Latest news with #Boar'sHead
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Recalled Mayonnaise That Tragically Led To One Death
We've covered some of the deadliest food recalls in U.S. history, including the 2024 Boar's Head listeria outbreak that led to the deaths of 10 people. While not quite as lethal, a botulism outbreak involving mayonnaise in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, resulted in the death of one person among 75 who fell ill after eating the contaminated condiment. The May 2024 incident occurred at Riyadh's Hamburgini restaurant, and the outbreak was attributed to a brand of mayonnaise called Bon Tum. As a result of an investigation conducted by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Hamburgini was shut down, the manufacturer of the condiment was ordered to cease production, and the product was removed from all establishments and discarded. While the manufacturer of Bon Tum mayonnaise was ultimately found responsible for the outbreak, and unscrupulous food inspectors allegedly attempted to conceal and destroy evidence, questions remain as to whether food safety practices at Hamburgini contributed to the tragic event since only those who dined at the restaurant fell ill. On Reddit, a commenter wondered whether high temperatures and improper storage of the mayo were factors in the botulism infections that occurred, stating, "The main concern wasn't the type of or cost cutting of the mayonnaise but that it was a large tub probably being used over a number of days, this is basic mishandling of mayonnaise in the warm weather." Read more: We Tried 19 Sauces From Hot Ones, Here's How They Rank Botulism results from ingesting a certain strain of bacteria that produces a dangerous toxin that can cause significant nerve damage. Early treatment with an antitoxin can prevent lasting damage, but medical attention must be sought immediately to avoid serious and potentially life-threatening effects. In the case of the Hamburgini outbreak, authorities were mulling fines against the restaurant for its part in the incident, but it's not clear what sort of legal actions took place, if any. While Hamburgini shut down temporarily, it has since re-opened. The establishment currently has a good rating on Tripadvisor, though recent reviews aren't exactly glowing. (One person complains that their food was cold, while another states, "Very bad burger ... If there was -5 stars I would've given that.") As for Bon Tum, there's no information online regarding the mayonnaise, which could mean that the product has been permanently discontinued in the aftermath of the outbreak. While avoiding green potatoes and recognizing restaurant red flags can reduce your risk of foodborne illness, the Hamburgini outbreak shows that consumers can only do so much to protect themselves from harm. Read the original article on Mashed.
Economic Times
22-05-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Beware! Food-borne illnesses in US at surge: These 10 items are ‘riskiest' foods of 2024
A concerning spike in food-related illnesses has been recorded with a 41 per cent rise in outbreaks compared to the previous year, a United States study stated. It was conducted by the US Public Interest Research Group Education Fund and stated that the number of hospitalisations doubled from 230 in 2023 to 487 in 2024. Additionally, deaths related to food contamination rose from eight to 19. Food scientists, as per reports, said that most of the items on the list have environments which allow bacteria to grow. Listeria is particularly concerning since it grows even in colder temperatures. Consumer Reports, which tests consumer products and monitors food safety, released its annual report on hazardous foods of the past year. The items that have been included in the list are based on illnesses they are associated with, scale of recalls and deaths it caused. Also Read : Starbucks' new summer menu for 2025 is here! Avail the limited-time items while they last Deli Meat – As per Consumer Reports, deli meat is linked to Listeria outbreak via Boar's Head products. Listeria can thrive in refrigerated settings which makes cold cuts a risky food item, even after cooking it. Cucumbers – The veggie was involved in a major Salmonella outbreak and as per a USA Today report, experts recommended thoroughly rinsing fresh produce and practising good kitchen hygiene. Raw Dairy – Consumer Reports stated that unpasteurised milk and cheese(s) could be carriers of Salmonella and E. coli. Consumers were urged to opt for pasteurised alternatives, which were termed safer and equally nutritious. Cotija & Queso Fresco – Cotija and Queso are moist cheeses which can harbour Listeria even when made with pasteurised milk, the report stated. Pregnant persons and those with weak immune systems were urged to avoid consuming it. Eggs – Eggs can carry Salmonella, which has been a continuous source of worry. Experts have advised consumers to use pasteurised eggs and cook it thoroughly. They have advised against