According to reporting by the Associated Press, the affected products were identified during routine quality testing, prompting immediate withdrawal from the market. Authorities have not reported any confirmed illnesses linked to the contaminated jars, but investigations are ongoing to determine the source and scope of the contamination.

Contamination Detected in Routine Testing

The contamination was discovered during internal checks conducted by the manufacturer, highlighting the role of quality assurance systems in food safety monitoring. Austrian food safety regulators confirmed the presence of a toxic compound typically used in rodenticides, though specific chemical details were not publicly disclosed.

Health officials stated that even trace exposure to such substances could pose risks, particularly for infants, whose developing systems are more vulnerable to toxins. As a precautionary measure, consumers have been advised to avoid using the recalled products and return them to retailers.

An initial risk assessment suggests limited distribution of the affected batches, but authorities emphasized that testing and traceability efforts are still underway.

Infant Food Safety Under Scrutiny

The recall has intensified attention on food safety protocols in the infant nutrition sector, where regulatory standards are among the strictest in the food industry. Experts note that contamination incidents, while rare, can undermine public confidence and highlight vulnerabilities in production or supply chains.

According to the World Health Organization, foodborne chemical exposure remains a global public health concern, particularly in products intended for infants and young children. The WHO emphasizes that even low-level contamination events require rapid response and transparent communication.

While no causal pathway has yet been confirmed, investigators are examining potential points of contamination, including raw material sourcing, processing environments, and packaging stages.

Regulatory Response and Product Recall

Austrian authorities have initiated a formal investigation and coordinated with European food safety bodies to assess whether the issue extends beyond national borders. The recall applies to specific batches distributed within Austria, with no immediate indication of wider international impact.

Regulators are also reviewing compliance with food safety standards and may consider additional inspections or enforcement measures depending on investigation findings. The European Union’s food safety framework requires rapid alert systems for such incidents, enabling cross-border information sharing.

HiPP said in a statement that it is cooperating fully with authorities and has implemented additional internal checks to prevent recurrence. The company emphasized that the recall was precautionary and part of its commitment to product safety.

Broader Implications for Public Health Monitoring

The incident underscores the importance of surveillance systems and routine testing in preventing potential health risks before products reach consumers. Public health experts highlight that early detection and swift recalls are critical in minimizing exposure, particularly among high-risk populations such as infants.

While no adverse health outcomes have been reported, authorities continue to monitor the situation and advise parents to follow official guidance. Further updates are expected as laboratory analyses and trace-back investigations progress.

The post HiPP Baby Food Recall Triggers Public Health Alert After Rat Poison Detection in Austria appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

The post Children’s Ibuprofen Recall Raises Manufacturing Oversight Concerns in Global Drug Supply Chain appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Published Time: 09-06-2025, 10:15 EDT

Radioactive contamination at an industrial site in Indonesia may be responsible for recent massive recalls of frozen shrimp imported to the United States, international nuclear safety officials report. The contamination has prompted regulatory agencies to halt further shipments while investigating the source.

Radioactive Cesium Detected at Processing Plant

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that Indonesian nuclear regulators detected Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, at a seafood processing facility in Serang, west of Jakarta. The plant exported millions of pounds of frozen shrimp to the U.S.

“Preliminary information suggests that it may have originated from activities at a metal melting facility at the same industrial site or from the disposal of scrap metal to other areas of the site,” said IAEA spokesperson Fredrik Dahl in a statement.

No U.S. investigators have yet visited the site, federal authorities said.

Massive Shrimp Recalls Underway

The exporter, PT Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods), has voluntarily recalled over 300 shipping containers already en route to U.S. ports, Dahl added.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported last month that Cesium-137 was detected in shipping containers arriving at four U.S. ports and in a sample of imported frozen shrimp. This prompted widespread recalls from major retailers, including Walmart and Kroger.

This week, Tampa Maid Foods LLC of Florida issued additional recalls for breaded butterfly shrimp sold under labels such as Admiral of the Fleet and Portico Seafood Classic.

“None of the shrimp that triggered alerts or tested positive for Cesium-137 was released for sale,” the FDA said. However, other shipments may have been processed under conditions that allowed for potential contamination.

Health Risks and Regulatory Response

Although the risk to the public appears limited, the FDA warns that long-term exposure to low levels of Cesium-137 could pose potential health concerns. To prevent further contamination, the agency issued an import alert for shrimp from BMS Foods.

Records indicate that the company exported roughly 12 million pounds of shrimp to ports in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah, Georgia, during July and August, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data analyzed by trade firm Import Genius.

CBP alerted the FDA about the possible radioactive contamination in multiple shipping containers. In response, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has deployed emergency teams to isolate and assess Cesium-137 levels, according to a U.S. Energy Department spokesperson.

Cesium-137 Levels and Expert Insights

The detected Cesium-137 concentration in shrimp measured approximately 68 becquerels per kilogram, significantly below the FDA’s threshold of 1,200 becquerels per kilogram that would necessitate health protections.

“It’s unusual to see that concentration of Cesium-137 in shrimp,” said Steve Biegalski, a nuclear medicine expert at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Experts suggest the contamination could originate from recycled medical equipment containing Cesium-137. Historically, the isotope has been used in medical devices for blood sterilization and cancer treatment. If not properly removed during recycling, the radioactive material could inadvertently enter the environment.

“If they get broken up in some sort of crushing mechanism, then all of a sudden, it’s basically a salt,” Biegalski explained. “It would be like you taking a giant salt shaker and spreading it all over the kitchen floor.”

Containment and Cleanup Efforts

Containing and mitigating radioactive contamination requires specialized training and procedures. Experts emphasize the importance of tracking, isolating, and safely cleaning up the affected site to prevent further exposure.

“It needs to be tracked down, isolated and cleaned up,” Biegalski said, highlighting the urgency of managing radioactive material safely.

U.S. and international authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, coordinating with Indonesian regulators to ensure that further shipments are halted and contaminated sites are properly secured.

Global Implications

This incident underscores the risks associated with global seafood supply chains and the importance of strict safety protocols for imported food products. While the immediate health risk to consumers appears low, ongoing monitoring and rigorous enforcement remain essential to prevent future contamination.

Authorities are urging vigilance in industrial recycling practices and nuclear material handling, especially when such materials may intersect with food processing operations.

Source: AP News – Radioactive metal at an Indonesia industrial site may be linked to shrimp recall

The post Radioactive Cesium Found at Indonesian Plant May Be Source of U.S. Shrimp Recalls appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

More than 70 people in seven states have fallen ill due to a salmonella outbreak traced back to eggs distributed by a California-based company, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed.

On Friday, August Egg Company issued a recall of 1.7 million dozen brown cage-free and brown certified organic eggs sold under various brand names, warning they may be contaminated. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shared the recall notice, urging consumers and businesses to take immediate action.

What You Need to Know About the Outbreak

So far, 79 people have been sickened, and 21 of them have required hospitalization. Thankfully, no deaths have been reported. The affected eggs were sold at restaurants and retailers across Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington, and Wyoming.

Some of the stores carrying the recalled eggs include major retailers like Walmart, Save Mart, FoodMaxx, Lucky, Smart & Final, Safeway, Raleys, Food 4 Less, and Ralphs.

Why Salmonella is a Serious Concern

Salmonella infections can cause a range of symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain—even in healthy individuals. For young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems, the infection can lead to severe, sometimes life-threatening complications.

What August Egg Company is Doing About It

In a statement to the FDA, August Egg Company emphasized that it is not currently selling fresh shell eggs. The company has been diverting all eggs to an egg-breaking plant for over 30 days, where eggs are pasteurized to kill any harmful pathogens.

“Our internal food safety team is conducting a stringent review to identify how this happened and to prevent future issues,” the company said. “We are fully committed to correcting this situation and ensuring it never happens again.”

What Should You Do?

If you have eggs from this recall at home or in your business, the CDC advises throwing them away or returning them to the store where you bought them. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to potential salmonella contamination.

Stay tuned for updates as health officials continue to monitor the situation and work to protect public safety.

Source: CNN – Salmonella outbreak linked to eggs sickens dozens of people across 7 states

The post Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Eggs Sickens Over 70 in 7 States appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

If you recently bought tomatoes in Georgia, North Carolina, or South Carolina, it’s time to check your kitchen. A serious recall is now underway, and the FDA has labeled it the most urgent kind—Class I—meaning the contaminated product could lead to severe illness or even death.

What’s Going On?

The recall was first issued on May 2, but things have since escalated. The tomatoes in question may be contaminated with salmonella, a bacteria that can cause serious health complications—especially in vulnerable groups like young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.

The tomatoes were distributed by Williams Farms Repack LLC, based in Lodge, South Carolina, and sold to wholesalers and distributors under the H&C Farms Label between April 23 and April 28.

Where Were the Tomatoes Sold?

The recalled tomatoes ended up in:

• Georgia
• North Carolina
• South Carolina

What Tomato Sizes and Lots Are Affected?

Here’s what to look for on packaging labels:

• 5×6; Lot Code: R4467
• 6×6; Lot Codes: R4467, R4470
• Combo, 25-pound box; R4467
• 4×4, 2-layer; R4467
• 4×5, 2-layer; R4467
• 60-count, 2-layer; R4467
• 60-count, 18 pounds loose; R4467, R4470
• XL, 18 pounds loose; R4467
• 3-count trays; R4467

Why This Is Serious: Understanding Salmonella

Salmonella isn’t something to take lightly. According to the CDC, symptoms usually begin 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food and may include:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps

While many people recover without treatment, in some cases—particularly among vulnerable populations—the infection can lead to hospitalization and life-threatening complications.

Worryingly, freezing or drying the tomatoes won’t kill the bacteria. Salmonella can survive for weeks in dry environments and months in moist ones.

So Far, No Reported Illnesses—But Stay Cautious

As of the FDA’s latest update on May 28, no illnesses or deaths have been reported. Still, the agency isn’t taking any chances.

