Farm to Fatal: Food for Thought

A short introduction to the podcast series, by Christopher Kelty of the Institute for Society and Genetics at UCLA.  Music in this intro by Ween. These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2025 Winter Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email [email protected].

A beloved family-friendly restaurant turns out to be not-so-friendly after all — it was supposed to be a dinner, not a funeral.  4 Deaths. over 650 incidents of illness. Official cause still unknown. In the fall of 2003, the United States saw the worst Hepatitis A outbreak it had ever seen, spreading across 7 states.  Where did it all originate? From a quaint Mexican restaurant just 30 miles north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Chi-Chi’s was founded in Minnesota during the 1970s in an attempt to bring Mexican food to an area where it was a scarcity. Business boomed, profits rose, and Chi-Chi’s became a popular chain restaurant in the midwest, boasting locations in 19 states. Misfortune fell in 2003 when a shipment of Hepatitis A contaminated green onions was brought in to the Chi-Chi’s in Beaver valley Mall, Pennsylvania.  What happened next was a series of unfortunate events, ultimately leading Chi-Chi’s to close its doors permanently.  unless... it wasn’tpermanent?Produced by Evangeline Bodhuri, Delna Cherian, and Sharon Iype These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2025 Winter Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email [email protected].

Remember when you had really nasty food poisoning at the same time grocery stores were issuing recalls and restaurants were taking items off their menus? Ever wonder why outbreaks of Salmonella. E. coli. or Listeria make headlines at least once a year? Well, let’s uncover the secret together in E. coli: The Mystery Romaines.Foodborne illnesses break out across the world all the time. Does it have to do with unsafe growing? Transportation problems? Unsanitary grocery store habits? What if we were to tell you that it is not that simple. Rather, there is an innate system that is inevitable and ensures that the current rate of foodborne illness outbreaks is unlikely to change. What is this mysterious system? Institutionalized non- knowledge.  Listen in as we explore the outbreak of E. coli in Romaine Lettuce between the years of 2018 and 2020 and delve deeper into how a string of events spanning three years reveal how the systems in control of dealing with outbreaks seem powerless in the face of these pathogens. We will learn what E. coli is, what happened during these outbreaks, how institutionalized non- knowledge complicates these events, and how real change can be made in the future. Come along on this journey as we explore the eternal, systemic mystery of foodborne pathogens.Produced by Ayaan Ekram, Shyla Maharaj and Iris Qi These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2025 Winter Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email [email protected].

The 2017-2018 listeriosis outbreak in South Africa was the largest and deadliest listeria outbreak on record with over 1,000 reported cases of listeriosis and over 200 deaths. The Department of Health traced the source of the outbreak to a contaminated sausage known as Polony, which had been produced by a local facility. The outbreak affected hundreds of individuals and families and highlighted the severe shortcomings of South Africa's fractured food safety system.Our podcast delves deeply into the human stories beyond the stark statistics that tend to dominate the narrative of the listeriosis outbreak. We comprehensively explore the biological, social, political, and legal dimensions of this outbreak, while intertwining personal accounts from victims and their families. We examine the unique biological traits of Listeria that make it a particularly elusive pathogen and discuss how the unique demographic characteristics of South Africa's population increase susceptibility to such infections. Additionally, we consider how historical structures, such as the enduring legacy of Apartheid and racial and socioeconomic disparities, compounded these vulnerabilities, contributing to the scale of this public health crisis.  Advances in Whole Genome Sequencing played a crucial role in tracing the source of the outbreak, underscoring the importance of scientific progress in managing health emergencies. Our aim is to shed light on the complexity of the outbreak through the stories of those impacted to underscore the insufficient justice provided to the victims, highlighting the need for systemic change.Produced by Valentina Angel, Eleanor Casey, and Teela Hamner These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2025 Winter Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email [email protected].

In this sleepover-style podcast, two girls explore the 2011 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli outbreak in Germany and France. They dive into the mystery of the contamination’s source. Was it Egyptian seeds, German sprouting, or irrigation water? They also explore the biology behind this unique strain and its link to HUS.In this podcast series, two girls discuss complex biological and medical topics that affect society in a fun, “girly” sleepover setting. This episode focuses on the 2011 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) outbreak that affected Germany, France, America, and other parts of Europe. The conversation delves into the mystery of the contamination’s source, as there are still questions around whether it was contaminated Egyptian seeds, the sprouting process in Germany, or irrigation water that carried the bacteria. The uncertainty of the exact source remains one of the most intriguing aspects of this outbreak. This episode then shifts to the biology behind the outbreak, explaining the unique characteristics of the hyper- virulent STEC strain. The hosts break down how these virulence factors led to the highest number of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) cases recorded in an E. coli outbreak. They also discuss potential treatments for HUS and patients' experiences with HUS. The hosts make these complex biological issues approachable for all listeners, ensuring a fun yet informative experience. This podcast is both enjoyable and educational for anyone interested in the intersection of science, society, and health.Produced by Sara Ghanbari and Darla Gall These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2025 Winter Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email [email protected].

