1. Deli Meats
Those quick deli sandwiches? Not as harmless as they seem. Deli meats like ham, salami, and turkey slices are packed with sodium and preservatives like nitrates and nitrites, which can increase your risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Plus, improper handling can introduce Listeria, a bacteria that’s especially dangerous for pregnant women. Opt for fresh, unprocessed meats when you can.
2. Canned Tuna
Yes, tuna sandwiches are quick, easy, and delicious. But canned tuna is high in mercury, especially varieties like albacore. Over time, consuming too much mercury can cause nerve damage, memory problems, and even heart issues. Experts recommend limiting your tuna intake to just a couple of times per week, especially if you’re pregnant or nursing.
3. Bagged Salad Mixes
You think you’re making a healthy choice by grabbing a pre-packaged salad, but think again. Bagged salad mixes are notorious for being contaminated with E. coli, listeria, and other harmful bacteria due to improper washing. In recent years, there have been multiple outbreaks linked to these salads. So, if you’re buying pre-packaged greens, make sure to wash them thoroughly—even if the label says “pre-washed.”
4. Raw Oysters
Okay, I get it—slurping down oysters on a date night is the epitome of fancy dining. But raw oysters can carry Vibrio bacteria, which thrives in warm coastal waters and can cause severe stomach pain, vomiting, and even bloodstream infections. If you’re going for oysters, make sure they’re properly cooked to avoid this nasty surprise.
5. Microwave Popcorn
Who doesn’t love a movie night with a big bowl of buttery microwave popcorn? The downside is that those buttery flavors often come from chemicals like diacetyl, which, when inhaled in large amounts, can cause lung damage. Plus, some brands use perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) in the bags, which may be linked to cancer. Consider air-popping your own kernels for a healthier alternative.
6. Sprouts
Sprouts may seem like a healthy addition to your sandwich, but they can harbor bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli due to the warm, humid conditions in which they grow. These conditions are basically a paradise for bacteria, making outbreaks a recurring issue. If you’re still a fan, go for cooked sprouts instead of raw ones to minimize the risk.
7. Chicken
Chicken is a protein powerhouse, but raw or undercooked chicken is one of the most common causes of food poisoning in America. Salmonella and Campylobacter bacteria are often lurking on raw poultry, which can lead to severe diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Be diligent with your cooking temps—165°F is your golden number.
8. Breakfast Cereals
Your favorite childhood cereals may be loaded with more than just nostalgia. Many brands contain an alarming amount of added sugar, which can spike your blood sugar levels, leading to crashes, mood swings, and weight gain. Plus, some cereals are made with artificial dyes and preservatives linked to hyperactivity in kids. Maybe consider oatmeal instead?
9. Ground Beef
We all love a juicy burger, but ground beef can be risky. During processing, bacteria from the surface of the meat can get mixed throughout the batch, increasing the chance of E. coli contamination. This is why it’s so important to cook ground beef to an internal temperature of at least 160°F. No more pink centers, folks!
10. Raw Cookie Dough
We’ve all done it—sneaking a spoonful of raw cookie dough before baking those chocolate chip cookies. But between raw eggs (potential Salmonella risk) and raw flour (which can contain E. coli), it’s a potential disaster waiting to happen. If you must indulge, opt for a store-bought, egg-free version made for safe snacking.
11. Apple Seeds
Okay, I know you’re not eating the seeds on purpose (I hope!), but just in case—apple seeds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when chewed. While it would take a lot of seeds to cause harm, it’s still something to keep in mind if you’re munching on whole apples. Always remove the seeds if you’re juicing or making smoothies.
12. Hot Dogs
Ah, the beloved hot dog. They’re a staple at ball games, BBQs, and family picnics. But here’s the catch—these guys are choking hazards, especially for kids under the age of 5. Due to their cylindrical shape, they can easily get lodged in your throat. If that wasn’t enough, hot dogs are also loaded with sodium and preservatives like nitrites, which have been linked to cancer risk. Think twice before that next bite!
