First Reported Case of a Fatality Due to "Meat Allergy" Associated with Tick Bite

UVA Medical researchers are reporting the first death associated with someone have the 'meat allergy' acquired from getting bit by a Lone Star tick.

"A healthy 47-year-old man from New Jersey died abruptly four hours after consuming beef. The cause of his death had been a mystery until UVA Health’s Thomas Platts-Mills, MD, PhD, investigated. A world-renowned allergist, Platts-Mills discovered the allergy and remains the foremost expert on it."

"The allergy is caused by the bite of the Lone Star tick. Bites can sensitize people to alpha-gal, a sugar found in mammalian meat. People who become sensitized to the sugar can have allergic symptoms such as rash, nausea and vomiting after eating beef, pork or lamb. Researchers have feared that deadly anaphylaxis was possible in severe cases but had not confirmed a fatality from the allergy until now."

I thought this was very interesting.

"When asked about his history of tick bites, the man’s wife said he had none this past year but had 12 or 13 chigger bites around his ankles this summer. Platts-Mills realized that many “chigger bites” in the Eastern United States are actually bites from Lone Star tick larvae."

Eureka Alert
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1105793
1st death linked to ‘meat allergy’ spread by ticks
Peer-Reviewed Publication
University of Virginia Health System

University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers have identified the first death caused by what is commonly called the “meat allergy” being spread by ticks.

Australia - Improper Design of Labels on Bottles of Plant Milk Led to Botulism Case

In Australia, a food company was fined when product was labeled with a improperly designed label that led to a case of botulism.  Bottles of almond and oat milk had labels that read '“once opened, keep refrigerated and consume within 5 days” and should have stated, "Keep Refrigerated".  A customer bought the plant-based milk and then stored it on the shelf in kitchen rather than the refrigerator, and after a person drank the improperly stored milk-type product, they became ill with botulism poisoning.  That person spent 147 days in the ICU as their bodies overcame the effects of the neurotoxin. 

“The incorrect content of the label was originally prepared for use on another, shelf-stable Ultra High Temperature (UHT) product offering, and was then inadvertently copied across to the new product packaging,” Judge Payne said.

The fine was $200,000..which seems pretty light for a botulism case by US standards.

This is a good reminder how important label design and approval is for the safety of the product.  Allergens are often the issue with label design, but in this case, safe handling instructions.

https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/honest-oversight-almond-milk-label-error-lands-man-in-icu-for-147-days/news-story/e5316c0db9882d26f1b0a94932bc6adb
‘Honest oversight’: Almond milk label error lands man in ICU for 147 days
A man's 188-day hospital nightmare has led to heavy penalties for a milk company whose labelling error caused one of Australia's rarest poisoning cases.
Sarah Keoghan
November 6, 2025 - 2:16PM

Recall Notice of Prosecco Bottles Due to Potential for Exploding

On November 6, 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of  Kirkland Signature Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG due to exploding.   However the recall for the same product, including the same lot code dates, was posted in September. (https://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2025/09/costco-issues-recall-for-prosecco-due.html).

So probably just a delay for the USCPSC getting this posted.

United States Consumer Product Safety Commission

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/F-F-Fine-Wines-Recalls-Kirkland-Signature-Valdobbiadene-Prosecco-DOCG-Bottles-sold-by-Costco-Due-to-Laceration-Hazard

F&F Fine Wines Recalls Kirkland Signature Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG Bottles sold by Costco Due to Laceration Hazard
Name of Product: Kirkland Signature Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG bottles

FDA and CDC Investigate Infant Botulism Outbreak - Company Recalls Baby Formula (FDA Update 11/11/2025)

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program (IBTPP), and state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of 15 infant botulism illnesses from 12 states (as of the 11/11/25 update).

A few important points to make

• Infant botulism occurs when infants, having yet to establish a stable colonization of their intestinal tract, consume food containing Clostridium botulinum spores.  These spores grow in anaerobic conditions in the intestines, and without a significant competing formula, multiply.  As they grow, they produce botulinum toxin which is absorbed into the bloodstream of the infant.  This toxin is a neurotoxin, which impacts neurotransmission to the autonomic nervous system.
• Infant formula, historically, has not been a known source for infant botulism.  However,  spores can be found in pasteurized milk as well as dried dairy products; this occurring generally through poor sanitary practices.  
• FDA stated that there are 84 cases reported since August 2025.  Only 15 of those cases have reported using this specific formula.  FDA states "According to information shared by IBTPP, since August 1, 2025 through November 10, 2025, 84 infants nationwide have received treatment for infant botulism. Notably, more than 40% (15) infants who had powdered infant formula exposure consumed ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula.  This information shows that ByHeart brand formula is disproportionately represented among sick infants in this outbreak, especially given that ByHeart represents an estimated 1% of all infant formula sales in the United States. Investigations remain ongoing but have not identified any other infant formula brands or shared exposures that pose a risk to infants."
• "As part of this investigation, officials in several states have collected leftover infant formula for testing. On November 8, 2025, preliminary laboratory results reported by the California Department of Public Health suggest the presence of the bacteria that produce botulinum toxin in a can of ByHeart infant formula (lot 206VABP/251131P2) that was fed to an infant with infant botulism"
• The company initially only recalled two lots of formula.  However, at FDA's request, the company expanded this recall to include all product.

Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 15
Hospitalizations: 15
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: November 10, 2025
States with Cases: AZ, CA, IL, KY, MN, NC, NJ, OR, PA, RI, TX, WA
Product Distribution: Online and nationwide

Symptoms

• Most infants with infant botulism will initially develop constipation, poor feeding, loss of head control, and difficulty swallowing.
• If untreated, infants with infant botulism experience a progressive, flaccid paralysis that can lead to breathing difficulties and require weeks of hospitalization.
• Treatment with BabyBIG® is recommended for all suspected cases of infant botulism.

