Consumer Reports Advises on Reducing Food Safety Risks Amid Rising Concerns
Amidst a summer marked by food recalls and illness outbreaks, Consumer Reports is advising consumers on essential precautions to mitigate food safety risks at home and in grocery stores. According to James E. Rogers, director of food safety at Consumer Reports, no food is entirely risk-free, with potential hazards including undeclared allergens, foreign objects, bacteria, viruses, and cross-contamination. Pathogens like listeria and salmonella are often undetectable by sight, smell, or taste. Foods consumed without cooking, such as raw fruits, vegetables, salads, and deli meats, pose a higher risk due to the absence of a heat-based 'kill step.' Deli meats are particularly concerning as they can become contaminated during slicing and packaging, and listeria can thrive in refrigerator temperatures. Consumer Reports recommends opting for pasteurized dairy products over unpasteurized ones, which can harbor bacteria like salmonella and E. coli. The organization also stresses the importance of monitoring recall ... 
