The hottest Food Safety Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways

What do you think of my solution for the microplastics issue?

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 223 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25

Microplastics are everywhere, including in our food and water. It's hard to completely avoid them.
Plasticizers, which make plastics soft, might be harmful to our health.
A new idea is being explored to create a food-safe supplement that could help remove plasticizers from the body.

It’s Not Just Red Dye No. 3. It’s All Our Stuff.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3909 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25

🏥 Health Politics Food Safety Public Health Regulation Consumer Rights Toxicology

The FDA recently banned Red Dye No. 3 due to concerns about its link to thyroid cancer in animals. It's a small victory, but there are many other potentially harmful additives still being used.
Red Dye No. 3 will likely be replaced by Red Dye No. 40, which also has warnings about its effects on children in Europe. This shows that simply switching one dye for another isn't a true solution.
There is a growing concern that synthetic dyes are just a small part of a larger problem with harmful chemicals in our food and products. It's important for consumers to demand safer options.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Feb 24

Force of Infection • 136 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25

🏥 Health Politics Disease Control Public Health Epidemiology Health Policy Food Safety

Influenza cases have dropped recently, giving some relief, although numbers are still higher than usual. Improvements were seen across all age groups.
COVID-19 activity varies by state, with some places seeing high case numbers while others have less. Overall hospitalizations are low now compared to past months.
Norovirus remains very high across the country, and it's expected to stay elevated for a while. This season's peak may last longer than usual.

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

Water quality is generally good, but some tap water showed high levels of plasticizers, especially in certain areas.
Seafood, steak, and chicken tested have notably high levels of plasticizers, raising concerns about their safety.
Vegetables have low levels of plasticizers, but microwaving food might help reduce their presence.

178 | Global Food Fraud Trends | Honey Rules |

The Rotten Apple • 10 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25

🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Regulations Agriculture Market Trends

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.
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.
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.

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How I clean my kitchen at the end of the day

Overthinking Everything • 279 implied HN points • 16 May 25

🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Cleaning Food Safety Meal Prep

Cleaning the kitchen will usually take about an hour, so it's good to start early and accept that time. It can be a chance to think or enjoy some music while you work.
You don't need to aim for perfect cleanliness, just make it 'clean enough' for the next day. Focus on a standard that allows the kitchen to be usable.
Have a clear process for cleaning, like tackling the trash first and then washing dishes. This helps you stay on track and makes the task feel more manageable.

177 | Honey Fraud Fight | Colour Coding Guide |

The Rotten Apple • 21 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25

🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Regulations Consumer Awareness Webinars

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.
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.
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.

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

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.
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.
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.

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

The Rotten Apple • 31 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25

🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Crisis Management Regulations

Crisis management is important in the food industry. Having a plan helps businesses respond quickly to issues and reduces damage.
Rice fraud is surprisingly common, with many incidents occurring that involve mislabeling and smuggling. It shows that even everyday foods can be at risk.
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|

The Rotten Apple • 115 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25

🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Public Health Consumer Awareness Regulations

There have been many mysterious food poisonings, especially in South Africa, affecting children. It's alarming and the actual causes are not clear yet.
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.
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 |

The Rotten Apple • 52 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25

🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Risk Assessment Food Waste Nutrition

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.
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.
A huge amount of food is wasted globally, especially at home. Efforts and resources are being shared to help people reduce food waste effectively.

Red Dye #3 is out, and boosters may get RCTs: Why is the evidence to remove a chemical from food LESS THAN the evidence to recommend a medical interventions?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 119 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25

🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Public Health Food Safety

The FDA is banning Red Dye #3 because it could be harmful, but there's a higher standard for proving medical products effective before they're recommended. We should be careful about both but have different rules for food and medicine.
Medical treatments often come with costs and potential side effects, so it's important to run proper studies before suggesting them to healthy people. When making decisions about interventions, we should prioritize safety and benefit.
There's a real difference in how we treat food additives versus medical products. While we question the safety of new medicine, we should also question adding unnecessary chemicals to our food.

The Dose (October 25)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1299 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24

🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccination Food Safety Epidemiology

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.
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.
Since the Dobbs decision, infant mortality rates have increased, mainly due to birth defects. This shows how political decisions can impact health and wellbeing.

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

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.
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.
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.

Food Safety News and Resources | February

The Rotten Apple • 21 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25

🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Recalls Nutrition Health Risks Webinars

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.
Webinars are being offered to help food businesses improve safety practices, such as using hygienic tools and detecting harmful pathogens more quickly.
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.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Jan 6

Force of Infection • 90 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25

🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease Control Vaccination Health Education Food Safety

Influenza-like illnesses are at a peak, especially affecting young children the most. Parents should be cautious and ensure their kids are staying healthy during this time.
COVID-19 levels are rising again, with some regions seeing more severe cases. It's important to stay vigilant and consider precautions if you're in a high-risk area.
Norovirus is spreading quickly, with test positivity rates very high. It's a good idea to wash hands frequently and be aware of food recalls to avoid sickness.

