Author: Kit Redwine
Food safety remains a critical public health issue, yet numerous misconceptions persist in home kitchens and food handling practices. Food microbiologists and safety experts have identified common myths that contribute to preventable foodborne illnesses, offering evidence-based corrections to replace misinformation with science-backed recommendations. One prevalent myth is that rinsing raw chicken or poultry removes harmful bacteria. In reality, research confirms that washing raw meat can spread pathogens like Salmonella and Campylobacter through splashed water droplets, contaminating sinks, countertops, and nearby utensils. The only effective way to eliminate bacteria is cooking poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Another widespread…
A recall has been issued by Haifa Smoked Fish, based in Jamaica, New York, for Haifa-brand cold smoked salmon and cold smoked seabass due to possible Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) contamination. Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Background The potential for Listeria contamination was discovered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors during testing and confirmed with additional laboratory analysis. Distribution The affected items were distributed nationwide through retail outlets and through…
British retailer Sainsbury’s has initiated an immediate recall of two popular hummus products following the discovery of bacterial contamination. The affected items, JS Classic Houmous and JS Lemon & Coriander Houmous, have tested positive for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). The United Kingdom’s Food Standards Agency has issued an official alert advising customers to immediately stop consuming these products as a precautionary measure. The contamination poses serious health risks, with symptoms typically manifesting three to four days after consumption. Initial symptoms include diarrhea and severe abdominal pain, which can progress to more dangerous complications. Health authorities have identified specific batch…
Emerging research continues to illuminate the significant health implications of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), defined as industrial formulations containing ingredients not typically found in home kitchens, such as emulsifiers, colorings, and flavor enhancers. These products, which include items like packaged snacks, sodas, and frozen pizzas, now constitute nearly 60% of U.S. adults’ calorie consumption and are linked to a range of adverse health outcomes, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The NOVA classification system, developed by Brazilian epidemiologist Carlos Monteiro, categorizes these foods separately due to their extensive processing and typically poor nutritional profiles. Recent clinical trials have provided robust…
Culinary medicine is an emerging evidence-based field that blends the art of food preparation with the science of healthcare, aiming to empower individuals to use diet proactively for disease prevention and management. Unlike traditional nutrition approaches, it focuses on practical, food-based solutions tailored to specific clinical conditions, cultural preferences, and socioeconomic contexts. This discipline recognizes that dietary patterns can be as effective as pharmaceuticals for certain conditions: for example, Mediterranean diets for cardiovascular disease, ketogenic diets for epilepsy, or anti-inflammatory eating patterns for rheumatoid arthritis. The White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in 2022 amplified national attention on…
The Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System (FDOSS), managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), serves as a critical mechanism for collecting and analyzing data on foodborne illness outbreaks across the United States. This system gathers detailed information on outbreak locations, the number of affected individuals, specific pathogens involved, and the foods implicated. By categorizing foods using the Interagency Food Safety Analytics Collaboration (IFSAC) scheme, FDOSS enables public health officials to identify patterns and emerging threats in the food supply chain. These data are instrumental in shaping policies and preventive measures aimed at reducing the burden of foodborne…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health officials are investigating a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to certain home delivery meals produced by Metabolic Meals. As of September 5, 2025, 16 people across 10 states have been infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis, resulting in 7 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported. Affected Products and Timing The outbreak is associated with specific ready-to-eat meals delivered during the week of July 28, 2025. The identified products and their lot codes include: Epidemiological and Laboratory Findings Epidemiological data show that 83% of interviewed patients reported consuming Metabolic…
A voluntary recall has been issued by Endico Potatoes, based in Mount Vernon, New York, for Endico-brand peas and carrots and mixed vegetables due to possible Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) contamination. Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Background The potential for Listeria contamination was discovered at a company distributor through random sampling by the state of Pennsylvania. Distribution of the product has been stopped. The company and the U.S Food & Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating the…
We’ve all heard them, those well-meaning kitchen “rules” and old wives’ tales that get passed down through generations. While often shared with a chuckle, many common food safety myths are not just incorrect but could actually put your health at risk. Let’s separate the fact from the fiction behind some of the most persistent and amusing food poisoning myths. Many people swear by the “five-second rule,” claiming that food dropped on the floor is safe to eat if picked up within five seconds. Unfortunately, bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli attach to food instantly upon contact with a contaminated…
A significant food poisoning outbreak has impacted more than 60 guests at a tourist resort in Nicotera Marina, located in Italy’s Calabria region. The incident occurred after visitors ate hot dogs and french fries at the resort’s restaurant, with five people requiring hospitalization for serious symptoms. The affected guests experienced symptoms consistent with botulinum poisoning, including vomiting and diarrhea. Among those under medical observation were tourists from Naples and Caserta, with several children also falling ill. The outbreak prompted immediate intervention from the Carabinieri Anti-Adulteration and Health Unit (NAS), who ordered the precautionary closure of the restaurant facility. Authorities responded…