MRI scans are strong diagnostics with high-definition images of what lies inside a body. Strong magnetic fields require precaution, as brought out by an instance where a young woman suffered very serious injuries due to an oversight in a metallic core within a silicone sex toy that she happened to have before the MRI scan. This makes a stark reminder about the potentially deadly consequences of missing metal objects when such procedures are being performed. In April 2023, a 23-year-old woman went into an MRI with a silicone plug containing a metal core that was not known.

She thought that the item is made entirely out of silicone according to the advertising. However, the strong magnetic field of the MRI machine interacted with the hidden metal, dragging the object through her body and causing excruciating pain. According to reports from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the scene was harrowing, with the woman screaming in agony and requiring immediate hospitalization. Despite pre-scan screenings, which are routine prior to a scan, the patient did not inform the facility that the object existed because he presumed it was purely non-metallic. This caused serious injuries that led to the patient's law suit against the manufacturer for deceitful misrepresentations of material content.

MRI machines employ magnets between 0.5 to 3 Tesla (T). This is thousands of times stronger than the Earth's magnetic field. The tremendous force causes ferromagnetic materials, like iron and nickel, to be magnetized quickly and become strongly attracted toward the magnet. Objects as small as hairpins or paper clips will accelerate at 40 miles per hour inside the magnetic field.

The force can lead to catastrophic injuries in items lodged within the body, such as metallic implants or foreign objects. Metallic cores within devices, like pacemakers or intrauterine devices, must be disclosed to radiologists to prevent such complications.

How Metal Objects Interact with MRI Fields?

On these claims, Dr. Adam Taylor, a specialist in human anatomy, weighed his words in a international health website and added that the distance away and mass of this object would increase its velocity towards that of sound, "The acceleration would be phenomenal, but with a metallic core, it can't go anywhere near supersonic speeds. As for the size, the magnetic acceleration to the internal soft tissues would ensure that there could be severe intracranial trauma."

The injuries inflicted in this case likely involved damage to major blood vessels, nerves, or organs, highlighting the devastating impact of even minor oversight during an MRI scan.

This is not an isolated case. There are documented cases of metallic objects causing serious damage during MRI scans with a 65-year-old man with schizophrenia swallowed metal objects, including sockets and a hinge pin. The powerful magnetic field during an MRI scan caused the objects to rupture his stomach, resulting in serious injuries.

A toddler who ingested 11 small magnets perforated his bowel while undergoing a scan, making his case unique. In another deadly but extremely rare incident, there have been people who hide a firearm on themselves during MRI procedures. Magnetic attraction can trigger a discharge in a weapon and has led to some fatal injuries.

These cases emphasize the very strong need for adequate screening and patient education prior to an MRI.

Preventing MRI-Related Incidents

Medical professionals have been trained to avoid risks. This is by properly screening a patient for metallic objects. In general, most pre-scan protocols include:

• Patients are interrogated about implants, recent surgery or exposures at work related to metals.
• Radiologists sometimes use handheld metal detectors to search for hidden items.
• People who work with metal, like welders or machinists, will need additional testing to detect microscopic metal fragments within soft tissues or eyes.

The case emphasizes the importance of product labeling by manufacturers, especially those products that are likely to unintentionally cause harm to health. The patient's assumption that her device was 100% silicone points to a larger problem in consumer markets with misinformation.

It also reminds the patients to report any possible dangers to the medical professionals, no matter how the objects look non-metallic. In sensitive cases, patients can request private discussions with healthcare providers to ensure safety without discomfort.

In the end, it is a joint effort from manufacturers, healthcare professionals, and patients that can prevent such tragedies. Manufacturers must ensure truthful marketing, while healthcare providers should educate patients about the dangers of metal objects in MRI settings. For patients, understanding the risks and actively participating in pre-scan disclosures can be lifesaving.

This young woman's experience is a sobering example of the unforeseen dangers posed by MRI machines when precautions are overlooked. It serves as a wake-up call to address gaps in patient awareness, medical protocols, and product transparency. By learning from this incident, the medical community and the public can work together to ensure MRI scans remain a safe and effective diagnostic tool.

The US continues to report food recalls and foodborne illness investigations involving a range of products, from salsa, guacamole and lettuce to fruit bars, eggs, nut butter and even dog food. Recent recalls have been linked to pathogens including Salmonella, Listeria and E. coli, as well as foreign-material contamination.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), about 48 million cases of foodborne illness occur in the US each year — equivalent to about 1 in 6 Americans. These illnesses result in an estimated 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths annually.

Foodborne Illness Investigations Rise

Between 2021 and 2025, the FDA investigated an average of about 25 foodborne illness outbreaks each year. This year, the agency has already posted 20 investigations and says work remains active for 18 foodborne illness clusters.

