The run-up to the midterm elections is turning into a food fight " literally. The summer was marred by a massive foodborne outbreak that sickened scores of people and and the recall of tens of thousands of pounds of imported meat, turning the safety of the U.S. food supply into a topic of national conversation and a political cause. Late-night talk show hosts joked about symptoms that included explosive diarrhea. As a precaution, chain restaurants such as Chipotle and Taco Bell yanked lettuce, jalapeos, and other suspected products from menus. Some food safety scientists blamed the outbreaks on federal cuts to public health. These dynamics collectively have raised questions about whether it's safe to order a salad or burger.