Food poisoning is back on the news following a series of cases of food-related issues impacting soldiers with the Michigan National Guard.
According to a series of news outlets, soldiers who have been stationed in Washington, D.C., since the January 6th violent events are complaining that the meals provided by the National Guard are undercooked. In some cases, complaints add, meals contain metal shavings.
While it wasn’t reported whether soldiers from other states were affected, news outlets claim that about 50 members of Michigan’s National Guard were treated for “gastrointestinal complaints.”
Out of the 26,000 troops who were deployed and the 5,200 who remain in D.C., a National Guard spokesperson told reporters, only about 50 suffered health issues related to the food. However, news outlets have claimed that the food quality is so poor that many of the soldiers decided to spend their own money, buying food outside of what the government provides, in order to stay healthy.
After learning about the complaints, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer contacted the National Guard, urging the agency to take care of the issue. Michigan lawmakers who have direct contact with soldiers in D.C. say that the problem is also affecting soldiers from other states.
Food Poisoning Exposes Millions To Illness Yearly
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 48 million Americans get sick as a result of foodborne diseases each year. While we don’t have full details regarding the food-related issues soldiers are experiencing in D.C., the reports confirm that complaints all revolve around poorly cooked meals, as well as contaminated food items.
Some of the types of food that are more likely to pose a high risk include raw or undercooked poultry, fish, deli meats, and eggs. If these food items carry a potentially dangerous strain of bacteria such as Salmonella and remain raw or undercooked, consumption of these items is more likely to result in food poisoning.
We hope officials in charge of keeping our soldiers healthy are working tirelessly to put an end to the cases of food poisoning in the National Guard. Food providers should always take the necessary precautions to ensure meals are properly cooked in order to avoid foodborne illnesses.
