Study: 83 Percent of Chicken Sold in U.S. Has Bacteria Dec 6, 2006
WASHINGTON -- Eighty-three percent of chicken sold in U.S. grocery stores may contain bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses, a consumer group said on Monday, 34 percentage points higher than the rate it found three years ago. Critics, however, said the study by Consumer Reports suffered from flaws that included an unreliably small number of samples. (Newsmax)
MAG: 83% of chickens germ-laden in annual test, highest ever... Dec 5, 2006
However, the toll may be far higher than the numbers indicate because only a small percentage of foodborne illnesses are reported to public-health authorities. The CDC said that in 2004, poultry was involved in 24 percent of outbreaks in which a single product was identified, up from 20 percent in 1998. (The Drudge Report)
USDA disputes claim that US chicken unsafe Dec 5, 2006
Washington, Dec 05: Eighty-three percent of chicken sold in US grocery stores may contain bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses, a consumer group said on Monday, 34 percentage points higher than the rate it found three years ago. Critics, however, said the study by Consumer Reports suffered from flaws that included an unreliably small number of samples. (Zee News)
FDA CAPSULES Nov 28, 2006
Keep in mind that the elderly, children, and individuals with weakened immune systems - including pregnant women - are especially at risk of foodborne illnesses. The FDA suggests taking these steps to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. (Newsday -- Health)
Healthy holidays: Turkeys get clean bill of health ... ';var marqueewidth="350px";var marqueeheight="20px";var marqueebgcolor="#FFFFFF";////NO NEED TO EDIT BELOW THIS LINE////////////var pauseit=1;var marqueespeed=1 //slow speed down by 1 for NSvar copyspeed=marqueespeedvar pausespeed=(pauseit==0)? copyspeed: 0var iedom=document.all||document.getElementByIdif (iedom)document.write(''+marqueecontent+'')var actualwidth=''var cross_marquee, ns_marqueefunction populate(){if (iedom){cross_marquee=document.getElementById? document.getElementById("iemarquee") : document.all.iemarqueecross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8+"px"cross_marquee.innerHTML=marqueecontentactualwidth=document.all? temp.offsetWidth : document.getElementById("temp").offsetWidth}else if (document.layers){ns_marquee=document.ns_marquee.document.ns_marquee2ns_marquee.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8ns_marquee.document.write(marqueecontent)ns_marquee.document.close()actualwidth=ns_marquee.document.width}lefttime=setInterval("scrollmarquee()",20)}window.onload=populate;function scrollmarquee(){if (iedom){if (parseInt(cross_marquee.style.left)>(actualwidth*(-1)+8))cross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(cross_marquee.style.left)-copyspeed+"px"elsecross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8+"px"}else if (document.layers){if (ns_marquee.left>(actualwidth*(-1)+8))ns_marquee.left-=copyspeedelsens_marquee.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8}}if (iedom||document.layers){with (document){document.write('')if (iedom){write('')write('')write('')write('')}else if (document.layers){write('')write('')write('')}document.write('')}}Wednesday, November 22, 2006 LYNN BRENNANA representative from the Steuben County Department of Public Health said there is no significant increase in illnesses around Thanksgiving time, but to be sure that food is thoroughly cooked to minimize risk of food related illness. Healthy holidays: Turkeys get clean bill of health Nov 22, 2006
Foodborne illnesses, according to a pamphlet released by the USDA, are more prevalent in summer than in the near-winter of Thanksgiving. Increased outdoor activities including picnicking and barbecuing, combined with the increased temperatures make summer a more likely time for bacterial infection, according to USDA information. (Hornell Evening Tribune, NY)
Disease Outbreaks Blamed On Climate Change Nov 16, 2006
There is also an increase of between five to 10 percent in the occurrence of the salmonella bacteria, the germ that causes typhoid fever and other foodborne illnesses, for every one-degree rise in weekly temperatures in Europe, she said. Relevant Links. (allAfrica.com)
Carving the Stress Out of Thanksgiving Nov 13, 2006
- Practice good food safety procedures to protect against possible foodborne illnesses: wash hands often; keep raw turkey and other foods separated; use a meat thermometer to ensure foods have been cooked to proper temperatures (a minimum temperature of 180F in the thigh and 165F in the center of the stuffing); and refrigerate or freeze cooked turkey and leftovers within two hours of carving to reduce temperature to below 40F.. New recipe, new pan. (El Dorado Times, KS)
Protect yourself against foodborne illnesses Nov 3, 2006
Food and Drug Administration offers tips for handling produce. NBC video: DIET & FITNESS. (MSNBC -- Health)
CDC Investigating Salmonella Outbreak Nov 1, 2006
Every year, about 76 million people contract foodborne illnesses in the United States. About 325,000 of those cases require hospitalization, and 5,000 people die. (Washington Post)
Tailgating requires food safety Oct 4, 2006
Some foodborne illnesses take four hours to 50 days before you get sick. It is not a pleasant experience and, with just a few simple precautions, can be avoided. (Brewton Standard, AL)
Threats in your fridge Oct 4, 2006
