Chicken breast is a healthy and versatile protein that is a staple in many American kitchens. However, raw chicken is also a major source of harmful bacteria, like Salmonella and Campylobacter. A simple mistake in the way you handle and cook your chicken can lead to a serious and unpleasant case of food poisoning. To…
Food marketers are experts at creating a “health halo” around their products. They use buzzwords like “wholesome” and “natural” to make you feel good about your purchase. However, many of these seemingly healthy foods are secretly loaded with sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats. They are a form of junk food that is disguised as a…
Many of the “best by” and “sell by” dates on our food are simply suggestions for peak quality. It is perfectly safe to eat a can of beans or a box of crackers that is past its date. However, this rule is not universal. For a number of common, perishable grocery items, the expiration date…
It’s easy to fall into a routine at the grocery store, grabbing the same foods week after week. But if your cart is packed with processed snacks, sugary cereals, and other not-so-great picks, your unhealthy grocery list could be hurting your health and budget. Small changes can make a big difference in how you feel…
The modern food industry is a miracle of science and logistics. It is also an industry that is filled with several shocking and often unappetizing secrets. To produce the huge amount of cheap and consistent food that we demand, the industry relies on a variety of controversial practices and ingredients. These are the things that…
The dairy aisle is one of the most confusing sections of the grocery store. There are dozens of different brands of milk, all with different claims about their quality and purity. To help consumers make a more informed choice, several independent consumer and environmental groups have conducted tests on popular milk brands. They have tested…
A grocery store is a very public space, with thousands of people passing through and touching the same surfaces every single day. While we might be focused on the safety of the food we are buying, we often overlook the germs and bacteria that are lurking on the store’s high-touch surfaces. According to studies on…
Turning 30 is a milestone, and your body begins subtle shifts in metabolism, hormones, and recovery that many of us don’t notice until later. That’s why being mindful about foods and drinks after 30 isn’t about deprivation—it’s about making choices that support longevity, strength, and feeling good. Knowing which foods and drinks to scale back…
A major food safety recall can be a death sentence for a brand. The news of a contamination outbreak can instantly destroy decades of consumer trust. Some companies never recover and are forced to go out of business. However, other brands seem to have a near-miraculous ability to survive even the most devastating recall and…
The color of a food product is a key part of its identity. We expect our orange soda to be bright orange and our mint chocolate chip ice cream to be green. When a company changes the color of a classic product without any warning, it can be a jarring experience. This change is often…
A major food contamination outbreak can destroy a brand’s reputation overnight. When a product links to a widespread illness, the company will issue a massive recall and pull it from every store shelf. After the headlines fade, however, these same products often make a quiet return to the market. The company rarely announces its comeback.…
When a food product is recalled, a rapid response is critical to protect public health. While federal agencies like the FDA and USDA issue national alerts, it is the job of state and local health departments to ensure the dangerous product is actually removed from store shelves. In Alabama, this crucial task falls to the…
When a food product is recalled for a safety issue like Listeria or E. coli, a rapid and effective communication system is critical to protecting public health. Federal agencies like the FDA and the USDA will issue a national alert, but it is often up to state and local health departments to get that warning…
If you have a keen eye, you may have noticed that the Nutrition Facts panel on your favorite packaged foods looks different from what it did a few years ago. These changes are not your imagination. Food manufacturers have been quietly altering their nutrition labels for a variety of reasons, ranging from new federal regulations…
You walk into the grocery store, see a “fresh” label, and think you’re getting the best. But sometimes, that “fresh” food was frozen solid on a ship for weeks before it hit the shelf. This matters because you want to know what you’re really eating. Frozen foods can lose texture, flavor, and even nutrients. And…