using eggs with cracked shells. Onions – The fast-food chain McDonald's had to recall a major batch of onions after they were linked to an E. coli outbreak. This is why experts, as per Consumer Report, advise rinsing raw onions and cook them. Leafy Greens – Reportedly, green, leafy veggies, especially romaine lettuce, were involved in E. coli outbreaks. The reason for them becoming carriers is often contaminated water. It is advised for high-risk individuals to avoid consuming them without cooking it. Carrots – Due to it being a root veggie, carrots can become carriers of diseases if the soil or irrigation water carry pathogens. This came to light after a major recall by Grimmway Farms. Basil – Fresh herbs like basil can also carry pathogens, if not washed properly. Ready-to-Eat Poultry & Meat – The ready-to-eat poultry and meat can pick up bacteria even after it's been cooked, if it is not stored properly or handled appropriately, making it one of the top 10 risky food items. According to the USA Today report, Boars' Head had to recall nearly 7.2 million pounds of product after a deadly Listeria outbreak, which killed 10. They had to close a plant in Virginia. Similar issues were spotted with ready-to-eat meats from BrucePac. Similarly, in concerns to produce, contaminated cucumbers caused salmonella infections in 113 people across 23 states while leafy greens, baby carrots, and even onions used by McDonald's were linked to E. coli Raw Farm's raw dairy sickened over 165 people while Rizo-Lopez Foods had to shut their shop after their cheese was linked to years-long listeria Taylor, Senior Manager at NSF, said that the federal government estimated nearly 48 million Americans get sick from food-borne illness every year. Food items like sprouts, leafy greens, deli meats and cheeses require extra caution. Also Read : Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolve NBA Game 1: Schedule, key stats, live streaming, prediction Although the food items have been labelled 'risky', you don't necessarily have to avoid it entirely. It only means being extra cautious while consuming them to minimise contamination risks. Experts have suggested thoroughly washing produce, cooking meats to recommended internal temperatures, avoiding raw dairy and practising good hygiene in the also advised staying informed about safe food practices from trustworthy sources, like the CDC. 1. Are deli meats or cheeses safe to eat if they're on the risk list? Yes, but cautiously. Professionals recommend that deli meats and soft cheeses such as cotija or queso fresco be well-cooked before eating. 2. Why is raw dairy unsafe even if it is from a clean farm? Raw milk is unpasteurized, so dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli can still be present. Disclaimer Statement: This content is authored by a 3rd party. The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). ET does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of its contents nor is responsible for them in any manner whatsoever. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified. ET hereby disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the report and any content therein.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Beware! Food-borne illnesses in US at surge: These 10 items are ‘riskiest' foods of 2024
A concerning spike in food-related illnesses has been recorded with a 41 per cent rise in outbreaks compared to the previous year, a United States study stated. It was conducted by the US Public Interest Research Group Education Fund and stated that the number of hospitalisations doubled from 230 in 2023 to 487 in 2024. Additionally, deaths related to food contamination rose from eight to 19. Food scientists, as per reports, said that most of the items on the list have environments which allow bacteria to grow. Listeria is particularly concerning since it grows even in colder temperatures. Top 10 risky food items of 2024 Consumer Reports , which tests consumer products and monitors food safety, released its annual report on hazardous foods of the past year. The items that have been included in the list are based on illnesses they are associated with, scale of recalls and deaths it caused. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cambodia: Unsold Sofas at Bargain Prices (View Current Prices) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo Also Read : Starbucks' new summer menu for 2025 is here! Avail the limited-time items while they last Here are the top 10 risky food items: Live Events Deli Meat – As per Consumer Reports, deli meat is linked to Listeria outbreak via Boar's Head products. Listeria can thrive in refrigerated settings which makes cold cuts a risky food item, even after cooking it. Cucumbers – The veggie was involved in a major Salmonella outbreak and as per a USA Today report, experts recommended thoroughly rinsing fresh produce and practising good kitchen hygiene. Raw Dairy – Consumer Reports stated that unpasteurised milk and cheese(s) could be carriers of