Author: Alicia Maroney
What You Need to Know About Foraging and Food Safety In recent years, foraging has seen a dramatic resurgence, fueled by a desire to reconnect with nature, embrace sustainability, and enjoy ultra-local, seasonal ingredients. From wild berries and mushrooms to edible flowers and greens, foraging allows people to gather food straight from the land. But while the practice can be rewarding and nutritious, it also carries real risks if not done with care and knowledge. Understanding food safety when foraging is essential to protecting yourself and others from potential illness, or worse. The Growing Appeal of Foraging Foraging has long…
Should You Rinse Chicken? The Debate That Won’t Die—And What the Science Says For generations, rinsing raw chicken under the faucet has been a common kitchen practice. Whether it’s to remove slime, blood, or simply as part of a cultural cooking tradition, many home cooks continue to wash their poultry before cooking. But in recent years, food safety experts have urged the public to abandon rinsing raw chicken altogether. So why does the debate still rage on, and what does the science actually say? A Longstanding Kitchen Tradition Many people rinse chicken out of habit or because it was how…
Pets and Food Safety: Can Animals Spread Foodborne Illness in Your Home? For millions of households, pets are more than just animals, they’re family. Dogs and cats curl up on couches, roam kitchens, and sometimes even get a taste of what’s cooking. But while they offer companionship, they can also introduce risks to your household’s food safety. Pets, like humans, can carry or transmit bacteria and pathogens that cause foodborne illness. Understanding these risks and adopting good hygiene habits can help ensure that your love for your pets doesn’t inadvertently compromise your health. How Pets Can Contribute to Foodborne Illness…
Is Your Fridge Actually Safe? How to Store Foods for Optimal Safety Most people view their refrigerator as a safety net, a reliable way to keep food fresh and prevent illness. But while refrigeration is a crucial part of food safety, improper storage practices can turn even the coldest fridge into a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. From the wrong temperature settings to poor food placement, small mistakes can have big consequences for your health. Understanding how to properly use and organize your refrigerator can dramatically reduce the risk of foodborne illness and extend the shelf life of your groceries.…
When someone falls ill from contaminated food, the aftermath can be painful, expensive, and emotionally draining. Medical bills, lost wages, long-term health effects, and emotional distress are just a few of the consequences. For many victims, taking legal action is a way to seek justice and recover damages. But one of the first decisions they may face is whether to join a class action lawsuit or file an individual personal injury claim. Each option has benefits and drawbacks, depending on the situation, severity of illness, and goals of the victim. Understanding Class Action Lawsuits A class action is a legal…
In an age where environmental consciousness is on the rise, reusable grocery bags have become a common accessory. From canvas totes to insulated carriers, these eco-friendly options reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability. But as helpful as they are for the planet, your reusable grocery bag could also be harboring invisible threats to your health, namely, bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses. The very nature of how grocery bags are used, stored, and cleaned (or not cleaned) makes them a surprising source of contamination. Without proper care, they can turn into breeding grounds for pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which may…
When we cook food, we often trust that heat will kill harmful bacteria and render our meals safe to eat. While this is true for most pathogens, some bacteria have evolved an impressive survival mechanism that can withstand high temperatures, dryness, and even disinfectants: spores. These microscopic structures allow certain bacteria to survive cooking, refrigeration, and other hostile conditions, leading to unexpected cases of foodborne illness even when food seems properly prepared. Understanding what spores are, how they work, and how to handle food safely despite their presence is essential to reducing foodborne risk. What Are Bacterial Spores? Bacterial spores,…
Most people associate food poisoning with short-term discomfort: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue that lasts a few days. For many, these symptoms fade with time and hydration. But in some cases, foodborne illnesses don’t end when the stomach settles. Certain infections can lead to serious, long-term health complications that affect organs, immunity, and overall quality of life. Understanding these risks is essential, not only for consumers but also for healthcare providers and food industry professionals. Acute Infection vs. Chronic Consequences Foodborne illnesses are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins present in contaminated food or water. Common pathogens include Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, and Norovirus.…
As temperatures climb during the summer months, staying hydrated becomes not just a matter of comfort, but one of health and safety. While drinking water is essential, many people overlook the role that food can play in maintaining proper hydration. A variety of fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-rich foods contain high water content and essential electrolytes that help the body retain moisture and function optimally. Incorporating these hydrating foods into your daily summer diet is a delicious and effective way to beat the heat and support your overall well-being. Why Hydration Matters Dehydration can sneak up quickly during hot weather, especially…
Eggs Explained: The Pros and Cons of Pasture-Raised, Free-Range, Cage-Free, and Caged Eggs Eggs are a staple in diets around the world, prized for their versatility, affordability, and nutritional value. However, when it comes to choosing eggs at the grocery store, consumers are faced with a dizzying array of labels: pasture-raised, free-range, cage-free, organic, and conventional caged. These labels reflect different farming practices that can influence animal welfare, environmental impact, egg quality, and price. Importantly, some farming methods may also play a role in the prevention or increased risk of Salmonella contamination, making food safety another factor to consider. Understanding…