Author: Alicia Maroney

Stay Refreshed: Fruits and Vegetables That Keep You Hydrated When temperatures rise or daily routines get hectic, hydration becomes essential for health and wellbeing. While water is the most obvious source, many people don’t realize that fruits and vegetables contribute significantly to fluid intake. Choosing produce with high water content not only helps hydration but also delivers vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Here’s a closer look at the fruits and vegetables that double as hydration heroes. Why Hydrating Foods Matter Dehydration can sneak up in subtle ways, fatigue, headaches, dry skin, and difficulty concentrating are all signs the body needs…

Beyond the Plate: Surprising Ways Foodborne Illnesses Develop When most people hear the term “foodborne illness,” they immediately think of undercooked chicken, tainted lettuce, or spoiled leftovers. While contaminated food is indeed the leading source of outbreaks, it’s not the only way harmful microbes find their way into our lives. Pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and norovirus are everywhere, in the environment, on surfaces, in water, and even on people. Understanding these alternate routes of exposure is essential for preventing illness and protecting public health. Here are some of the unexpected ways foodborne illnesses can develop beyond food itself.…

Raw and minimally processed pet foods can be nutritious, but they also carry risks of contamination with Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and other pathogens. The following checklist can help pet owners minimize risks for both their animals and their household. 1. Before You Buy 2. Safe Storage 3. Safe Handling 4. Feeding Safely 5. Cleaning & Sanitizing 6. Monitoring Pets 7. Protecting Humans in the Household 8. In Case of a Recall Final Note Raw and minimally processed pet foods require extra caution. By following this checklist, pet owners can enjoy the benefits of specialized diets while reducing the risks of…

Viva Raw LLC, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, has voluntarily recalled two lots of its raw dog and cat food after routine testing revealed contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. While no illnesses have been reported so far, the recall affects pet health and also poses possible risks to humans through handling contaminated products. Products Affected The recall targets two specific lots: Products were sold as frozen 1-pound bricks in clear vacuum packaging, with lot numbers printed on the top. Distribution occurred nationwide, both direct-to-consumer and via select retailers in New York, Illinois, South Carolina, Florida, Kansas, California, and Arizona,…

In early August 2025, Florida health authorities confirmed a concerning outbreak of foodborne illness. Twenty one people, including six children under the age of 10, fell ill due to E. coli and Campylobacter infections linked to raw, unpasteurized milk from Keely Farms Dairy in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Seven patients required hospitalization, with at least two experiencing severe complications. Timeline & Scope The Florida Department of Health traced the cluster of illnesses back to raw milk produced by Keely Farms Dairy, sold, despite state law, as pet or animal food to circumvent the ban on sales for human consumption. Since January 24, 2025, the…

On August 14, 2025, Fromi USA, based in New York, issued a voluntary recall of its Brie Royal Faucon 1 kg cheese due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall came after the company was notified by its foreign supplier that some products may be tainted. What’s Being Recalled: No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall in the U.S. Understanding Why Listeria Matters Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria of significant concern in cheese recalls, especially soft cheeses like Brie, because it can survive refrigeration and grow slowly even in cold conditions. Although healthy individuals may experience mild symptoms such as fever,…

We often turn to creams, serums, and treatments to improve our skin, but true radiance begins in the kitchen. The foods you eat supply the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your skin needs to repair itself, stay hydrated, and fight off damage. A diet rich in skin-boosting nutrients can help reduce premature aging, calm inflammation, and give your complexion a natural glow. Here’s a look at some of the healthiest foods for your skin and why they make such a difference. Fatty Fish for Omega-3s Salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which play a key role in…

When natural disasters strike, whether hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, or wildfires, communities often face more than physical damage. One of the most immediate and pressing concerns is food safety. With power outages, damaged water systems, and disrupted supply chains, the infrastructure that normally keeps food safe may be compromised. In these situations, disaster relief meals become a lifeline for affected populations. However, without careful handling, these meals can introduce additional risks of foodborne illness, compounding an already dire situation. Why Food Safety Is Compromised in Disasters Under normal circumstances, food safety is supported by electricity, clean water, functional kitchens, and proper…

Nursing homes play a vital role in caring for some of the most vulnerable members of society. Many residents are elderly, frail, or managing chronic illnesses that weaken their immune systems. For this population, food safety is not just a matter of comfort but of survival. A foodborne illness that might only cause a few days of discomfort in a healthy adult can lead to hospitalization, long-term complications, or even death in a nursing home resident. Protecting these individuals requires stringent food safety practices, careful planning, and constant vigilance. Why Food Safety Matters More in Nursing Homes Older adults face…

Recalls have been issued in both the United States and Canada for camembert and products containing camembert due to possible Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) contamination remains ongoing. Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Wegmans Food Markets, Inc., based in Rochester, New York and D. Tyers Foods International Inc., based in Oakville, Ontario issued the recalls in the United and Canada, respectively. Background The Wegmans recall was initiated after their supplier notified the company that three shipments from their…