Salmonella and E. coli. Consumers were urged to opt for pasteurised alternatives, which were termed safer and equally nutritious. Cotija & Queso Fresco – Cotija and Queso are moist cheeses which can harbour Listeria even when made with pasteurised milk, the report stated. Pregnant persons and those with weak immune systems were urged to avoid consuming it. Eggs – Eggs can carry Salmonella, which has been a continuous source of worry. Experts have advised consumers to use pasteurised eggs and cook it thoroughly. They have advised against using eggs with cracked shells. Onions – The fast-food chain McDonald's had to recall a major batch of onions after they were linked to an E. coli outbreak. This is why experts, as per Consumer Report, advise rinsing raw onions and cook them. Leafy Greens – Reportedly, green, leafy veggies, especially romaine lettuce, were involved in E. coli outbreaks. The reason for them becoming carriers is often contaminated water. It is advised for high-risk individuals to avoid consuming them without cooking it. Carrots – Due to it being a root veggie, carrots can become carriers of diseases if the soil or irrigation water carry pathogens. This came to light after a major recall by Grimmway Farms. Basil – Fresh herbs like basil can also carry pathogens, if not washed properly. Ready-to-Eat Poultry & Meat – The ready-to-eat poultry and meat can pick up bacteria even after it's been cooked, if it is not stored properly or handled appropriately, making it one of the top 10 risky food items. Why were these foods recalled? According to the USA Today report, Boars' Head had to recall nearly 7.2 million pounds of product after a deadly Listeria outbreak, which killed 10. They had to close a plant in Virginia. Similar issues were spotted with ready-to-eat meats from BrucePac. Similarly, in concerns to produce, contaminated cucumbers caused salmonella infections in 113 people across 23 states while leafy greens, baby carrots, and even onions used by McDonald's were linked to E. coli outbreaks. Additionally, Raw Farm's raw dairy sickened over 165 people while Rizo-Lopez Foods had to shut their shop after their cheese was linked to years-long listeria outbreak. Matthew Taylor, Senior Manager at NSF, said that the federal government estimated nearly 48 million Americans get sick from food-borne illness every year. Food items like sprouts, leafy greens, deli meats and cheeses require extra caution. Also Read : Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolve NBA Game 1: Schedule, key stats, live streaming, prediction Can you still eat these foods safely? Although the food items have been labelled 'risky', you don't necessarily have to avoid it entirely. It only means being extra cautious while consuming them to minimise contamination risks. Experts have suggested thoroughly washing produce, cooking meats to recommended internal temperatures, avoiding raw dairy and practising good hygiene in the kitchen. Experts also advised staying informed about safe food practices from trustworthy sources, like the CDC. FAQs 1. Are deli meats or cheeses safe to eat if they're on the risk list? Yes, but cautiously. Professionals recommend that deli meats and soft cheeses such as cotija or queso fresco be well-cooked before eating. 2. Why is raw dairy unsafe even if it is from a clean farm? Raw milk is unpasteurized, so dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli can still be present.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
These are the 10 riskiest foods right now that can lead to health crisis
The United States experienced a significant surge in foodborne illnesses , with a 41 percent increase in recalls compared to the previous year, according to the US Public Interest Research Group (US PIRG) Education Fund, a nonprofit organization that conducts research and public education on issues affecting consumer health, safety, and the environment. Reports identified the following as the 10 riskiest foods based on the number of illnesses, deaths, and recalls: Deli Meats by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Deli meats like ham and turkey are prone to Listeria, a dangerous bacterium that can survive in cold storage. A deadly outbreak in 2024 linked to Boar's Head led to 10 deaths and millions of pounds in recalls. The issue lies in how these meats are processed and stored, making them vulnerable to contamination. Cucumbers Cucumbers were tied to a Salmonella outbreak that sickened over 100 people across 23 states. Because they're eaten raw and grown close to the ground, they can easily pick up bacteria from contaminated soil or water. Washing helps, but doesn't guarantee safety if the bacteria are internal. Live Events Raw Dairy Raw (unpasteurized) milk and cream can carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria. In 2024, raw milk from Raw Farm caused an outbreak that sickened 171 people. Pasteurization kills these germs, which is why raw dairy is illegal in some states and not recommended by health experts. Cotija and