Author: Alicia Maroney

Hotel Breakfast Buffets: Risks Behind Self-Serve Eggs, Fruit, and Pastries For many travelers, the complimentary hotel breakfast buffet is an added perk: scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, pastries, and perhaps a make-your-own waffle station. These spreads are designed for convenience and abundance, but behind the display of steaming trays and self-serve tongs lurks a lesser-known hazard: foodborne illness. When dozens or hundreds of guests share the same utensils, touch the same counters, and dip into the same food, the risks multiply. Eggs, cut fruit, and pastries may look harmless, yet they are among the riskiest items when food safety measures are…

Fresh Herbs: The Overlooked Source of Salmonella and Cyclospora When most people think of foodborne illness, they picture undercooked meat, raw seafood, or unwashed lettuce. Few realize that fresh herbs such as cilantro, parsley, basil, and dill have been linked to numerous outbreaks of serious pathogens. These small leafy garnishes often escape the same scrutiny that fruits and vegetables receive, yet they are just as capable of carrying harmful bacteria and parasites. Because herbs are usually consumed raw, the risks they carry reach the table without any cooking step to eliminate them. Why Fresh Herbs Are Risky Herbs grow close…

Oysters and Shellfish: Why Vibrio Cases Are Rising Shellfish have long been prized as delicacies that connect people to the sea. Oysters in particular carry a reputation for elegance, freshness, and a taste that reflects the waters where they are harvested. While these foods are celebrated in coastal cuisines around the world, they also come with real safety risks. Vibrio bacteria, naturally present in marine environments, have become an increasing cause of illness linked to raw oysters and other shellfish. Rising global temperatures, shifting ocean conditions, and expanding consumer demand are driving a troubling trend of more Vibrio cases each…

Consumers nationwide are being urged to check their refrigerators after Country Eggs LLC voluntarily recalled its large brown cage free “Sunshine Yolks” eggs. Public health officials issued the warning due to a confirmed risk of Salmonella contamination. The recall affects several well known brands and has already been linked to dozens of illnesses across multiple states. Recall Details from the FDA The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued the recall on August 27, 2025, after identifying a potential Salmonella contamination in eggs produced by Country Eggs LLC of Lucerne Valley, California. The affected products include: Affected eggs were distributed between…

Foodborne illness is notoriously underreported. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that for every confirmed case of food poisoning, dozens more go unreported because people never seek medical care or fail to connect their illness to a meal. In this gap, an unlikely tool has emerged: social media. Platforms once thought of as simply a place for food photography, restaurant reviews, and late-night rants are now proving invaluable to public health officials as a real-time outbreak detection system. Why Traditional Outbreak Detection Falls Short Historically, foodborne illness outbreaks were identified only when clusters of people reported symptoms…

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…