PoliticsAugust 8, 2026

salmonella

sal-muh-NEL-uh

Definition

A genus of bacteria that is a common cause of food poisoning, typically contracted through contaminated food products.

Etymology

Named after Daniel Elmer Salmon, an American veterinary pathologist who first identified the bacteria in the 1880s.

In the news

The article mentions salmonella as one of several dangerous pathogens currently impacting the food supply, alongside the primary concern of cyclospora, which complicates official messaging about eating fresh produce.

Fear of lettuce is making RFK Jr.'s food messaging harder for consumers to swallow

Read the full article ↗

politico.com

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