Author: Alicia Maroney

Leftovers and Food Safety: How to Enjoy Them Without the Risk of Bacteria Like E. coli Leftovers are a convenient and economical way to make meals stretch further. Whether it’s yesterday’s lasagna, last night’s grilled chicken, or the extra servings from a holiday feast, properly handling and storing leftovers is crucial to avoiding foodborne illness. While many people take for granted that refrigerated food is safe, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that millions of food poisoning cases each year are linked to improper food storage and handling—leftovers included. Why Leftovers Can Be Risky Leftovers can become…

Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Aladdin Mediterranean Café in San Diego In April 2025, San Diego County health officials investigated a salmonella outbreak linked to a local restaurant, resulting in at least 14 confirmed illnesses and five hospitalizations. The outbreak highlighted ongoing concerns about food safety in the region. Outbreak Details The affected individuals reported dining at Aladdin Mediterranean Café between April 25 and April 26, 2025. Upon notification of the outbreak, the restaurant voluntarily closed to facilitate the investigation by the County’s Environmental Health and Quality Department and Public Health Services. This closure allowed health officials to conduct thorough inspections,…

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans: A Blueprint for Better Health The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) are the cornerstone of federal nutrition policy and education in the United States. Jointly issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) every five years, these guidelines provide science-based advice on what to eat and drink to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic disease, and meet nutrient needs. The most recent edition, the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines, represents the ninth edition and reflects the latest evidence on nutrition and public health. A Lifespan Approach For…

Foodborne Illnesses in Children Under Five: A Global Health Challenge Foodborne illnesses pose a significant threat to global health, particularly among children under the age of five. Despite comprising only 9% of the global population, this age group accounts for approximately 30% of deaths from foodborne diseases, highlighting a disproportionate vulnerability. The Global Burden According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 600 million people worldwide fall ill due to contaminated food each year, resulting in 420,000 deaths. Of these, 125,000 deaths occur in children under five, underscoring the severe impact on this demographic. These illnesses are largely preventable,…

Boar’s Head $3.1 Million Listeria Settlement: Approaching Deadline to File a Claim In 2024, Boar’s Head Provisions Co. faced a significant public health crisis when its Jarratt, Virginia, facility was linked to a deadly listeria outbreak. The incident led to a massive recall of deli meats and culminated in a $3.1 million class-action settlement – as well as the settlement of various other Boar’s Head personal injury cases, including at least one wrongful death case.  The Listeria Outbreak and Recall In July 2024, Boar’s Head initiated a voluntary recall of over 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products…

The United States Department of Agriculture: Safeguarding Food, Farming, and Rural America The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) plays a crucial and multifaceted role in American life. From setting dietary guidelines and supporting farmers to overseeing food safety and ensuring the health of rural communities, the USDA is at the heart of the nation’s agricultural and nutritional systems. Established in 1862 by President Abraham Lincoln—who famously called it “the people’s department”—the USDA has grown into a comprehensive federal agency that influences not only how food is grown and distributed, but also how Americans eat, live, and work. A Brief…

Chemical Contaminants in Food: The Hidden Dangers of Heavy Metals Food is a fundamental necessity of life, but the safety of what we eat can be compromised by invisible threats. Among the most insidious are chemical contaminants—specifically heavy metals like lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. According to the national food poisoning lawyer, Tony Coveny, these toxic elements can make their way into our food supply through soil, water, industrial pollution, and certain agricultural practices. Over time, chronic exposure to heavy metals can lead to serious health effects, ranging from neurological damage to organ failure. Understanding the sources, health risks, and…

The World Health Organization: Mission, Impact, and Challenges The World Health Organization (WHO), founded in 1948, is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, WHO’s mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable. With 194 member states, the organization plays a pivotal role in addressing global health challenges, coordinating international responses to disease outbreaks, setting evidence-based health standards, and supporting nations in achieving better health outcomes. Origins and Purpose The WHO emerged in the aftermath of World War II, as the world recognized the need for…

Silent Danger: The Threat of Undeclared Allergens in Our Food Supply Food allergies affect millions of people around the world, often turning an ordinary meal into a potential medical emergency. For individuals with allergies to common foods like peanuts, dairy, shellfish, or wheat, reading labels and trusting food safety practices are essential for survival. However, when allergens are present in foods but not properly declared on packaging, the results can be catastrophic. According to the national food poisoning lawyer, Tony Coveny, undeclared allergens represent a hidden and growing threat to public health, with serious consequences for individuals, families, and the…

Why Are Product Recalls on the Rise? Understanding the Surge in 2024 In recent years, consumers have witnessed a notable increase in product recalls, particularly within the food industry. In 2024, the United States experienced a significant uptick in food recalls, raising concerns about product safety and the factors contributing to this trend. The Surge in Food Recalls Data from 2024 indicates a substantial rise in food recalls across the United States. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported an 8% increase in food and beverage recalls, totaling 241 incidents. Conversely, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) noted a 38%…