Medscape January 9, 2026
Recent food safety incidents in Europe have renewed scrutiny of dietary risks and their global relevance. In June 2025, Escherichia coli-contaminated meat in France’s Aisne region caused several severe cases of food poisoning, including one death. Earlier outbreaks included contaminated pizzas linked to two infant deaths in France in 2022 and more than 70 reported cases of salmonellosis tied to cheese consumption in 2024.
Microbiological hazards remain a concern worldwide, but they represent only part of contemporary food-related risk. Modern diets also expose populations to chemical contaminants and nutritional imbalances that contribute to chronic disease.
Nutritional Balance
A balanced diet remains a core determinant of health across regions. Diets high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat increase the risk for...







