- A major Salmonella outbreak has been confirmed in Europe. More than 100 people in 10 European countries and the United Kingdom have been infected, with Finland reporting the largest number of patients. The outbreak has been traced back to alfalfa sprouted seeds from India.
- One person has died from a Listeria infection traced to cheese made by Clover Hill Dairy LLC of Mechanicsville, MD. A total of 11 cases have been linked to cheese made by the dairy. As a result of the outbreak, Clover Hill has recalled all of its cheese products.
- The Louisiana Department of Health is investigating the source of raw milk responsible for 11 cases of infection. Two of the 11 who tested positive for campylobacteriosis and cryptosporidiosis, have been hospitalized. Under Louisiana law, raw milk may only be sold or distributed for animal or pet consumption.
- Infections from foodborne parasites are decreasing overall, but some regions of the globe are still seeing increases, according to recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO). Overall, 277 million illnesses were caused by potentially invasive parasites, with 171 million attributable to foodborne transmission. The Western Pacific is seeing the greatest increase, possibly due to increased consumption of raw or undercooked fish in Chinese urban markets or warmer, wetter weather affecting snail and fish host populations.
- The U.S. Supreme Court ruled this week that federal law preempts lawsuits at the state level over labeling of potentially carcinogenic pesticides. The decision in Monsanto Company v. Durnell overturns a Missouri jury decision in favor of a man who sued the maker of Roundup after he developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a blood cancer. The Supreme Court decision could result in the dismissal of thousands of similar lawsuits against Bayer (which acquired Roundup manufacturer Monsanto) which are currently pending in state courts.
Today’s Topic: Food Defense
Forty-two years ago, food was the weapon used in the first and largest bioterrorist attack in United States history.
It was simple, effective, and bizarre.