Food Recalls Raise Consumer Concerns Ahead of Thanksgiving Feasts
A recent national survey by Orlando Health indicates that nearly 3 out of 5 U.S. adults (60%) are more concerned about foodborne illnesses this year compared to previous years. This heightened anxiety comes amidst a series of high-profile food recalls involving various contaminants. Examples cited include cyclospora in iceberg lettuce, and salmonella in jalapenos, frozen blueberries, and broccoli. Dr. Daniel Egan, an infectious disease physician with Orlando Health Medical Group, noted that while these bacteria and infections like E. coli, Campylobacter, and Giardia are not new, increased awareness can lead to better preventive measures. Foodborne illnesses nationally affect 48 million people annually, resulting in 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. Egan provided tips for safe food handling during holiday cooking, such as frequent hand washing, not rinsing raw poultry, using separate cutting boards for raw meat and produce, and checking internal temperatures with a food thermometer. He also advised...
