Author: Alicia Maroney

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in partnership with state and local health agencies, have officially closed their investigation into a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections linked to brown cage-free and certified organic eggs produced by August Egg Company, based in Hilmar, California. The outbreak, which led to 134 confirmed illnesses, 38 hospitalizations, and one death, has raised new questions about the safety of shell eggs, even those labeled as cage-free or organic. As the public health investigation closes, legal action has begun. Ron Simon & Associates, a nationally recognized food safety law…

Whether you’re a dedicated farmers market regular or just trying to get more produce into your diet, knowing how to properly store fruits and vegetables can make a huge difference in both food safety and shelf life. Improper storage not only leads to spoilage and waste, it can also create environments where harmful bacteria thrive. Here’s a breakdown of how to store common fruits and vegetables for maximum freshness, minimal waste, and optimal safety. Cold Storage: What Belongs in the Fridge The refrigerator is your best friend when it comes to slowing the growth of bacteria and preserving moisture in…

In the fight against foodborne illness and infectious disease, time is everything. The faster public health officials can identify the source of an outbreak, the more lives can be saved. Thanks to advances in technology, especially genomic surveillance, that window of detection is shrinking, and with it, our ability to respond swiftly and effectively is growing. Once confined to research labs, genomic sequencing is now at the heart of real-world outbreak detection. From contaminated lettuce to Listeria-laced ice cream, health authorities are turning to genome-based tools to identify pathogens, trace their origins, and prevent wider spread. But what exactly is genomic…

For generations, home cooks have relied on their noses to judge whether food is still safe to eat. A quick sniff test, if it smells “off,” throw it out; if it smells okay, it must be fine. But here’s the hard truth: you cannot smell most foodborne pathogens. The idea that “if it smells fine, it’s safe” is not just misleading, it can be dangerous. Food safety experts warn that relying on smell, taste, or appearance alone won’t protect you from many of the bacteria, viruses, and toxins that cause food poisoning. Here’s why your nose isn’t enough, and what…

In the ever-evolving world of food production, the use of robots in food processing has surged in recent years. From slicing vegetables to packaging meat, robots are now performing tasks once done solely by humans. These machines promise speed, consistency, and hygiene, but are they actually safer than human hands when it comes to preventing foodborne illness? Rise of the Machines in Food Production The use of automation in food processing isn’t new, but recent advancements in robotics, sensors, and artificial intelligence (AI) have made it possible for robots to handle delicate tasks once thought to require the human touch. Today’s…

Refrigerators have come a long way from simple cooling boxes. Today’s high-tech smart fridges boast features like touchscreens, internal cameras, inventory tracking, and even voice control. They promise convenience, efficiency, and enhanced food safety, but do they truly deliver? Or are they just an expensive appliance wrapped in marketing hype? What Makes a Fridge “Smart”? A smart refrigerator typically includes some or all of the following features: These functions are designed to improve user experience and reduce food waste, but do they actually make your food safer? Where Smart Fridges Can Help 1. Temperature Control and Alerts One of the most important…

That half-used can of tomato paste or leftover beans sitting in the fridge might seem harmless, but storing food in opened cans can pose serious risks to your health, flavor, and food quality. While it’s common practice in many households, food safety experts consistently advise against it. Why? Because once a can is opened, everything from metal leaching to bacterial contamination becomes a concern. Here’s a closer look at why you should never store food in opened cans, what can go wrong, and how to store leftovers the safe and smart way. What Happens When a Can Is Opened? Cans…

On July 2, 2025, Kraft Heinz Foods Company initiated a Class I recall, the most serious level, for about 367,812 pounds of fully cooked Oscar Mayer Original Turkey Bacon. The recall followed USDA‑FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service) testing that detected Listeria monocytogenes in samples from their Newberry, South Carolina plant. No illnesses have been reported so far. The recalled turkey bacon was produced between April 24 and June 11, 2025, in packages weighing 12 oz, 36 oz, and 48 oz, each bearing specific UPCs, lot codes, and “use-by” dates from July 18 to September 4, 2025. Scope of Distribution This wasn’t a small, regional issue. The products…

When it comes to kitchen hygiene, most of us are diligent about wiping down counters, scrubbing cutting boards, and keeping our hands clean. But even the most cleanliness-conscious cooks often overlook some of the dirtiest culprits in the kitchen: the gadgets and tools we use every day. These small appliances and utensils might look clean, but many of them are harboring bacteria, mold, and old food residue, and if you’re not sanitizing them regularly, you could be putting your health at risk. Here’s a rundown of the most commonly forgotten kitchen gadgets you should start sanitizing ASAP and tips on…

Tucked away at the bottom of your refrigerator are two humble drawers often filled with carrots, lettuce, or maybe a forgotten cucumber turning to mush. These are your crisper drawers, and while most people know they’re for produce, few use them to their full potential. In fact, proper use of crisper drawers can significantly extend the life of your fruits and vegetables, reduce food waste, and even help prevent cross-contamination. So the question is: are you really using them correctly? What Are Crisper Drawers? Crisper drawers are specially designed compartments in your refrigerator meant to maintain humidity levels ideal for…