Food, Sex and Salmonella

With solid science and deft humour, a celebrated epidemiologist surveys foodborne diseases, explains their complexities, explores why new diseases are emerging, and offers preventive solutions.

In this lively look at foodborne diseases, David Waltner-Toews brings us tales of the bacteria, viruses, and parasites that have made their way into our food supply. He explores the global patterns of foodborne disease, from ciguatera toxins in fish to pandemics of Salmonella, and the changes in climate, culture, agriculture, and trade that have led to the emergence of new diseases and epidemics. Finally, he offers effective responses, ranging from changing personal habits to managing international trade and agricultural practices.

Using the metaphor of sex, the book reminds us that what sex is to interpersonal relationships, eating is to the human-environment relationship. Treating our relationship with food as a series of one-off sensual encounters is like having random sex with a blindfold on: it may be fun, but it is also full of nasty surprises. This book is a call to take off the blindfolds and enlighten ourselves.