Americans probably have more to fear from foodborne illnesses than they do from terrorists ... Food irradiation i 000005A8 s one method along the continuum of modern science and technology that can reduce the possibility of foodborne illnesses. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Cleanliness of produce draws new attention Sep 20, 2006
Foodborne illnesses in the United States cost about $7 billion annually, including medical expenses and productivity losses from missed work, according to estimates from the federal government. The U.S. food supply is governed by a complex system administered by 15 agencies. (Herald Online, SC -- Health)
Plants Give Up Answers In The War On Bacteria Sep 19, 2006
It is important to know, he explained, whether foodborne illnesses rest on the surface of an edible plant, or nestle inside, impervious to washing. We are thinking about the mysteries of plant pathologies, but these have broad implications, He said. (Science Daily)
CDC expertson trail of E. coli Sep 19, 2006
Signs of E. coli take longer to develop than some other common foodborne illnesses, with three to five days before symptoms such as cramping or bloody diarrhea appear. It can take another three to five days for lab tests to be performed and doctors or labs to report those results to the state. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
E. coli controversy Sep 19, 2006
On Nov. 4, 2005, the FDA sent a letter to California firms that grow, pack and process fresh lettuce, telling them of its serious concern with the continuing outbreaks of foodborne illnesses associated with the consumption of fresh and fresh-cut lettuce and other leafy greens. . (MSNBC -- Business)
FDA issues nationwide e-coli warning on spinach Sep 15, 2006
"Acheson said the illnesses began at the end of August, but some state officials said they were investigating cases reported as recently as Thursday, which suggests the problem is not over.Officials are not certain where the spinach involved in the outbreak came from. California, the No. 1 producer in the nation's $200-million fresh spinach industry, supplies 74% of the country's crop.The announcement of the outbreak comes just weeks after federal and state officials launched a wide-ranging... (The Morning Star)
FDA approves viruses as food additive to prevent Listeriosis Aug 20, 2006
The general guidelines recommended for the prevention of listeriosis are similar to those used to help prevent other foodborne illnesses, such as salmonellosis. How can you reduce your risk for listeriosis. (Food Consumer)
The '5-Second Rule' Fact Or Fiction? Jul 5, 2006
" Also honored at the ceremony was the inventor of karaoke music. '5-Second' Naysayers Two experts tell WebMD you should never eat food that's fallen on the floor. "At least, wash it first," says Ruth Frechman, M.A., R.D., spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. "Bacteria are all over the place, and 10 types, including E. coli, cause foodborne illnesses, such as fever, diarrhea, and flu-like symptoms. " She tells WebMD that foodborne illnesses can have varying onset, ranging from 24... (CBS News)
Inspections aim to keep diners safe Jun 27, 2006
"There are three categories, and Category 3 has the most potential for foodborne illnesses," DeYoung said ... A critical violation is one that could cause foodborne illnesses and needs to be corrected right away, DeYoung said ... During the past year, Madison County health officials have conducted only a few investigations at businesses where consumers contracted foodborne illnesses. (Alton Telegraph, IL)
Wash produce before eating Jun 13, 2006
While tempted by these treats, many people are concerned about the increase in foodborne illnesses associated with fresh produce over the last few years. A food scientist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System says consumers can reduce their risk of foodborne illness from fresh produce rather easily. (Brewton Standard, AL)
County OKs grade system for eateries May 18, 2006
Mel Knight, director of the county's Environmental Management Department, said the program will force restaurants to improve conditions quickly and decrease the instances of foodborne illnesses. From mobile food carts to convenience stores to white-linen restaurants, the county inspects and licenses some 5,600 food establishments. (Sacramento Bee)
Health inspections lacking, audit finds Feb 9, 2006
A report to the Florida Legislature warns that without improvements, including better equipment and the hiring of at least 11 additional inspectors this year, consumers will face a greater risk of being exposed to safety hazards and outbreaks of foodborne illnesses in restaurants. Legislators who were given the audit Tuesday called for more inspectors, better training and new computer equipment. (Orlando Sentinel)
Audit says health inspections lacking in hotels, restaurants Feb 9, 2006
Consumers will face greater risk of being exposed to safety hazards and outbreaks of foodborne illnesses in restaurants unless the state hires 11 additional inspectors this year and updates equipment, a report to the Florida Legislature revealed this week. The Division of Hotels and Restaurants conducted 55,561 fewer inspections than required by its own rules in the last fiscal year. (USA Today -- Travel)
How to protect yourself from dirty supermarkets Jan 23, 2006
Food safety expert advises how to avoid foodborne illnesses. Most Popular. (MSNBC -- Health)