Author: Kit Redwine

Foodborne illnesses have repeatedly altered the course of human history, from determining military outcomes to fueling social panics. Ancient accounts suggest Alexander the Great’s death in 323 BCE resulted from Salmonella typhi infection, possibly contracted via contaminated food or water. His sudden demise at age 32 triggered the collapse of his empire and reshaped the ancient world. Similarly, the Great Plague of Athens (430–426 BCE), which killed a quarter of Athens’ population during the Peloponnesian War, is now theorized to have been caused by contaminated grain. This catastrophe weakened Athens militarily and contributed to Sparta’s eventual victory. Ergotism and Social…

Fresh fruits and vegetables are vital to a healthy diet, yet they can harbor invisible threats: harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, pesticide residues, and soil contaminants. These hazards may originate from field irrigation, handling during distribution, or cross-contamination in kitchens. Consuming improperly cleaned produce can lead to foodborne illnesses, which cause an estimated 48 million illnesses annually in the U.S. alone. Why Water Trumps Soaps and Special Washes Contrary to popular belief, soap, detergent, bleach, or commercial produce washes are ineffective and potentially hazardous. Produce is porous, allowing these substances to absorb into its flesh despite rinsing.…

In an interconnected food system where produce crosses continents before reaching plates, international collaboration is essential to combat foodborne pathogens. Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and national agencies deploy coordinated strategies to address contamination risks spanning multiple countries. Global Frameworks for Unified Action The WHO’s 2022–2030 Global Strategy for Food Safety establishes concrete targets, including a 40% reduction in foodborne diarrheal diseases by 2030 and enhanced laboratory surveillance worldwide. Adopted by 194 member states, this framework prioritizes harmonized standards and data sharing. In May 2024, WHO launched the Alliance for Food Safety, uniting…

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in foodborne pathogens has emerged as a critical complication in controlling foodborne diseases worldwide. This phenomenon occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites evolve to withstand the drugs designed to kill them, rendering standard treatments ineffective. The U.S. food supply ranks among the safest globally, yet contaminated foods still cause millions of illnesses annually, and AMR exacerbates this threat when infections become harder to treat. Pathways from Farm to Fork AMR enters the food chain through multiple routes. Food animals often receive antibiotics for treatment, disease prevention, or growth promotion, fostering resistant germs in their guts. During…

Established in 1995 following a deadly E. coli O157 outbreak linked to contaminated hamburgers, which caused over 700 confirmed infections and 4 child deaths, the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) emerged as a critical early-warning system for food safety threats. Operated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and 10 state health departments, FoodNet monitors laboratory-confirmed infections across a surveillance area covering 15% of the U.S. population (approximately 48 million people). Active Surveillance Methodology FoodNet employs active surveillance, distinguishing it from passive reporting systems. Personnel at…

New research from Baylor College of Medicine has identified connections between dairy consumption and changes in gut bacteria composition, according to a recent article on earth.com. The study, led by Dr. Li Jiao and published in the journal Nutrients, found that milk intake correlates with increases in beneficial microorganisms, while cheese consumption appears to reduce certain important gut bacteria. The research examined how different dairy products affect the microbiome, the collection of microorganisms in the digestive system that help process nutrients. Milk consumption was associated with supporting a broader range of gut microbes, indicating a more diverse microbial environment.[ [Note: The food…

A multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to contaminated cucumbers continues to grow. The investigation, first announced on May 19, named grower Bedner Farms Inc. of Delray Beach, Florida as the likely source of the outbreak. Cases and Investigation Status Last week the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released an update on the number of current cases and their investigation: Meanwhile, health authorities from federal, state, and local agencies continue the investigation. Health officials are actively interviewing those infected about the foods they ate prior to becoming sick. As of last week, 24 of the 27 interviewed reported eating cucumbers.…

A public health alert has been issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) for certain ground beef products due to possible contamination with E. coli, a pathogen that can cause serious, and sometimes severe, foodborne illness in certain populations. Background The presence of E. coli in the affected product was discovered during testing by NPC Processing, Inc. who then notified FSIS. A recall has not been issued because the impacted product is no longer available for sale. Distribution The recalled product was distributed to Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, and also to Whole Foods Market grocery stores…

Modern food production’s efficiency hinges on centralized facilities that supply ingredients across vast distribution networks. While this model ensures affordability and accessibility, it introduces a critical vulnerability: contamination in a single ingredient can trigger nationwide outbreaks of foodborne illness. The 2018 Salmonella outbreak linked to cereal, originating from one manufacturer, illustrates how localized failures propagate through interconnected supply chains. Similarly, contaminated ice cream mix caused one of the largest Salmonella outbreaks in U.S. history after tanker trucks transported both unpasteurized eggs and pasteurized mix. These incidents underscore a systemic challenge: consolidation magnifies the impact of even minor lapses in safety…

A recall first announced on April 30, 2025 by Treehouse Foods based in Oakbrook, Illinois, of Sysco Classic chocolate pudding due to post process damage to containers remains ongoing. Damaged containers could promote microbial contamination that could potentially cause foodborne illness or containers that could swell and explode. Background No press release was issued for this recall. How the post process damage to the pudding containers was discovered has not yet been released. This is categorized as a Class II recall, meaning that exposure to the recalled product could cause temporary or reversible adverse health consequences or where the chance of serious…