We want to trust that products on store shelves or in restaurants are safe for consumption. Most of the time, they are. But when they are not, the results can be dangerous or potentially deadly. Here are just a few recent news stories regarding contaminated products.      

Listeria in Processed Meats

72,000 pounds of meat were recalled after a listeria outbreak. Eleven people across four states reported the illness, nine of whom were hospitalized. Sadly, the infection was responsible for two infant deaths in California. These numbers could be higher as not everyone goes to the hospital, so their illnesses go unreported.   

Routine testing by the Food Safety and Inspection Service uncovered the tainted products from Yu Shang Food, Inc. They were able to identify the outbreak strain with genetic sequencing. The USDA issued a list of recall identifiers on meat products sold in supermarkets and online between March and October.   

In another instance, listeria was recently discovered in mustard greens from Baker Farms in Norman Park, Georgia. The 16-ounce bags were shipped to stores in Florida, Texas, and seven other states.  

Listeria is particularly dangerous for pregnant women and newborns. It greatly increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns. In older adults, listeria causes an increased chance of meningitis or serious bloodstream infections. People with weakened or compromised immune systems are also very susceptible to the disease. Symptoms can be flu-like, such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, and confusion. These are serious and potentially life-threatening infections that could result in death or miscarriage. Anyone who displays these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.    

Salmonella Contamination in Kirkland Eggs

Handsome Brooks Farms implemented a voluntary egg recall in late November. Kirkland Organic Pasture Raised 24-count Eggs were removed from store shelves in several states after the company discovered potential salmonella contamination. These eggs were not originally intended for retail sale; they were mistakenly packaged and delivered. The company claims it is implementing new training and control protocols to prevent future incidents like this one.  

The recall affected 25 Costco stores across states such as Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. In all, Costco pulled 10,800 units from their shelves.   

No illnesses have been reported from the contaminated eggs as of yet. Salmonella poisoning can be serious and potentially fatal, especially for young children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, it can also cause severe illnesses like endocarditis, arthritis, and arterial infections.  

Salmonella in Cucumbers

Salmonella has also been reported in cucumbers across an extensive list of states and Canadian provinces. The cucumbers originated from Arizona company SunFed and other importers. They were shipped to 26 states, but the FDA believes they may have reached consumers in additional states via food service and retail outlets.  

Walmart recalled the cucumbers from select stores in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. Wegman’s and Costco also implemented recalls on the affected American slicer cucumbers. In addition, Albertsons issued a recall of vegetable trays and platters, salad and lettuce mixes, and sliced cucumbers at Albertsons, Randalls, and Tom Thumb stores in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas.  

No deaths have been reported with the recalled cucumbers, but 68 people who consumed them reported illness. Eighteen of those were hospitalized.  

Salmonella often enters the food chain through workers who do not wash their hands. It can also spread when contaminated water is used to water crops. Symptoms can present anywhere from six hours to six days after initial exposure.   

E-Coli in Broccoli, Carrots, and Mixed Vegetables

E-Coli has recently been detected in several brands of vegetable medleys, organic whole carrots, and baby carrots. The tainted products were quickly pulled from store shelves, and consumers were urged to check their refrigerators and freezers to ensure they did not purchase the items in question. Brand names in this recall include 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Grimmway Farms, Marketside, Nature’s Promise, O Organics, President’s Choice, Simple Truth, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, and Wholesome Pantry. An estimated 39 consumers across 18 states became sick from the affected products. Fifteen were hospitalized, while 1 in California passed away.  

McDonald’s Quarter Pounders Linked to Recent E-Coli Outbreak

Recently, McDonald’s had to recall products across several states due to an outbreak of E. coli. Locations across the US were affected. The CDC released a food safety alert in October regarding the incident.   

The outbreak was linked to the slivered onions that top McDonald’s quarter-pounder hamburgers. The onions were traced back to a single source. The contaminated onions were discovered in 900 McDonald’s locations across 14 states, including Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, and New Mexico.  One hundred four people were affected in total, 34 of whom were hospitalized. The E. coli contamination resulted in 1 death.   