In this podcast, we explore the 2008-2009 salmonella outbreak, which killed nine people and sickened over 700. We explore corporate negligence, weak government oversight, and scientific limitations that contributed to the tragedy, ultimately leading to legislative and federal reforms…yet who is the true culprit of them all?The 2008-2009 salmonella outbreak linked to Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) killed nine people, including veteran Clifford Tousignant, and infected over 700 others. PCA executives knowingly shipped contaminated peanut products, prioritizing profits over safety. The case revealed systemic failures: inadequate facility inspections, corrupted private auditing, delayed outbreak detection, and weak scientific standards. PCA's president Stewart Parnell received an unprecedented 28-year sentence for fraud and conspiracy, though not for the deaths themselves. This tragedy prompted the Obama administration to enact the Food Safety Modernization Act, shifting from reactive to preventive food safety approaches, though implementation challenges remain. The outbreak's legacy includes both legal precedent and reformed safety standards.Produced by Cassidy Chiong, Selene Lam and Sophia Soriano These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2025 Winter Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email [email protected].

A hidden danger in a simple glass—what really happened in the 2014 Utah raw milk Campylobacter outbreak? Beneath the surface lies a deeper battle over food safety, government control, and mistrust. Why do some risk it for raw milk? And what does it reveal about the Debate over what we eat?In this episode, “Spilling the Milk, ” Anne Vu and Kayla Nguyen dive deep into the 2014 Utah Campylobacter outbreak, a public health crisis linked to raw milk. What began as a local food-borne illness swiftly became a place for larger political and cultural debates, shining a light on the complex intersection of public health, consumer choice, and ideological beliefs.  They explore how the outbreak not only affected the lives of those who fell ill but also how the gaps in the current food safety system allowed for this outbreak to slip past. Through conversations with experts and activists, the layers of this crisis are unraveled. From shortcomings in the food safety system to the push for raw milk consumption, these topics reveal the broader issues of trying to balance public safety and personal freedoms.  This episode sheds light on the unexpected ways that public health issues can become deeply embedded in the political narrative, offering insight into how a single outbreak can shift the discussions around food safety, politics, and identity in modern America. Listen for a thought-provoking journey into the intersection of health, politics, and cultural identity.Produced by Anne Vu and Kayla Nguyen These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2025 Winter Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email [email protected].

Life is seemingly perfect in the quiet town of Marshall Minnesota, with its gentle rolling hills and kind, hard-working people.  Unassuming. Certainly not the place for national news ...  Yet it serves as the setting for one of the biggest salmonella outbreaks in the US Not from chicken or maybe even eggs, rather, America's favorite dessert: Ice Cream.Our episode follows the story of Schwan's Ice Cream, which was known for its excellence in quality and trust amongst its customers. This 1994 outbreak of Salmonella shook that trust that had been built over the prior decades, demonstrating the necessary actions that liable parties must take in re-establishing that trust. This was also a landmark case in laying the foundation of real governmental regulation over meat, poultry, and dairy products.  With the outbreak being caused by fully preventable actions, this is a story of trying to — if we've established thisnow over 3 decades ago, why are food-born illnesses still prevalent today? It is both our hope and our goal to establish the reasoning for that throughout the episode. We hope you enjoy it!Produced by Syndey Hahn, Joseph Lee and Fernanda Madraza These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2025 Winter Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email [email protected].

What happens when a trusted food company prioritizes profits over public safety? In this episode, we uncover the devastating impact of the 2013 Foster Farms Salmonella outbreak. Through firsthand accounts, expert analysis, and a deep dive into the failures of the food industry, we reveal how one outbreak exposed major cracks in our food system.In 2013, a Salmonella outbreak linked to Foster Farms poultry sickened 634 people across 29 states. But this wasn ’t just an isolated incident—it was the result of systemic failures at every level of food production, regulation, and distribution.  In this gripping episode, we explore the real-life consequences of this outbreak, centering on the harrowing story of Amanda Craten and her young son Noah, who suffered life-altering complications from consuming tainted chicken. Through in depth interviews with Amanda and UCLA professor Dr. Hannah Landecker, we unravel the dangers of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, the flaws in U.S. food safety regulations, and the role of major food corporations in putting public health at risk.  From unsanitary processing plants to government inaction and consumer responsibility, we leave no stone unturned in understanding how this outbreak happened—and why food-borne illness remains a major public health threat today.  Join us as we expose the truth behind the Foster Farms outbreak and explore what needs to change to make our food system safer.Produced by Madhavi Akella and Nicholas Graessleimg source: Amanda Craten and azcentral.com These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2025 Winter Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email [email protected].

