October 2012

This case has saved a lot of illnesses and deaths in consumers of ground beef over the last two decades.  It has also saved the beef industry – although it likely would not admit it.

It is worth the full read.

I. BACKGROUND

On October 17, 1994, the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) announced

Here we go again!

Last Friday the Division of Public Health of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services in collaboration with Local Health Departments is investigating an outbreak of E. coli infection in 101 people who attended the Cleveland County Fair. Preliminary findings suggest animal exposure may be the source of this outbreak.  As of 1 p.m. Friday, 62 children and 39 adults are known to be/have been affected by this outbreak. Thirteen individuals have been or are currently hospitalized. One child died.

Now Cowlitz County Health and Human Services is investigating one confirmed case and one probable case (laboratory confirmation pending) of illness caused by E. coli O157:H7 bacteria in children that visited the Willow Grove Gardens Pumpkin Patch and petting zoo. The two children became ill after visiting the farm earlier this month. One of the children was hospitalized for several days but is now recovering.

As I have said before – is it time to ban petting zoos?

I can hear the wailing and gnashing of teeth over such an un-American suggestion.
Continue Reading E. coli and Petting Zoos Don’t Mix

The CDC reports that a total of 22 persons infected with the outbreak-associated strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from 13 states and the District of Columbia. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: California (3), Colorado (1), District of Columbia (1), Maryland (3), Massachusetts (1), Minnesota (1), Nebraska

As Salmonella infections linked to turtles continue to be reported across the United States, Petco™ has responded with their “turtle relinquishment program” in joint partnership with Concordia Turtle Farm. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is encouraging anyone who has an aquatic turtle under the federally mandated four-inch carapace length to relinquish them in hopes

Well, I woke up to snow this morning while parts of the world had either Salmonella or E. coli.

Dutch food safety officials have announced and increase of 76 patients with Salmonella Thompson infection. There is now a total of 1,026 people sickened by Foppen smoked. The US CDC has reported nearly 100 Salmonella Thompson

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Environmental Health Officers from Belfast City Council are continuing to investigate an outbreak of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157 linked to Flicks restaurant in Cityside Mall, 100-150 York Street, Belfast. As of 3pm on Wednesday 24 October 2012, there were 124 confirmed cases and 166 probable cases. The increase

A total of 38 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Bredeney have been reported from 20 states. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Arizona (1), California (7), Connecticut (3), Illinois (1), Louisiana (1), Massachusetts (3), Maryland (1), Michigan (1), Minnesota (1), Missouri (2), Nevada (1), New Jersey