Author: Alicia Maroney

Food Safety in School Cafeterias: Protecting Students from Outbreaks School cafeterias play a critical role in shaping children’s nutrition and daily health. For many students, the meals provided at school represent the most consistent food they receive each day. Ensuring these meals are both nutritious and safe is an enormous responsibility. When foodborne pathogens enter cafeterias, they have the potential to affect hundreds of children at once, leading to widespread illness and lasting consequences for students, families, and school systems. Why School Cafeterias Require Special Attention Children are particularly vulnerable to foodborne illness because their immune systems are still developing.…

Egg Substitutes and Plant-Based Mayo: Do They Eliminate Salmonella Risks? Eggs have long been a staple in cooking, baking, and food preparation, but they also carry a well-documented risk of Salmonella. The bacterium can be found inside eggs or on their shells, and improper handling or consumption of raw or undercooked eggs has led to countless foodborne illness outbreaks. As plant-based eating grows in popularity, many consumers have turned to egg substitutes and plant-based mayonnaise as seemingly safer options. The question remains whether these alternatives completely eliminate salmonella risks or simply replace one set of concerns with another. Why Eggs…

The Shelf Life of Spices: Can Old Seasonings Carry Bacteria or Mold? Spices are kitchen staples that add flavor, aroma, and color to everyday meals. They often sit quietly in cupboards and pantries for months or even years without much thought. Many home cooks assume that dried spices last indefinitely since they appear dry and inert. However, spices have a shelf life and can lose both potency and safety over time. Questions about whether old spices can carry bacteria or mold have grown more common as people take a closer look at food safety in the home. Flavor Versus Safety…

Food Poisoning from Venues: Weddings, Banquets, and Catered Events Weddings, banquets, and catered events bring people together to celebrate important milestones with meals that are often elaborate and memorable. These occasions are usually associated with joy, but they can also carry unexpected risks when food safety is not carefully managed. A single mistake in food handling at a large event can lead to dozens or even hundreds of guests falling ill. Food poisoning outbreaks tied to catered functions highlight how critical it is to understand and prevent these risks. Why Large Gatherings Are High Risk Catered events often involve preparing…

Cheese Made from Unpasteurized Milk: Why Small Batch Isn’t Always Safer Cheese often carries an image of tradition, craftsmanship, and care, especially when it is produced in small batches. For many consumers, artisan or farmstead cheeses made from unpasteurized, or raw, milk appear to be a healthier or more authentic alternative to mass-produced products. Marketing often highlights the natural and traditional qualities of raw milk cheese, suggesting that small batch means safer or superior. However, the reality is more complicated. While unpasteurized milk cheeses can offer distinctive flavors, they also pose heightened risks for foodborne illness that should not be…

Alcohol and Food Safety: Can Contaminated Drinks Make You Sick? Alcoholic beverages are often thought of as self-preserving products that are resistant to contamination. The presence of alcohol, which can inhibit the growth of many harmful microorganisms, leads many consumers to believe that drinks like beer, wine, or spirits are automatically safe. However, history and science both show that alcoholic beverages are not immune to contamination. Improper production, poor sanitation, adulteration, or mishandling can still allow dangerous pathogens or toxic substances to enter the supply chain and make people sick. How Alcohol Normally Protects Against Contamination Alcohol levels above 10…

Worms and Raw Salmon: What You Need to Know Raw salmon is a popular ingredient in dishes like sushi, poke, and ceviche. Its buttery texture and delicate flavor make it a favorite among seafood lovers. Despite its appeal, eating raw salmon comes with risks that are often overlooked. One of the most concerning is the presence of parasites, particularly worms. Understanding the types of worms that can be found in salmon, their health risks, and ways to minimize exposure is important for anyone who enjoys raw fish. Types of Worms Found in Salmon Several types of parasitic worms can infect…

The 10 Most Common Unhygienic Kitchen Mistakes Everyone Makes The kitchen is the heart of the home, a place where families gather, meals are prepared, and traditions are shared. While it should be the cleanest area of a household, kitchens often harbor bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that increase the risk of foodborne illness. Many people unknowingly make small mistakes in daily food preparation that compromise hygiene. Recognizing and correcting these errors can significantly reduce the risk of contamination. 1. Neglecting Handwashing The most basic yet most overlooked mistake is failing to wash hands properly. Rinsing briefly under water is…

The Pros and Cons of Home Delivery Ready to Eat Meals The food landscape has shifted dramatically in the past decade, and one of the fastest growing segments is home delivery ready to eat meals. These prepared options are designed for convenience, allowing customers to enjoy balanced, portioned, and often gourmet meals without the hassle of grocery shopping or cooking. Companies ranging from large national brands to boutique services have entered the market. The rise of these services speaks to changing consumer priorities, but it also raises important questions about nutrition, cost, and safety. The Advantages of Ready to Eat…

The Overlooked Dangers of Home Vacuum Sealers for Leftovers Vacuum sealing has become a popular method for preserving food at home. Many people use countertop sealers to extend the life of leftovers, reduce food waste, and store bulk purchases. The process seems simple: remove air, seal tightly, and refrigerate or freeze. While this method can reduce exposure to oxygen and slow down spoilage, it is not a guarantee of food safety. Vacuum sealing leftovers carries risks that are often overlooked, particularly when it comes to bacterial growth and improper storage. Why Vacuum Sealing Appeals to Home Cooks One reason vacuum…