In dorms, gyms, and college apartments, protein shakes are more than just drinks—they’re part of a lifestyle. With fitness culture booming among young adults, protein powders and pre-mixed shakes are everywhere. But this health-conscious trend hides a food safety blind spot that can lead to serious illness.

While most powders are produced safely, contamination during manufacturing has occasionally introduced Salmonella . More commonly, the danger comes after mixing. Shakes made with milk or plant-based alternatives can spoil quickly if left in warm gym bags or shared dorm fridges. One common culprit is Bacillus cereus , a bacterium that thrives in protein- and carbohydrate-rich foods. Its toxins cause rapid-onset vomiting, often within hours, and are resistant to reheating.

Reusable shak

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