Author: Grayson Coveny

Baby Foods and Bottled Danger: Pathogens in Products Made for the Most Vulnerable Parents trust that the foods they give their babies are safe. Baby food jars, powdered infant formula, and toddler snacks are marketed with words like “gentle,” “organic,” and “pure.” But infants are among the most vulnerable to foodborne illness, and unfortunately, contamination has struck even in the most trusted brands. Why Baby Food Is Especially Risky Case Study 1: 2022 Cronobacter Outbreak Linked to Infant Formula In 2022, the U.S. faced a major crisis when powdered infant formula was linked to Cronobacter sakazakii infections. Case Study 2:…

When Leftovers Linger Too Long: The Science of Refrigerator Safety The fridge is supposed to be a safe zone. We tuck leftovers into plastic containers, slide deli meat onto shelves, and trust that the cold will protect us. But refrigeration is not a magic shield — it slows bacterial growth, it doesn’t stop it. When leftovers linger too long, or when cold foods aren’t stored correctly, the refrigerator can quietly become a staging ground for foodborne illness. Why Refrigerators Aren’t Foolproof Cold storage is essential for food safety, but it’s not the end of the story. Some key risks include: The…

Juice Isn’t Always Pure: How Fresh-Squeezed Drinks Can Carry Dangerous Pathogens Juice feels like the picture of health. From apple cider at the farmers’ market to green smoothies at your favorite juice bar, “fresh-squeezed” and “all-natural” labels suggest safety and wellness. Parents give juice boxes to kids, and fitness enthusiasts down wheatgrass shots without a second thought. But behind the colorful branding and promises of purity lies a sobering truth: unpasteurized juice can harbor dangerous pathogens. E. coli, Salmonella, and viruses can slip into your glass long before you take a sip — and because juice isn’t cooked, those microbes…

School Cafeteria Safety: What Parents Should Know Beyond the Lunch Line For parents, school cafeterias represent a mix of convenience and trust. Five days a week, millions of children eat breakfast or lunch provided by their schools. Families assume these meals meet not just nutrition standards but also safety standards. But foodborne illness doesn’t stop at the school door. Even with regulations and oversight, outbreaks tied to school meals continue to happen. The cafeteria line, with its high volume of meals and tight budgets, is a unique environment — and one that deserves a closer look from parents. Why Cafeterias…

Smoothies Gone Sour: How Blended Drinks Can Hide Pathogens Smoothies are the poster child of health. Packed with frozen berries, leafy greens, and protein powders, they’re marketed as the easiest way to drink your vitamins. Coffee shops and gyms sell them by the gallon, and home blenders whir to life in kitchens across the country every morning. But there’s a side of smoothies that rarely makes it into glossy ads: they can also be vehicles for serious foodborne illnesses. Because smoothies often contain raw ingredients — and because blending distributes contamination evenly — a single tainted strawberry, seed, or leaf…

Summer Coolers, Hidden Dangers: When Freezing isn’t Enough! Summer heat sends us running to freezers and ice chests. Whether it’s ice cubes in lemonade, frozen berries for smoothies, or ice cream at a cookout, cold foods feel like the safest bet when the temperature soars. After all, freezing is supposed to preserve food and keep it fresh. But here’s the surprising truth: freezing doesn’t kill all pathogens. Many bacteria and viruses can survive frozen storage, ready to cause illness once the food is thawed or consumed. Outbreaks tied to frozen products — from berries to ice cream — remind us…

Seafood at Risk: How Sushi and Shellfish Spark Outbreaks Raw fish and shellfish hold a special place on menus. Sushi has exploded in popularity across the U.S., and oysters are considered a delicacy at coastal restaurants and upscale events. Seafood feels fresh, sophisticated, and even healthy. But beneath the allure lies a sobering reality: raw or undercooked seafood is among the riskier foods you can eat. From Salmonella in tuna to Vibrio in oysters, seafood has been tied to outbreaks that leave hundreds sick — and in some cases, cost lives. Why Seafood Is Especially Risky Seafood differs from other…

Leftovers on the Line: How Refrigerators Can Turn Dinner into Danger Leftovers are a staple of modern life. From last night’s pizza to Sunday’s roast chicken, we often rely on reheated meals to save time and money. But what many families don’t realize is that those convenient leftovers, if not stored and handled correctly, can become a breeding ground for dangerous pathogens like Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli. Refrigerators, intended to keep our food safe, don’t stop bacterial growth entirely. Instead, they slow it down. That means every extra day food sits in the fridge is another day for bacteria…

Playgrounds and Pathogens: How Kids Pick Up Foodborne Illness Beyond the Lunch Table When most people think of food poisoning in children, they imagine tainted cafeteria meals or questionable takeout. But foodborne illness doesn’t only strike at the lunch table. Kids pick up bacteria in less obvious places — at petting zoos, on playgrounds, at birthday parties, and even while sharing snacks on the sidelines of sports games. Children are especially vulnerable to pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria because their immune systems are still developing. They’re also more likely to put their hands in their mouths after touching…

The Buffet Illusion: Why All-You-Can-Eat Comes with More Than You Bargained For Buffets promise abundance — endless trays of steaming entrées, colorful salads, and desserts piled high. They’re designed to make us feel free to eat as much as we want, whenever we want. But beneath the warm glow of heat lamps and the chill of salad bars lurks a hidden reality: buffets can also be prime breeding grounds for foodborne illness. From cross-contaminated utensils to foods left in the “danger zone” too long, buffets bring unique risks that home kitchens and even regular restaurants don’t. And when an outbreak…