The Dose (October 18)

Your Local Epidemiologist • 883 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24

🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health Vaccination Infectious Diseases Food Safety Epidemiology

Currently, levels of Covid-19, flu, and RSV are low, which is a good time to get your vaccines.
A recall of over 11.7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat is happening due to detected Listeria bacteria, so stay cautious.
In California, H5N1 bird flu is spreading among dairy farms, but the overall risk to the public is still low.

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

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.
Passage of the PRIME Act would increase access to local slaughterhouses, improve food safety, boost food security, and contribute to the local economy.
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.

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

The Rotten Apple • 10 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25

🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Cooking tips Nutrition

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.
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.
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.

Part 2: Answering reader questions on H5N1

Force of Infection • 38 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25

🏥 Health Politics Infectious Diseases Public Health Food Safety Preventive measures

H5N1 mostly spreads through close contact with infected animals, which means people who work with animals are at higher risk.
The virus can survive on surfaces for varying amounts of time, which can affect how we control infection spread.
Currently, there's no evidence that H5N1 spreads from person to person, but there's a concern it might someday gain that ability.

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

Flu cases are increasing, especially among young children, with activity levels hitting the start of flu season.
COVID-19 rates remain low in the U.S., with fewer hospitalizations and a slight rise in emergency visits in some states.
Concerns about H5N1 bird flu continue as officials are unable to find the source of recent infections in humans.

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

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.
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.
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.

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

The Rotten Apple • 21 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25

🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Waste Sustainability Food Fraud Business impact

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.
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.
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)

The Rotten Apple • 21 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25

🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Health Risks

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.
Some risks are considered emerging, while others are existing but still pose safety concerns. Food safety practitioners need to pay attention to both types.
There are discussions about hot topics that are currently missing from the food safety conversation, which could also be important to address.

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

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.
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.
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.

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

The Rotten Apple • 21 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25

🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Public Health Nutrition

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.
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.
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

The Rotten Apple • 21 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25

🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Public Health Food Regulations

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.
Research shows that certain food additives may increase cancer risks. It’s a reminder to be cautious about what’s in our food.
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 |

The Rotten Apple • 52 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24

🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Health Risks Industry Trends

Cyberattacks can threaten food safety, especially for people with allergies. A recent case showed how menu tampering could harm those sensitive to allergens.
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.
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.

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

Washing chicken is debated, but many Americans still do it. It's thought that rinsing meat can lower bacteria, even if cooking also helps.
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.
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.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Nov 4

Force of Infection • 49 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24

🏥 Health Politics Public Health Disease Control Vaccination Food Safety

Covid-19 cases are currently low across the country, but a slight rebound has been noted in the Midwest.
Norovirus is on the rise, with about 12% positivity, and it spreads easily through contaminated surfaces and food, so hygiene is essential.
Visits for flu-like symptoms are increasing in children under 5, indicating that flu season could be approaching soon.

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

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.
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.
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.

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

The Rotten Apple • 10 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25

🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Food Processing Food Regulations

The recent E. coli outbreak linked to onions at McDonald's sickened many, raising concerns about the hygiene practices at the supplier, Taylor Farms.
There were serious food safety breaches found during FDA inspections at the supplier, including dirty equipment and inadequate handwashing protocols.
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.

Outbreak Outlook - National - October 28

Force of Infection • 51 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24

🏥 Health Politics Infectious Disease Public Health Vaccination Disease outbreaks Food Safety

Currently, respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and RSV are at low levels across the country, which is a relief.
Food recalls are happening for various products due to contamination, so it’s important to check what you have at home.
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.

What I'm Reading-Related Posts

The Rotten Apple • 10 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25

🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Food Defence

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.
You can find archived articles on what the author is currently reading, which adds a personal touch and may introduce you to new content.
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

The Rotten Apple • 10 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25

🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Supply Chains Food Defence Packaging

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.
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.
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

The Rotten Apple • 10 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25

🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Supply Chains Food Regulations Food Tech

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.
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.
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

The Rotten Apple • 10 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25

🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Supply Chains Food Defence Food Tech

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.
It features content on sustainable and ethical supply chains, highlighting their importance to consumers today. This shows a commitment to responsible food practices.
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

The Rotten Apple • 10 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25

🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Food Regulations Food Tech

Food supply chains affect how safe and reliable our food is. Understanding these systems can help us avoid issues like food fraud.
Sustainable and ethical supply chains are important for a healthier planet. Choosing food that supports these practices can make a big difference.
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 |

The Rotten Apple • 21 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24

🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Nutrition Regulations

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.
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.
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.

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

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.
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.
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.