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A concerning spike in food-related illnesses has been recorded with a 41 per cent rise in outbreaks compared to the previous year, a United States study stated. It was conducted by the US Public Interest Research Group Education Fund and stated that the number of hospitalisations doubled from 230 in 2023 to 487 in 2024. Additionally, deaths related to food contamination rose from eight to 19.

Food scientists, as per reports, said that most of the items on the list have environments which allow bacteria to grow. Listeria is particularly concerning since it grows even in colder temperatures.

Top 10 risky food items of 2024

Consumer Reports, which tests consumer products and monitors food safety, released its annual report on hazardous foods of the past year. The items that have been included in the list are based on illnesses they are associated with, scale of recalls and deaths it caused.

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Here are the top 10 risky food items:

• Deli Meat – As per Consumer Reports, deli meat is linked to Listeria outbreak via Boar’s Head products. Listeria can thrive in refrigerated settings which makes cold cuts a risky food item, even after cooking it.
  
• Cucumbers – The veggie was involved in a major Salmonella outbreak and as per a USA Today report, experts recommended thoroughly rinsing fresh produce and practising good kitchen hygiene.
  
• Raw Dairy – Consumer Reports stated that unpasteurised milk and cheese(s) could be carriers of Salmonella and E. coli. Consumers were urged to opt for pasteurised alternatives, which were termed safer and equally nutritious.
  
• Cotija & Queso Fresco – Cotija and Queso are moist cheeses which can harbour Listeria even when made with pasteurised milk, the report stated. Pregnant persons and those with weak immune systems were urged to avoid consuming it.
  
  
• Eggs – Eggs can carry Salmonella, which has been a continuous source of worry. Experts have advised consumers to use pasteurised eggs and cook it thoroughly. They have advised against using eggs with cracked shells.
  
• Onions – The fast-food chain McDonald’s had to recall a major batch of onions after they were linked to an E. coli outbreak. This is why experts, as per Consumer Report, advise rinsing raw onions and cook them.
  
• Leafy Greens – Reportedly, green, leafy veggies, especially romaine lettuce, were involved in E. coli outbreaks. The reason for them becoming carriers is often contaminated water. It is advised for high-risk individuals to avoid consuming them without cooking it.
  
  
• Carrots – Due to it being a root veggie, carrots can become carriers of diseases if the soil or irrigation water carry pathogens. This came to light after a major recall by Grimmway Farms.
  
• Basil – Fresh herbs like basil can also carry pathogens, if not washed properly.
  
• Ready-to-Eat Poultry & Meat – The ready-to-eat poultry and meat can pick up bacteria even after it’s been cooked, if it is not stored properly or handled appropriately, making it one of the top 10 risky food items.
  

Why were these foods recalled?

According to the USA Today report, Boars’ Head had to recall nearly 7.2 million pounds of product after a deadly Listeria outbreak, which killed 10. They had to close a plant in Virginia. Similar issues were spotted with ready-to-eat meats from BrucePac.

Similarly, in concerns to produce, contaminated cucumbers caused salmonella infections in 113 people across 23 states while leafy greens, baby carrots, and even onions used by McDonald’s were linked to E. coli outbreaks.

Additionally, Raw Farm’s raw dairy sickened over 165 people while Rizo-Lopez Foods had to shut their shop after their cheese was linked to years-long listeria outbreak.

Matthew Taylor, Senior Manager at NSF, said that the federal government estimated nearly 48 million Americans get sick from food-borne illness every year. Food items like sprouts, leafy greens, deli meats and cheeses require extra caution.

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Can you still eat these foods safely?

Although the food items have been labelled ‘risky’, you don’t necessarily have to avoid it entirely. It only means being extra cautious while consuming them to minimise contamination risks. Experts have suggested thoroughly washing produce, cooking meats to recommended internal temperatures, avoiding raw dairy and practising good hygiene in the kitchen.

Experts also advised staying informed about safe food practices from trustworthy sources, like the CDC.

FAQs

1. Are deli meats or cheeses safe to eat if they're on the risk list?
Yes, but cautiously. Professionals recommend that deli meats and soft cheeses such as cotija or queso fresco be well-cooked before eating.

2. Why is raw dairy unsafe even if it is from a clean farm?
Raw milk is unpasteurized, so dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli can still be present.