McDonald’s immediately recalled its burgers until the source could be verified. Quarter Pounders were added back to menus and they are now receiving its slivered onions from a different supplier.   

In a more recent case, a six-year-old girl died due to E. Coli after eating a McDonald’s cheeseburger in Massachusetts. The family stopped at McDonald’s for a bite to eat on Halloween night, just before going trick-or-treating. Her mother claimed the cheeseburger was the only thing the daughter ate that differed from her brothers, who did not get sick. The child later began complaining about her stomach and throwing up. She died just days later.   

McDonald’s claims the diced onions used on cheeseburgers are not the same as the recalled slivered onions used on quarter-pounders. They also noted that the child’s death happened nine days after the contaminated onions were removed from their restaurants.   

McDonald’s contacted the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, third-party experts, and their supply chain team. They issued a release with the statement, “We are absolutely heartbroken for this family’s loss, and we extend our deepest sympathies. We take any and every report of a potential food safety issue seriously. Upon being made aware of this devastating report, we immediately reached out to the Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health, our own third-party experts and our supply chain team. What’s important to know is that the public health officials have not connected any reports of E. Coli to McDonald’s in Massachusetts or the broader northeast region.”   

H5N1 Bird Flu in Raw Milk

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a recall notice on a batch of raw milk found to contain Bird Flu, H5N1. The virus was detected in a retail sample. No illnesses have been reported in this instance of contaminated milk. Bird Flu was originally thought to circulate only in birds. However, it has been routinely uncovered in dairy cows as well as domestic animals such as cats, mice, and pigs. Over 55 people in the US have been infected with Bird Flu. Most of these cases involve individuals with regular contact with farmed animals. There has been at least one recent case; however, a child in California had no known contact with animals. There is still no evidence of person-to-person spread.  

More Food Recalls in Effect

The number of recent recalls linked to agriculture seems to be steadily increasing. In addition to those listed above, contaminants have been discovered in companion animal food and over 10 million breakfast foods. These are just a few of the more recent incidences of food contamination.  

Why so many recalls lately?

Experts claim that the number of recalls this year is consistent with previous years. Janell Goodwin, FDA spokesperson, assures us, “While there may be a perception of more recalls, the number of food-related recalls in FY 2024 is generally consistent with years past.” Some studies even suggest that food recalls have been in decline over the past two decades as safety regulations have increased.  

Regardless, the sheer number of recalls we have seen recently is disconcerting. Agricultural food contamination is a significant problem that affects us all. The good news is that a recall means the problem was uncovered, so steps can be taken to rectify the issue with no further harm to consumers. The bad news is that we never know when the next threat will appear or where it will come from.   

Contaminated Products and Food Safety   

There is no sure way to avoid every food contaminant, but following simple food safety procedures can help.      

Safety Procedures    

The FDA recommends four steps: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill.   

Keep hands and cooking surfaces clean at all times to avoid spreading contamination. Wash all fruits and vegetables before use. Separate foods that are most likely to contain harmful bacteria from all other foods. Use separate cutting boards, utensils, and containers. Cook all food thoroughly and maintain a consistent temperature. Cool and refrigerate foods within 1-2 hours of preparing.   

Stay Informed    

Be on the alert for any releases or guidelines posted by the CDC. This is the best way to stay informed on potential outbreaks and dangers, both food-related and otherwise.      

Know the Symptoms    

Symptoms of food-borne illnesses can appear immediately or take a few days to manifest. In most cases, however, the symptoms are similar, regardless of how long it takes them to appear. It is always best to seek medical assistance if you begin experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, and body aches.   

Eat Plant-Based Vegan Friendly Foods  

Adopting a plant-based, vegan-friendly diet can significantly lower your risk of foodborne illnesses. While there have been outbreaks linked to plant-based foods, many of these cases are traced back to contamination from the animal agriculture industry, such as through the use of contaminated water or cross-contamination during processing.

By focusing on whole, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes, you can avoid many of the risks associated with animal-derived products. Washing produce thoroughly and following proper food safety practices further reduces any potential concerns. Choosing plant-based foods is not only a healthier and safer option but also a meaningful way to support a more sustainable and ethical food system.