How did a beloved deli meat brand become the center of a deadly nationwide food safety crisis? The 2024 Boar’s Head listeria outbreak exposed alarming flaws in the U.S. food safety system. In this episode, we uncover how a tangled web of decentralized regulation failed to prevent contaminated products from reaching consumers.In this episode, we explore regulatory failures behind the deadly Boar’s Head listeria outbreak. With insights from Diana Winters, deputy director of the Resnick Center for Food Law and Policy, we examine the shortcomings of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system and the role of the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) in deli meat oversight.  We discuss how decentralized regulation and limited governmental resources contributed to the outbreak.  This episode sheds light on the underlying flaws in the U.S. food safety system and poses the questions: who was in the wrong in the Boar 's Head case, and what can be done to prevent similar outbreaks in the future?  Tune in as we dive into the complexities of food safety regulation and the lessons we can learn from the Boar 's Head incident to strengthen our food safety system. Produced by Hannah Jin, Myra Xu, and Isabella Yuan Special thanks to Christopher Kelty, Alexandra Boesel, and Diana Winters. These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2025 Winter Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email [email protected].

In 2011, across 26 states, 136 people were sickened, 37 were hospitalized and one person died. The culprit: Salmonella Heidelberg, contracted through the consumption of contaminated ground turkey from Cargill Meat Solutions based in Springdale, Arkansas.One meal. That’s all it took for 10-month-old Ruby Jane Lee to go from a happy, exploring baby to a hospital bed, fighting for her life. In 2011, a massive Salmonella Heidelberg outbreak linked to Cargill’s ground turkey sickened 136 people, hospitalized 37, and caused one death —but experts estimate the true toll could be over 4,000 cases. It took 22 weeks before a recall was issued. Why? A broken food safety system that prioritizes corporate profits over consumer protection.  Why did the USDA and FSIS fail to act sooner?  Budget cuts crippled foodborne illness tracking, and dangerously lax contamination standards allowed nearly 50% of ground turkey to test positive for salmonella. Outdated policies, corporate negligence, and regulatory failures left the public vulnerable. While victims suffered, families were left in the dark, and contaminated meat remained on store shelves.  Join us as we investigate the failures of food safety oversight and the growing threat of multidrug-resistant superbugs. We’ll uncover how contamination spreads from farm to table, why it took months to act, and how corporations like Cargill avoid accountability.  Don’t assume you’re safe just because you cook your food properly. The system is flawed— and it’s designed to let corporations off the hook. It’s time to demandchange.Produced by Andrea Musi, Sadhana Jeyakumar, and Ian Kim These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2025 Winter Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email [email protected].

How could a quick trip after work to Trader Joe’s turn into a public health crisis? In this episode we investigate the 2013 E. coli outbreak linked to Glass Onion Catering’s prepackaged salads.  How did the intersection of contaminated water, industrial farming, and regulatory loopholes create such a deadly outbreak? More importantly—who was supposed to protect us, who failed us, and how could it have been prevented? In 2013 a simple salad purchase turned into a public health disaster. Across four states on the West coast, thirty three people fell ill and seven of them were hospitalized due to an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 linked to pre-packaged salads sold as Trader Joe’s. Despite the food safety laws designed to prevent incidents like these, failures at multiple levels from agricultural water testing, to processing plant sanitation, to supply chain oversight—this deadly bacterium was allowed to slip through the cracks.  This episode delves into the complex journey of contamination. It begins in the farm fields of Modesto, CA, where antibiotic-laden runoff from industrial cattle farms might have seeded dangerous bacteria into irrigation water. We unpack how industrial farming practices and weak regulatory enforcement turned leafy greens into a recurring vehicle for deadly outbreaks.  A deep dive into the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and the hidden risks of modern food production reveal the systemic flaws that are still putting consumers at risk. Why does E. coli keep popping up in our fresh product? How can we fix a food system setup to prioritize efficiency over safety?  Join us as we uncover the biological, political, and economic forces that shape our modern food supply as well as what it means for the future of food safety in the United States.  Produced by Ayesha Ashraf  and Anushka Samirah  These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2025 Winter Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email [email protected].

Imagine this: you order a milkshake during your stay in the hospital to help make light of the situation at hand, just to find out that the ice cream used in the milkshake actually made you sick: Listeria. A place to heal has now placed you in further danger, how could this have happened?  This podcast explores Blue Bell Creameries first ever recall of products due to adulterated products contaminated with Listeria. Listeria is known as one of the deadliest foodborne pathogens but to the general public, this is not typically known.  Listeria is especially deadly because of its ability to survive in diverse environments and withstand extreme temperatures where once it enters the human body, it travels quickly through the bloodstream and can reach the brain. Given its infamous reputation, one might assume that food safety systems would advise food companies and farmers to be especially cautious of the pathogen.However, this was not the case for Blue ell Creameries who did not even have tests in place for the identification of Listeria despite how Listeria is commonly found in dairy products. Blue Bell began as a butter company and then transitioned into being a household ice cream brand in the Southern United States. The company never had to recall their products until 2015when the South Carolina State Health Department sampled Blue Bell products and found traces of Listeria within them.There were a total of 10 infected consumers and 3 deaths in this entire outbreak, which may not seem like a lot to researchers who are accustomed to the fatalities that Listeria can cause, but to the public it’s alarming.This podcast further explores how it could be that this deadly pathogen could have affected a small number of people in comparison to other Listeria outbreaks. The entities, technology,and science involved are analyzed to better understand the successes and failures of the food safety system and what it implies moving forward.Produced by Sarah Khan, Elenna Fathi, and Crystal He These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2025 Winter Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email [email protected].