The hottest Food Regulations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Food & Drink Topics
The Rotten Apple β€’ 21 implied HN points β€’ 17 Nov 25
  1. Food irradiation uses controlled doses of radiation to kill germs and pests, helping to keep food safe without making it radioactive. It's useful for extending shelf life and preventing spoilage.
  2. A labeling error in almond milk almost caused a serious illness due to botulism because the company didn't clearly state that it needed refrigeration. This shows how important accurate food labeling is for safety.
  3. The presence of harmful chemicals in food packaging can pose health risks, leading to numerous alerts in Europe. It's important for food safety that all materials used in packaging are safe and comply with regulations.
The Rotten Apple β€’ 21 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jul 25
  1. Children in China got sick because lead paint was used to color their food. This caused many to be treated in hospitals, highlighting serious food safety issues.
  2. Several food products in the USA are being recalled for safety concerns, including bread with undeclared nuts and mineral water contaminated with harmful bacteria.
  3. A restaurant employee in Kansas pleaded guilty after intentionally contaminating food, which caused illnesses among diners. This raises awareness about the importance of food safety and honesty in the food industry.
Vittles β€’ 141 implied HN points β€’ 05 Feb 24
  1. Hospitality industry heavily relies on blue tissue paper for hygiene and cleaning purposes.
  2. Blue roll became popular in kitchens post-1990 due to food safety outbreaks and hygiene regulations.
  3. Blue roll's blue color is chosen for its association with cleanliness and hygiene, reflecting a shift towards disposable products for sanitation.
The Rotten Apple β€’ 21 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jan 25
  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.
The Rotten Apple β€’ 31 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jan 24
  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.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
The Rotten Apple β€’ 10 implied HN points β€’ 13 Jan 25
  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.
The Rotten Apple β€’ 10 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jan 25
  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.
The Rotten Apple β€’ 10 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jan 25
  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.
The Rotten Apple β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 21 Oct 24
  1. Food safety audits have shifted from checking outcomes to also focusing on root causes. This means companies now need to prove not just that food is safe, but also that they have systems in place to ensure safety.
  2. A recent Salmonella outbreak linked to bahn mi sandwiches highlights the importance of proper food handling practices. Many people got sick because raw and cooked foods were not kept separate, and hygiene practices were not followed.
  3. Swift action from health authorities during the outbreak helped limit the number of affected individuals. Being able to quickly investigate and test food items played a crucial role in understanding how the outbreak happened.
The Rotten Apple β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 27 Oct 24
  1. A recent E. coli outbreak linked to onions in fast food has caused at least one death and multiple hospitalizations. Many restaurants are now avoiding fresh onions to prevent further cases.
  2. In India, over 150 people were hospitalized due to mass poisoning from buckwheat flour suspected to be adulterated with harmful substances.
  3. Food safety practices suggest that cooling cooked foods in shallower containers and at lower temperatures is better for preventing harmful bacteria growth.
The Rotten Apple β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 04 Nov 24
  1. To prepare for a food safety audit, it's important to know the specific requirements and standards you will be audited against. Familiarize yourself with these standards to ensure a smoother audit process.
  2. Conducting a self-assessment before the audit can help identify areas that need improvement. This way, you can address any gaps and be better prepared when the auditors arrive.
  3. Creating an organized documentation system makes audits easier and shows that you value the auditor's time. Having everything accessible reduces stress and makes you appear more professional.