E. Coli Outbreaks Changed Food Production, But How Safe Are We?
In early 1993, the Washington State health department warned that a bacterium most Americans had never heard of, E. coli O157:H7, was making dozens of people sick—and spreading rapidly. The likely culprit: undercooked hamburgers from the Jack in the Box fast-food chain. Ultimately, more than 700 people fell ill and four children died during what proved to be one of the most significant food poisoning outbreaks in U.S. history.
The “Jack in the Box” outbreak was a wake-up call about the dangers in the food supply, the first time that many Americans realized that eating dinner could be deadly. It led to major changes in industry practices and government oversight of the food supply. But, more than 20 years later, how safe is the food supply?
Related:
Action and Dysfunction in the U.S. Food-Safety Effort by Clyde Haberman
More Like This
Anger over policing and inequality boiled over in 1967 in protests and violence across the United States. A landmark report warned that without major changes, it would happen again.
As police have become more militarized, the role of SWAT teams has morphed – from use in emergency situations to fighting the drug war.
The Supreme Court considers new arguments challenging admissions practices that colleges use to select a diverse student body.
About half a million children have dangerously high lead levels in their blood, mostly from exposure to peeling paint and contaminated dust. The fight over who should clean it up has lasted for decades.