Quick Bites
- The European Food Safety Authority and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported increases in the number of illnesses related to food contamination in 2024. The top dangers came from Campylobacter, Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria. Cases of listeriosis caused by Listeria infections saw the highest percentage of hospitalizations and deaths.
- Evidence now shows the outbreak of infant botulism in ByHeart infant formula began in December 2023, much earlier than previously thought. None of the 51 infants affected by the outbreak across 19 states have died but all have been admitted to hospitals.
- Legislation to create a single food safety agency in the United States was reintroduced by four Democrats in Congress this week. Since Democrats are in the minority in both chambers, the Federal Food Administration Act may not move far in this session, but it keeps food safety on the congressional agenda.
- Salmonella contamination led to the recall of Doughy brand cookie dough that had been sold in 15 states. The recalled cookie dough is considered a Class 1 risk, the highest level of concern for the FDA.
Today’s Topic: Salmonella In Poultry
Just like a twisted joke, there is an element of truth in those short Internet videos depicting people wearing hazmat suits to cook a chicken in their home kitchens.
The truth is, Salmonella is dangerous, and you cannot be too careful. Hazmat suits are optional.
Poultry is the leading source of Salmonella infections in humans. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that there are 125,000 chicken-associated and almost 43,000 turkey-associated foodborne Salmonella illnesses per year.