There have been about 10,500 cases of foodborne illness associated with outbreaks so far this year, according to data from the FDA and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The annual average has been 1,500 cases between 2021 and 2025.

The vast majority of these cases are linked to fresh jalapeños associated with a multistate Salmonella outbreak and fresh lettuce from Taylor Farms linked to Cyclospora.

Also read: Amid Cyclospora, Salmonella Outbreaks, US FDA Issues Guidance on Ready-to-Eat Produce

Here is a look at some of the other foods recently recalled or linked to contamination concerns in the US.

• Outshine Fruit Bars: Select Outshine Fruit Bars were recalled over concerns they may contain pieces of glass, posing a potential injury risk.
• Pillsbury Bread Rolls: General Mills recalled nearly 736,000 Pillsbury rolls due to possible glass contamination. The recall included 3,080 cases of Pillsbury Bread Rolls “Hard Roll Dough.”
• Oma’s Pride Dog Food: A lot of Oma’s Pride frozen dog food was recalled after testing found Salmonella contamination, which can affect both pets and people.
• Lacnola Lactation Granola: The granola was recalled over possible Salmonella contamination linked to moringa powder used in the product.
• Pastrami & Corned Beef: Ready-to-eat pastrami and corned beef products were recalled over concerns about possible Listeria contamination.
• Chicken Salad: A chicken salad product was subject to a public health alert because it may be contaminated with Listeria, a potentially serious foodborne pathogen.
• Shell Eggs: Nearly 1.59 million dozen eggs were recalled because they may be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis.

Why Are There So Many Foodborne Illnesses?

Read More: US Foodborne Illnesses Surge: Salmonella Hits 431, Cyclospora Cases Top 15,700

While FDA investigations into the outbreaks are underway, top Trump health officials have said that the US food supply remains safe and that fresh produce is safe to eat. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told reporters last month that the situation was “under control.”

However, experts blamed federal funding cuts under the Trump administration, which reduced budgets for food inspections by federal agencies and grants to state and local health departments that conduct traceback investigations to determine where outbreaks originate.

Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren wrote a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. seeking more information about what she called the administration’s “calamitous” response to the cyclosporiasis outbreak and expressing concern that politics could be to blame.

The number of outbreak investigations “represents an increase from previous years,” the FDA said in an email to CNN. The agency said it is constantly working to improve laboratory detection of foodborne illness and that stronger surveillance efforts can lead to increased detection. It also noted that ensuring food safety is a shared responsibility across the global supply chain.

Warren said the administration’s handling of the outbreak had been marked by missteps that raised questions about its decision-making.

More: Nearly 40,000 Bottles Of Popular Eye Drops Recalled Due To Potential Contamination

How To Stay Safe

To stay safe, the best way to avoid the foodborne illness is to:

• Discard or return any recalled products.
• Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water, even if labeled pre-washed.
• Avoid bagged greens when possible.
• Cook produce whenever possible; a temperature of 158 degrees Fahrenheit is the most effective way.
• Follow safe food-handling practices and stay updated on food recalls.

A 32-year-old man from Visakhapatnam was treated repeatedly for suspected tuberculosis for nearly six years before doctors diagnosed him with a rare inflammatory disease called Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease.

The man complained of recurrent swelling of his lymph nodes and was treated for tuberculosis despite the symptoms continuing to return.

In 2026, he was treated at KIMS Hospitals after developing a painful swelling in his right armpit. A lymph-node biopsy eventually led to the diagnosis of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease.

The case highlights a concerning but noteworthy issue of misdiagnosis, especially when a rare condition resembles infections like TB and even certain cancers.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease Affects Lymph Nodes

It is most commonly seen in young adults and frequently involves the lymph nodes in the neck. It is characterised by fever and tender lymph-node swelling. Some patients may also experience fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, or skin rashes.

The exact cause of the disease is still unknown. Researchers have proposed that infections may trigger an abnormal immune response, but no single infectious agent has been established as the cause.

Also read: TB Usually Attacks The Lungs, But It Can Affect The Skin Too- 1.5% People Are Living With The Struggle

Kikuchi Disease Can Be Mistaken For TB And Cancer

The condition can be particularly difficult to distinguish from other causes of enlarged lymph nodes. In countries like India, where tuberculosis is common, TB lymphadenitis is widely suspected when someone develops persistent or recurrent lymph-node swelling.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease can present with similar symptoms and inflammatory changes. There have been documented cases in which KFD was initially mistaken for tuberculosis. It can also resemble lymphoma and lymph-node involvement associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Kikuchi disease is not cancer, but its presentation can sometimes look similar to lymphoma, particularly when a patient has persistent lymph-node enlargement. This is one reason doctors may need a biopsy rather than relying only on symptoms or imaging.

