Coop’s Smart Chicken Coop + Foodborne Illness from Raw Milk – Xtalks Food Podcast Ep. 132

In today’s smart-tech era, the chicken coop might not be the first item one would consider in need of an upgrade. Yet, an Austin, Texas-based startup called Coop is revolutionizing this concept, launching its $2,000 smart chicken coop to enthusiastic “early bird” customers. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about how Coop is redefining backyard farming. At the heart of the design is a sophisticated AI system the pair lovingly named “CluckWatch.” This intelligent system has been trained with over seven million images, honing its ability to identify potential predators that might wander into a backyard. Coop’s vision is to bring the freshness of eggs laid the very same morning to every household. This not only guarantees better taste and nutrient density but also has broader environmental and economic implications. The team admires the idea of a smart chicken coop but points out that some regions do not allow backyard hen rearing.

Also in this episode, Sydney talks about two recent foodborne illness outbreaks from raw milk consumption. These outbreaks come at a time when raw milk is growing in legality. State legislation regarding the sale of raw milk is witnessing a shift, with 27 states now permitting the sale of raw milk directly to consumers. Many individuals believe that raw milk offers superior health advantages over pasteurized milk. However, this choice is not without its dangers since foodborne illness from raw milk is a real risk. Nutrition specialists warn that consumption of unpasteurized milk can be potentially fatal in certain situations. A prevailing reason many opt for raw milk is the belief that it’s a healthier and more nutritious alternative to pasteurized variants. However, most experts believe this notion is exaggerated. The team stresses that just because something is natural, doesn’t mean it’s safe.

Read the full article here:

How a Smart Chicken Coop Is Redefining Backyard Farming

Foodborne Illness from Raw Milk On the Rise

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