This World Food Safety Day, experts are raising the alarm over a simmering crisis: sweeping staff cuts at U.S. health agencies could leave millions vulnerable to foodborne illnesses. 🌍🔬
With Americans consuming over 660 pounds of food per person annually, the stakes are high. A recent study reveals common pathogens cause nearly 10 million illnesses and 50,000 hospitalizations yearly—numbers that could spike if safety nets fray.
The Trump administration’s plan to cut 20,000 jobs from the Department of Health and Human Services—including FDA staff who monitor food safety—has scientists sounding the alarm. 🚨 'This isn’t just about bureaucracy,' says one researcher. 'Fewer eyes on inspections mean higher risks for everyone.'
Think of it like removing lifeguards from a pool party 🏊♂️: without proper oversight, dangerous contaminants could slip through, turning your avocado toast into a health hazard. 🥑🚫
As debates over government size heat up, one question lingers: How thin can safety nets stretch before they snap?
