Author: Alicia Maroney

Ice Machines: The Overlooked Food Poisoning Culprit Ice is often considered a safe addition to beverages and food displays. It is colorless, tasteless, and rarely questioned by consumers. However, ice machines, especially those in commercial settings, can be significant yet overlooked sources of foodborne illness. Because people do not associate ice with contamination, the health risks tied to improperly maintained ice machines often go unnoticed until outbreaks occur. The Misconception of Ice as “Safe” Many consumers and even some foodservice workers assume that ice, because it is frozen, is inherently free of bacteria or viruses. This misconception can be dangerous.…

Food banks play a vital role in combating hunger, offering nourishment to millions of individuals and families in need. As the demand for food assistance grows, food banks must not only manage increasing volumes of donations and distribution logistics but also maintain strict food safety protocols. Many of the people served by food banks, children, seniors, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems, are more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses. This makes food safety in these environments not only essential but potentially life-saving. Understanding the Risks in the Food Bank Setting Food banks often handle a wide variety of food products,…

From 2014 through 2022, data collected from foodborne illness outbreak investigations across the United States have revealed consistent patterns in the factors contributing to these outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with state and local health departments, compiled and analyzed thousands of outbreak reports. These reports help identify not only what foods were involved, but also the behaviors, practices, and environmental conditions that made people sick. Understanding these contributing factors allows for more targeted prevention strategies. It also provides critical insight into where food safety systems are most vulnerable, whether in restaurants, food production facilities, or even…

The landscape of infectious disease surveillance has experienced a significant shift with the introduction of culture independent diagnostic tests. These diagnostic tools have transformed how laboratories detect pathogens in clinical samples, offering rapid results that benefit both patients and healthcare providers. However, their use has introduced new challenges for public health surveillance systems that rely on bacterial cultures to detect and investigate outbreaks. Culture independent diagnostic tests allow for the identification of pathogens directly from patient specimens without the need for traditional culturing methods. These tests often use molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction or antigen detection to provide quick and accurate…

College life often involves late nights, shared kitchens, and a steady diet of convenience foods. While these habits are a rite of passage for many students, they can also create ideal conditions for foodborne illness. Students are at risk of food poisoning due to limited food storage space, lack of cooking experience, and communal living arrangements. Addressing food safety on college campuses is essential to protect students’ health and prevent outbreaks that can spread quickly in close quarters. Common Food Safety Challenges in Dorms and Campus Housing The average dorm room was not designed for food preparation. Many students rely…

High Noon issued a voluntary recall on July 29, 2025, after discovering a serious labeling and packaging error. Some High Noon Beach Variety 12‑pack cans had been mistakenly filled with vodka seltzer but labeled as Celsius™ Astro Vibe™ Sparkling Blue Razz Energy Drinks, due to a mix‑up by a shared packaging supplier. These mislabeled cans may lead to unintentional alcohol consumption for consumers expecting a nonalcoholic beverage. The recall was announced in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. What Went Wrong? A packaging supplier mistakenly shipped empty Celsius-branded cans to High Noon’s production facility. High Noon filled the…

Doehler Dry Ingredient Solutions, LLC announced a voluntary recall on July 30, 2025 of their Member’s Mark Freeze Dried Fruit Variety Pack (15‑count boxes, UPC 1 93968 50900 2) due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination discovered during routine internal testing. Products were sold exclusively at Sam’s Club locations across 43 states including Puerto Rico, with distribution dates ranging from July 1 through July 25, 2025. What Is Listeria and Why It Matters Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium capable of causing serious infections, particularly in pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Infection may lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, and severe illness in infants. Healthy individuals may only experience temporary…

Campylobacter is one of the most common bacterial causes of foodborne illness globally. It is especially prevalent in undercooked poultry, unpasteurized milk, and contaminated water. Despite its widespread impact, Campylobacter remains underrecognized in many parts of the world due to diagnostic limitations and the sporadic nature of outbreaks. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence have opened the door to new solutions. Large language models (LLMs), such as those developed by OpenAI and other research institutions, are now being explored as tools to track, analyze, and even predict outbreaks related to Campylobacter and other foodborne pathogens. Understanding Campylobacter and Its Challenges Campylobacter infections can cause symptoms…

Antibiotic resistance has become one of the most pressing health challenges of the modern era. While much of the public’s attention has focused on antibiotic misuse in healthcare settings, the role of the food supply in spreading resistant bacteria is equally concerning. Foodborne illnesses caused by antibiotic resistant pathogens are now a global issue, posing serious risks to public health and complicating treatment efforts. The Rise of Antibiotic Resistance in Foodborne Pathogens Antibiotic resistant bacteria can contaminate food at any stage of the production process. From livestock farms to processing plants to the kitchen table, improper use of antibiotics has…

The COVID pandemic reshaped many aspects of daily life, from how people work and travel to how they eat and prepare food. One of the most lasting changes has been in food safety behavior. Before the pandemic, most consumers associated food safety primarily with avoiding undercooked meat or expired items. During and after the pandemic, a heightened awareness of cleanliness, hygiene, and disease transmission significantly influenced food handling habits both at home and in public spaces. A New Level of Awareness When COVID cases began to rise globally, anxiety around cleanliness intensified. Consumers became acutely aware of how germs and…