RECALL ALERT - 5/4/26
Infant formula recalled because of contamination with cereulide
The a2 Milk Company (“a2MC”) has voluntarily recalled three specific batches of its imported a2 Platinum Premium USA label infant formula 0-12 months because it is contaminated with cereulide.
The Product was distributed nationally through a2MC’s website, Amazon and Meijer stores as part of Operation Fly Formula. Importation rights expired on Dec. 31, 2025, and the product has been discontinued and removed from sale prior to the initiation of the recall. The total number of units in the three batches is 63,078 of which an estimated 16,428 units were sold to consumers.
Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin produced by some strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus. Illness occurs through the consumption of food contaminated with the toxin and preparing formula with hot water does not eliminate it.
Symptoms typically develop within 30 minutes to six hours of ingestion and most often involve gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting that typically self-resolve within 24 hours. Infants are at greater risk because of their developing immune systems and can experience complications, such as dehydration, which require medical care.
Consumers who have purchased the product are recommended to discontinue use of it and dispose of it immediately or return to their place of purchase for a refund. If your infant is experiencing symptoms described above, contact your health care provider immediately.
No confirmed incidents of illness or harm have been reported.
View the Food Safety News article for batch numbers and Use-by dates:
https://www.foodsafetynews.com
RECALL ALERT - 5/4/26
Ghirardelli Chocolate Company Recalls Powdered Beverage Mixes Because of Possible Health Risk
Ghirardelli Chocolate Company of San Leandro, California is voluntarily recalling certain powdered beverage mixes because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. This action follows a California Dairies, Inc. milk powder recall due to a concern of potential Salmonella contamination, which was supplied to a third-party manufacturer and used as an ingredient in powdered beverage mixes.
The affected beverage mixes are packaged in large formats intended for food service and institutional customers, but some powdered beverage mixes may also have been available for purchase by consumers through e-commerce platforms. No illnesses have been reported to date.
Consumers who purchased one of the recalled powdered beverage mixes listed above may contact Ghirardelli Chocolate Company directly at 1-844-776-0419 for questions or more information 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Photos of the affected products and lot numbers can be found in the original FDA news article:
https://www.fda.gov/safety
RECALL ALERT - 4/27/26
Trail mix recalled because of undeclared allergens
Ferris Coffee & Nut Co. of Grand Rapids, MI, is recalling a single lot of Frederik’s by Meijer Vanilla Bourbon Trail Mix because it may contain undeclared wheat and soy. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat or soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
The recalled Frederik’s by Meijer Vanilla Bourbon Trail Mix bags were distributed in Meijer retail stores in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin and Kentucky. The product comes in a 9-ounce, black bag marked with lot # 6069-1 on the back and with an expiration date of 12/10/26 stamped on the back.
The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the wheat and soy-containing chocolate-covered pretzel balls were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of wheat or soy, instead of the listed bourbon-flavored caramels. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the production and packaging processes at Ferris Coffee & Nut Co.
Production of the product has been suspended until the FDA, and the company are certain that the problem has been corrected.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
You can read the original article on the Food Safety News website:
https://www.foodsafetynews.com
Tick Awareness
Ticks are active in Illinois, and they’re not picky about where they bite. 👀
If you’re spending time outdoors hiking, gardening, or mushroom hunting, a few simple precautions can help prevent tick bites and reduce your risk of illnesses like Lyme disease and alpha-gal syndrome.
Ticks are active in Illinois, and they’re not picky about where they bite. 👀
If you’re spending time outdoors hiking, gardening, or mushroom hunting, a few simple precautions can help prevent tick bites and reduce your risk of illnesses like Lyme disease and alpha-gal syndrome.
If you find a tick, remove it quickly and watch for symptoms like a rash or fever. Contact your doctor if you develop unexplained illness after a tick bite.
IDPH News Release
IDPH Issues Reminder About Potential Hazards of Consuming Raw Milk
At least eleven recent illnesses linked to consumption of unpasteurized milk
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing a general reminder to the public about the potential dangers of consuming raw milk after at least eleven people were recently sickened by such products. While most milk products sold in the state are pasteurized, meaning they have been treated with heat to kill viruses, germs, and other substances that can cause illness, raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized, making it more likely to be a source of foodborne illness.
“Pasteurization is one of the greatest public health successes of the last century,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “It helps keep milk and dairy products safe for everyone to enjoy. Raw milk skips this important step and can carry dangerous germs that may cause serious illness, especially in young children, older people, and individuals with chronic medical conditions. To help keep everyone in Illinois safe, we encourage people to be cautious and think carefully before choosing to drink raw milk.”
IDPH has so far identified an outbreak of eleven cases of Campylobacter infection that appear to be linked to consumption of raw milk from a common source; the producer is taking steps to notify customers and is cooperating with the investigation. Campylobacter is a bacteria that can cause diarrhea (which can be bloody), fever, and stomach cramps. In more severe cases, the infection can lead to irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. IDPH recommends that anyone who has consumed raw milk and begins to exhibit those symptoms to contact their medical provider.
Illinois raw milk rules require testing for temperature, antibiotics, and certain signs that could indicate infection within the product. However, specific pathogen testing for germs like Campylobacter or other disease-causing agents like E. coli or salmonella is not required.
IDPH recommends the following precautions to avoid illnesses associated with milk consumption:
• Use pasteurized milk and dairy products.
• Refrigerate perishable foods at 40°F or colder to slow bacterial growth. Never leave perishable food out for more than two hours -- or one hour if exposed to temperatures above 90°F, like in a hot car or at a picnic.
• Throw away expired or spoiled food. When in doubt, throw it out.
For more information on raw milk and its potential hazards, go to Raw Milk and Your Health.
IDPH Warns Public to Watch Out for Rabid Bats
Over two dozen cases of rabies have been verified in bats across 14 Illinois counties. For information about rabies and what to do if you think you've been exposed, plus tips for keeping you family and pets safe from exposure, you can read the article on our
News page
Or read the original news release on the IDPH website at:
Board of Health Monthly Meetings
The minutes from the monthly Board of Health meeting will be made available for download on this page