Queso Fresco Cheeses These soft cheeses, often made from raw milk, have been linked to long-running Listeria outbreaks. In one case, products from Rizo-López Foods caused illnesses and deaths over nearly a decade before a massive recall. Even when stored properly, they can harbor dangerous bacteria. Eggs Eggs can become contaminated with Salmonella, especially if the shells are cracked or improperly cleaned. Though outbreaks have decreased over the years, 2024 saw a spike tied to improperly handled eggs. Cooking eggs fully and storing them in the fridge helps reduce the risk. Onions Slivered onions used in McDonald's burgers were connected to an E. coli outbreak in 2024. Contamination can happen in the field through dirty irrigation water or animal waste. Because they're often eaten raw, they can pass harmful bacteria straight to consumers. Leafy Greens Spinach, lettuce, and other greens frequently show up in foodborne illness outbreaks, often involving E. coli. These crops are hard to wash thoroughly, and contamination from water or nearby livestock is common. Multiple outbreaks tied to salads occurred in 2024. Organic Carrots Organic baby carrots were involved in E. coli outbreaks, possibly due to fertilizer or runoff from livestock areas. While organic produce is often thought of as 'healthier,' it still carries the same contamination risks as conventional produce. Thorough washing is essential. Organic Basil Fresh herbs like basil are often hand-harvested and minimally processed, which can allow bacteria to stay on the leaves. In 2024, basil was recalled due to Salmonella concerns. Because it's added raw to dishes, any bacteria present go straight into your food. Ready-to-Eat/Cooked Poultry and Meat Pre-cooked meats like rotisserie chicken or frozen cooked patties can still carry Listeria if not handled or stored properly. A large 2024 recall involved millions of pounds of contaminated meat from BrucePac. These foods should always be reheated to a safe temperature before eating. These foods were linked to outbreaks of Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli. For instance, Boar's Head recalled over 7 million pounds of deli meats due to Listeria contamination, resulting in 10 deaths and 59 hospitalizations across 19 states. Similarly, slivered onions served at McDonald's were associated with an E. coli outbreak that sickened 104 people in 14 states, leading to 34 hospitalizations and one death. Experts emphasize that while these foods have been associated with outbreaks, they are not inherently dangerous if handled and prepared correctly. How to stay safe? Proper food safety practices , such as thoroughly washing produce, cooking meats to recommended temperatures, and avoiding cross-contamination, can significantly reduce risks. Martin Bucknavage, a senior food safety extension associate at Penn State, noted that companies involved in outbreaks often implement stricter safety measures afterward, making their products safer than before. Consumers are advised to stay informed about food recalls through FDA and USDA updates and to exercise caution, especially if they belong to high-risk groups.
USA Today
18-05-2025
- Health
- USA Today
These foods were named the '10 riskiest to eat right now.' Why you shouldn't freak out.
These foods were named the '10 riskiest to eat right now.' Why you shouldn't freak out. Show Caption Hide Caption Why food recalls are increasing metal and even a dead bat have been found in recalled food. In fact, food recalls are increasing. Yet, that might actually be a good sign. Here's why. USA TODAY Food-related illnesses are on the rise, having jumped 41% compared to the previous year, thanks to a large rash of recalls, according to watchdog group U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund. This trend comes in the wake of highly publicized foodborne illness outbreaks, such as the one linked to McDonald's in fall of last year. Consumer Reports, the nonprofit known for testing and monitoring consumer-facing policy and products, released its annual risky food report in April, naming the 10 foods of 2024 that were subject to the most recalls and/or associated with the largest illness outbreaks. Salmonella, listeria and E. coli were attached to the entries, which cited specific outbreaks that occurred last year in relation to foods like deli meat, certain produce and dairy. With major funding and staffing cuts curtailing the federal agencies responsible for overseeing, inspecting, and testing the U.S. food supply for safety, keeping the industry properly regulated is becoming increasingly challenging. As a result, consumers may have to take more responsibility than ever in identifying possible risks associated with certain foods. However, this does not mean you have to permanently swear off deli sandwiches, cucumber salads or McDonald's cheeseburgers. Here's what to know. What foods did the report list as the riskiest? The Consumer Reports list was made based on the number of illnesses and deaths related to food contamination