The Rotten Apple

The Rotten Apple Substack focuses on exposing and analyzing food safety issues, food fraud, and supply chain vulnerabilities. It discusses the ramifications of food adulteration, contamination, and mislabeling on consumer health, and highlights the importance of proper regulatory, testing, and hygienic practices in the food industry.

Food Safety Food Fraud Supply Chain Vulnerabilities Contamination and Adulteration Regulatory and Testing Practices Hygienic Design and Practices Consumer Health Impacts

The hottest Substack posts of The Rotten Apple

And their main takeaways

178 | Global Food Fraud Trends | Honey Rules |

10 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Regulations Agriculture Market Trends
  1. Food fraud incidents have remained stable over recent years, with no significant changes in the types of fraud reported. This means the same food items are often targeted year after year.
  2. Honey has become a bigger focus in food fraud discussions, with new regulations in place for imported honey to ensure its quality and authenticity in Europe.
  3. More reporting and attention from regulatory bodies may lead to an increase in reported incidents, but this doesn't necessarily mean there's more fraud happening; it might just reflect better tracking.

177 | Honey Fraud Fight | Colour Coding Guide |

21 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Regulations Consumer Awareness Webinars
  1. Honey is a common target for food fraud because it's valuable and easy to dilute or mix with cheaper sweeteners. Many consumers may not realize that some honey products on the market are fake or mixed with other substances.
  2. Testing for honey authenticity is complicated and results can be inaccurate if the reference samples used are not reliable. There are various methods to detect fraud, but they often require additional confirmation.
  3. Changes in the U.S. food regulatory landscape could affect how food is made and what additives are allowed. This might lead to adjustments in popular food products, which consumers might find surprising in taste and appearance.

176 | Surprising Fraud in a Cheap Food | Planning for Crises |

31 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Crisis Management Regulations
  1. Crisis management is important in the food industry. Having a plan helps businesses respond quickly to issues and reduces damage.
  2. Rice fraud is surprisingly common, with many incidents occurring that involve mislabeling and smuggling. It shows that even everyday foods can be at risk.
  3. Being honest during a crisis can help maintain customer trust. Transparency in communication is key to managing a company's reputation.

173 | Mystery Poisonings Stalk Citizens | 14 Rules for Bad Quality Managers|

115 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Public Health Consumer Awareness Regulations
  1. There have been many mysterious food poisonings, especially in South Africa, affecting children. It's alarming and the actual causes are not clear yet.
  2. Illegal pesticides may be contaminating food sold in local shops, which is a big concern for public health. Experts and authorities are looking into how this is happening.
  3. Food safety regulations are being updated to better control who can sell food and how it's handled. This might help prevent future poisonings and boost food safety.

174 | The Nitty-Gritty of Risk Assessments | Food Waste Follow-up |

52 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Risk Assessment Food Waste Nutrition
  1. A food safety risk assessment helps determine how likely it is for something harmful in food to make you sick. This process looks at the chance of illness and how serious it could be.
  2. Recent cases showed that salad can lead to food poisoning if it gets contaminated. In one incident, a salad caused many airplane passengers to fall ill due to a toxin from bacteria.
  3. A huge amount of food is wasted globally, especially at home. Efforts and resources are being shared to help people reduce food waste effectively.
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Food Safety News and Resources | February

21 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Recalls Nutrition Health Risks Webinars
  1. There have been serious food safety incidents recently, like children dying from toxic snacks in Pakistan and recalls of sausages and baby teething sticks in the US due to choking hazards.
  2. Webinars are being offered to help food businesses improve safety practices, such as using hygienic tools and detecting harmful pathogens more quickly.
  3. Issues with food contamination are ongoing, as seen in recalls of pretzels in Europe due to chemical contamination and alarming hygiene reports from food production plants.

175 | Phyto-whatsit toxin? | Smoked Meat Safety | Announcing Our New and Improved Index

10 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Cooking tips Nutrition
  1. Phytohaemagglutinin is a natural toxin found in raw beans that can cause serious stomach issues if not cooked properly. Always soak beans for at least 5 hours and boil them for at least 10 minutes to keep safe.
  2. Legumes are great sources of plant-based protein, but they can also carry antinutrients that affect nutrient absorption. It's important to know how to prepare them to maximize their benefits.
  3. Food professionals should be aware of cross-reactivity between different legumes, as some people can have allergies to multiple types. Proper knowledge can help avoid dangerous allergic reactions.

