The hottest Food Safety Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Food & Drink Topics

A brief analysis of the PlasticList report

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 2238 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Environmental health Food Safety Consumer Protection Scientific research
  1. Water quality is generally good, but some tap water showed high levels of plasticizers, especially in certain areas.
  2. Seafood, steak, and chicken tested have notably high levels of plasticizers, raising concerns about their safety.
  3. Vegetables have low levels of plasticizers, but microwaving food might help reduce their presence.

The Dose (October 25)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1299 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Food Safety Epidemiology
  1. Older adults can expect to get a Covid-19 vaccine next spring. Getting two shots a year may provide better protection, especially for those over 65.
  2. There’s a multistate outbreak of E. coli linked to McDonald's hamburgers, caused by slivered onions. It’s important to stay aware of food safety and current health warnings.
  3. Since the Dobbs decision, infant mortality rates have increased, mainly due to birth defects. This shows how political decisions can impact health and wellbeing.

Get ready to eat beans, peas, lentils--as cuts in meat, poultry, and eggs are proposed for next Dietary Guidelines

Unsettled Science • 800 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Diet Chronic Disease Public Policy Food Safety
  1. The new Dietary Guidelines may suggest eating less meat, poultry, and eggs for everyone. This change could encourage more consumption of beans, peas, and lentils.
  2. Changing the guidelines is important because they influence what food programs, like school lunches, serve. The guidelines can also impact health issues like obesity and diabetes in children.
  3. There seems to be a long-standing bias against animal foods in these guidelines, with a focus on vegetarian and vegan diets despite concerns about nutrient deficiencies from those diets.

The Dose (October 18)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 883 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Vaccination Infectious Diseases Food Safety Epidemiology
  1. Currently, levels of Covid-19, flu, and RSV are low, which is a good time to get your vaccines.
  2. A recall of over 11.7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat is happening due to detected Listeria bacteria, so stay cautious.
  3. In California, H5N1 bird flu is spreading among dairy farms, but the overall risk to the public is still low.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Dec 16

Force of Infection • 69 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases Public Health Food Safety Healthcare system
  1. Influenza-like illness is on the rise, especially in the southern U.S., with young children seeing a slight decrease in cases. This suggests a possible peak in activity as we move into the new year.
  2. COVID-19 cases are starting to pick up again, particularly in the Midwest, though severe illness remains low. It's a good time to stock up on at-home tests ahead of holiday gatherings.
  3. Norovirus is seeing high positivity rates this year, especially in the West and Midwest. It's important to be cautious and aware of food recalls related to contamination.
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Glyphosate - Drying Agent and Herbicide for Soy and Wheat and its Potential Health Impacts

Molecular Spectacular • 168 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Toxicology Environmental health Public Health Agriculture Food Safety
  1. Glyphosate, a common herbicide, has been linked to health risks like increased cancer risk and endocrine disruption. Many studies suggest a troubling connection between glyphosate levels in humans and serious health issues.
  2. Soy protein consumption is strongly connected to higher levels of glyphosate's byproduct, AMPA, in urine. This indicates that what we eat can affect how much of these chemicals we accumulate in our bodies.
  3. There are hints that glyphosate might disrupt gut health, which could impact digestion of gluten. This might be related to rising gluten allergies, especially in sensitive populations like infants.

Outbreak Outlook - Dec 2

Force of Infection • 108 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Epidemiology Infectious Diseases Health Policy Food Safety
  1. Flu cases are increasing, especially among young children, with activity levels hitting the start of flu season.
  2. COVID-19 rates remain low in the U.S., with fewer hospitalizations and a slight rise in emergency visits in some states.
  3. Concerns about H5N1 bird flu continue as officials are unable to find the source of recent infections in humans.

169 | What Changed in Food Safety in 2024 |

The Rotten Apple • 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.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Nov 18

Force of Infection • 67 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Disease Control Vaccination Health Policy Public Health Food Safety
  1. RSV and flu-like illnesses are starting to rise as we get deeper into winter, especially among young kids. But overall, flu activity remains low for now.
  2. Covid-19 cases are still very low across the country, and hospitalizations due to the virus have decreased. Most areas show low wastewater levels for Covid-19.
  3. Norovirus is on the rise, especially in the South, and other respiratory viruses are also becoming more common. It's a good time to stay aware of food recalls linked to contamination.

