Two experts in food safety are urging us to take a closer look at what we eat. Food scientist Dr. Bryan Quoc Le and Mitzi Baum, CEO of Stop Foodborne Illness, both warn that some everyday items can be dangerous if not handled properly. Their advice comes at a time when food safety is a major concern for many families across the US.
A viral TikTok video sparked attention when the content creator known as @hyroxide shared her personal warnings. The experts stress that the risks behind these foods are real. When it comes to nutrition, listening to expert advice is more important than anything. Let’s take a closer look at the foods in question.
Raw sprouts
Raw sprouts, which are the early stages of germinated seeds, often make their way into salads, sandwiches, and wraps. They add a fresh crunch, but they can also be a hotbed for bacteria. Sprouts grow in warm and moist conditions, which are ideal for bacteria to multiply. As Mitzi Baum points out, there have been many foodborne illness outbreaks linked to raw sprouts over the past two decades.
Even if you only eat them occasionally, the risk is not something to ignore. Experts say that unless you cook or blanch sprouts, the bacteria might not be eliminated. This extra step can lower the chance of getting sick. Think twice before tossing them into your next meal, and consider giving them a quick cook to make them safer.
Rare burger patties
Burger patties, especially when cooked on the rarer side, also come with a hidden risk. With ground beef, the process of grinding can spread bacteria from one part of the meat to the entire batch. Dr. Bryan Quoc Le explains that even a tiny contaminated spot can distribute harmful germs like E. coli or Salmonella throughout the meat. This means that cooking the burger rare may not kill all the dangerous bacteria.
Experts recommend cooking ground beef thoroughly to ensure that all pathogens are destroyed. When you’re enjoying a backyard cookout or dining at your favorite burger joint, opt for patties that are cooked to a safe temperature. It might just save you from a foodborne illness later on.
A broader discussion on food
The content creator @hyroxide brought this topic into the spotlight with her warnings about raw sprouts and rare burgers. Her advice resonated with many, quickly amassing millions of views and sparking a lively debate online.
Both experts back up these warnings with years of research and data on foodborne illnesses. They remind us that following proper food safety guidelines isn’t just trendy advice, it’s a proven way to protect your health. Whether you’re cooking at home or ordering out, they agree that taking a few extra precautions can go a long way.
Trust the advice from food safety experts and stick to safe cooking practices. Remember that a little extra care in the kitchen can keep you and your loved ones healthier. Listen to the experts, follow CDC and FDA guidelines, and enjoy your meals with confidence.