Food Safety

High Levels of Nanoplastics Disrupt Kidney Cells in Lab Study

New research finds kidney cells show signs of stress when exposed to high concentrations of nanoplastics, but real-world exposure levels remain unclear.

Where Nitrate Comes from May Matter for Brain Health

A long-term Danish study finds lower dementia risk linked to nitrate from vegetables, while nitrate from drinking water and some animal foods was tied to higher risk, highlighting the importance of dietary context.

Many Takeout Meals Contain More Salt Than Menu Labels Suggest

Lab tests of popular takeout foods found large gaps between declared and actual salt levels, highlighting limits of menu labeling when eating out.

Researchers Detect Wide Range of Environmental Chemicals in Human Milk

A new analysis finds traces of pesticides, plastic additives and antimicrobials in breast milk, while emphasizing that breastfeeding remains the gold standard for infant nutrition.

Water Dispensers May Harbor More Bacteria Than Tap Water, Global Review Finds

A large review of international studies suggests poorly maintained water dispensers can allow microbial regrowth even when source water is safe

Beer Waste May Help Solve a Key Challenge in Cultivated Meat

A new proof-of-concept study explores whether leftover yeast from brewing beer can be turned into edible scaffolds for lab-grown meat, though major hurdles remain.

Smaller Peanut Doses May Offer Protection for More Children with Peanut Allergy

New research suggests very low-dose oral immunotherapy could reduce reaction risk with fewer side effects than standard treatment.

Nanoplastics May Affect Gut, Metabolic Health Differently Depending on Diet

Animal research suggests diet quality may shape how the digestive system responds to everyday nanoplastic exposure.

Some Biodegradable Dishes May Transfer Gluten into Food

A small lab study suggests certain wheat-based compostable plates could pose a risk for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Preloaded Grocery Carts Help Families Make Healthier Choices

A small UB study suggests that ready-made Instacart carts stocked with recipe ingredients may nudge parents toward more nutritious purchases without raising grocery bills.

Pregnant Women Use Alcohol-Free Drinks, but Advice Falls Short

Many expectant mothers turn to alcohol-free and low-alcohol options, but most say they aren’t getting clear guidance.

Lab Study Suggests Microplastics Can Disrupt Fermentation in Cattle Stomachs

New research finds tiny plastic particles can interfere with rumen microbes, raising questions about animal health and food safety.

Do Produce Incentives Help Families Eat More Fruits and Vegetables?

A new study of Rhode Island’s statewide SNAP produce incentive shows small gains for some families, highlighting the need for stronger outreach, access and retailer participation.

Microplastics Can Carry Pathogens and Drug-Resistant Bacteria, Study Finds

New research shows that tiny plastic particles in waterways can host harmful microbes, including antimicrobial-resistant strains, raising concerns for coastal food safety and public health.

Global Rise in Ultraprocessed Foods Sparks New Calls for Policy Action

A new Lancet series argues that ultraprocessed foods are reshaping diets worldwide and outlines policy approaches to improve food environments.

Lowering Arsenic in Drinking Water Linked to Lower Risk of Death

A 20-year study in Bangladesh found that reducing arsenic exposure cut deaths from chronic diseases by as much as 50%.

Eczema Severity May Influence Whether Kids Outgrow Food Allergies

New research suggests that when eczema starts, how long it lasts and how severe it becomes could affect a child’s ability to develop tolerance to food allergens.

New Data Reveals That Urban 'Food Deserts' Aren’t Just About Distance

A study using grocery shopping records suggests that financial and cultural factors, not store proximity, play the biggest role in determining who eats well.

New Food Allergy Therapies Offer Families Fresh Hope

Two new studies highlight how supervised oral immunotherapy can help children safely overcome food fears and why early intervention may change what’s possible for kids with allergies.

Peanut Patch Helps Toddlers Build Long-Term Tolerance, Study Finds

After three years of treatment, most children in a new clinical study could safely tolerate the equivalent of several peanuts, offering hope for families managing food allergies.

Why 'Buying Local' Isn’t Always the Greener Choice

A new study finds that when judging the environmental impact of food, consumers often equate local with sustainable, but the truth depends more on how and where that food is produced.

How Gut Bacteria Help Block Cancer-Linked Compounds Before They Form

New research reveals how everyday foods interact with the microbiome to reduce the risk of harmful chemical reactions inside the body.

One in Five UTIs May Be Tied to Contaminated Meat, Study Finds

Researchers say foodborne E. coli strains could be responsible for thousands of urinary tract infections, with the highest risks in underserved neighborhoods.

How a Dangerous E. Coli Strain Outsmarts the Gut

Scientists find that a foodborne pathogen can block the gut’s natural defense, offering clues to new ways of preventing infection.

Early Peanut Introduction Linked to Fewer Childhood Food Allergies

Real-world data show that national guidelines encouraging early exposure to peanuts and other allergens are reducing the number of children diagnosed with food allergies.