What sex is to interpersonal relationships, eating is to the human-environment relationship: a consummation of humans' connection to the living biosphere. But while sticking one's tongue into a new and exciting environment may be an act as old as the planet, it can also lead to some nasty surprises. In this lively look at foodborne illnesses, David Waltner-Toews discusses food-related problems caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites, including death by puffer fish, rollicking tales of tapeworms, neurological problems brought on by ciguatera poison, and that old standby, botulism. He also examines the chemicals and antibiotics that have entered the food supply and the havoc they can wreak. And to help readers stop problems before they start, he offers common-sense solutions to confronting the complicated issue of foodborne disease. His witty approach makes a deadly serious subject accessible to all readers, while never minimizing the risk.

Preface to the Second EditionPreface to the First EditionFrench Kissing on the First Date1. Food, Sex, and Salmonella: What's the Problem?2. The Voice of the Unseen Guest: How People Get SickWhen She Stays for Breakfast3. Salmonella Reading in Turkey: Foodborne Infections Caused by Salmonella4. Cows, Cats, and Pure Country Water: E. Coli and Waterborne Infections5. The Young and the Retching: Foodborne Bacterial Intoxications (Except Botulism)6. Grandma's Revenge: Botulism7. It May Be Worms to You (But It's My Bread and Butter): Parasites8. Zombies from the Deep: Seafood ToxinsWhen She Moves In9. Are We Safe Yet? Transforming Danger into Risk10. One Person's Cure, Another Person's Coffin: Antibacterials, Pesticides, and Preservatives11. Dancing Cat Meets Cadmium Carrot: Heavy Metals12. Breadwiches, Peanut Livers, and Cancer-free Airline Snacks: Mycotoxins13. There Is a Crack in Everything: Radioactive ContaminantsSpicing Up the Long-Term Commitment14. Risks, Rights, and Righteous Eating: Revisiting Risk15. Montezuma Rules the World: Deal with ItFurther ReadingAcknowledgmentsIndex