Food and Nutrition – NYU GPH Journal of Public Health Disasters

October 24, 2024October 24, 2024

Ameisha O’Connor’s Case Study on Childhood Cancer in New Jersey

In 1995, the New Jersey Department of Health and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry began an investigation into the growing concerns about elevated rates of childhood cancer in the New Jersey region. The investigation was a response to resident concerns about water environmental pollution. The research focused on industrial sites in the area that were ultimately found responsible for significant contamination.

October 8, 2024October 8, 2024

Listeria Outbreak in Boar’s Head Products Kills 10

In July 2024, Boar’s Head, a prominent deli meat producer, became the center of a serious Listeria outbreak linked to its liverwurst and other deli products. The contamination was traced back to a facility in Virginia, prompting the recall of millions of pounds of deli meats. Affected products were distributed across 19 states, resulting in at least 34 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. This outbreak is one of the largest food-related Listeria incidents in the U.S. in recent years, with cases particularly concentrated in New York, Illinois, and New Jersey. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) played a pivotal role in identifying Boar’s Head liverwurst as a primary source after laboratory tests confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

July 8, 2024July 10, 2024

Afreen Khimani, Samantha Whitegeese, and Sara Merken’s Emergency Response Plan on Avian Flu in Michigan

Introduction: Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu H5N1 (HPAI) is a disease that is caused by the avian influenza Type A virus, which spreads in wild aquatic birds as well as domestic poultry, with rare, sporadic infections in humans. Avian flu is spread to humans through interaction with saliva, mucous, and feces of infected birds. Those with frequent contact with cows and birds are at higher risk for developing avian flu. In the United States between April 1, 2024 and May 29, 2024, there have been three human cases, all contracting avian flu after contact with dairy cows. In order to monitor H5N1 activity in humans, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is utilizing the flu surveillance system.

July 3, 2024July 3, 2024

Arsenic Contamination of Food and Water Growing Public Health Concern

Exposure to arsenic, a naturally occurring element, is linked to various adverse health effects, including many forms of cancer. People are commonly exposed to arsenic through contaminated food and water, which makes it a grave public health concern.

June 14, 2024June 14, 2024

Farmers at Risk for Bird Flu in the United States

In recent weeks, public health officials have expressed concern about the rise of avian flu in the United States, stating that at least three farm workers have been infected since March. The three individuals had direct exposure to dairy cows. Health experts have indicated that farm workers are at the highest risk, adding that this is a low hazard for the general public.

May 7, 2024May 8, 2024

Sarah Crisci, Alexandra Bova, and Lizcary Amarante’s Disaster Plan for the United Kingdom Food Standards Agency

Introduction: London has had frequent outbreaks of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in recent years. Between 2014 and 2018 England saw more than a 20% increase in E. coli cases. E. coli has become a risk to public health since it can cause death or lead to serious medical problems such as permanent kidney or brain damage, even after recovery from the infection. This Food Standards Agency Emergency Response Plan outlines the recommended procedures to effectively manage responses and mitigate risks during food safety emergencies like E. coli outbreaks.

March 11, 2024March 28, 2024

Jamilah Maronde’s Précis on Future Trends in the Impact of Climate Change on Food Systems

Aerial image of rows of vegetables planted

Maronde explores in this précis the effects of climate change on the environment, and how seemingly minor modifications to the soil then impacts agriculture. To conclude, Maronde highlights global disparities in food accessibility, and urges global actors to place justice at the heart of future initiatives to improve food systems around the world and prevent exploitative relationships between countries.

October 18, 2023October 22, 2023

Vincent Aina’s Case Study on Heatwaves in Burkina Faso

As the severity of extreme weather events increase worldwide due to climate change, African nations have borne the brunt of their devastating effects. In this case study, Vincent Aina discusses health and agricultural risks that Burkina Faso faces due to natural hazards, especially heatwaves. Aina outlines strategies that will enable effective response and mitigation during a heatwave.

September 13, 2023September 13, 2023

Significant Flooding in Eastern China Impacts Food System

China’s summer has been host to several weather abnormalities, with very rapid shifts between extremely dry droughts and monsoon rains. These issues have led to a decrease in the country’s food production, especially devastating for the largest food producing nation in the world. Although flooding in the Chongqing region is not uncommon, severity of the floods has reached historic heights, with a rising death toll of 15 and tens of thousands of acres of rice and corn damaged.

June 5, 2023

Demí Hernández, Dareen Aloufi, Olivia Ducharme, and Jordan Neisler’s Emergency Response Plan for Acute Food Insecurity Due to Hurricanes for Puerto Rico

In September 2017, the Category 5 Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, causing 4,645 deaths and significant damages to the archipelago’s social and infrastructural systems. Food insecurity had long been an issue in the region and was greatly exacerbated by the hurricane: the proportion of the population experiencing food insecurity jumped from 56% to 85%. Federal financial decisions and policy-related complications further worsened the situation, as they often prevented Puerto Rico from receiving much needed assistance and resources from domestic and international organizations.