Autumn on Your Plate: The Overlooked Food Safety Hazards of Fall Foods
When cooler weather arrives, people often turn to hearty meals, festive gatherings, and seasonal treats that make fall a comforting time of year. Yet the shift in eating habits, popular foods, and large gatherings also brings unique risks for foodborne illnesses. Outbreak data from past years show that certain pathogens and food practices are more likely to cause problems during the autumn months. Understanding these dangers and how to prevent them is essential for protecting both individuals and communities.
Leafy Greens and Fall Harvest Outbreaks
One of the most consistent patterns in recent years is the appearance of E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks tied to leafy greens during the fall . Romaine lettuce in particular has