Food Safety

FDA Reports Significant Progress In Protecting Food Supply

ruzik_tuzik — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:40:18 -0600

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today released a report on its implementation of the Food Protection Plan that was launched a year ago to protect both domestic and imported food from accidental and intentional contamination. The Plan, which outlines strategies for prevention, intervention and response, is designed to address food safety and food defense for both domestic and imported products and covers the full lifecycle of food, by encouraging the building of safety into every step of the food supply chain.

FDA Sets Melamine Safety Standard Just In The Nick of Time

Kathleen Blanchard RN — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 15:24:46 -0600

Much like the BPA controversy, the FDA is telling us not to worry about melamine content, recently discovered in the popular infant formulas, Nestle, Mead Johnson and Enfamil. A release from the Associated Press filed a request from the FDA, based on the Freedom of Information Act, mandated disclosure of the fact that melamine was found in the popular infant formulas. The melamine containing infant formulas make up 90% of sales.

Prevent Foodborne Illness This Holiday Season

ruzik_tuzik — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 10:55:22 -0600

For many Oklahomans, Thanksgiving and the holidays that follow are opportunities to visit friends and family while enjoying homemade foods. To prevent foodborne illness from spoiling the festivities, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) encourages holiday cooks to pay special attention to the handling, preparation, and cooking of foods during the upcoming holiday season.

New Jersey Firm Recalls Ground Beef Products

ruzik_tuzik — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 00:31:35 -0600

Dutch Prime Foods, Inc., a Long Branch, New Jersey firm, is recalling approximately 345 pounds of ground beef products because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The following products are subject to recall:

* 5-pound and 10-pound vacuum sealed plastic bags of "DUTCH PRIME FOODS HAMBURGER."

These packages of ground beef were packed in 5- and 10-pound shipping cases which bear the establishment number "EST. 5206" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

Texas Firm Recalls Chicken Products

ruzik_tuzik — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 00:31:31 -0600

John Soules Foods, Inc., a Tyler, Texas, establishment, is recalling approximately 8,496 pounds of cooked chicken strip products. The chicken products may contain an undeclared allergen, wheat, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today. Wheat is a known allergen, which is not declared on the label.

The following products are subject to recall:

Stop-Shop Recalls Butternut Squash In Prepared Turkey, Ham Dinner

ruzik_tuzik — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:33:48 -0600

Following a recall from its vendor, the Stop & Shop Supermarket Company has announced it is recalling all butternut squash sides that are packaged with the supermarket chain’s prepared turkey and ham holiday dinners.

Food Safety Tips For Healthy Holidays

ruzik_tuzik — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 22:21:04 -0600

Parties, family dinners, and other gatherings where food is served are all part of holiday fun. But this can change to misery if the food makes you and your guests sick. Consumers have a part to play when it comes to handling food in the home.

"If consumers follow the four basic food safety practices, clean, separate, cook, and chill, they can help to prevent foodborne illnesses," says Tony Drautz, Environmental Health Services Administrator with the Oakland County Health Division.

Salmonella Bacteria Found In Ready-To-Eat Herbs

ruzik_tuzik — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:25:43 -0600

A recent food study led by the Health Protection Agency and the Local Authorities Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS) has revealed the presence of salmonella bacteria in a small number of ready-to-eat fresh herb samples.

RapiScreen Beverage Microbial Screening System Launches

ruzik_tuzik — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:24:31 -0600

Celsis International plc (LSE: CEL.L), the global leader in rapid microbial detection solutions for industry, today announced the launch of RapiScreen Beverage, a new assay for use on the Celsis Innovate -- the company's proven rapid microbial screening instrument for dairy products. This new rapid screening test kit extends the Celsis Innovate platform to efficiently and rapidly screen Ultra Heat Treated (UHT) and Extended Shelf Life (ESL) beverage products for microbial contamination.

Food Safety Tips For Festive Holiday Season

ruzik_tuzik — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:52:37 -0600

State health officials are reminding everyone that following basic food safety tips can greatly reduce the chances of a foodborne illness becoming part of your holiday memories.

The four basic rules of food safety are:

* Clean - Wash hands and food-contact (cutting boards) surfaces often. Bacteria can spread throughout the kitchen and get onto cutting boards, knives, sponges, and counter tops.

* Separate - Keep raw meat, poultry and seafood and their juices away from ready-to-eat foods. This prevents bacteria from spreading from one food product to another.