Maria Lopez, a certified USDA food inspector, shares her experiences inspecting meatpacking facilities across the Midwest. Insights:– “What scares me the most is
Washing raw chicken is a widespread belief—but it actually spreads bacteria across kitchen surfaces. The USDA strongly advises against it. Why It’s Harmful:–
A nationwide outbreak in 2024 linked to contaminated onions sickened over 600 people 1 Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/oranienburg-09-21/index.html https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-oranienburg-onions-october-2024
Released January 2025, FDA guidance mandates clearer labeling for bulk foods, GMOs, and allergens. Key Points:– Label exact allergen sources.– Don’t rely on
FDA guidance (May 2025) urges producers to test facilities for pathogens—especially in low-moisture ready-to-eat foods. Program Elements:– Environmental monitoring– Corrective action plans Sources:
