Are your groceries putting you at risk? Nearly thousands die annually from this silent killer!
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When we think of threats to our well-being, we often consider chronic diseases, accidents, or even the flu. But lurking in the shadows, there's a silent killer that's closer to home than we might think—right in our kitchens.
Often underestimated, they are a significant health hazard that can lead to severe consequences, including death. Let’s learn about what you should be watching out for.
Recent research has shed light on a startling reality: foodborne illnesses claim the lives of over 900 Americans each year. But the impact doesn't stop there.
These illnesses sicken tens of millions annually and have a profound economic impact, costing an estimated $75 billion in medical care, lost productivity, and premature deaths, reported federal researchers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified six pathogens responsible for the majority of these cases: salmonella, listeria monocytogenes, campylobacter, clostridium perfringens, shiga toxin-producing E. coli, and norovirus.
These pathogens lead to approximately 53,300 hospitalizations and more than 900 deaths annually in the US alone, as per the US Government Accountability Office.
What's even more concerning is that the official numbers likely only scratch the surface. Many cases go undiagnosed and unreported, with the CDC estimating that for every lab-confirmed case of salmonella, 29 more go undetected.
This means the true scale of the problem is much larger than we realize.
In the past year alone, we've seen salmonella outbreaks linked to common foods like cucumbers and eggs, listeria outbreaks from ready-to-eat meats, and E. coli contaminations involving organic carrots and onions.
These incidents have led to hospitalizations and deaths, reminding us that no one is immune to the risk.
Despite the severity of the issue, the US food safety oversight system is described as “fragmented.”
With at least 30 federal laws and 15 federal agencies involved in regulating food safety, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has repeatedly called for a national strategy to streamline and strengthen food safety measures.
Source: Business Insider / Youtube.
Last year, separate salmonella outbreaks connected to cucumbers and eggs caused sickness to more than 200 people in dozens of states, while listeria outbreaks linked to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products caused illness to 19 people, hospitalized 17, and killed two.
An E. coli outbreak in the fall of 2024 connected to organic carrots caused sickness to 48 people in 19 states and killed one. Meanwhile, onions served in McDonald’s burgers also sickened over 100 people in 14 states and resulted in one death.
Also read:
Have you or someone you know been affected by a foodborne illness? Do you have tips for keeping food safe in your home? Join the conversation in the comments below!
Often underestimated, they are a significant health hazard that can lead to severe consequences, including death. Let’s learn about what you should be watching out for.
Recent research has shed light on a startling reality: foodborne illnesses claim the lives of over 900 Americans each year. But the impact doesn't stop there.
These illnesses sicken tens of millions annually and have a profound economic impact, costing an estimated $75 billion in medical care, lost productivity, and premature deaths, reported federal researchers.
Foodborne illnesses cause significant health impacts in the US, with hundreds of deaths and tens of millions of cases annually. Image source: Pixabay.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified six pathogens responsible for the majority of these cases: salmonella, listeria monocytogenes, campylobacter, clostridium perfringens, shiga toxin-producing E. coli, and norovirus.
These pathogens lead to approximately 53,300 hospitalizations and more than 900 deaths annually in the US alone, as per the US Government Accountability Office.
What's even more concerning is that the official numbers likely only scratch the surface. Many cases go undiagnosed and unreported, with the CDC estimating that for every lab-confirmed case of salmonella, 29 more go undetected.
This means the true scale of the problem is much larger than we realize.
In the past year alone, we've seen salmonella outbreaks linked to common foods like cucumbers and eggs, listeria outbreaks from ready-to-eat meats, and E. coli contaminations involving organic carrots and onions.
These incidents have led to hospitalizations and deaths, reminding us that no one is immune to the risk.
Despite the severity of the issue, the US food safety oversight system is described as “fragmented.”
With at least 30 federal laws and 15 federal agencies involved in regulating food safety, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has repeatedly called for a national strategy to streamline and strengthen food safety measures.
Source: Business Insider / Youtube.
Last year, separate salmonella outbreaks connected to cucumbers and eggs caused sickness to more than 200 people in dozens of states, while listeria outbreaks linked to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products caused illness to 19 people, hospitalized 17, and killed two.
An E. coli outbreak in the fall of 2024 connected to organic carrots caused sickness to 48 people in 19 states and killed one. Meanwhile, onions served in McDonald’s burgers also sickened over 100 people in 14 states and resulted in one death.
Also read:
- FDA claims food safety—but recalls and outbreaks are soaring
- Don’t Let Salmonella Ruin Your Meals! Must-Know Kitchen Hacks to Keep Your Family Safe
Have you or someone you know been affected by a foodborne illness? Do you have tips for keeping food safe in your home? Join the conversation in the comments below!
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