Risky or Not?

A short podcast about everyday risks from germs

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Chopped onions, ginger, and garlic are neatly sun-dried on a clean wire rack over a wooden table in a modern suburban patio. The bright, soft sunlight highlights the fresh produce. The backdrop features a well-maintained backyard with a green lawn, stylish outdoor furniture, and a serene, upscale ambiance.

734. Sun Drying Onions, Ginger and Garlic for 4 Days

February 17, 2025 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of sun drying onions, ginger and garlic for 4 days.

Dr. Don - risky ☣️
Professor Ben - risky ☣️

  • Study the effect of sun, oven and microwave drying on quality of onion slices - ScienceDirect
  • Effect of Drying Characteristics of Garlic
  • Salmonella survival during thermal dehydration of fresh garlic and storage of dehydrated garlic products - PubMed
  • Survival of common foodborne pathogens on dates, sundried tomatoes, and dried pluots at refrigerated and ambient temperatures - ScienceDirect
  • Survival or Growth of Inoculated Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella on Yellow Onions (Allium cepa)under Conditions Simulating Food Service and Consumer Handling and Storage - ScienceDirect


February 17, 2025 /Don Schaffner
Sun-drying, Onions, Garlic, Ginger, Salmonella, Time temperature control for safety food

The image on the right features a close-up view of a classic hamburger, artfully assembled and visually appealing. The burger is built on a lightly toasted sesame seed bun, which is slightly raised to show the layers inside. On top of the burger patty, there are slivered onions neatly spread, adding texture and visual interest. The beef patty itself appears juicy and grilled, with subtle searing marks for a touch of realism. Beneath the onions, there are slices of ripe tomatoes and fresh, crisp lettuce that add vibrant color contrast to the dish. Melted cheese drapes over the edges of the patty, hinting at its rich flavor.

In the background, a wall-mounted calendar is clearly visible, with the current month displayed as November. The date "1" is distinctly circled in bold red ink, drawing attention to it. The overall setting suggests a clean, bright kitchen environment with natural light illuminating the scene, creating an inviting and appetizing atmosphere.

688. Eating Slivered Onions Today

November 01, 2024 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of slivered onions today in light of the ongoing outbreak.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

  • E. coli Outbreak Linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders | E. coli infection | CDC
  • Taylor Farms: Leading Producer of Healthy Salads & Fresh Foods
  • E. Coli Outbreak Tied to McDonald’s Widens to 75 People in 13 States - The New York Times
  • California firm recalls onion products amid E. coli outbreak - Los Angeles Times
  • Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O157:H7: McDonald’s Quarter Pounders (October 2024) | FDA
  • US Foods reports Taylor Farms has issued a recall of whole and diced raw onions : r/Cooking
  • US Foods reports Taylor Farms has issued a recall of whole and diced raw onions | Food Safety News
  • US Foods recall notification
  • Publisher's Platform: A Bit(e) of McDonald's E. coli history | Food Safety News
  • Publications on the Microbial Safety of Onions
  • Taylor Farms Colorado Foodservice Voluntary Yellow Onion Recall - Taylor Farms
  • Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Onions (October 2023) | FDA
  • Survival or Growth of Inoculated Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella on Yellow Onions (Allium cepa)under Conditions Simulating Food Service and Consumer Handling and Storage - ScienceDirect
  • Modification of the Definition of TCS Foods | Council III | 2023 Biennial Meeting | Conference for Food Protection | Conference for Food Protection
November 01, 2024 /Don Schaffner
Pathogenic E. coli, Onions
quick-pickled-onions-500 new.jpg

35: Reusing Red Onion Pickling Brine

August 31, 2020 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks or reusing reusing red onion pickling brine

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

  • Quick Pickled Onions Recipe | Bon Appetit

  • Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Newport: Red Onions (July 2020) | FDA

August 31, 2020 /Don Schaffner
Onions, Pickling

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