The FDA has published the following warning: Consumers worldwide should not use any ByHeart brand infant formula as all ByHeart products are included in this recall. As we know, as of November 26, 2025, a total of 37 infants with suspected or confirmed infant botulism and confirmed exposure to ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula (various […]
It appears that Sanlu, the Chinese company whose tainted powered baby milk has sickened at least 53,000 children, failed to report complaints about the product since last December. The government today has blamed tainted milk products for four deaths. In addition, 12,892 children remain hospitalized with kidney problems and 104 of them in serious condition. […]
From a Chinese public official: "Public confidence can only be rebuilt on merciless punishment," he said. "None of those companies lacking professional ethics or social morals will be let off." Today, while I walked through the Temple of Heaven, Tienanmen Square, the Forbidden City and several miles of Hutongs, 13,000 Chinese children remained in the […]
Arrived in Beijing Sunday night in a heavy rain storm. Did, however, have time to drag a few friends to a Houtong-located night spot – Cafe Sambal. I had the curry – and beers. The food was superb, but we were forced to huddle inside as the plastic roof did not hold up to the […]
Butte County health officials are reporting tonight that a total of 18 people have fallen ill due to an E. coli outbreak at a fireman’s fundraiser earlier this month. Health officials believe the outbreak can be traced to tri-tip beef served at the fundraiser in Forest Ranch. They are still trying to determine how the […]
I got this email today from the Chinese Government: Dear Bill, Thank you for accepting to speak at the upcoming China International Food Safety & Quality Conference, September 24 – 25, 2008, Landmark Hotel & Tower, Beijing. We are honored to have you as a speaker on the program and look forward to your speech. […]
Thought I would get a bit more prepared for my trip to China. I might find something to do there other than climb the Great Wall. China Manufacturers’ Duties (1) China’s Product Quality Control Law (2), which went into effect in September 1993, holds manufacturers—or producers—responsible for product quality. Article 14 of the Quality Control […]
The number of people infected in Forest Ranch, California with E. coli rose to 13 Thursday and that number is expected to climb. Six-year-old Olivia Titus is one of more than a dozen cases linked to a Fireman’s fundraiser earlier this month in Forest Ranch. A few questions to answer: 1. Who supplied the meat? […]
The milk crisis in China is exploding. Now there are over 6,200 people ill and at least 4 deaths. I’ll be landing in Beijing in a few hours (long distance ambulance chasing) and was struck by a quote from Chinese Starbucks customer Cathy Wang who called for the government to take the toughest action possible […]
Although I leave for China soon, I spent the day working on a keynote speech for the San Francisco Food HACCP Conference in October. Here is my PowerPoint:
The last few days have been filled with cries "Chinese food is unsafe – look they are poisoning babies." Well, that certainly is true, but the same thing is happening nearby, and it is not the fault of the Chinese. Hopefully, when I get there on Sunday afternoon in Beijing, I can get someone to […]
The Ingham County Health Department is investigating four more possible cases of E coli at Michigan State University. If those cases are confirmed, that would bring the total number of students with E. coli to 14. At least 10 students had to be hospitalized due to the out break. Questions that need answers: 1. Do […]
The FDA said it will start considering proposals to sell genetically engineered animals as food, a move that could lead to faster growing fish, cattle that can resist mad cow disease, or perhaps heart-healthier eggs. One wonders if they could make food safer – E. coli free beef, Salmonella free peppers, Campylobacter free milk, Listeria […]
Although we did get a call yesterday from a Calaveras County California resident who may well be linked to the California Campylobacter recall of Organic Pastures raw cream, this new raw milk quarantine and recall comes from Campylobacter infections in Pennsylvania. According to press reports, to date three Montgomery County residents have been stricken with […]
A third baby has died in connection with China’s spreading scandal over tainted milk formula and more than 6,200 infants have become sick, Health Minister Chen Zhu said Wednesday. China’s quality watchdog says that its inspectors have found melamine in milk powder made by more than 20 Chinese companies. The widening scandal is an embarrassing […]
Ten Michigan State University students have been admitted to hospitals over the past week with what officials say are likely cases of E. coli infection. The East Lansing school says all of the students reported symptoms of bloody diarrhea. Seven of the students remained hospitalized Monday and all were expected to recover. University physician Beth […]