California based Plum Organics announced baby food recall of certain products sold at Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us stores. The baby food was recalled for botulism risk in apple and carrot flavored baby food due to an increased risk of botulism poisoning. The baby food comes in 4.22 ounce pouches with a “best by” date of May 21, 2010. The UPC number is 890180001221.

A food recall is a serious issue to the public health. In a statement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 76 million cases of food-borne illness occur each year in the U.S. Of all these cases, more than 325,000 individuals are subject to hospitalization and approximately 5,000 deaths occur.

Did you know that improper handling, preparation, and storage of food can be some of the common causes of food recalls?

No longer is the catchphrase "Snakes on a Plane" appropriate. We've upgraded to "Snakes on a Plate."

This story falls into the dual categories of gross and unbelievable: last week, a regular diner a New York-area TGI Friday's was appalled to find a decomposing snake head underneath his broccoli. The diner, certainly with a stronger stomach than I, was able to snap several photos of the snake with his cell phone before reporting his finding to the waiter (who gagged) and the manager (who was apologetic).

Dozens have been hospitalized from a recent Salmonella outbreak in the south west US. Unlike other recent salmonella strains, this strain has shown to be extremely resistant to antibiotics. So far health investigators do not know where this strain originated, but other recent salmonella outbreaks have come from food products packaged in unsterilized containers or poor conditions at the processing or packaging plant. Health officials suspect another food product they can not name until testing confirms their suspicion. No items can be pulled from store shelves without proof.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for nearly 15,000 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli that were produced by Texas American Food Service Corporation .

Local officials have received reports of someone who has attempted to sell ground beef to local businesses. The Texas health department said eight businesses, mostly restaurants have reported the issue, but it is not known if any other establishments have purchased the possibly tainted beef.

The over 21 million pounds of Topps frozen ground beef recall has caused greater than normal concern that E. coli-tainted meat is a major threat. In the late 1990s the meat-processing industry initiated regulations to prevent dangerous bacteria from making its way to grocery store shelves after E. coli bacteria had become a major threat.

Over 13 thousand pounds of steak and ground beef have been recalled due to another E.coli risk. Mark’s Quality Meats, Inc. is recalling beef products because they may contain the E. coli O157:H7 virus. This is a Class I recall meaning there is a reasonable chance of serious injury illness or death.

The recalled products were produced between Dec 20 and 26th and were distributed to restaurants, not retail stores for consumer purchase. The following products are subject to recall:

Boxes of Mark’s Quality Meats, Inc. BEEF FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY:
BALL TIP STEAKS
BEEF NY STRIPS

E. Coli poisoning has killed a 7-year-old New Jersey boy, and state health officials are investigating the possibility that the child contracted the illness by eating food sold at his school. E. Coli is a potentially deadly bacterium that causes bloody diarrhea and dehydration, and possibly death. Young children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems face the most danger from E. Coli. As cases of food-borne illnesses reach an all-time high, this incident once again brings attention to the poor state of food safety procedures in the US.

An Italian company, Charlie Brown di Rutigliano & Figli, has recalled olives due to fears of botulism contamination. The olives have already distributed the products to its wholesalers, which have provided them to various restaurants and retail outlets in the United States. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the company has not been aggressive or diligent enough in providing recall information to its various importers after they announced the recall late last month.

Many thousands of packages of Lean Cuisine meals are being recalled because they might in fact contain plastic. According to Nestle, their Pesto Chicken with Bow Tie Pasta, Chicken Mediterranean and Chicken Tuscan may all be contaminated with plastic and should under no circumstances be eaten.

The Food and Safety Inspection Service has stated that so far one person has been injured by the plastic that was found in these meals. The Pesto Chicken comes from a 9.5 ounce package with a production code of 8280595912 and a date that states it is Best Before May 2010.