Alberta Health Services is currently investigating an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7. There have been 125 confirmed cases reported between July 15 and August 2o. The investigation has not confirmed the source(s) of illness related to this outbreak, but Dr. Chris Sikora, the Edmonton Zone’s medical officer of health, says that nearly 80 per cent of cases were associated with Asian-style restaurants in Edmonton and Calgary during the last two weeks of July. Sikora told CBC News that the E. coli strain seems to be isolated to Alberta, suggesting that the source could be a locally produced and distributed food. CBC also reports that 17 people have been hospitalized so far. This investigation is ongoing and involves collaboration with Alberta Health, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. E. coli infections are generally caused when a person eats food or drinks water that is contaminated with human or animal feces, or through direct contact with a person who is sick or animals that carry the bacteria. Proper hygiene and safe food handling and preparation practices are key to preventing the spread of E. coli. To reduce the risk of infection, consumers should wash hands with hot, soapy water often; cook beef to at least 160 degrees F; thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits before eating; thoroughly wash all kitchen tools and surfaces that have touched raw meat, and use only pasteurized milk, dairy and juice products.
The News Desk team at Food Safety News covers breaking developments, regulatory updates, recalls, and key topics shaping food safety today. These articles are produced collaboratively by our editorial staff.
The root cause of a large E. coli outbreak in the United Kingdom in 2024 remains unknown with authorities warning a re-emergence is possible.
Almost 300 people fell ill with
Authorities in Lithuania are investigating two cases of foodborne botulism linked to fish sold at a market.
The State Food and Veterinary Service (VMVT) conducted an inspection at a market
A second U.S. resident has died from the bird flu.
The Washington Department of Health reported that the Grays Harbor County resident was an older person who had a
7-Eleven brand sandwiches, subs and wraps are being recalled in Canada because of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
The products were distributed to 7-Eleven stores in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
Liquid Blenz Corp. of Rockville Center, NY, is recalling all codes of Good Brain Tonic because of Botulism potential.
The Good Brain Tonic was distributed nationwide in retail stores and
Fish has been connected to two separate outbreaks in the Philippines and Vanuatu.
Media reports on the number of sick people in the Philippines range from 20 to 51.
The
Soo brand Mala Spicy Flavoured Beef Jerky and Pork Jerky are being recalled in Canada because of mold on the products.
The recalled jerky was distributed in Alberta and British
