All articles tagged with #health and food safety
A massive cyclosporiasis outbreak in the US, linked to recalled Taylor Farms lettuce from Mexico, has triggered a debate about the safety and nutritional value of lettuce. While some argue for abandoning lettuce due to health risks and environmental costs, others emphasize the importance of produce consumption and highlight the complexity of tracing the outbreak's source.
A massive cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce has sickened over 15,000 people and caused two deaths. While recalled products are no longer on shelves, shoppers are shifting to local growers and controlled-environment agriculture for safer greens.
Former FDA advisor Dr. Darin Detwiler recommends cooking steak well done and avoiding runny eggs, as bird flu outbreaks in the US raise concerns about food safety. He advises against consuming raw or undercooked animal products, including eggs, poultry, and beef, due to the risk of virus transmission. Additionally, he cautions against consuming unpasteurized dairy and suggests purchasing food from reputable retailers with strict biosecurity measures. The severity of bird flu in humans is high, with potential complications including respiratory failure and a fatality rate of 52 percent, according to the World Health Organization.
The largest U.S. egg supplier has halted production due to bird flu, but the CDC states that the human health risk from infected eggs is low. Experts emphasize the importance of safely handling and properly cooking eggs to minimize infection risk, especially during the outbreak. They recommend refrigerating eggs promptly, avoiding cracked or dirty eggs, and cooking them to an internal temperature of 165˚F. While the likelihood of infected eggs in the retail market is low, caution is advised, particularly for high-risk groups.
A deadly outbreak of poisonings linked to morel mushrooms at a Montana sushi restaurant has highlighted the gaps in knowledge about fungi. The outbreak sickened 51 people, hospitalized three, and resulted in two deaths. Health officials conducted a detailed investigation, finding that the consumption of morels was strongly associated with illness, with uncooked mushrooms posing a higher risk. Despite extensive testing, no toxins or pathogens were found in the mushrooms, which were imported from China. The incident underscores the need for better understanding and regulation of fungi in food.
The FDA has proposed to ban the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in the US following recent toxicology studies that raise concerns about its safety. BVO, used as an emulsifying agent in citrus-flavored sodas, has been linked to potential health risks and is already banned in many countries. Major soda companies have been phasing out BVO from their products, and the FDA is also reviewing regulations on food additives. The final decision on the ban is pending, but suitable alternatives to BVO are already in use.
A study by the Environmental Working Group found detectable levels of the pesticide chlormequat in 92% of nonorganic oat-based foods, including popular cereals like Cheerios and Quaker Oats. While the substance's impact on humans is not fully understood, the EWG recommends opting for organic oat products, as they are grown without synthetic pesticides. Experts echo this advice, emphasizing the potential risks to fetal development and reproductive systems. The EPA is considering approving chlormequat for use on crops grown in the U.S., despite concerns raised by scientists and environmental health professionals.
Certain perishable foods, such as hardboiled eggs, ground meat, cantaloupe melon, raw chicken, and cooked rice, can become unsafe to eat within a day or two of being cooked or opened. These foods are prone to bacterial growth and can cause illnesses such as listeriosis, salmonella, E. coli infections, and Bacillus cereus. It is important to refrigerate leftovers promptly, store them in airtight containers, and consume them within the recommended timeframes to avoid foodborne illnesses.