Author: Alicia Maroney

When you sit down at a restaurant table, whether it’s a casual diner or a trendy brunch spot, there’s a good chance you’ll find a caddy of condiments: ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, maybe even hot sauce or a squeeze bottle of mayo. These familiar tabletop staples may seem harmless, but research and restaurant hygiene experts suggest they can be one of the dirtiest surfaces in any eatery. From sticky fingers to infrequent cleaning, condiment bottles can quietly harbor bacteria, viruses, and even food residue, making them a potential risk for foodborne illness. While we often worry about undercooked food or…

When you sit down at a restaurant table, whether it’s a casual diner or a trendy brunch spot, there’s a good chance you’ll find a caddy of condiments: ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, maybe even hot sauce or a squeeze bottle of mayo. These familiar tabletop staples may seem harmless, but research and restaurant hygiene experts suggest they can be one of the dirtiest surfaces in any eatery. From sticky fingers to infrequent cleaning, condiment bottles can quietly harbor bacteria, viruses, and even food residue, making them a potential risk for foodborne illness. While we often worry about undercooked food or…

As travel habits shift toward more personalized and flexible experiences, vacation rentals, like those offered through Airbnb, Vrbo, and other platforms, have become a popular alternative to hotels. With access to full kitchens and more home-like accommodations, travelers are increasingly cooking meals, storing food, and eating in rather than dining out. But while this can save money and add convenience, it also comes with important food safety considerations that are often overlooked. Whether you’re planning a beach getaway, a mountain retreat, or a city escape, here’s what you need to know about keeping your food safe when staying in a…

Summer is a time for carefree play, barefoot sprints across the lawn, muddy hands digging in the dirt, and popsicles on sticky fingers. While summer brings freedom and fun, it also comes with a hidden risk: dirty hands and the spread of germs, especially right before meals or snacks. Whether it’s at the beach, the lake, a picnic, or just your backyard, encouraging children to wash their hands properly, and consistently, can help prevent foodborne illness and other infections. Teaching kids to keep their hands clean during summer isn’t just about soap and water; it’s about building habits that stick…

When we think of foodborne illness outbreaks in restaurants, bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli usually come to mind. But another category of pathogens is often overlooked and just as dangerous: parasites. Though less common than bacterial outbreaks, parasitic infections can cause severe illness, prolonged symptoms, and even long-term health complications. In restaurant settings, where food handling, hygiene, and ingredient sourcing are critical, parasitic outbreaks pose a real threat to public health. Here’s a closer look at the most common parasites responsible for restaurant-related outbreaks, how they spread, and what restaurants and diners can do to stay safe. 1. Giardia lamblia What it is: Giardia is…

Dining out is a staple of modern life, whether it’s grabbing a quick bite on the go or sitting down for a special meal. However, behind the scenes of even the most well-kept restaurants lurks a risk that many diners don’t think about: bacterial outbreaks. Each year, thousands of people in the U.S. fall ill from foodborne pathogens linked to restaurants, and a few dangerous bacteria are the usual suspects. From undercooked chicken to contaminated produce, restaurants can inadvertently become hotspots for foodborne illness. Here are the most common bacterial culprits, how they make people sick, and what food businesses,…

In early July 2025, Hopkins County Health Department investigators flagged a cluster of Giardia infections, intestinal illnesses caused by a microscopic parasite, linked to El Tapatio, a restaurant in Madisonville, Kentucky. At least 24 confirmed cases have been identified, with symptoms including prolonged diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, and fatigue. What Is Giardia and How Is It Transmitted? Giardia lamblia (also called Giardia intestinalis) is a protozoan parasite transmitted via the fecal–oral route. Infection typically occurs through ingestion of contaminated food or water, but can also spread through person-to-person contact or infected food handlers. After exposure, symptoms may take 1–2 weeks to appear, and…

When most people think of Salmonella, they imagine a miserable, but temporary, bout of food poisoning. Diarrhea, cramps, fever, and nausea usually resolve within a few days, and life goes on. However, while many recover fully, for some, a Salmonella infection can lead to serious and lasting health problems. These long-term effects are often overlooked but can be debilitating, life-altering, and in rare cases, even fatal. As foodborne illness continues to affect millions each year, it’s critical to understand not just the short-term misery but also the long-term complications that Salmonella can cause. What Is Salmonella? Salmonella is a genus of bacteria responsible for one of…

Eggs are a staple in kitchens around the world – scrambled, poached, boiled, baked into cakes, or served sunny-side up. Despite their versatility and nutritional value, eggs come with a hidden risk: Salmonella, one of the leading causes of foodborne illness globally. For decades, public health officials have worked to reduce Salmonella contamination in eggs, yet outbreaks and recalls still occur. Understanding the connection between eggs and Salmonella is key to keeping our food safe. What Is Salmonella? Salmonella is a genus of bacteria that causes salmonellosis, a foodborne illness characterized by diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, and sometimes vomiting. Most people recover without medical treatment in…

Despite decades of food safety education, improved regulation, and technological advances, Salmonella continues to be one of the most common causes of foodborne illness worldwide. In the United States alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that Salmonella causes about 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths each year. Its persistence in the food supply and its ability to evade detection make Salmonella a formidable and ongoing public health threat. But why exactly is Salmonella so widespread, and why haven’t we been able to beat it? What Is Salmonella? Salmonella is a genus of bacteria that includes more than 2,500 serotypes, with Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium being the most…