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

The Rotten Apple • 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.

Help make local meat affordable again!

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 1697 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Agriculture Food Safety Economy
  1. Support for the PRIME Act can lead to more affordable and accessible local meat options by allowing farmers to use local butchers without costly USDA intermediaries.
  2. Passage of the PRIME Act would increase access to local slaughterhouses, improve food safety, boost food security, and contribute to the local economy.
  3. Taking action by calling or emailing legislators to support the PRIME Act, meeting with representatives, and spreading awareness can make a significant impact on the future of local meat production.

Bird Flu, Food Safety and What you Can Do to Protect Yourself

Who is Robert Malone • 18 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Government Policy Infectious Diseases Vaccination Food Safety
  1. Bird flu mainly affects birds and is not closely related to the seasonal flu that humans get. Human cases are very rare and usually mild, often occurring through close contact with infected birds.
  2. There are plans for new mRNA vaccines to combat bird flu, but many believe the government is overreacting to the threat. Testing and vaccination rollouts are likely to increase, affecting poultry and dairy farmers.
  3. The focus should be on improving farming practices and healthy lifestyles rather than on mass vaccination. Our immune systems need exposure to various pathogens to stay strong, and natural nutrients like vitamins D and magnesium are essential.

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

The Rotten Apple • 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.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Nov 4

Force of Infection • 49 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease Control Vaccination Food Safety
  1. Covid-19 cases are currently low across the country, but a slight rebound has been noted in the Midwest.
  2. Norovirus is on the rise, with about 12% positivity, and it spreads easily through contaminated surfaces and food, so hygiene is essential.
  3. Visits for flu-like symptoms are increasing in children under 5, indicating that flu season could be approaching soon.

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

The Rotten Apple • 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.

Outbreak Outlook - National - October 28

Force of Infection • 51 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Infectious Disease Public Health Vaccination Food Safety
  1. Currently, respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and RSV are at low levels across the country, which is a relief.
  2. Food recalls are happening for various products due to contamination, so it’s important to check what you have at home.
  3. There's a recommendation for a second COVID-19 vaccine dose for older adults and those at high risk to help protect against severe illness.

Food Safety News and Resources | December

The Rotten Apple • 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.

164 | Food Fraud Special |

The Rotten Apple • 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.

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

The Rotten Apple • 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.

The Final Word on Washing Chicken

Eat Shit and Prosper • 199 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Cultural Influences Cooking techniques Health Risks
  1. Washing chicken is debated, but many Americans still do it. It's thought that rinsing meat can lower bacteria, even if cooking also helps.
  2. Some bacteria, like C. perfringens, produce spores that can survive cooking, so rinsing can help remove them. This means washing your chicken might actually be safer.
  3. Washing chicken doesn't spread germs as much as people think if done carefully. Using low water pressure and washing hands after can keep things clean.

The Thousand Secret Ways the Food is Poison: #3 - Phthalates

Eat Shit and Prosper • 379 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Nutrition Health Effects Food Processing
  1. Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics flexible, but they can easily leach into food, especially when heated or in contact with fatty foods. This makes it important to be cautious about what food has been in contact with plastic.
  2. High levels of phthalates can mess with brain chemicals, potentially leading to mental health issues and even thoughts of suicide. They affect the way the brain processes important compounds, increasing toxic levels.
  3. It's really hard to avoid phthalates completely in our modern world since they're found in many food products. To minimize exposure, it's good to choose less processed foods, be careful with food packaging, and be aware of how food has been stored or cooked.

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

The Rotten Apple • 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.

The Thousand Secret Ways the Food is Poison: #2 - Cry Toxins

Eat Shit and Prosper • 359 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
🍲 Food & Drink Nutrition Food Safety Agriculture Food Processing
  1. Cry toxins are proteins made by a bacteria that help kill insects, like mosquitoes, but researchers believe they are safe for humans because our stomach acid breaks them down before they can harm us.
  2. When corn is processed using a method called nixtamalization, the alkaline solution can change the Cry toxins into their harmful form, raising some concerns about potential health effects.
  3. The food system is complex and constantly changing, so it’s important to remain cautious and informed about what we eat, rather than just trusting the system as it is.

