“Pandemic potential” or “pandemic-on-pandemic” are scary concepts these days and Chinese and British scientists are using those very terms to describe the threat from a new swine flu virus. Not to worry, in one regard, because human-to-human transmission does not occur with the new swine flu virus.    That might be more comforting if other Chinese scientists had not said there was no human-to-human transmission of COVID-19 right up to when they said humans were…

Five children needed hospital treatment in an Australian state as part of a Salmonella outbreak linked to backyard poultry. Queensland Health is investigating Salmonella Typhimurium infections predominantly among young children that had contact with backyard chickens. As of June 26, there had been 17 cases reported across the state. Thirteen of these were children aged 11 years or younger. Five were hospitalized because of their illnesses. Supplier investigation continuing Dr. Alun Richards, acting executive director,…

Planning to enjoy a picnic, barbecue, or meal under the summer sun on this holiday weekend? In addition to food safety, remember to practice social distancing — stay 6 feet apart from others you don’t live with — and follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s safety precautions to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, which is a respiratory illness that is spread from person-to-person, unlike foodborne viruses that can make people sick from…

California officials have recalled and quarantined raw milk from Valley Milk Simply Bottled because tests have shown it to be contaminated with Campylobacter jejuni. State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones announced the recall and quarantine today in a public alert. She warned consumers about the dangers in the alert. There is concern that some people may have unused portions of the unpasteurized milk in their homes. “Consumers are strongly urged to dispose of any product remaining…