Americans Grow More Worried About Food Illness
Nearly 60% of U.S. adults now feel more concerned about foodborne illness, so simple kitchen habits matter more this holiday season.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Nutrition
Live Poll
Are you more worried about food safety when hosting holiday meals this year?
Nearly 60% of U.S. adults say they are more concerned about foodborne illness this year than in previous years, according to a survey from Orlando Health released Nov. 12, 2026. The concern follows a series of high-profile food recalls this year, including cyclospora in iceberg lettuce and salmonella in jalapenos, frozen blueberries and broccoli.
Why it matters
Foodborne illness is a widespread public health problem, sickening an estimated 48 million Americans each year, and rising public worry comes as holiday cooking, with its larger meals and shortcuts, raises household risk. Understanding basic food-handling habits can reduce the chance of infection in your own kitchen.
The concern figure comes from a survey by Orlando Health of U.S. adults, while the illness totals are annual national estimates for foodborne illness. The survey shows how perception has shifted, but it does not measure whether actual infection rates have changed this year.
The players
Orlando Health
A health system whose survey on U.S. adults' food safety concerns is cited in this story.
The details
Foodborne illness is typically caused by bacteria such as cyclospora and salmonella that contaminate produce, meat or other foods during growing, processing or preparation. Symptoms can appear as early as six hours or as late as several days after exposure, which can make the source hard to trace. Mild cases that clear within a day can usually be managed at home, while more serious illness can lead to hospitalization.
Timeline
This year (2026) saw a wave of high-profile food recalls, including cyclospora and salmonella cases.
Nov. 12, 2026: Orlando Health released its survey and news release on foodborne illness concern.
Thanksgiving 2026: holiday feasts are a period when hosts may worry about guest illness.
Health Landscape
Foodborne illness remains a large and persistent burden in the United States, with tens of millions of cases each year. This year's recalls and the rise in public concern place food safety back in focus as a population-level prevention issue.
Holiday cooking is a time when shortcuts raise infection risk, so washing hands frequently between kitchen tasks and refrigerating leftovers within one to two hours can help. Mild stomach symptoms that clear within a day can usually be managed at home, but worth discussing with your doctor if symptoms are severe or persistent.
The takeaway
Keeping food safe starts with simple habits: wash hands often, never rinse raw poultry, and refrigerate food within one to two hours. Be especially careful with food handling during holiday gatherings, when shortcuts are most common.
Further reading
For more on keeping meals safe, browse our Nutrition coverage.
Live Poll
Are you more worried about food safety when hosting holiday meals this year?
