Today, Explained · Podcast summary
Is anything safe to eat?
Helena Bottemiller Evich, founder and editor-in-chief of Food Fix, discusses the recent surge in food recalls and outbreaks, and whether the American food system is truly safe.
Listen on the show ↗The digest
This past summer has been dubbed the "Summer of Explosive Diarrhea" due to a startling number of food recalls and outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. From salmonella in dog food to botulism in baby formula and ink in tofu, Americans are increasingly questioning the safety of their food supply. Helena Bottemiller Evich, founder and editor-in-chief of Food Fix, a newsletter dedicated to food policy, joined the podcast to shed light on the situation.
A Summer of Sickness: What's Being Recalled?
Evich confirmed that this summer has indeed seen a significant number of food recalls and outbreak investigations. The list of problematic foods is extensive and includes sprouts (E. coli and salmonella), jalapeños (salmonella), eggs (salmonella), and iceberg lettuce (Cyclospora). Frozen blueberries were also recalled due to E. coli, with warnings that consumption could be fatal. Beyond microbial contamination, recalls have also been issued for foreign materials found in food, such as metal and glass in frozen fruit bars. This barrage of negative news has led to widespread public concern, with many wondering if anything is truly safe to eat.
Keep reading in The Digest
The full 4-minute article, 4 more sections, and every new episode from Today, Explained and the creators you follow.
- Are We Sicker, or Just Better at Finding the Sickness?
- The Strain on the Food Safety System
- Politics and Food Safety: A Lack of Transparency
- The Government's Role and the Future of Food Safety
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