The Concerning Increase in Hospitalizations and Deaths from Foodborne Illnesses in 2024 | Episode 148

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In this episode of Don’t Eat Poop!, our hosts Matt and Francine are looking back before they look forward in this new year.

They are unpacking an article from February 2025 that shares some worrisome stats about foodborne illness, outbreaks, hospitalizations, and deaths from contaminated food in 2024, all of which increased significantly from the previous year.

In this episode:

0:00:00 When distances are relative

0:07:07 A recap of food recalls in 2024

0:13:43 Key findings on foodborne illnesses

0:18:06 If you don't test for it, it's not there

Tune back in next week for the episode where our hosts talk about the article on how the government is looking to shut down some key food safety acts and rules.

Disclaimer: Episode title and content do not constitute legal or health advice.

Resources from this episode

Read the Food for Thought 2025 article Matt and Francine refer to in this episode.

Correction: chickens fly at 175 birds per minute, not 175 miles per hour, in US poultry processing plants. You can learn more about these worrisome speeds on Episode 110.

As for the acceptable levels of Salmonella in poultry, you can check out Episode 144.

For a Recap of 2024’s Major Outbreaks with Bill Marler, listen to Episode 92, and for one of the major outbreaks from the first half of 2025, catch up with Episode 129.

Hear more about what it's like to get listeria and survive it in the gut-wrenching Episode 122.

Learn the basics of the ByHeart Infant Botulism Outbreak linked to their baby formula, check out Episode 147.

Noteworthy quotes from this episode

“ If we're looking at why 13 [outbreaks] accounted for 98% of the hospitalizations and deaths. It's because 22% of the recalls came from Listeria. That is crazy.” – Matt Regusci

“ It's mind-boggling that they are shutting down food safety programs one after another, agencies, and just different things throughout the course of the year, and foodborne illnesses are increasing.” – Francine L Shaw

We hope you enjoy this episode!

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