause food poisoning symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. STEC outbreaks are the most commonly-reported type of E.Coli outbreak.
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) linked this particular STEC outbreak to Carbon Live Fire Mexican Grill. The restaurant voluntarily closed after the outbreak was discovered and cooperated with the CDPH with its investigation. STEC is transmitted through the consumption of contaminated foods, which are often raw milk, undercooked beef, and raw, unwashed produce. The investigation did not determine which specific food product became contaminated and caused this outbreak.
Symptoms of STEC Infection
Vegan Macaroni and Cheese Recalled Due to Undeclared Dairy
Boulder Brands, Inc. has issued a recall of all boxes of its Earth Balance brand vegan macaroni and cheese because the product could potentially contain undeclared dairy. The product is available in two varieties: Vegan White Cheddar Mac & Cheese and Vegan Cheddar Mac & Cheese. Both varieties have been recalled. The recall includes all boxes set to expire in 2017.
Consumer have many different reasons for choosing vegan food. Some opt to live a vegan lifestyle due to their personal ethics, feeling that it is unethical to consume animal products. Others choose vegan food because of a dairy allergy – seeing the word “vegan” on a package should, ideally, be an easy shorthand for an individual seeking food products that do not contain any dairy or other animal derivatives. Others, still, choose vegan as a way of reducing their impact on the environment. To help consumers make informed choices and avoid products that could potentially cause them to become ill, food manufacturers are required to label their products' ingredients and whether they contain any known allergens. An allergic reaction can be similar to an illness resulting from food poisoning.
Fairway Market Recalls Candy Corn Over Undeclared Allergen
In December 2016, Fairway Market of New York announced its recall of its store brand candy corn because the product could contain egg, despite the packaging not stating this. So far, one individual has reported suffering an allergic reaction from consuming Fairway candy corn. Individuals with egg allergies who have purchased this product are advised to return it to the store for a refund or throw it in the trash.
Fairway Market operates specialty food stores in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, many specialty products are sold under the store's own brand. This recall came before more victims fell ill as a result of an undeclared allergen, which can be as dangerous as suffering from food poisoning.
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