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Food Safety

All articles tagged with #food safety

AAP urges nationwide ban on raw milk as outbreaks and political shifts intensify
health1 hour ago

AAP urges nationwide ban on raw milk as outbreaks and political shifts intensify

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has renewed its call for a nationwide ban on unpasteurized dairy, citing rising outbreaks and severe risks to children. While raw milk consumption has surged due to influencer marketing and political advocacy, public health experts warn that pasteurization is essential for safety and offers no nutritional downside. Recent incidents, including a multistate E. coli outbreak linked to raw cheese, have sickened dozens, with children disproportionately affected. The FDA and other agencies emphasize that claims of raw milk’s health benefits lack scientific support, while state-level loopholes continue to allow sales despite federal restrictions.

FDA Proposal to Expand Toxic Chemical Loophole Sparks Backlash Over Hidden Risks
health-and-policy1 day ago

FDA Proposal to Expand Toxic Chemical Loophole Sparks Backlash Over Hidden Risks

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed expanding the 'threshold of regulation' (TOR) exemption, which would allow certain toxic chemicals to be added directly to food without safety review. Critics argue this move undermines recent claims by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that the agency is closing regulatory loopholes, potentially exposing consumers to harmful substances like perchlorate and endocrine disruptors at low levels.

Pediatricians Renew Call for Nationwide Raw Milk Ban Amid Rising Outbreaks
health-and-policy2 days ago

Pediatricians Renew Call for Nationwide Raw Milk Ban Amid Rising Outbreaks

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated its policy statement to call for a nationwide ban on the sale of unpasteurized dairy, citing rising outbreaks and severe risks to children. While over 10 million Americans consume raw milk, experts warn it carries over 100 times the risk of foodborne illness with no proven nutritional benefits. Recent outbreaks, including a recent E. coli incident involving cheese, have sickened dozens, including many children. The AAP urges families to choose pasteurized products, noting that pasteurization preserves nutritional value while eliminating pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli. This move follows a period of increased state-level access to raw milk and growing political support for the industry, despite evidence of serious health consequences.

PepsiCo Recalls 122,000 Cases of Gatorade Across 37 States Over Undeclared Dyes
health-and-safety4 days ago

PepsiCo Recalls 122,000 Cases of Gatorade Across 37 States Over Undeclared Dyes

PepsiCo is voluntarily recalling 122,021 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade bottles across 37 states, including New York and New Jersey, due to undeclared food dyes. The FDA classified the action as a Class II recall on Oct. 2, 2026, indicating a remote risk of serious health consequences. Affected flavors include Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange, and Orange Zero, which may contain unlisted Yellow No. 5 or Yellow No. 6. Consumers are advised to check lot numbers and return products for refunds.

PepsiCo pulls 122,000 Gatorade cases over hidden dyes
health-and-safety4 days ago

PepsiCo pulls 122,000 Gatorade cases over hidden dyes

PepsiCo has voluntarily recalled over 122,000 cases of Gatorade across 37 U.S. states because the drinks contain undeclared synthetic food dyes. The FDA classified the action as a Class II recall, warning that the unlisted additives could trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The affected products are 28-ounce bottles of Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange, and Orange Zero variants. Consumers are advised to return the items for a refund or dispose of them properly.

Vietnam authorities detain 12 in major cat theft ring
world5 days ago

Vietnam authorities detain 12 in major cat theft ring

Vietnamese police have arrested 12 individuals in Ho Chi Minh City for allegedly stealing and selling approximately 2,700 cats for meat. The suspects reportedly confessed to the crimes, and authorities seized equipment used for trapping and processing the animals. Thirteen rescued cats were returned to their owners, highlighting ongoing concerns about animal trafficking in the region.

FDA Confirms Cyclospora at Mexican Lettuce Farm, Closing Record-Breaking Outbreak Investigation
health6 days ago

FDA Confirms Cyclospora at Mexican Lettuce Farm, Closing Record-Breaking Outbreak Investigation

The FDA has confirmed the presence of the cyclospora parasite at a Mexican farm linked to a massive U.S. foodborne illness outbreak, closing its investigation. The outbreak sickened nearly 13,000 people across 21 states, resulting in 570 hospitalizations and two deaths. While the agency found the parasite in wastewater and drainage areas, it remains unclear how the contamination reached the lettuce, and Taylor Farms has since removed the implicated grower from its supply chain.

Barista Champion Debunks Mold Fears, Focuses on Carafe and Water Quality
lifestyle6 days ago

Barista Champion Debunks Mold Fears, Focuses on Carafe and Water Quality

Heather Perry, a two-time U.S. Barista Champion and CEO of Klatch Coffee, advises home brewers that mold fears are largely unfounded. She emphasizes that the carafe, not the water reservoir, is the primary area for flavor-affecting residue. Perry recommends using filtered water with minerals, wiping grinders to remove oils, and storing coffee in the freezer rather than the fridge to maintain freshness.

Frozen Berry Recall Expands to Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana
health-and-safety7 days ago

Frozen Berry Recall Expands to Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana

The recall for frozen berries linked to a multistate E. coli outbreak has expanded to include products sold in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. This follows earlier recalls of GreenWise berries at Publix and Great Value organic triple berry blends at Walmart. The FDA is treating the expansion as a precautionary measure based on traceback data, despite no illnesses yet being tied to the newly affected items. Consumers are advised to discard or return the products.

Clean Label Project study finds lead and heavy metals in 99% of top cat food brands

Clean Label Project study finds lead and heavy metals in 99% of top cat food brands

A new investigation by the nonprofit Clean Label Project tested 100 top-selling cat foods from 62 brands and found toxic contaminants in nearly all samples. Lead was detected in 99% of the products, while cadmium and arsenic appeared in 96% and 94% respectively. The study also identified toxic plastic chemicals and the herbicide glyphosate across wet, dry, and freeze-dried varieties. Fish-based foods showed higher levels of mercury and cadmium, whereas chicken-based options had higher rates of lead and herbicides. Experts warn that chronic exposure to these substances may accumulate in cats over time, potentially contributing to kidney disease, though the pet food industry maintains that current safety protocols ensure product safety.

New Study Reveals Pervasive Heavy Metals and Plastics in Top Cat Foods
health-and-science8 days ago

New Study Reveals Pervasive Heavy Metals and Plastics in Top Cat Foods

A new investigation by the Clean Label Project found that nearly all top-selling cat foods contain toxic contaminants, including lead, mercury, arsenic, and plastic chemicals. Lead was detected in 99% of samples, while cadmium and arsenic appeared in 96% and 94% respectively. Fish-based foods showed significantly higher mercury levels, and dry food contained more lead than wet or air-dried options. Experts warn that chronic exposure may accumulate in cats, potentially contributing to kidney disease, though the industry argues current safety protocols ensure product safety.

FDA closes cyclospora probe, finds parasite in Mexican farm wastewater and drainage
health8 days ago

FDA closes cyclospora probe, finds parasite in Mexican farm wastewater and drainage

The FDA concluded its investigation into the largest US cyclosporiasis outbreak, confirming the parasite was present at the Taylor Farms facility in Guanajuato, Mexico. Inspectors found cyclospora in a wastewater tank and a drainage ditch, though the agency could not determine how the lettuce became contaminated. The outbreak sickened nearly 13,000 people across 21 states, resulting in 570 hospitalizations and two deaths. Taylor Farms blamed an independent grower no longer in its supplier program, while Mexico’s food safety authority previously reported no contamination at the site.