Also read: Every Cough Or Episode Of Breathlessness Is Not Asthma

How Is Kikuchi Disease Diagnosed?

There is no specific blood test that can definitively diagnose Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease. Doctors generally rely on histopathological examination of an affected lymph node, usually following an excisional biopsy.

Under the microscope, characteristic areas of necrosis and specific immune cells called histiocytes and plasmacytoid dendritic cells can help establish the diagnosis. The absence of certain inflammatory cells, particularly neutrophils, also helps distinguish KFD from some infections. This is noteworthy as just the presence of an enlarged lymph node cannot reveal its underlying cause.

Symptoms of this disease generally improve without aggressive treatment, and with supportive care, including medicines to control pain and fever. Corticosteroids may be considered in severe or complicated cases.

However, patients diagnosed with KFD may need follow-up as it is associated with autoimmune conditions, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus.

Vizag Case Puts Focus On The Importance Of Reassessment

The Visakhapatnam man's prolonged treatment for suspected TB illustrates the difficulty of diagnosing rare inflammatory diseases when their symptoms overlap with more common conditions.

Persistent or recurring lymph-node swelling despite treatment should prompt doctors to reassess the diagnosis and consider other possibilities, including inflammatory disorders, autoimmune disease and malignancy.

Continuing its biggest food safety crackdown in years, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) inspected Pernod Ricard’s plant in Bengaluru.

While FSSAI officials have not issued any adverse findings against Pernod, they reportedly collected samples of Blenders Pride and Royal Stag whisky for testing.

“Regulatory inspections are an established part of the industry's compliance framework, and we are working constructively with the authorities,” Pernod said in a statement to Reuters. The French company added that it maintains robust quality and safety standards.

FSSAI Inspects Pernod Plant

FSSAI officials inspected the Pernod plant over two days, collected liquor samples for testing and sought some documentation.

According to Pernod, Blenders Pride is among its top premium blended whiskies in India, while Royal Stag is the first whisky in India not to use any artificial flavourings.

Also read: After FDA Crackdowns, Karnataka Launches QR Code To Report Food & Drug Safety Violations Instantly

FSSAI's Visit to Diageo Plant

The inspection comes close on the heels of FSSAI’s visit to Diageo’s plant, also in Bengaluru. The regulator seized around 18,000 boxes of whisky and vodka bottles, citing the alleged lack of markings showing that the bottles were made using safe, food-grade recycled plastic, Reuters reported.

It also flagged issues over labelling and the alleged addition of whisky flavouring to its whiskies.

FSSAI Widens Food Safety Crackdown

The food standards regulator has stepped up enforcement across packaged foods, edible oils, sweeteners, high-caffeine beverages and energy drink makers, including PepsiCo, with the drive gathering pace since July.

In recent weeks, FSSAI has acted against or scrutinized products and companies over misleading claims, hygiene and food-safety violations, non-compliant ingredients, labelling issues and failure to meet prescribed standards.

The latest in the list includes companies such as Amway India, Emami and Bonn Biscuits, which were pulled up by the food regulator over the use of the term “100%” on food labels, packaging and promotional or advertising materials where such claims could mislead consumers.

Read More: From Liquor to Dabur to VKC Nuts, FSSAI Crackdown Puts Food Safety in Focus: Why It Matters

Companies Remove ‘100%’ Claims

Following the intervention, six companies — Bonn Biscuits, Emami, Apis India, Amway India, Juza Foods and Masterchow Foods — took corrective action and removed “100%” claims from their products or advertisements.

• Emami withdrew the “100%” claim for its Zhandu Honey product.
• Apis India removed similar “100%” claims from its honey products.
• Bonn Biscuits removed the claim from a Jeera Bite advertisement for Bonn Cummin Flavor Jeera Bite Biscuits, 76 gm.
• Juza Foods in Kerala removed “100%” claims from various baby food products.
• Masterchow Foods Pvt Ltd withdrew the claim from its Ramen Noodle product.

Previous Crackdowns

FSSAI has also taken action against energy drink makers and alcoholic beverage manufacturers over regulatory violations.

More recently, the food regulator tightened packaging rules for pan masala. Under the new Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2026, notified on August 10, pan masala packaging can no longer use plastic-based materials, plastic laminates, aluminium foil or metallized layers.

Pan masala can now be packaged in materials made of paper, paperboard, cellulose and other naturally derived materials, provided they are completely free from plastic and synthetic polymers. Tin and glass containers are also allowed.

FSSAI also warned influencers to ensure, before endorsing a food product, that the claims made “are truthful, verifiable & compliant with the law.”

“With great influence comes great responsibility! Promoting misleading or unverified food claims can attract legal consequences,” it said.