The news that the FDA is now labeling the cyclospora finding at Taylor Farms as a “false positive” has me sitting here in total disbelief. As someone who looks at these kinds of regulatory announcements with a healthy dose of skepticism, I simply don’t buy it. You don’t just announce a potential contamination that triggers massive public concern, carries the weight of a major food safety issue, and could force a massive, costly recall without having your ducks in a row first. My gut tells me something much more sinister—or at the very least, much more incompetent—is going on behind the scenes here.… Continue reading
It’s quite unsettling to learn that a sample of iceberg lettuce, supplied by Taylor Farms, has tested positive for the parasite linked to the current US outbreak. What makes this particularly concerning is that this positive sample wasn’t even part of the product recall list. This situation highlights a deeper issue, especially when considering how Taco Bell, which has faced scrutiny in the past for making people sick, appears to be taking proactive steps while larger entities seem to be lagging. It’s almost as if a fast-food chain is outperforming governmental agencies in safeguarding public health.
The fact that this parasite has spread to other restaurant chains, not just Taco Bell, is a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of foodborne illnesses.… Continue reading
Federal health officials have identified lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in five U.S. states as a source of a widespread outbreak of the parasite cyclospora. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce from these restaurants, as a record number of cases have been reported nationwide. The Food and Drug Administration investigation pinpointed a single supplier of the lettuce, with Taco Bell committing to discontinue its use. Investigations continue to determine if other sources may be involved.
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The notion that a significant diarrhea outbreak sweeping across the United States could be directly linked to former President Donald Trump is certainly a striking one, and one that has been voiced with a notable intensity. While the immediate association might seem a bit outlandish at first glance, the sentiment behind these accusations stems from a perceived pattern of actions and policies enacted during his administration, particularly concerning cuts to vital regulatory agencies.
The core of the argument centers on the idea that by reducing funding and oversight for departments like the USDA and FDA, the Trump administration weakened the very systems designed to protect public health and food safety.… Continue reading
The article argues that the current, worst-ever cyclosporiasis outbreak, dubbed the “MAHA Trots,” is a direct consequence of the systematic dismantling of American state capacity, particularly concerning food safety infrastructure, under the Trump administration. This includes dissolving advisory committees, significant staff losses within the USDA, CDC, and FDA, and a reduction in monitored pathogens, leading to a lack of crucial food safety inspections and outbreak monitoring. The author contends that these actions, combined with those of Elon Musk and Robert Kennedy, have weakened the government’s ability to prevent and respond to public health crises, leaving the nation vulnerable to preventable disasters.
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Michigan investigators are zeroing in on lettuce and salad greens as potential sources for a significant cyclosporiasis outbreak that has infected over 2,600 people in the state. While no definitive product has been identified, early findings consistently point to these greens. Health officials recommend precautions such as avoiding pre-packaged greens, thoroughly washing all produce, and prioritizing cooking to mitigate infection risk. Previous outbreaks have also been linked to various fresh produce items.
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The current outbreak has now affected over a dozen states, with Michigan experiencing a particularly severe surge in cases. In the past two weeks alone, nearly 1,000 individuals in Michigan have been diagnosed. While the outbreak is widespread, no fatalities have been reported in the United States due to these recent infections.
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Despite growing scientific evidence and the EPA identifying food as the primary source of exposure, the US Food and Drug Administration has refused a legal petition to set limits on toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” in food. This decision marks a setback for public health advocates, as PFAS are linked to numerous serious health issues and are widely present in the food system due to their use in packaging, pesticides, and processing. While the FDA acknowledges plans to establish action levels, these are not legally binding and may not lead to contaminated food removal, prompting legal challenges from advocacy groups seeking court-ordered thresholds.
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An Arby’s manager, Amanda Hendricks, faces felony poisoning charges after allegedly spitting in a customer’s food. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Hendricks contaminating sandwich meat with saliva while she had an active herpes outbreak. The customer subsequently developed symptoms and tested positive for HSV-1, leading to a civil lawsuit against both Hendricks and Arby’s for allegedly allowing her to work while symptomatic. The victim now lives with the fear of transmitting the virus to her family.
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It’s quite concerning to hear that nearly 60 individuals in Idaho have fallen ill over the past two weeks, and the common thread appears to be the consumption of raw milk. Officials are currently investigating the situation, trying to pinpoint the exact source and how these outbreaks are occurring.
The question of “how” these people got sick seems, to many, to be rather straightforward. When you consume milk that hasn’t undergone pasteurization, you’re essentially bypassing a crucial step designed to eliminate harmful bacteria and pathogens. This process, which has been understood for well over a century, is specifically in place to make milk safer for consumption.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker
Trump blamed for US diarrhea outbreak
The notion that a significant diarrhea outbreak sweeping across the United States could be directly linked to former President Donald Trump is certainly a striking one, and one that has been voiced with a notable intensity. While the immediate association might seem a bit outlandish at first glance, the sentiment behind these accusations stems from a perceived pattern of actions and policies enacted during his administration, particularly concerning cuts to vital regulatory agencies.
The core of the argument centers on the idea that by reducing funding and oversight for departments like the USDA and FDA, the Trump administration weakened the very systems designed to protect public health and food safety.… Continue reading