Top 10 Most Dangerous Foods You Should Avoid Right Now: Essential Insights from Food Safety Data

It feels like there’s always news about food recalls or sickness from contaminated food. And there’s a reason for that—the number of food recalls has jumped by 41% in the past year due to culprits like Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli, according to a recent report by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. They found that hospitalizations from food-related issues doubled in just one year, from 230 in 2023 to 487 in 2024, with the death toll rising from eight to 19.

Matthew Taylor, a food safety expert at NSF, shared a startling statistic: around 48 million Americans get sick from foodborne illnesses each year. Many of these outbreaks are linked to high-risk foods like deli meat, leafy greens, and raw dairy products.

So, should we change how we shop and eat? It’s a good question. Consumer Reports recently listed the riskiest foods based on the latest outbreak data. We spoke to food safety experts to learn more.

1. Deli Meats
Deli meats are often linked to illnesses because they can harbor Listeria. This bacteria thrives in cool, damp places like your fridge. Jessica Gavin, a food scientist, explained that even when meats are cooked, they can pick up bacteria later from contaminated surfaces.

2. Cucumbers
Cucumbers were involved in a significant Salmonella outbreak last year, leading to over 150 hospitalizations. Washing your hands and rinsing fresh produce under water can help reduce risks.

3. Raw Milk and Cheese
While most milk is pasteurized to kill germs, some places sell raw milk. The CDC warns that raw milk can contain harmful bacteria, and pasteurized alternatives are a safer choice.

4. Soft Cheeses
Cheeses like cotija and queso fresco can also be risky. They are often made from raw ingredients and can promote bacterial growth. Experts recommend that vulnerable groups, like pregnant women, avoid these cheeses altogether.

5. Eggs
Eggs frequently carry Salmonella. It’s crucial to cook them thoroughly, as you can’t see or smell the bacteria. If you’re pregnant or have a weakened immune system, opting for pasteurized eggs is a smart move.

6. Onions
Raw onions were behind a substantial recall tied to an E.coli outbreak last year, affecting over 100 people. Washing onions well—and cooking them—helps kill harmful bacteria.

7. Leafy Greens
Romaine lettuce and spinach have been linked to many recalls. These greens can become contaminated from dirty water. Washing them helps, but caution is advised, especially for those at higher risk.

8. Carrots
They can also carry E. coli, as shown in last year’s recall due to contamination. Washing carrots thoroughly is essential.

9. Fresh Herbs
Fresh basil was recently recalled due to Salmonella. Just like leafy greens, washing herbs thoroughly before use reduces risks.

10. Precooked Meats
Even precooked meats from grocery stores can pose a risk. Safe handling is vital; a recall of nearly 73,000 pounds happened last year due to Listeria. Cooking meats at home is the safest option.

The Bigger Picture
Despite the risks, efforts to improve food safety are ramping up. The Food Safety Modernization Act aims to enhance our food system’s safety. Though some rules are delayed, many companies are already strengthening their recall processes to protect consumers.

For now, staying informed through the FDA and USDA websites is key to avoiding potential health hazards. Remember, staying safe while eating means being aware and cautious, particularly with high-risk foods.

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