Bought These Tomatoes? Here’s What To Do

The FDA is urging consumers:

• Don’t eat the recalled tomatoes.
• Return them to the place of purchase for a full refund, or safely discard them.
• Feeling sick after eating them? Contact your healthcare provider right away.

Stay safe, stay informed—and always double-check your produce when recalls are announced. For ongoing updates, visit the FDA’s recall website.

Source: USA Today – Tomatoes sold in 3 states now labeled deadly by FDA

The post Warning: Contaminated Tomatoes Recalled in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

A major ice cream recall is underway across the U.S. after Wells Enterprises—also known as Wells Dairy—voluntarily pulled 22 varieties of ice cream and frozen yogurt from circulation due to a risk of plastic contamination.

The recall, issued on April 25, affects products distributed to over 100 food service locations across the country, including restaurants, cafeterias, and institutional kitchens. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has labeled the recall as Class II, meaning the products could pose temporary or medically reversible health effects, although the chance of serious injury is low.

Why This Matters

The contamination involves hard plastic, which can be dangerous if accidentally consumed—potentially causing choking, dental damage, or internal injury.

Recalls like this are precautionary steps food companies take when products might contain foreign materials, allergens, or harmful bacteria. Though not considered an immediate health crisis, this recall was issued to prevent any risk to consumers.

What’s Affected

The recalled items are large 3-gallon tubs of ice cream and frozen yogurt, with “Best If Used By” dates between March and October 2026. They include a mix of flavors and brands, from house names to products distributed under private labels.

The largest impacted batch involves over 5,000 tubs of Vanilla Frozen Yogurt. Other affected varieties include:

• Rocky Road
• Mocha Almond Fudge
• Peanut Butter ’N Fudge
• Cotton Candy
• French Vanilla
• Madagascar Vanilla Bean
• Chocolate
• Several flavors under brands like Johnny Rockets, Gordon Choice, Glenview Farms, Sysco, and more

Scroll to the bottom for the full list of recalled UPCs and lot numbers

What Experts Are Saying

Byron D. Chaves, a food science professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, says contamination at this scale can happen during various stages of industrial production.

“Foreign objects like hard plastic can come from mixing paddles, broken machinery parts, or even damaged packaging lids,” he told Newsweek.
“While rare, it signals a lapse in manufacturing safeguards or supplier controls.”

He added that because this recall is Class II, it likely means either the contaminated products haven’t hit retail shelves yet—or that the plastic pieces are large enough to spot before eating.

What You Should Do

If you’re a distributor, food service provider, or operate a kitchen using bulk ice cream tubs:

• Check the lot numbers and UPC codes
• Immediately remove any affected products from circulation
• Follow disposal or return instructions per FDA guidelines

Consumers are unlikely to find these products in grocery store freezers, but businesses should act quickly to avoid any potential harm.

Full List of Recalled Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Products

Here are all 22 affected products, including UPCs and lot numbers:

• Rocky Road Flavored Ice Cream – UPC: 070640050314, Lot 50009
• Mocha Almond Fudge Ice Cream – UPC: 070640050420, Lot 50016
• Peanut Butter ‘N Fudge Ice Cream – UPC: 070640050574, Lot 50012
• Country Rich Vanilla Ice Cream – UPC: 070640600052, Lot 50085
• Scooper Hero Ice Cream – UPC: 070640050642, Lot 50011
• Cotton Candy Flavored Ice Cream – UPC: 070640050482, Lot 50018
• GFGB Vanilla Bean Flavored Ice Cream – UPC: 070640000272, Lot 50024
• Quick Blend Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream – UPC: 070640050604, Lot 50034
• Planet Smoothie ZSA Vanilla Fat Free Frozen Yogurt – UPC: 070640005567, Lot 50014
• Johnny Rockets Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream – UPC: 070640006564, Lot 50029
• BIPC Flavored Ice Cream – UPC: 070640008025, Lot 50024
• Vanilla Frozen Yogurt – UPC: 00070640022144, Lot 50002
• Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream – UPC: 070640022250, Lot 50005
• GFGB 12 Percent Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream – UPC: 070640018451, Lot 50004
• Gordon Choice Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream – UPC: 00093901820730, Lot 50003
• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (Madagascar Vanilla) – UPC: 50758108658085, Lot 50026
• Glenview Farms Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream – UPC: 50758108118398, Lot 50066
• Glenview Farms Chocolate Ice Cream – UPC: 50758108118404, Lot 50033
• Glenview Farms French Vanilla Ice Cream – UPC: 50758108392668, Lot 50015
• Sysco French Vanilla Ice Cream – UPC: 00074865257275, Lot 50025
• Keith Valley Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream – UPC: 046045065871, Lot 50004
• Ellington Farms Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream – UPC: 046045065833, Lot 50003

Final Takeaway

While the chances of injury are slim, the recall is a smart, proactive move to protect public health. If you handle or distribute any of these products, check your stock now—and keep your customers safe.

For more updates on food safety recalls, follow our coverage or visit FDA.gov.

Source: Newsweek – Ice Cream Recalled Nationwide: Full List of Products Affected

The post Nationwide Ice Cream Recall: Plastic Contamination Prompts Urgent Warning appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.