In 2013, wholesale retailer Costco faced serious liability after packages of frozen berries sold at its locations were found to contain hepatitis A. The outbreak had sweeping implications, with a class action lawsuit indicating that up to 25,000 consumers may have been exposed to the dangerous virus. The berries were…
Articles Posted in Food Contamination
New Report Names Strawberries as Most Contaminated Produce Item
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has issued a new 2016 Shopping Guide, indicating that strawberries are now the most heavily contaminated item in the produce section. According to the report, 40 percent of all strawberries contained residues from at least 10 hazardous pesticides. Some of the compounds found on the strawberries included known…
Multi-State Salmonella Outbreak Linked to RAW Meal Organic Shakes
Salmonella is one of the most dangerous pathogens haunting our food system today. The bacteria finds its way into our food through a variety of routes, including unsafe food harvesting, storage, and transportation methodologies in addition to unsafe cooking or failing to discard spoiled food. It seems like there have…
Unpasteurized Yogurt Recalled Due to Pathogens as Lawmakers Consider Regulation of Raw Dairy
The issue of whether raw milk production should be allowed in the United States has become popular in recent years. Certain consumer groups prefer raw milk products, citing studies that suggest pasteurization poses certain dangers. Individuals who oppose the consumption of raw milk state that the pathogens it can carry are…
Dole Salad Mix and Starbucks Sandwiches Tied to Listeria Outbreaks
Listeria is one of the most common pathogens that pose a threat to consumers in our food production system. Recently, two major food retailers have made headlines after listeria and other potential issues were identified in their food products. Dole Fresh Vegetables has been named in a lawsuit claiming that a…
Multistate Salmonella Outbreak Sickening 888 Linked to Mexican Cucumbers
Food contamination is a serious threat to consumers and for a good reason. The illnesses and injuries that can result from consuming contaminated food include severe illnesses, permanent life-altering conditions, and even death. One of the most notorious strains of foodborne illness is salmonella, which can enter food products through…
Whole Foods Market Recalls Pecorino Cheese Products After Positive Test for Listeria
Food recalls and food safety have been a major issue for consumers across the United States lately. When we purchase food or order food at a restaurant, we are relying on countless individuals involved in the food processing and preparation chain to use reasonable care and to ensure against contaminants. The…
FDA Issues Multiple Warning Letters to Food Facilities, Organic Macadamia Products Recalled
As Chipotle locations are reopening after multiple, multi-state foodborne illness outbreaks, consumers are becoming more concerned about whether their food is safe. According to the law, a business can be held liable for failing to use reasonable care when preparing, storing, or selling food. Under a negligence approach, the plaintiff…
Lead-Tainted Cookies Lawsuit Settles for $750,000
A lawsuit brought by the California Attorney General claiming that Nabisco Ginger Snap cookies contain nine times the amount of lead allowed according to California law has settled for $750,000. The California Attorney General, alongside 11 district attorneys, brought the action against parent company Mondelez International, originally part of Kraft…
Multiple Food Companies Announce Voluntary Recalls of Contaminated Products
A number of recent food recalls have recently made headlines, putting consumers across the country at risk of suffering serious injuries or contracting a foodborne illness. First, popular pre-washed salad and leafy green provider Fresh Express has recalled 350 cases of its baby spinach products after almond pieces were located…