172 | Emerging Food Safety Risks | Reduce Your Food Waste in 2025 |

21 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Waste Sustainability Food Fraud Business impact
  1. The European Food Safety Authority has identified five emerging risks related to food safety that businesses should be aware of. It's important for food safety professionals to stay informed about these risks and their relevance.
  2. Reducing food waste is key for businesses looking to improve sustainability. Implementing strategies like setting targets, measuring waste, and taking action can lead to significant cost savings.
  3. A team approach involving various business functions can enhance food waste reduction efforts. Small changes across processes can make a big difference in minimizing waste and boosting profits.

Emerging Food Safety Risks (2025 update)

21 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Health Risks
  1. The EFSA has identified five emerging food safety risks that affect the global food supply. It's important for food safety experts to stay updated on these new threats.
  2. Some risks are considered emerging, while others are existing but still pose safety concerns. Food safety practitioners need to pay attention to both types.
  3. There are discussions about hot topics that are currently missing from the food safety conversation, which could also be important to address.

170 | Sequelae: The Mysterious Long-term Outcomes of Foodborne Illness | Toxic Bean Sprouts |

21 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Public Health Nutrition
  1. Foodborne illnesses can lead to serious long-term health issues that people often do not realize. These can include conditions like arthritis and nerve disorders after an initial infection.
  2. Preventing foodborne illnesses is really important because it helps stop these serious health problems from developing later. Everyone in the food supply chain has a role in keeping food safe.
  3. The growth of food safety awareness is increasing, and there are plans for more live training and educational events. This is a great step towards ensuring better food safety practices.

Food Safety News and Resources | January

21 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Public Health Food Regulations
  1. A family in Brazil experienced a tragic incident when three members died after consuming a Christmas cake linked to arsenic poisoning. This highlights the dangers of food safety and contamination.
  2. Research shows that certain food additives may increase cancer risks. It’s a reminder to be cautious about what’s in our food.
  3. New tests indicate that microplastics from tea bags can enter our bodies, which raises concerns about the safety of common products we use every day.

165 | 7 Food Safety Risks for 2025 | Food Defence Case Study | Crackers |

52 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Health Risks Industry Trends
  1. Cyberattacks can threaten food safety, especially for people with allergies. A recent case showed how menu tampering could harm those sensitive to allergens.
  2. Seven new food safety risks for 2025 have been identified, including issues like allergen management and e-commerce fraud. These are becoming more important as food production changes.
  3. Menu software is often overlooked in food defense systems, but it can be a security risk. Businesses need to ensure that this software is protected just like other critical systems.

171 | The Food Fraud That Wasn't | E. coli Onions Follow-up |

10 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Food Processing Food Regulations
  1. The recent E. coli outbreak linked to onions at McDonald's sickened many, raising concerns about the hygiene practices at the supplier, Taylor Farms.
  2. There were serious food safety breaches found during FDA inspections at the supplier, including dirty equipment and inadequate handwashing protocols.
  3. A case about fruit juice showed that what seems like fraud may not always be; sometimes it's just a difference in regional practices regarding ingredient usage.

What I'm Reading-Related Posts

10 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Food Defence
  1. The Rotten Apple covers a wide range of topics related to food, including safety and sustainability. This helps people stay informed about important issues in the food industry.
  2. You can find archived articles on what the author is currently reading, which adds a personal touch and may introduce you to new content.
  3. The platform encourages users to subscribe for more content, offering a free trial to explore a variety of posts and topics.

Just for Fun-Related Posts

10 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Supply Chains Food Defence Packaging
  1. The Rotten Apple shares fun articles across various topics, including food safety and supply chains. You can explore these topics to learn more about food-related issues.
  2. There is a section called 'Just for Fun' where you can find light-hearted articles. This part offers a break from the serious content and adds some enjoyment.
  3. To find specific information quickly on their page, you can use the 'Ctrl + F' command. This makes it easy to search for any word you're interested in.

Packaging Corner-Related Posts

10 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Supply Chains Food Regulations Food Tech
  1. The site covers important topics like food safety and ethical supply chains, helping readers stay informed. It's a great resource for understanding how food is produced and handled.
  2. There are lots of articles in the 'Packaging Corner' that you can link to for more information about packaging in the food industry. This can help you learn about different packaging technologies and their implications.
  3. You can try a 7-day free trial to access more posts and archives, making it easy to explore various topics related to food production.

Food Defence-Related Posts

10 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Supply Chains Food Defence Food Tech
  1. The Rotten Apple shares articles on various food-related topics, including food safety and fraud. This helps readers learn more about important issues in the food industry.
  2. It features content on sustainable and ethical supply chains, highlighting their importance to consumers today. This shows a commitment to responsible food practices.
  3. The site encourages engagement by allowing users to search articles easily. This makes it user-friendly for anyone interested in specific topics.

