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Savannah Morning News

See which local restaurants were cited for improper thawing methods

See which local restaurants were cited for improper thawing methods

The Georgia Department of Health inspected Chatham County restaurants from June 22-29. See which spots earned perfect scores and which had violations.

Taylor Farms Linked to Forced Labor Amid Cyclospora Outbreak

Taylor Farms Linked to Forced Labor Amid Cyclospora Outbreak

Taylor Farms, an agricultural company, has been linked to the use of prison labor, paying significantly below the federal minimum wage. According to a report resurfaced by Prison Legal News, Taylor Farms contracted labor from the Arizona Department of Correction, Rehabilitation, and Reentry at $4.75 per hour, while inmates received a maximum of $1.50 per hour. This practice is part of a broader system where prison labor generates substantial revenue, with $11 billion worth of goods produced in 2022. Taylor Farms is also implicated in a cyclospora outbreak, a parasite causing diarrhea, affecting grocery stores and fast food outlets across the U.S. The company is among several, including Hickman’s Egg Farms and NatureSweet, utilizing prison labor through Arizona Correctional Industries. Concerns are raised about the legality of employing non-citizens in these roles, as some workers were detained by ICE, making their employment outside incarceration illegal.

Viral TikTok Sparks Concerns Over Produce Hygiene at Dearborn Kroger

Viral TikTok Sparks Concerns Over Produce Hygiene at Dearborn Kroger

A TikTok video showing bugs near produce at a Kroger store in Dearborn has gone viral, raising concerns among customers about food safety and hygiene. The video, which has garnered significant attention online, depicts insects crawling over a produce stand. In response, Kroger has addressed the issue, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety in their stores. The incident has sparked discussions about the importance of food safety protocols in retail environments.

Michigan Health Officials Tackle Cyclosporiasis Outbreak with Detailed Tracing Efforts

Michigan Health Officials Tackle Cyclosporiasis Outbreak with Detailed Tracing Efforts

In Washtenaw County, Michigan, over 900 individuals have been affected by cyclosporiasis since mid-June. Public health nurse Linda Kim has been actively involved in tracing the outbreak, which involves detailed interviews and the use of grocery receipts and food apps to identify the source of the infection. The outbreak follows a recent measles outbreak in the same area, which required similar contact tracing efforts. The complexity of tracing cyclosporiasis is heightened by the parasite's long incubation period, making it difficult for individuals to recall their food consumption from weeks prior. Despite federal funding cuts impacting public health resources, local health officials continue to work diligently to contain the outbreak.

The Corpus Christi Caller Times

Nueces County restaurant inspections for July 23 to July 29

Nueces County restaurant inspections for July 23 to July 29

Mold in a margarita machine nozzle? See how more than 50 restaurants scored in inspections from July 23 through July 29.

Hawai'i Department of Health Closes Kailua-Kona Restaurant Due to Rodent Infestation and Safety Violations

Hawai'i Department of Health Closes Kailua-Kona Restaurant Due to Rodent Infestation and Safety Violations

The Hawai'i Department of Health has ordered the immediate closure of Baan Thai Family Cuisine in Kailua-Kona following the discovery of a rodent infestation and multiple critical food safety violations during a routine inspection. The restaurant, operated by Miyavadee Khamya, received a red 'closed' placard on July 29. Inspectors found widespread rodent droppings on food-contact surfaces and visible openings that could allow pests to enter. Additional violations included improperly stored food, failure to maintain safe temperatures for potentially hazardous foods, missing date labels on refrigerated foods, inadequate sanitizer levels in the dishwasher, and obstructed hand-washing sinks. The restaurant must address these issues before it can reopen.

Palm Springs Desert Sun

Cockroaches found at multiple Coachella Valley restaurants

Cockroaches found at multiple Coachella Valley restaurants

An “A” grade, or a score of 90 to 100 points, means a restaurant passed an inspection and met minimum health standards.

Food Stall at Truck Festival Closed After Illness Reports

Food Stall at Truck Festival Closed After Illness Reports

The Truck Festival in Oxfordshire, the largest music festival in the region, was forced to close a food stall after numerous attendees reported falling ill. The Yorky Roast stall was identified as the source of the food poisoning, leading to its closure within 90 minutes of the first reports. The festival, which saw a record attendance of 27,500 people, is working with local health authorities to investigate the incident. Many festival-goers expressed their disappointment and frustration on social media, with some having to leave the festival early due to severe symptoms.

California Lawmakers Reject Ban on PFAS Chemicals in Agriculture, Citing Economic Concerns

California Lawmakers Reject Ban on PFAS Chemicals in Agriculture, Citing Economic Concerns

California lawmakers have decided against passing Assembly Bill 1603, which aimed to phase out the use of pesticides containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on farms. These chemicals, often referred to as 'forever chemicals' due to their persistence in the environment, have been linked to health risks such as decreased fertility and increased cancer risk. The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Nick Schultz, faced strong opposition from the agricultural sector, which argued that the ban would lead to increased food imports and hinder innovation in pesticide development. Despite the rejection, the bill will be reconsidered in the next legislative session, with a focus on listing PFAS pesticides in a public database.

Hawaii Health Department Confirms Fourth Cyclosporiasis Case, Military Member Affected

Hawaii Health Department Confirms Fourth Cyclosporiasis Case, Military Member Affected

The Hawaii Department of Health has confirmed a fourth case of cyclosporiasis in the state, involving a military service member based in Hawaii. The individual had traveled internationally before returning to Hawaii and falling ill. Health officials are currently investigating whether the infection was acquired locally or during the individual's travels. Despite this new case, the overall risk level for cyclosporiasis in Hawaii remains low, according to health authorities. This case adds to the three previously reported cases in 2026, which included a non-resident visitor and two Hawaii residents who had also traveled internationally. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, typically spread through contaminated food or water, and not directly from person to person.

Cyclospora Outbreak in 45 States Linked to Lettuce, Affecting Thousands

Cyclospora Outbreak in 45 States Linked to Lettuce, Affecting Thousands

A significant outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, has affected approximately 18,000 people across 45 U.S. states this summer. Health officials are investigating six separate outbreaks, with iceberg lettuce identified as a potential source. The outbreak began in May, aligning with the typical seasonal pattern, but the number of cases has dramatically exceeded the usual annual count of 3,000. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have linked the outbreak to shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell, leading to a recall by supplier Taylor Farms. The recall affects lettuce sourced from central Mexico and distributed to various states. Despite the recall, investigations continue to determine if other produce is involved.

Publix Expands Frozen Berries Recall Due to E. Coli Risk in Eight States

Publix Expands Frozen Berries Recall Due to E. Coli Risk in Eight States

Publix has expanded its recall of GreenWise organic frozen blueberries and mixed berries due to potential E. coli contamination. The recall affects products sold in eight states and follows an earlier recall linked to an E. coli outbreak. The FDA advises consumers to discard or return the affected products for a full refund. The recall notice was posted on the FDA website, and consumers are urged to check their freezers for recalled products.