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

The Rotten Apple • 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

Food Safety News and Resources | November

The Rotten Apple • 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.

IARC: Can't Be Aspar-Tamed

KCKlatt’s Substack • 219 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Food Safety Nutrition Cancer Research Risk Assessment
  1. Aspartame has been classified as 'possibly carcinogenic' by the IARC, meaning there's some evidence it might cause cancer, but it's not conclusive. This classification can create confusion about actual cancer risks.
  2. It's important to understand the difference between hazard and risk. Just because something is identified as a hazard doesn’t mean it will definitely cause harm in normal consumption amounts.
  3. IARC's ruling stirs up fear without clear guidance on safe consumption levels. Consumers need clear communication about risks when it comes to food additives like aspartame.

Outbreak Outlook - National - January 22

Force of Infection • 94 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Infectious Diseases Public Health Food Safety Long Covid Vaccination rates
  1. Influenza-like illness activity decreased across all age groups and regions, with improvements in hospitalizations as well.
  2. COVID-19 activity is starting to decrease, supported by various indicators like hospitalizations and test positivity.
  3. RSV trends are showing improvement with a decrease in positivity rates, especially in vulnerable age and ethnic groups.

Phthalates, Toxic Plastic Additives, are Everywhere: What’s the Acceptable Limit?

Molecular Spectacular • 43 HN points • 23 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Toxicology Public Health Food Safety Consumer Protection
  1. Phthalates are harmful chemicals used in many plastics and can end up in our food. They are found in everyday items like toys, shower curtains, and even cosmetics.
  2. Health experts warn that phthalates can disrupt our body's hormones, leading to various health issues, especially for children. This includes risks to their growth, metabolism, and reproductive health.
  3. Even though we're not consistently above the safe limits for phthalate consumption, studies show we're getting close. It's important to be aware of our daily exposure to these chemicals.

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

The Rotten Apple • 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.

The Thousand Secret Ways the Food is Poison: Part II

Eat Shit and Prosper • 239 implied HN points • 21 Nov 22
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Agriculture Nutrition Health Implications
  1. Glyphosate, a common herbicide, may not be as safe as people think because it harms gut bacteria that help produce key chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. This suggests it might negatively impact our health in ways we don't fully understand.
  2. There are strong correlations between rising glyphosate use in food and the increase in various chronic diseases over the years. While correlation doesn't prove cause, the data shows a troubling link worth investigating.
  3. Certain gut bacteria need substances that glyphosate prevents them from making, which could lead to deficiencies in important vitamins. This disruption in our microbiome may contribute to health issues like depression and other diseases.

Much Ado About Nothing: Diet Coke is Fine

reedmolbak • 39 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Diet Food Safety
  1. Diet Coke is considered fine by various governmental and health agencies around the world, with extensive studies showing aspartame to be safe for consumption.
  2. The classifications by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of aspartame as 'possibly carcinogenic' do not directly translate to policy recommendations, and practical guidelines from agencies like JECFA are more relevant.
  3. Drinking Diet Coke in moderation is generally safe, with concerns about its safety largely unfounded based on current scientific evaluations and regulations.

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

The Rotten Apple • 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 |

The Rotten Apple • 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.

PFAS in non-stick pans: how fast does it migrate to food?

Molecular Spectacular • 21 HN points • 03 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Toxicity Health Risks Chemicals Food Safety Regulations
  1. PFAS can move from non-stick pans to food while cooking. Research shows that this transfer can vary widely, depending on how often the pan is used.
  2. Cooking multiple meals with a non-stick pan can lead to higher levels of PFAS in your food. Studies suggest that even cooking just 4 meals a day might put people over the safe limit for PFAS exposure.
  3. Using salt in food can increase the amount of PFAS that transfers from the pan to the meal. Additionally, reusing the same pan seems to boost PFAS levels in each successive meal.

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

The Rotten Apple • 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 |

The Rotten Apple • 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.