Author: McKenna Madison Coveny
Salmonella has struck again with a recent multistate outbreak spanning eleven states, resulting in at least a dozen ill including three requiring hospitalization. The CDC has identified raw flour as the culprit, but are still trying to pinpoint which brand(s). The sources of these victims’ illnesses have been identified as both raw dough and batter, with the only common denominator in these consumed products being raw flour. Baked/fully cooked flour isn’t an issue, but the problem is that many people consume flour raw by eating cookie dough or batter before cooking it. Although it can be fun to “try a…
Over the years, prices at consumer local grocery stores have been rising at an ever-infuriating rate. This can lead to people, for good reason, into buying products at discounted prices, even if said products often look like they have seen better days. Although this is understandable, it can be wasteful, and in some cases, dangerous. Even so, there are signs you can be on the lookout for, in order to avoid wasting your money, or worse, becoming ill. Follow your senses! One sign that is particular to meats, is the color. The meat you buy should not be gray or…
Cell Phones are Dirtier Than Previously Thought Since June of 2007, when the iPhone was “born,” iPhones have been incorporated into practically every aspect of a person’s daily routine. People check their phones when the get up in the morning, use them to play music in the shower, take them with them to school or work, use them on all forms of public transit, and more. For this reason alone it shouldn’t be surprising that these little boxes of metal and plastic often carry more germs than a public bathroom’s toilet seat. Speaking of germs and iPhones, a new study…
Potlucks can be Tricky. Here are some Hints to Prevent Food Poisoning It isn’t uncommon that at least once or twice a year, the average American has attended a potluck. Whether it be a “get to know your coworkers” event, a family get-together, or even a birthday party or holiday celebration of some kind, potlucks are quite common and considered very conventional in American culture. But what many don’t realize is that potlucks can be dangerous, and the risk of becoming ill with food poisoning is increased tenfold. Why is this the case for many potlucks? Well, for…
Are Sprouts too Dangerous to Eat? When someone becomes ill with food poisoning, the normal reaction is to mentally catalogue all of the foods they have eaten, and sort them into two groups: safe, and “possible culprit”. What many don’t realize is that sprouts, almost always consumed raw (“uncooked”), should always be sorted into the latter category. Why is that? For one, sprouts have a long history of being the source of food poisoning outbreaks. Initially identified as a possible common food poisoning source in the 1990s, outbreaks linked to sprouts have become almost routinely common. According to Real Simple,…
How is E.coli being Used to Detect Heavy Metals in Water? When people think of E.coli, most of the time, only negative phrases come to mind. This isn’t surprising though, E.coli affects thousands of people in the U.S. every year, and certain serotypes can be serious or even fatal for many. But in recent, new technology, processes have been formed that use E.coli in a process that detects heavy metal within bodies of water. This is an extremely important development as scientists have now found a new way to improve water quality, and not just in the United States. What…
Airports and Bacteria As spring break approaches, many are preparing the details of their itinerary for their spring vacation trip. Many are traveling by airplane, which can be difficult, especially with small children. But many would (understandably) rather fly in a metal can (an airplane) for three hours then drive in their car for twelve. Flying to your vacation destination has many perks, saving times but one of them, but the risk of illness being lower isn’t one of them. Germs are everywhere – kitchens, bathrooms, random surfaces, even in the air! In airports, if a poll was taken, most…
Darin Detwiler lost his son, Riley, nearly 30 years ago to an illness that many people had never even heard of at the time, E.coli. Riley’s case was linked to an outbreak originating from contaminated hamburgers sold by the restaurant food chain called Jack-In-The-Box. Except the thing is, it is reported that Riley never got the chance to eat the hamburger. He contracted the illness from another kid at daycare through what is known as secondary-transmission. Unfortunately, this only confirms the danger of pathogen like E. coli. While three decades may have passed since the his son’s untimely death, Darin…
Did you know, approximately 38% of American households own at least one dog? They are popular for good reason; they are loving, fun, playful, and full of energy! It is undeniable, dogs truly are a “man’s best friend.” Although this is great, there is one significant con to owning these friendly household pets. Germs. Though many may not realize it, pets can make people ill too. These illnesses can be transferred from the dog to its loving owner (or “caretaker”) and can range from something as minor as a skin infection to a more major life-threatening illness. One illness that…
Salmonella and Eggs: Ways to prevent illness and the importance of reporting illnesses. Did you know that Salmonella is the most common type of bacterial food poisoning? It is commonly consumed through raw dairy products, meats, vegetables, and even fruits! But perhaps the most notorious conduit for Salmonella is eggs. Poultry, such as chickens, can carry Salmonella, and these bacteria can then be passed on to the eggs they lay. According to the CDC, “Salmonella can get on the shells of eggs when birds lay eggs or when the eggs touch bird droppings (poop) after being laid.” Obviously, this can…