Listeria monocytogenes, commonly known as Listeria, is a bacteria that can cause foodborne illness, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Here are some of the most common questions asked about Listeria on the internet:

1. What is Listeria? Listeria is a type

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In denying a request for records related to a deadly Listeria outbreak traced to Boar’s Head deli meat, the USDA said the company is under criminal investigation.

In keeping with its standing policy, the U.S. Department of Justice has declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.

The outbreak has sickened

Continue Reading USDA says criminal investigation is underway in Boar’s Head outbreak

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is refusing to answer questions about the inspectors and testing results involved in the Boar’s Head deli meats outbreak that has killed nine people.

The Listeria outbreak has sickened at least 57 people across 18 states. All of the patients have been so

Continue Reading USDA refuses to answer questions about Boar’s Head production plant and inspections

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Department of Education and various partner organizations launched the new school year with a virtual pep rally emphasizing the critical role of food safety and nutrition in school meals. The event showcased the USDA’s dedication to enhancing the nutritional value of school meals and

Continue Reading USDA prioritizes food safety in school meals as new academic year begins

It looked like the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee might wrap up with one more meeting, but now it’s set for two.

The United States Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) joint process might be in for some renewed criticism, as RFK

Continue Reading Dietary Guidelines add two meetings that might require finishing up on controversy

Deadlines are approaching for another important governmental function involving food.  

The  Dietary Guidelines for Americans for 2025 are being worked on to provide advice on what to eat and drink to build a healthy diet that can promote healthy growth and development, help prevent diet-related chronic disease, and meet

Continue Reading The 2025 edition of Dietary Guidelines for Americans is nearing the finish line

Montana public health has reported 14 ill with one death linked to Wagu beef served in restaurants in and around Flathead county. However, the area, like most in Montana, is a tourist destination, so it will not be surprising that people from outside the state on Montana who visited during

Continue Reading Publisher’s Platform: Montana Wagu Beef E. coli Outbreak likely to grow

Illnesses: 34

Hospitalizations: 33

Deaths: 2 

States: 13 – Georgia (2), Illinois (1), Indiana (1), Massachusetts (2), Maryland (6), Minnesota (1), Missouri (2), North Carolina (1), New Jersey (2), New York (12), Pennsylvania (1), Virginia (2) and Wisconsin (1).

Range in age from 32 to 94 years

Median age of

Continue Reading Publisher’s Platform: What is up with Listeria and Boar’s Head?

Sure, I would like to ban all Salmonella from chicken, but I learned long ago that you never make progress by making “perfect the enemy of the good.” Making the three Salmonellas that are know to cause human illnesses adulterants and limiting them in poultry is a good step for

Continue Reading Publisher’s Platform: Kudos to USDA/FSIS for making progress on Salmonella and the public’s health.

Home canning is a cherished tradition for many, offering a way to preserve the bounty of the garden and enjoy it year-round. However, improper canning techniques can lead to serious health risks, including botulism, a rare but potentially deadly illness. A botulism outbreak in California earlier this year underscores the

Continue Reading The importance of safe home canning: Avoiding the dangers of improper practices