in 2024, how widespread the outbreaks were, the number of recalls and the amount of food recalled. The report cited major recalls and outbreaks of 2024, such as the deadly listeria outbreak attributed to Boar's Head meats and the McDonald's E. coli outbreak linked to the onions on some of its burgers. Consumer Reports ranked the risky foods as follows: Deli Meat Cucumbers Raw dairy Cotija and queso fresco cheese Eggs Onions Leafy greens Organic carrots Organic basil Ready-to-eat/cooked poultry and meat Were all these foods recalled last year? Why are they "risky"? All of the foods on the above list were linked to some sort of recall or outbreak in 2024. Deli meat had an exceptionally rough year as the Boar's Head listeria outbreak not only killed 10 people and forced the company to recall 7.2 million pounds of product, but it also prompted the indefinite closure of an entire plant in Jarratt, Virginia last summer. Deli meat is somewhat of a "risky" food as it is often associated with the spread of listeria. Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium that leads to listeria poisoning or listeriosis, is a hardy germ that can survive in very low temperatures but thrives in cool and damp places. It can, and will, happily live on foods in your or your grocery store's storage area, and the process for mass-producing the meat lends itself to plenty of opportunities for contamination. The same issues apply to pre-cooked and ready-to-eat meats, like the millions of pounds recalled by BrucePac for listeria. Produce, like the cucumbers recalled due to a salmonella outbreak that infected 113 people across 23 states, the leafy greens and organic baby carrots attributed to multiple E. coli outbreaks, and the E. coli-contaminated slivered onions on McDonald's Quarter Pounders, are susceptible to spreading bacterium also as a result of how we produce them. Produce that is served fresh can become adulterated with E. coli through fecal contamination, which can occur through wastewater, water in the growing area, fertilizer and the proximity of the growing area to livestock. Eggs can be contaminated similarly when being processed if their shells have cracked. Raw dairy, which is always unsafe to consume and illegal to sell in some states, caused an outbreak of salmonella linked to producer Raw Farm, sickening at least 165 people in 2024 and sparking bird flu concerns as well. The same dangers apply to cotija and queso fresco cheese, as they are made from raw milk, and one producer, Rizo-Lopez Foods, was shut down in October after its cheeses were linked to a years-long listeria outbreak that killed two people and made dozens of others sick. Dairy pasteurization, or heating milk products to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria, became routine in the commercial milk supply in the U.S. in the 1920s and was widespread by the 1950s. As a result, illnesses commonly spread via milk, such as listeriosis, diphtheria and tuberculosis, became less prevalent. Recent misinformation trends, however, have caused a resurgence in people seeking out and consuming raw dairy. Is it safe to eat any of these foods? Being considered "risky" doesn't mean these foods are forever off limits. Instead, eating and preparing them may simply entail extra care and adherence to best food safety practices. The good news, depending on how you look at it, is that safety regulations in the U.S. have historically been created and emboldened by incidents of harm such as recalls and outbreaks. Theoretically, then, the 2024 outbreaks should lead to more targeted adjustments. One expert, Martin Bucknavage, senior food safety extension associate at Penn State Department of Food Science, previously told USA TODAY shortly after the peak of the Boar's Head outbreak that it was "probably the safest time to buy Boar's Head." "For one, they shut the troubled facility down. Two, a company that has experienced an issue like this should be on high alert, checking and double-checking their systems to ensure safe product, and the USDA is definitely on high alert, ensuring that Boar's Head product being produced is safe," he said. "In fact," he continued, "this is really the history of regulations in the United States. Most food regulation changes occur in light of issues such as outbreaks." Consumers should know "there is always a level of uncertainty when consuming food, and every individual must determine their level of risk tolerance," Janet Buffer, senior institute manager for the Institute for Food Safety and Nutrition Security with The George Washington University's Milken Institute School of Public Health, previously told USA TODAY after the McDonald's outbreak. Mitigate your risk The best way to stay safe? Thoroughly wash your produce, heat meats and other foods to proper internal temperatures, wash your hands often, sanitize cooking surfaces and tools after use, properly refrigerate your foods and avoid cross-contamination of raw meats with other foods. More tips can be found at the CDC website.