Food Supply Chains (General)-Related Posts

10 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Food Regulations Food Tech
  1. Food supply chains affect how safe and reliable our food is. Understanding these systems can help us avoid issues like food fraud.
  2. Sustainable and ethical supply chains are important for a healthier planet. Choosing food that supports these practices can make a big difference.
  3. There are many topics related to food supply chains, including food safety, regulations, and new technology. Staying informed can help consumers make better choices.

169 | What Changed in Food Safety in 2024 |

21 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Nutrition Regulations
  1. Ultra-processed foods are becoming a food safety issue, not just a nutrition problem. More research shows they can lead to overeating and health issues.
  2. Food allergy awareness has improved, but there are still too many labeling mistakes that can have serious consequences. Professionals are now being held accountable for allergic reactions.
  3. Regulations in food safety are changing, especially around allergens and how we measure food safety culture. This could lead to stricter rules in the future.

167 | The Great Tuna Scam | Chemical Hazards in Paper Drinking Straws | Rescinded Recall (?) |

21 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Sustainability Consumer Awareness
  1. Seafood fraud is a big problem around the world, involving practices like mislabeling fish and using harmful drugs in aquaculture. There are even cases where cheap seafood is sold as more expensive types.
  2. Recent studies found that popular alternatives to plastic, like paper and bamboo straws, contain unhealthy chemicals called PFAS. This is surprising since these products are often marketed as eco-friendly.
  3. A recent food safety news story highlighted a rare situation where a recall was canceled due to a lab error. It reminds us that food safety investigations can sometimes lead to unexpected outcomes.

121 | When Food Fraud Goes (Horribly) Wrong | Sniffing Supplements |

283 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Fraud Food Safety Recipes Health Impact
  1. Food fraud perpetrators do not aim to harm consumers, as that increases the risk of getting caught.
  2. Accidental harm can occur from food adulteration, like plaster of Paris being mistakenly used instead of a harmless substance.
  3. Allergen cross-reactivity can lead to serious consequences for allergenic individuals and cause issues in food testing.

122 | Microplastics in Food | Introduction to Hygienic Design | Silly Food Claims |

231 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Safety Microplastics Food Fraud Nutrition Contamination
  1. Hygienic design principles are crucial for food safety and preventing contamination.
  2. Research on microplastics in food raises questions about the amount we consume and potential health impacts.
  3. Reader survey results show that paying subscribers support the newsletter and enjoy its current focus and format.

120 | Heavy Metal Takeaways | King Canute in Food Safety | $5m Food 'Fraud' |

241 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Food Safety Food Fraud Verification Validation
  1. Contaminated cinnamon had lead levels over 2000 times the safe limit, prompting food fraud vulnerability assessment recommendations
  2. Ecuadorian cinnamon supply chain was affected by contamination, possibly due to adulteration with lead chromate
  3. Understanding verification vs validation in food safety: Check procedures vs. ensuring procedures deliver the required results

164 | Food Fraud Special |

21 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Quality Assurance Supply Chain Regulations
  1. Food fraud prevention needs dedicated teams. These teams should include members from various departments to effectively address fraud risks.
  2. Underweight ingredients can be a form of food fraud if there's intent to deceive. If companies consistently deliver less than what was ordered, it could be seen as cheating customers.
  3. Staying informed about food safety and fraud trends is crucial. Changes in supply chains and economic conditions can create new opportunities for fraud.

168 | What's Going on With Italian-Chinese Tomato Puree? | GM to the Rescue |

10 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Agriculture Consumer behavior Supply Chain
  1. Some Italian tomato purees sold in the UK and Germany might contain Chinese tomatoes, raising questions about food labeling and consumer trust. It's not clear if this is legally fraudulent or just a complicated supply chain issue.
  2. There are concerns that tomato suppliers from China may use forced labor, which complicates the legal responsibilities for retailers. Supermarkets need to be aware of their suppliers' practices to avoid compliance issues.
  3. Sugar taxes in some American cities have shown to effectively reduce purchases of sugary drinks, especially among lower-income households. This indicates that financial incentives can change consumer behavior.

Food Safety News and Resources | December

10 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food recalls Food Industry
  1. There have been cucumber recalls in the USA and Canada due to salmonella cases, affecting many people. It's important to stay updated on food recalls to stay safe.
  2. A previous recall of green onions was canceled because it was a lab error. This shows how crucial it is to confirm results before acting on food safety alerts.
  3. Recent tests found harmful substances like PFAS in fish and cadmium in tomatoes. These findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring of our food sources.

