Happy Friday! It’s April 4th, 2025, and we’re wrapping up the workweek with today’s biggest food safety stories.

What to know: More than 240 people have been sickened by a norovirus outbreak on a cruise ship.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there has been a gastrointestinal illness outbreak on the Cunard Line ship Queen Mary 2.

By Bill Marler

“This week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) sent layoff and separation notices to 170 employees whose positions were funded by recently terminated federal grants.”

“Additionally, “at risk” notices will be going to MDH staff at risk for layoffs due to seniority rules around layoffs. An estimated 300 notices are going to MDH employees today. Nearly 20 employees slated to start with the department in the last week have had their offers rescinded.”

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NEMIS Revolutionizes Food Safety Monitoring

NEMIS Technologies is transforming food safety with cutting-edge environmental monitoring tools. Led by CTO Mario Hupfeld and new CEO Thomas Struckmeyer, the Swiss innovator’s N-Light™ platform delivers rapid, on-site pathogen detection, reducing risks in industries like dairy and meat. Partnering with giants like Barilla and Tiger Brands, NEMIS advances a "One Health" approach, integrating sustainability and safety.

More than 40 children were sickened in a Salmonella outbreak in France in 2024 that was traced to raw milk cheese.

In late March 2024, three cases of salmonellosis were reported at a nursery affecting children aged 3 to 5 in the Pays de la Loire region of western France.

Spring and summer ignite wanderlust, promising long road trips, sun-drenched picnics and exotic escapes. But foodborne illness can turn adventure into misery. Each year, 48 million Americans—about 1 in 6—suffer food poisoning, with travel heightening exposure to pathogens like Salmonella, Campylobacter and E. coli.

Whether trying out diners on a cross-country road trip or sampling street food in far-off lands, a few evidence-based habits can help keep illness at bay.

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