Food Safety

Why “Zero Bacteria” Doesn’t Always Mean Safer Food

New research suggests ultra-sensitive food safety tests may be leading to unnecessary waste without improving public health

How Chocolate Processing Changes What’s Inside Your Bar

A new study suggests fermentation and bean selection can shift both flavor and nutrient content, but more antioxidants don’t necessarily mean a healthier chocolate

Gut Bacteria May Influence Peanut Allergy Severity

A new mechanistic study links specific microbes to higher peanut tolerance thresholds, but it does not change current medical guidance.

Raw Milk Claims vs. Food Safety Risks: What Microbiologists Say

As celebrities and wellness influencers renew interest in unpasteurized milk, experts explain what we know about nutrition, allergies and bacterial risk.

Cultured Beef Shows Different Allergen Profile Than Conventional Meat

An early laboratory study finds lab-grown beef cells contain fewer traditional beef allergens but may trigger stronger reactions in people with alpha-gal sensitivity.

Some Drinking Water Kiosks Show Elevated Lead Levels

Research suggests reverse osmosis systems may reduce certain contaminants but increase corrosion-related lead under some conditions.

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.