The hottest Food Safety Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Food & Drink Topics

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.

167 | The Great Tuna Scam | Chemical Hazards in Paper Drinking Straws | Rescinded Recall (?)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

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.

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
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Outbreak Outlook - National - February 12

Force of Infection • 66 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Vaccines Food Safety Disease outbreaks Global Health
  1. Influenza-like illness is on the rise, especially among children, with test positivity for influenza also increasing.
  2. COVID-19 hospitalizations are declining overall, but there are spikes in the 5-24 age group and in certain Southern regions.
  3. RSV activity is low nationally, and there are new RSV products entering the market.

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.

Maraschino Cherries Are a Lie

The Heart Attack Diet • 19 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Ingredients Recommendations
  1. Maraschino cherries labeled as such may actually be cocktail cherries flavored with chemicals and heavy in sulphites, potentially causing adverse reactions for those with allergies or intolerances.
  2. Fake maraschino cherries contain sulfur dioxide, chemical dyes, and other additives, making them significantly different from genuine maraschino cherries preserved in sugar syrup.
  3. Authentic maraschino cherries preserved in sugar syrup are recommended as a healthier alternative to the chemically treated cocktail cherries, despite being a bit pricier.

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

The Rotten Apple • 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 #88 | Food Investigators | How to Spot a Food Fraud Perp | Eating Ochratoxin A | The Nutella Empire |

The Rotten Apple • 42 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud
  1. Watch out for ochratoxin A in your food - it's a complex concern with potential health risks.
  2. Food fraud comes in various forms with different motivations, from financial gain to deception.
  3. Learn how to spot food fraud perpetrators through red flags like previous convictions and suspect certificates.

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

The Rotten Apple • 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.

Issue #95 | 3 Cases of Document Fraud | How to be a Good Auditor | How Bakers Yeast is Made |

The Rotten Apple • 31 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food Fraud Food Safety Food production Food news Auditing
  1. Food document fraud comes in different categories and can have serious consequences for food safety.
  2. Key attributes of a good food safety auditor include appropriate training, experience, and a detail-oriented mindset.
  3. Commercial bakeries, wineries, and breweries rely on specialized yeast suppliers to provide pure yeast products for their production processes.

Issue #87 | Meet the Food Fraud Perpetrators | Good Mould versus Bad Mould | Child Labour in Food | Cotton Candy in the Shower |

The Rotten Apple • 31 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud Supply Chain
  1. Some molds are safe to eat and even deliberately added to certain foods for their desirable properties, while others can produce harmful mycotoxins and are considered unsafe for consumption.
  2. Food fraud perpetrators can be categorized as opportunistic or organized, with organized criminals often operating across different industries and committing more complex and long-term frauds with significant impacts.
  3. Child labor violations in the food industry are a major ethical concern, even in developed countries like the USA, where violations have been increasing, and companies within the food industry are found to be the main offenders.

128 | Food Safety Roadmap | Insect Proteins: High Risk? |

The Rotten Apple • 10 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud News Resources
  1. Insect-based foods face high food fraud risks due to complex supply chains, high prices, and potential adulteration with allergenic or non-nutritive substances.
  2. Stay updated and navigate changes in food safety audit standards by following a roadmap that includes gap analysis, action lists, internal audits, and incorporating extra resources if needed.
  3. Attend food safety meetups, like the one on March 14th, to engage with industry professionals, discuss emerging issues, and stay ahead in the food safety field.

Food Safety News and Resources | March

The Rotten Apple • 10 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Recalls Guidance Webinars Food Fraud
  1. Probiotic supplements containing Clostridium butyricum should be prescribed carefully especially for hospitalized patients to avoid blood poisoning.
  2. Be cautious of food recalls like meat contaminated with non-food grade mineral oil and consider their implications on public health.
  3. Raw cheese recalls should be taken seriously as they can be linked to severe illnesses like E. coli infections, even if recalls are lifted prematurely.

What's Wrong With This Picture (Team Training Exercise)

The Rotten Apple • 10 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Training Hygiene Risk Assessment Team Building
  1. The post discusses a team training exercise for front-line workers in food service to identify food safety issues.
  2. The activity aims to get team members thinking about food safety, engage in a risk assessment, and learn about food safety principles such as hygienic design and hand hygiene.
  3. The exercise involves showing an image of someone slicing bacon and asking team members to identify potential food safety problems, errors, or non-conformities.

127 | Listeria Risks: New Insights | Food Safety Snapshot | Reusing Plastic Food Packaging |

The Rotten Apple • 10 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety
  1. Quantitative risk assessments for Listeria in meat products suggest that properly controlled refrigerator temperatures are more effective at reducing risk than shorter storage durations.
  2. Reusing plastic food packaging poses challenges like hygiene risks, chemical migration, and microplastic generation, highlighting the importance of proper cleaning processes.
  3. New methods like paper spray mass spectrometry help detect contaminants like PFAS in food packaging, emphasizing the need for advanced detection techniques in food safety.

Issue #79 | Botulism: the Putin of pathogens | Cacao or Cocoa - what's the difference | DNA barcoding for food testing |

The Rotten Apple • 31 implied HN points • 13 Mar 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety Food Fraud
  1. Botulism is a deadly foodborne illness caused by toxins, challenging to detect but with severe symptoms and potentially fatal outcomes.
  2. Cacao and cocoa are terms often used interchangeably in the food industry, but have slight differences in meaning and implications.
  3. DNA barcoding is a powerful tool for food safety and fraud investigations, offering a quicker and cost-effective method for species identification and verification.