Recall - ByHeart, Inc. initially recalled two lots of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant formula (Lot: 206VABP/251261P2 and Lot: 206VABP/251131P2) that were reported to have been consumed by the infants.  FDA requested and the company agreed to recall all product sold nationwide.

From FDA According to information shared by IBTPP, since August 1, 2025 through November 10, 2025, 84 infants nationwide have received treatment for infant botulism. Notably, more than 40% (15) infants who had powdered infant formula exposure consumed ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula.  This information shows that ByHeart brand formula is disproportionately represented among sick infants in this outbreak, especially given that ByHeart represents an estimated 1% of all infant formula sales in the United States. Investigations remain ongoing but have not identified any other infant formula brands or shared exposures that pose a risk to infants.

NY Firm Recalls Uneviscerated Fish Due to Botulism Concern

African Food on Wheels Inc. of Bronx, NY is recalling 28 boxes of Product, because it is a dried, un-eviscerated (internal organs not removed) fish greater than 5 inches and length and has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.  The recall was initiated after FDA inspection and analysis revealed the product was not properly eviscerated.

Oven Dried Fish (SCOMBEROMORUS CAVALLA) was distributed to walk-in customers of African Food on Wheels Inc. located at 1376 Randall Avenue, Bronx, NY 10474 only


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/african-food-wheels-inc-recalls-oven-dried-fish-scomberomorus-cavalla-because-possible-health-risk
African Food on Wheels Inc. Recalls Oven Dried Fish (Scomberomorus Cavalla) Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 05, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  November 06, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum
Company Name:  African Food on Wheels Inc.
Brand Name:  African Food on Wheels Inc.
Product Description:  Oven Dried Fish (Scomberomorus cavalla)

Ohio Firm Recalls English Muffins Due to Undeclared Milk

Blue Oven Bakery, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio,  is issuing a voluntary recall on their english muffin for misbranding due to the milk allergen not being declared on the label.  These products have been produced since 04/24/25 with the last production date of 10/24/2025, so the label has been incorrect for 6 months.

There have been no reported illnesses.  Products were distributed in local markets.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/blue-oven-bakery-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-due-undeclared-milk-allergens-their-english-muffin
Blue Oven Bakery, Inc. Issues a Voluntary Recall Due to Undeclared Milk Allergens in Their English Muffin
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 31, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  November 06, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk
Company Name:  Blue Oven Bakery, Inc.
Brand Name:  Blue Oven Bakery, Inc.
Product Description:  English muffin

SC Establishment Recalls Chicken and Beef Croquette Due to Undeclared Sesame

Brazilian Taste, a Lexington, S.C. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,120 pounds of chicken and beef croquettes due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen.  The problem was discovered when the Food and Drug Administration notified FSIS that bread crumb ingredients shared between FDA-regulated and FSIS-regulated products produced at the facility contained sesame that may not have been declared on the labels of the FSIS-regulated products.

These items were shipped to retail locations in Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas, as well as nationwide through online sales.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/brazilian-taste-recalls-frozen-chicken-and-beef-croquette-products-due-misbranding
Brazilian Taste Recalls Frozen Chicken and Beef Croquette Products Due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2025 – Brazilian Taste, a Lexington, S.C. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,120 pounds of chicken and beef croquettes due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains sesame, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

Ice Cream Bars Recalled After Packaging Error Results in Undeclared Wheat

Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, Inc. is voluntarily recalling a limited number of its Häagen-Dazs Chocolate Dark Chocolate Mini Bars that may contain undeclared wheat.  The company is recalling this product because it may contain products that contain wheat in packaging that does not reveal the presence of wheat on the label. Although the company's investigation is ongoing, they believe products containing wheat were repacked into the incorrect packaging at the beginning of a production run.

The affected product was shipped to two retail customers, Kroger and Giant Eagle, in the following states:

Kroger: (AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NM, OH, OR, SC, TN, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY)

Giant Eagle: (IN, MD, OH, PA, WV)

No illnesses or injuries have been reported to date.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/dreyers-grand-ice-cream-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-wheat-haagen-dazs-chocolate-dark
Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat in Haagen-Dazs Chocolate Dark Chocolate Mini Bars in 6 Count Pack
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 03, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  November 04, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  May contain undeclared wheat
Company Name:  Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, Inc.
Brand Name:  Haagen-Dazs
Product Description:  Ice Cream Bars

CT Firm Recalls Tomato Sauces Processed Without Compliance to Federal Canning Regulations

First and Last Bakery, LLC of Hartford, CT, is recalling the Tomato-based sauces because they did not process the product under federal guidelines for canning foods.  The potential risk is growth and toxin formation by Clostridium botulinum, the causative agent of  botulism.

"The products were manufactured without an approved scheduled process or otherwise evaluated to determine if the process is adequate. Failure to appropriately process acidified or low-acid canned foods can result in Clostridium botulinum toxin formation."

The products were distributed in Connecticut and Massachusetts through Big Y and Stop & Shop retail stores, starting on September 22, 2025, and continuing through 09/22/2025.  They were also sold online.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/first-and-last-bakery-llc-recalls-first-and-last-brand-tomato-sauce-products-because-possible-health
First and Last Bakery, LLC Recalls First and Last Brand Tomato Sauce Products Because Of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 31, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  November 03, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential for Clostridium botulinum hazard as the product is manufactured without an approved schedule
Company Name:  First and Last Bakery LLC
Brand Name:  First & Last
Product Description: Marinara Sauce, Puttanesca Sauce, and Meat Flavored Pasta Sauce