It seems as if there’s another food recall every day. While this frequency alone is almost enough to make you sick, we should be glad that producers can successfully identify and intercept contaminated food quickly. What are the most common causes of these recalls? In this guide to the most dangerous common foodborne illnesses, we’ll identify the pathogens that send our food away before it can send us to the hospital.
Escherichia coli Infection
As the commercials for certain dietary supplements remind you, our digestive systems are full of bacterial colonies that aid in breaking down our food. Indeed, E. coli often lives in our intestines without incident, making up part of our personal ecosystem of gut flora. Some strains of E. coli, however, produce a dangerous toxin that damages our intestinal lining and causes severe distress. These are the strains that lead to recalls, most often of fresh produce. Unsanitary handling processes often lead to this contamination.
Salmonellosis
Salmonella enterica and Salmonella bongori, two closely related species, cause bacterial infections that most often arise from the contamination of a variety of food products. We usually associate Salmonella poisoning with tainted animal products, such as meat, dairy, eggs, and poultry. If your parents told you never to eat raw cookie dough, it was out of a fear of Salmonella bacteria in raw eggs. However, even people on plant-based diets must watch out for these bacteria as well. A recent recall of salad greens cited potential Salmonella contamination as the reason to take precautions and dispose of the product.
Staph Infections
Staphylococcus aureus is a common adversary of the human body’s immune system. Strains of staph bacteria can cause sinus infections, bone and joint abscesses, and even meningitis. They can also cause cases of food poisoning, in which toxins the bacteria produce lead to painful stomach cramps and diarrhea. Staphylococcus aureus is particularly pernicious among the most dangerous common foodborne illnesses because the bacteria and their toxic byproducts are odorless, giving no apparent indications of contamination.
Hepatitis A
While most common foodborne illnesses stem from bacteria, the hepatitis A virus can also taint our food, leading to severe liver disease. The Mexican restaurant chain Chi-Chi’s was a casualty of a rampant outbreak of hepatitis A contamination, which caused a public relations disaster from which they couldn’t recover. Frozen produce has also been a vector of hepatitis A, with a 1997 case of frozen strawberries imported from Mexico still lingering in the public memory.
Thanksgiving on November 27th this year is more than a meal; it’s a stage for storytelling. Families are rediscovering the joy of sharing origin tales, funny mishaps, and heartfelt memories. Some hosts place a “story card” at each seat with prompts like “What tradition would you invent?” or “What are you most grateful for this year?” These sparks of conversation transform dinner into a living archive of family history. Recording or writing down these stories ensures they’ll be cherished for generations.
A festive, practical guide to overlooked categories, bundled services, and hybrid shopping strategies curated for joyful savings.
Black Friday isn’t just about midnight lines and discounted TVs anymore. The smartest shoppers look beyond the obvious, finding unexpected bargains, bundled experiences, and festive upgrades both online and in-store. This guide spotlights hidden gems and hybrid strategies that turn the season into a joyful, value-filled celebration.
Robin’s birds-eye view of the holiday hustle, watching the season unfold from above.
Exposure to hazardous gases in the workplace poses serious health risks, from respiratory illnesses to long-term chronic conditions. Ensuring a safe environment is not just a regulatory requirement but a moral obligation for every employer. This guide will walk you through four key tips for protecting workers from hazardous gases, helping you create a safer and more secure workplace. By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with gas exposure and safeguard your team’s well-being.
Warehouse operations can quickly become a major expense drain if not managed efficiently. Rising labor costs, inefficient processes, and poor space utilization all contribute to mounting operational expenses that eat into your bottom line. Implementing effective strategies for reducing warehouse costs creates sustainable operations that drive long-term profitability. These four proven approaches will help you streamline operations while maintaining quality service levels.
Industrial coatings add color to products and protect critical components from corrosion, wear, and environmental damage. Achieving a flawless finish depends on accuracy during application. Even minor errors can lead to premature failure and costly rework, which underscores the importance of precision in industrial powder coatings. Here’s how carefully applying coatings to metal products ensures longevity and reliable performance.