166 | Salmonella Deep Dive | Anatomy of a Wine Theft |

10 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Nutrition Culinary Arts Food Industry
  1. Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause sickness by invading the intestines after being consumed, often through contaminated food or water.
  2. There is a rising trend of food thefts where criminals use fake identities to trick food businesses into giving away valuable products without payment.
  3. Food safety is important; businesses should verify new buyers and suppliers to prevent buying stolen goods or falling victim to scams.

Food Safety News and Resources | November

10 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Nutrition Public Health
  1. There has been a deadly outbreak linked to McDonald's raw onions, resulting in many cases of illness. This highlights the importance of safe food handling practices.
  2. New studies found harmful substances in bottled and tap water, especially in the UK and China. This raises concerns about water safety for consumers.
  3. Recent research links peanut allergies in children to air pollution exposure. This suggests that environmental factors can play a role in food allergies.

126 | Is Alzheimer's a Foodborne Illness? (incredible new research) | Corruption in Food Supply Chains | Who ya Gonna Call...

73 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Food Safety Mental health Nutrition Research Disease Prevention
  1. Alzheimer's disease may have a link to foodborne pathogens, such as _Helicobacter pylori_, found in raw milk, vegetables, and meat, potentially transmitted through contaminated food practices.
  2. Corruption in food supply chains poses serious risks to consumer safety and the environment, illustrated by cases like the China melamine milk scandal and the Brazil 'weak meat' scandal.
  3. Corruption in food supply chains comes in various forms like bribery, embezzlement, and abuse of functions, impacting food safety compliance and fair trade practices, highlighting the importance of transparency and strong enforcement measures.

125 | Global Recall Report Card | 5 Mini Case Studies | Floor Salmon | Chlorates in Food |

31 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Recalls
  1. Food safety breaches and frauds are being detected and individuals or companies involved are facing prosecution, sentencing, and significant fines.
  2. The business allegedly involved in lead contamination of cinnamon is no longer operational, showing the severe consequences of such actions.
  3. The global report on food recalls provides insights into the main causes of recalls in different regions such as the USA, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, and New Zealand.

123 | Case Study: Tiramisu Allergen Death | Food Contact Packaging |

31 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Packaging Food Regulations Food Fraud
  1. The tragic case of a person dying from an allergic reaction to a 'vegan' dessert highlights the importance of food safety regulations and diligence in manufacturing processes.
  2. Some food businesses do not adequately communicate allergen risks, leading to preventable deaths and possible legal actions.
  3. Confusion between 'vegan' and 'allergen-free' labeling poses risks for allergic consumers and highlights the need for clearer regulations and diligent practices in food production.

130 | Food Safety Training Exercise | FSSC Updates | When Flies Eat |

21 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Packaging Food Fraud Food news
  1. Food safety training exercise available for front-line workers to enhance food safety practices.
  2. Updates on FSSC version 6 standards include focus on food safety culture, quality control, and reduction of food loss and waste.
  3. Packaging industry updates: PFAS phase-out in the US, impact of packaging colors on consumer perception, sale of a packaging factory confiscated from a Russian oligarch.

129 | The Mysterious Case of Bacon Brain | Chocolate Crisis |

21 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Food Safety Nutrition Medical Research Allergies Diseases
  1. Downloadable back issues are available for readers to catch up on past content.
  2. Improper handwashing and contaminated food led to a man in the US developing tapeworm larvae in his brain, highlighting the importance of food safety practices.
  3. The chocolate supply chain is facing a crisis due to rising cocoa prices caused by global supply pressures from climate change, impacting chocolate production and potentially leading to product frauds.

Issue #92 | Mystery Toxin Solved? | Food Scientists are 'Baddies'? (Join the Conversation) | Sanitising Harvest Equipment |

42 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Science Food Industry Food Fraud
  1. Mystery toxin in tara flour was possibly identified by toxicologists after causing numerous illnesses.
  2. Food scientists may contribute to making highly processed foods addictive, but the blame lies with the profit-driven food industry.
  3. Cleaning and sanitizing harvest equipment, especially for raw vegetables, is crucial for preventing foodborne illness outbreaks.

Issue #85 | Risk Management Science vs Politics | Wasabi Fraud | Synbio and HFSS Foods Explained | Goats Eating Tomatoes |

42 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Food Science Risk management Food Industry
  1. Risk management in food safety is more of a political process than a scientific one.
  2. Most wasabi paste we consume is fake, made with horseradish, but still has antibacterial properties.
  3. Synthetic biology in food production and the term HFSS (high in fat, salt, sugar) are emerging concepts in food science.