The Center for Science in the Public Interest (the CSPI), compiled a list of foods that--statistically--are linked to more cases of illness and death than any other foods. Important note: Don't stop eating these foods, just take special caution when preparing them. See my notes below:
1. Leafy greens: 363 outbreaks involving 13,568
reported cases of illness
Stay-healthy tip: Even if the bag of pre-washed lettuce has been
"triple washed"--wash it again. An extra rinse in your
own kitchen may help rid your greens of residual bacteria that can
make you sick. Still, in some cases, like the E.coli outbreak of
last year, the entire plant may be infected with the pathogen.
2. Eggs: 352 outbreaks involving 11,163
reported cases of illness
Stay-healthy tip: Try not to eat raw cookie dough, gals (I know,
it's tempting). Also, wash your hands after handling eggs (even
if you just touch the shell).
Related: Riskiest foods, meet the dirtiest foods...
3. Tuna: 268 outbreaks involving 2341 reported
cases of illness
Stay-healthy tip: Sorry to say this, but I only trust reputable
sushi restaurants when ordering raw fish in sushi. Grocery store
varieties? I may save a buck, but it's not worth the risk to my
health.
4. Oysters: 132 outbreaks involving 3409
reported cases of illness
Stay-healthy tip: A health expert once told me to only eat raw
oysters in months that have an "r" in them. In these
months, there may be less bacteria in waterways that can contribute
to food poisoning--or so the theory goes.
5. Potatoes: 108 outbreaks involving 3659
reported cases of illness
Stay-healthy tip: Scrub, scrub, scrub those skins! Potatoes are
grown in the dirt and prone to soil contamination.
Check out the sad (and dangerous) story of the lemon wedge in your drink...
6. Cheese: 83 outbreaks involving 2761 reported
cases of illness
Stay-healthy tip: Be diligent about checking expiration dates. And,
no, mold on cheese is not normal.
7. Ice cream: 74 outbreaks involving 2594
reported cases of illness
Stay-healthy tip: Consider buying organic ice cream--many are made
in smaller batches and closer to home. Local or organic ice cream
isn't free of risk, but since mass-produced food has
been the center of mega food recalls in past years, small-batch
food is looking more and more attractive.
8. Tomatoes: 31 outbreaks involving 3292
reported cases of illness
Stay-healthy tip: Just like potatoes, scrub, scrub, scrub!
9. Sprouts: 31 outbreaks involving 2022
reported cases of illness
Stay-healthy tip: Be sure to wash them well! (Duh!) A quick rinse
won't do: Dredge them in water and rinse several times.
Related: This photo is a little reminder to wash your hands!
10. Berries: 25 outbreaks involving 3397
reported cases of illness
Stay-healthy tip: Pick your own--then take them home and wash them
... well! And remember, food is generally healthiest when it's
in season. This doesn't mean that strawberries in January are
unhealthy, it's just that the more people who handle your
strawberries--in foreign countries where food is grown out of
season, for instance--the more chances that your food may become
contaminated. Remember, there's nothing wrong with frozen
berries!
I'd like to take this moment to step up on my soapbox: FDA,
can we get a little better regulation/protection here
please!
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