Author: Kit Redwine
In recent years, social media has revolutionized the way we discover, share, and experiment with food. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have turned once-niche culinary practices—like fermenting vegetables, drinking raw milk, or dry-aging steaks at home—into viral sensations. These trends tap into a growing desire for natural, traditional, and hands-on food preparation, but they also come with hidden dangers. While a 60-second video might make homemade kimchi or foraged mushrooms look easy, the reality is that many of these trends require precise techniques to avoid serious health risks. The speed at which food trends spread online often outpaces proper…
Hospitals are meant to be sanctuaries of healing, yet an often-overlooked danger lurks on patients’ meal trays. Just last week, reports surfaced of three deaths in the United Kingdom linked to Listeria-contaminated hospital desserts. While most people assume hospital food undergoes rigorous safety checks, the reality is more complicated. For vulnerable patients—those recovering from surgery, undergoing cancer treatment, or battling chronic illnesses—a simple meal can become a source of life-threatening infection. The risks stem from a troubling intersection of factors: weakened immune systems, high-risk foods, and the challenges of mass food production in healthcare settings. Unlike healthy individuals who might…
Food recalls are a critical safety net in our food supply chain, protecting consumers from potentially life-threatening contamination. Whether it’s Salmonella in peanut butter, E. coli in romaine lettuce, or undeclared allergens in packaged snacks, recalls are a necessary disruption to prevent widespread illness. But how do health officials pinpoint the source of an outbreak? What triggers a recall, and how is the contaminated product tracked down before more people get sick? This process behind preventing food poisoning outbreaks is a blend of epidemiology, cutting-edge laboratory science, and supply chain detective work. From the first signs of an unusual illness…
Taiwan TAIPEI – Record Compensation Awarded in Deadly Restaurant Outbreak The families of six individuals who died from a severe food poisoning incident at a Malaysian restaurant in Taiwan will receive a record compensation of NT$10.8 million (approximately $326,500). The deaths occurred at Polam Kopitiam’s Xinyi outlet in Taipei between March 19 and 24, 2024, affecting three men and three women aged 39 to 66, including a 40-year-old Malaysian man. The victims succumbed to serious complications after consuming the restaurant’s flat rice noodles. An investigation revealed critical food handling errors, with noodles improperly stored at room temperature instead of being…
In recent years, food safety has become a growing concern as outbreaks of foodborne illnesses continue to threaten public health. Traditional methods like pasteurization, chemical disinfectants, and antibiotics have been effective to some extent, but they come with limitations, including the risk of antibiotic resistance and altered food quality. Now, scientists are turning to a natural and precise solution: bacteriophages, or simply phages—viruses that specifically target and destroy bacteria. These microscopic predators are emerging as a powerful tool in the fight against harmful pathogens in our food supply. Understanding Bacteriophages Bacteriophages are the most abundant organisms on Earth, outnumbering…
Hot on the heels of last week’s multiple food product recalls due to contamination with foreign material comes even more recalls and alerts connected to foreign matter contamination. Food contaminated with foreign objects, like metal and plastic has the potential to cause severe harm, including choking, injury, illness, damage to teeth and tongue, or even death. A recall by The Karma Sauce Company LLC, based in Rochester, New York, first announced on February 14, 2025 Hot Ones brand Verde and Rojo Los Calientes Hot Sauces by Heatonist due to the potential presence of plastic remains ongoing. A recall by Great…
The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is investigating how artificial intelligence (AI) might enhance detection of foodborne illness outbreaks by analyzing online restaurant reviews, according to WiredGov. A recent study evaluated various AI large language models for their effectiveness in identifying text related to gastrointestinal symptoms and food types in customer feedback. Foodborne gastrointestinal illness, typically causing vomiting and diarrhea, affects millions of UK residents annually. However, most cases go undiagnosed through traditional medical channels, creating significant gaps in surveillance data. UKHSA technology experts and scientists assessed AI systems’ ability to scan thousands of online reviews for indicators of…
Foodborne illnesses affect millions of people worldwide each year, with many cases linked to improper food handling in both home and commercial kitchens. Among the most common culprits is Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a bacterium that thrives on human skin and can easily contaminate food when basic hygiene practices are ignored. This article examines how S. aureus spreads in food preparation environments, the serious health risks it poses, and the straightforward yet often overlooked hygiene measures that can prevent dangerous outbreaks. Understanding Staphylococcus aureus and Its Risks Staphylococcus aureus is a resilient bacterium commonly found on the skin, in nasal…
Multiple media sources have reported on an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) connected to chocolate desserts supplied to National Health Service (NHS) hospitals that has resulted in three deaths and two illnesses across the United Kingdom (UK), according to reports from UK health and food safety authorities. The contamination has been traced to mousses and ice creams manufactured by Cool Delight Desserts, prompting a widespread product recall. The incident mirrors a current Listeria outbreak in the United States connected to frozen nutritional shakes at long-term care homes that has so far resulted in 37 hospitalizations and 11 deaths. The UK’s…
When you reach for that bag of fresh spinach or crisp romaine lettuce, you’re likely thinking about the health benefits—vitamins, minerals, and a boost to your immune system. But lurking beneath the vibrant green leaves could be a hidden danger: Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria), a bacterium that thrives in fresh produce and poses serious health risks. While salads are often synonymous with clean eating, the reality is that leafy greens can sometimes harbor pathogens that are anything but healthy. Listeria is a particularly resilient and dangerous bacterium. Unlike many other foodborne pathogens, it can survive and even multiply in cold temperatures,…