The hottest Food Safety Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Food & Drink Topics

Much Ado About Nothing: Diet Coke is Fine

reedmolbak • 39 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness 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.

200 | 4 Years of Food Safety, Food Fraud and Sustainable Supply Chains |

The Rotten Apple • 21 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety
  1. The newsletter focuses on food safety and food fraud, giving valuable updates every week. It's designed to help professionals and the public stay informed about important trends and news.
  2. Celebrating four years of running, there are special offers for group subscriptions that can save companies a lot of money. It's a great chance for teams to stay updated together.
  3. Past popular articles highlight serious issues like food fraud and allergen recalls. These topics are crucial for awareness about food safety and potential risks.

Outbreak Outlook - National - Dec 16

Force of Infection • 69 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Food Safety
  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.

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
  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.

Food Safety News and Resources | July

The Rotten Apple • 21 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety
  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.
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Outbreak Outlook - National - Nov 18

Force of Infection • 67 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics 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.

Totally Devoted to Blue Roll

Vittles • 141 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety
  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.

Eating Bavarian Boar

Gordian Knot News • 190 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety
  1. Radiation is everywhere, it's about how much and how fast it can affect you.
  2. Cesium-137 in mushrooms can highly contaminate boars, affecting those who consume the meat.
  3. Understanding peak dose rates and Lost Life Expectancy can help assess the impact of radiation exposure.

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
  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.

Outbreak Outlook - National - October 28

Force of Infection • 51 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics 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.

Part 2: Answering reader questions on H5N1

Force of Infection • 38 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Food Safety
  1. H5N1 mostly spreads through close contact with infected animals, which means people who work with animals are at higher risk.
  2. The virus can survive on surfaces for varying amounts of time, which can affect how we control infection spread.
  3. 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 - National - Nov 4

Force of Infection • 49 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics 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.

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

The Rotten Apple • 31 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety
  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.

Outbreak Outlook - National - January 22

Force of Infection • 94 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Food Safety
  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 Fraud Incidents 2025 (Searchable List)

The Rotten Apple • 31 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety
  1. There is a searchable list of recent food fraud incidents from 2025. This can help people easily find information on specific cases.
  2. Incidents before September 2022 are stored in a database on Trello for reference. It's good to have a place to look for older information too.
  3. New insights about food vulnerabilities are still being added to this database, showing that the issue of food fraud is ongoing. Keeping up with this information is important for everyone's safety.

199 | Olive Crisis Update (is it over now?) | A Comprehensive Guide to Glass Management |

The Rotten Apple • 10 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety
  1. Olive oil is often targeted by fraudsters because it's valuable and has many grades, making it hard for people to tell what's real. Buying from trusted vendors can help reduce the risk of fraud.
  2. The olive oil industry faced a crisis due to climate change and diseases like Xylella fastidiosa, which caused significant crop losses. While harvests are recovering, ongoing challenges from pests and droughts remain.
  3. Recently, the number of reported olive oil fraud cases has increased, especially during times of high prices. As supplies improve and prices stabilize, fraud rates might go down, but olive oil will always be at risk.

Maraschino Cherries Are a Lie

The Heart Attack Diet • 19 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety
  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.

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
  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.

197 | STEC On The Rise? | Insider Warning: Sugar Adulteration! |

The Rotten Apple • 10 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety
  1. STEC infections are at a record high in Europe, but some of this might be due to better testing methods that can catch more cases.
  2. The most affected groups are young children and the elderly, who represent most of the serious cases and fatalities related to STEC.
  3. Preventing STEC infections still relies on good hygiene practices and proper cooking, as the sources of the bacteria in food and water have not changed.

177 | Honey Fraud Fight | Colour Coding Guide |

The Rotten Apple • 21 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety
  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.

Outbreak Outlook - National - February 12

Force of Infection • 66 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Food Safety
  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.

Food Safety News and Resources | February

The Rotten Apple • 21 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety
  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.

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
  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)

The Rotten Apple • 21 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety
  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 |

The Rotten Apple • 21 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety
  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

The Rotten Apple • 21 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety
  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.

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

Molecular Spectacular • 43 HN points • 23 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Food Safety
  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.

169 | What Changed in Food Safety in 2024 |

The Rotten Apple • 21 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety
  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 (?) |

The Rotten Apple • 21 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety
  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.

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 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.

164 | Food Fraud Special |

The Rotten Apple • 21 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety
  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.

178 | Global Food Fraud Trends | Honey Rules |

The Rotten Apple • 10 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety
  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.

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
  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.

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
  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
  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.

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
  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

The Rotten Apple • 10 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety
  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

The Rotten Apple • 10 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety
  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

The Rotten Apple • 10 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Food Safety
  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.