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By Maya Mackey
A recent outbreak of foodborne contamination has resulted in the Food and Drug Administration recalling a plethora of products in the last week. Braga Fresh, the manufacturer of Marketside Broccoli Florets, issued a recall on all their products which are sold at Walmart.
Listeria, foodborne bacteria, is the cause behind the recall. Symptoms of Listeria include: fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. It’s a pretty big deal that this stuff has somehow made its way into our food supply!
Additionally, FGF, a baked goods company, is also under inspection by the FDA, resulting in nearly 2 million goods being recalled from grocery shelves and restaurants. The official FGF website notes that the company has already successfully removed anything that could be harmful to consumers, and that all products out currently are fresh and Listeria free.
Of course, the most pressing health concern we are still facing is the impending Bird Flu pandemic. Just this past week, New York Governor Kathy Horchul ordered a temporary closure of live poultry markets when a bird flu outbreak was detected just outside the city boroughs. The markets are undergoing disinfection and the ordinance asks for markets that have not tested positive for bird flu to sell down all inventory and shut down for five days after the cleaning process in New York City, Westchester, Suffolk and Nassau counties, according to NBC News. Outside of markets and factories, three ducks and twelve birds have died at the New York City zoos (Queens and Bronx respectively).
NBC also reports that Aviation Influenza (the scientific name for Bird Flu) has been found in dairy cows in Pennsylvania. The virus is causing a dairy shortage in some places, particularly for eggs. In fact, someone in Pennsylvania stole 100,000 eggs. The motive remains unknown but if the 2020 pandemic taught us anything, it’s that people abandon all rational thinking when faced with a disproportionate crisis. Perhaps the egg thieves thought they would never be able to get their hands on eggs again. Michigan, Georgia and even Australia are coming out with their outbreaks as well.
In the most unpremeditated way, are winning the culture war. If you can’t give up your love for eggs, but are also concerned about potentially contracting the virus, plant-based eggs can be found in Target and Vons. They’re pricey at about $7 a carton, but they have twice the amount of protein due to their tofu base. Making the switch to fish could ensure that you stay nourished without increasing your exposure to the virus.
Stay informed and buy as many fresh foods as you can in the meantime. And don’t forget to check out lacommunityfridges.com to find out where you can get fresh produce for FREE. Community is how we’ll survive these next four years and beyond.
