Health Food Safety News

The latest health food safety stories, summarized by AI

"Senate Advances Bill to Ban Cancer-Causing Ingredients in Popular Snacks and Drinks"
health-food-safety3.77 min read

"Senate Advances Bill to Ban Cancer-Causing Ingredients in Popular Snacks and Drinks"

1 year agoSource: Fox Business
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"Report: High Pesticide Levels in Popular Produce Pose Health Risk"
health-food-safety
3.26 min1 year ago

"Report: High Pesticide Levels in Popular Produce Pose Health Risk"

Consumer Reports' comprehensive review of pesticides in 59 common fruits and vegetables found that about 20% contained risky levels of pesticide residues, with imported produce, especially from Mexico, being particularly likely to carry these residues. The report highlighted specific high-risk foods and suggested substitutions, emphasizing that certain pesticides pose serious health concerns, especially for children and pregnant women. Consumer Reports recommended limiting consumption of high-risk foods and opting for organic alternatives where possible.

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"Consumer Reports Exposes High Lead and Sodium Levels in Lunchables, Calls for Removal from School Menus"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Washington Post

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Source: The Washington Post

Consumer Reports has found concerning levels of lead, sodium, and potentially harmful chemicals in Lunchables, prompting a petition to remove the Kraft Heinz products from the National School Lunch Program. The watchdog's testing revealed elevated lead levels and phthalates in the packaging, raising concerns about children's health risks. Kraft Heinz defended its products, but critics argue that ultra-processed foods like Lunchables are inappropriate for school lunches and call for stricter nutrition standards to ensure children have access to healthier options.

Consumer Reports Urges Removal of Lunchables from School Menus Due to High Lead Levels

Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Hill

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Source: The Hill

Consumer Reports found relatively high levels of lead, cadmium, and sodium in Lunchables, along with harmful phthalates. The sodium levels in the kits exceeded a child's daily recommended limit, and the school versions had even higher levels. Kraft Heinz defended the products, stating they meet strict safety standards and provide nutrients, but CR started a petition to remove Lunchables from the National School Lunch Program. The USDA stated that they don't allow or disallow individual food items but focus on the overall nutritional quality of meals.

Consumer Reports: Concerning Levels of Lead and Sodium Found in Lunchables, Prompting Petition for Removal from School Menus

Originally Published 1 year ago — by CBS News

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Source: CBS News

Consumer Reports found concerning levels of lead and sodium in Lunchables and similar lunch and snack kits, with some products exposing children to 50% or more of California's maximum allowable amount of lead. The advocacy group warned against regularly consuming these highly processed products, citing potential health risks, while Kraft Heinz defended the nutritional value of Lunchables and highlighted recent efforts to improve their nutrition profile.

"Health Experts Warn Against Sunny Side Up Eggs Due to Bird Flu Concerns"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by Daily Mail

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Source: Daily Mail

Health experts are advising Americans to avoid eggs with runny yolks due to increasing cases of bird flu in the US, which can contaminate eggs laid by infected chickens. Cooking eggs thoroughly can kill off any lingering virus fragments, and using pasteurized eggs or ensuring eggs are fully cooked can reduce the risk of exposure to the virus. Outbreaks of bird flu in poultry could lead to increased egg prices and disruptions in poultry product supply chains, impacting consumers. Additionally, there are concerns about the virus spreading to cattle, with 12 farms across six states reporting H5N1 infections in cows. The World Health Organization estimates the fatality rate for H5N1 at 52 percent.

"Fatal Outbreak: CDC Links Morel Mushrooms to Gastrointestinal Deaths"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by Scripps News

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Source: Scripps News

Two people died and 51 others fell ill after consuming morel mushrooms at a Montana restaurant, leading to an outbreak of gastrointestinal illnesses. The CDC report indicated that the consumption of raw morel mushrooms, particularly in a special sushi roll offered by the restaurant, was strongly associated with the illnesses. The restaurant, identified as Dave’s Sushi in Bozeman, temporarily closed and later reopened after cooperating with health officials. State health authorities advised caution and thorough cooking when consuming morel mushrooms due to their potential toxicity.

"Fatal Outbreak: CDC Warns of Undercooked Morel Mushrooms"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Independent

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Source: The Independent

Two people died and over 50 fell ill after consuming undercooked morel mushrooms served at a Montana restaurant, leading to a gastrointestinal illness outbreak. The CDC's report highlighted gaps in understanding the health effects of these specific fungi, and the restaurant faced multiple violations during an inspection. The mushrooms were traced back to a single importer from China, and the restaurant has since stopped serving them, emphasizing the need for more research on the potential risks of incorporating morel mushrooms in recipes.

"Fatal Outbreak: Undercooked Morel Mushrooms Claim Lives in Montana"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by Daily Mail

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Source: Daily Mail

A deadly outbreak in Montana led to 51 people falling ill and two deaths after consuming undercooked morel mushrooms at a sushi restaurant. CDC investigators found that the toxins in the undercooked edible wild mushrooms caused severe gastrointestinal distress, with a dose-response relationship identified. The outbreak was linked to a special sushi roll with salmon and morels, and it was discovered that cooking the mushrooms thoroughly is crucial to reduce toxin levels and prevent illness.

"FDA Widens Cinnamon Recall Over Lead Contamination"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by Newsweek

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Source: Newsweek

Several U.S. companies have issued recalls of ground cinnamon due to elevated lead levels, prompting health concerns. The FDA warned of potential health risks associated with lead exposure, including high blood pressure, headaches, and kidney dysfunction. The affected products were distributed nationwide and in specific regions, and the recalls were initiated after sample testing revealed the issue. No illnesses have been reported, but medical experts caution that lead poisoning, especially in children, can have long-term developmental and neurological effects.

Tragedy Strikes: Fatalities and Hospitalizations Surge After Consumption of Sea Turtle Meat on Zanzibar’s Pemba Island

Originally Published 1 year ago — by NBC News

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Source: NBC News

Nine people have died and 78 others were hospitalized after consuming sea turtle meat on Pemba Island in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The meat is considered a delicacy despite its potential for causing chelonitoxism, a type of food poisoning. Authorities have confirmed that all the victims had consumed sea turtle meat and have urged people to avoid it. This incident follows a similar one in November 2021, where seven people died and three others were hospitalized after eating turtle meat.

Tragedy Strikes: Fatalities and Hospitalizations Linked to Sea Turtle Meat Consumption in Zanzibar

Originally Published 1 year ago — by ABC News

Featured image for Tragedy Strikes: Fatalities and Hospitalizations Linked to Sea Turtle Meat Consumption in Zanzibar
Source: ABC News

Nine people, including eight children and one adult, have died after consuming sea turtle meat on Pemba Island in Zanzibar, with 78 others hospitalized. Despite being considered a delicacy, sea turtle meat can cause chelonitoxism, a type of food poisoning, leading to periodic deaths. Authorities have confirmed the cause of the deaths through laboratory tests and are urging people to avoid consuming sea turtles.