Author: Alicia Maroney

Fresh fruits and vegetables are central to a healthy diet, but their journey from farm to table is far from risk-free. One growing concern for farmers, food safety experts, and public health officials is the impact of urban wildlife on produce safety. As cities expand and green spaces shrink, interactions between wildlife and cultivated crops are becoming more frequent, raising the risk of foodborne pathogen contamination before produce ever reaches consumers. Urban Expansion Meets Wild Habitats Urban development often pushes human activity deeper into natural habitats. Conversely, some wildlife species, like raccoons, opossums, squirrels, deer, feral cats, and certain bird populations,…

The Boar’s Head deli meat plant in Jarratt, Virginia, shuttered for nearly a year after being linked to a deadly Listeria monocytogenes outbreak, has officially been cleared to resume operations. The outbreak, which unfolded in 2024, claimed 10 lives and sickened dozens more across multiple states, prompting one of the most high-profile food safety investigations in recent memory. While the reopening signals that regulators believe the plant now meets safety standards, recent findings from inspections at other Boar’s Head facilities have reignited concerns about whether systemic sanitation issues remain unaddressed within the company’s operations. Background: A Tragic Foodborne Outbreak The 2024…

In early August 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Class I recall, its highest level of safety alert, for more than 32,000 pounds of pecans produced by Navarro Pecan Company due to potential Salmonella contamination. The recall affects multiple U.S. states, including Texas and Minnesota, as well as international markets in Italy and the United Arab Emirates. While no illnesses have been reported to date, health authorities are urging immediate action from consumers and retailers to prevent possible infections. Understanding the Recall and Its Seriousness A Class I recall is the FDA’s most urgent category, reserved for…

Food safety audits are systematic evaluations conducted to verify compliance with established food safety standards and regulations. Unlike regulatory inspections, which are often unannounced and carried out by government agencies like the FDA or USDA, audits are typically scheduled assessments performed by internal teams or third-party organizations. These evaluations focus on reviewing documentation, physical conditions, and operational practices to ensure food products are handled safely from production to distribution. The Process The audit process begins with an opening meeting where the auditor outlines the scope, objectives, and timeline. Key personnel are introduced, and the auditor requests access to essential documents such as HACCP…

Farmers markets continue to thrive as vital sources of fresh, local food across the United States. For vendors, adhering to food safety practices is essential to maintaining consumer trust and regulatory compliance. Perishable items like raw meats, dairy, and soft cheeses require strict temperature control; vendors must display these products on ice, in coolers, or in refrigeration to keep them below 40°F. This prevents bacterial growth, which accelerates rapidly in warm weather, especially above 90°F, where food can become unsafe in just one hour. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) establishes science-based standards for produce safety, though exemptions exist for smaller…

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Boulangerie Andalos Inc., based in Saint-Laurent, Quebec, Canada, have issued a voluntary recall for various Andalos-brand pastry products due to potential Salmonella contamination. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious infections in animals and humans, especially those in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Background The recall was initiated as part of an investigation by the CFIA into an outbreak of foodborne illness linked to contaminated pistachios. This recall has been categorized as a Class 2 recall by the CFIA, meaning that “there is a moderate risk that…

As the school year begins, many parents turn their attention to packing nutritious and tasty lunches. However, food safety is just as important as what goes into the lunchbox. Without proper handling and storage, even a healthy lunch can become a source of foodborne illness. Young children are particularly vulnerable to bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli, making lunch box safety an essential part of back-to-school planning. Why Lunch Box Safety Matters Children often store their lunches in lockers, cubbies, or backpacks where temperatures can rise above safe levels. Harmful bacteria can multiply rapidly when food is left unrefrigerated between 40°F and 140°F,…

Cooking meat to the correct internal temperature is one of the most important steps in preventing foodborne illness. Whether grilling burgers, roasting chicken, or pan-searing steak, using a food thermometer and following safe cooking temperatures is essential. Undercooked or improperly stored meat can harbor dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can cause severe illness or even death. Meat temperature guidelines are more than just suggestions, they are science-based rules designed to protect public health. Why Temperature Matters Raw meat can contain harmful bacteria that are only destroyed when the food is cooked to a high enough temperature. These bacteria live…

Charcuterie and grazing boards have exploded in popularity over the past few years, appearing everywhere from weddings and holiday parties to casual picnics and corporate events. Often celebrated for their artistic presentation and variety, these boards typically feature cured meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, dips, and crackers. While they may seem like the perfect centerpiece for entertaining, they come with hidden risks that can lead to foodborne illness when not handled properly. A Mix of High-Risk Foods Charcuterie boards combine multiple food types that are known to carry a higher risk of contamination. Cured meats like salami, prosciutto, and pâté can harbor Listeria…

A Salmonella outbreak linked to multiple brands of pistachios and products with pistachios has affected 52 people across four Canadian provinces, with nine of those requiring hospitalization. Background Those affected so far include 39 people in Quebec, 9 in Ontario, 3 in British Columbia, and 1 in Manitoba. Most of those who became ill reportedly consumed pistachios and products with pistachios in them. Most cases occurred between early March and mid-July 2025. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued the following recalls to date: As with all food recalls, the impacted products could have made their way to other…