FDA expands salmonella probe to produce other than tomatoes Jul 3, 2008
"The FDA should not have to spend its modest resources trying to track down the source of food contamination for weeks and even months while more consumers continue to get sick," said Jean Halloran, director of food-policy initiatives at Consumers Union. "When food-borne illnesses do occur, it shouldn't be so hard to trace them back to the source," she added, calling for modern electronic record-keeping systems that go from farm to fork. (Yahoo News -- Consumer News)
FDA adds up to 100 labs to help trace salmonella outbreak Jul 2, 2008
"The FDA should not have to spend its modest resources trying to track down the source of food contamination," she said. "If FedEx can keep track of all its packages moving around the country, the produce industry should be able to do the same.". (USA Today)
Farmer: Buy Kentucky Proud food Jun 15, 2008
Last year the state and the University of Kentucky launched the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) program to educate fruit and vegetable growers and processors on best practices for growing, transporting and handling produce to minimize the risk of food contamination. Since the program started, 855 Kentucky producers have been trained on GAP principles. (Russellville News Democrat Leader, KY)
If your fave place failed inspection ... Jun 12, 2008
The new cup law which counts four points and requires employees handling food to have a lid and straw on cups they drink from to prevent contamination, plus proper separation and protection of food, food contamination (spoiled onions and molded lemons) and improper food holding temperatures ... Proper separation and protection of food, food contamination and improper food holding temperature - these all spell food poisoning eventually. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Australia must invest in food: Futuris Jun 12, 2008
While acknowledging there were risks with GM crops, such as food contamination and evolution delivering GM tolerant bugs and disease, he said that the cost of not adopting GM technology could be greater. Mr Wozniczka said food inflation was a positive thing for Australian farmers and for the environment. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
The world is their oyster Jun 10, 2008
Australia's "clean and green" reputation provides competitive advantage in countries such as Japan, where food safety concerns have been heightened by food contamination scares. "I'm so proud to have been accepted into the Japanese market where standards of quality and presentation are so high," Nash says. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Raw tomatoes cause salmonella outbreak Jun 6, 2008
The issue of food traceability - knowing the current location of a product as well as where it came from and who handled it along the way - is one of the key elements to responding effectively to food contamination and preventing the spread of an outbreak. However, even though the food system has evolved into a global entity, officials have not developed effective systems to track the movement of food and minimize the damage of potential contamination, said Sylvain Charlebois, a marketing... (Globe and Mail)
Rendell: Obama Campaign Would Control Bill Clinton... Jun 5, 2008
Ben Smith's Blog: Rendell's reality check - Politico. Receive Daily Updates. (The Drudge Report)
Restaurant inspections focus on education May 30, 2008
Under the new rules, inspections will also focus more on how well food-service facilities demonstrate good food-safety practices such as prevention of food contamination through proper use and handling of equipment, utensils and food-temperature control. Allee said the new rules should help improve the overall understanding of food borne-illness risk factors by food-service workers. (Calhoun Times, GA)
Culver orders additonal Guard troops into tornado area writeLink("vid_id=978&file=culvertornado052708.flv"); May 28, 2008
Officials also issued a warning about possible food contamination due to loss of electricity since Sunday evening. Guard members will help with debris removal, traffic control and deciding whether some damaged buildings are safe to enter. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
12 months to be difficult May 7, 2008
Bruggemans says the global commodity price shock still seems to be "gaining intensity", with oil reaching $120, and as yet there is no end in sight to oil's shocking squeeze and its food contamination. "Eskom may be winning hearts and minds in government, but not at the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). Labour unions see many opportunities in the current environment to advance their own interests," he adds. (iAfrica.com)
Local Food Is In, And State Farmers Reap The Bounty May 4, 2008
Concerns about food contamination and the environmental effects of long-haul transportation, plus a craving for superior taste, are creating a booming demand. At the same time, record fuel prices are making local growers more competitive with huge agricultural businesses that ship goods all over the country. (FOX61, CT)
Consumer Alert: Plastics in Baby Bottles May Pose Health Risk Apr 22, 2008
BPA has been used in the U.S. and worldwide since the 1950s as an essential building block of the polycarbonate plastic in water bottles as well as in epoxy resins used to line cans to prevent corrosion and food contamination; more than 2. 3 billion pounds (one billion kilograms) of BPA are manufactured annually in the U.S. and more than three million metric tons of it are used worldwide in a year. (Scientific American)
More news reports... Apr 3, 2008
When pet food contamination was discovered in spring 2007, the Pet Food Institute implemented actions to insure the problem did not reoccur. . (The Battalion, TX)
* Italian producers defend buffalo mozzarella Mar 23, 2008
The tainted products came from a few buffalo dairies in the southern Campania region, whose reputation as a top agricultural producer already has been tarnished by the months-old garbage crisis that has fueled fears of food contamination. Dioxin, a chemical environmental pollutant, can be hazardous even in small amounts. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Mozzarella safe from dioxin, Italian makers insist Mar 23, 2008
The tainted products came from a few buffalo dairies in the southern Campania region, whose reputation as a top agricultural producer has already been tarnished by a months-old garbage crisis that has fuelled fears of food contamination. Over the past week, Italian authorities have searched dozens of buffalo dairies and seized milk samples for tests after higher-than-permitted levels of dioxin were discovered in products from 29 mozzarella makers, news reports said. (Globe and Mail -- International)
Leafy Veggie Contamination Rate Rising Mar 20, 2008
The researchers, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sought to see whether increased outbreaks of food contamination simply reflect the fact that health-conscious Americans are eating more fresh, leafy veggies such as cabbage, spinach and salad greens than they used to, Early Show medical contributor Dr. Emily Senay said Wednesday. But, she says, they found it's apparently more than that. (CBS News -- Early Show)
Food Containers May Leach a Harmful Chemical Feb 20, 2008
BPA is routinely used to line cans to prevent corrosion and food contamination; it also makes plastic cups and baby and other bottles transparent and shatterproof. When the polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins made from the chemical are exposed to hot liquids, BPA leaches out 55 times faster than it does under normal conditions, according to a new study by Scott Belcher, an endocrine biologist at the University of Cincinnati. (Scientific American)
Tassie tiger or fox? Swipe its barcode and just end the argument Feb 19, 2008
The device could reveal the source of food contamination. "A mouse head was recently found in a TV dinner in Canada. We were able to show it came from South-East Asia.". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
A gap in food safety Feb 19, 2008
The USDA denied that enforcement was insufficient and emphasized that the government employs many types of safeguards, including plant inspections, to prevent food contamination. "We know our inspectors were correctly inspecting the plant," said Amanda Eamich, a spokeswoman for the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service. (Baltimore Sun)
Stomach Flu? Six Simple Steps To Protect Against Noroviruses Feb 6, 2008
2 million cases of foodborne norovirus infections each year by preventing food contamination. Always wash raw food before eating, and don't eat food prepared by someone who is ill until 2-3 days after symptoms have cleared. (Science Daily)
Ex-UF vet in middle of cloning spat Jan 28, 2008
Last year, as director of the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine, Sundlof oversaw the FDA's inquiry into the source of pet food contamination. In April, he testified before Congress. (The Palm Beach Post)
Caterers call for tough bye-laws for food vendors Jan 22, 2008
Mr. Odru-Frimpong stated that the report revealed that food vendors were not aware of the possible sources of food contamination resulting from raw materials acquisition, preparation, storage during sale, handling and final delivery to the consumer. He stressed the need for an effective food hygiene education for street vendors and a mechanism for collecting information from stakeholders for developing a policy on street food hygiene. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
U.S. Food Safety: Foodborne Illnesses a Menu for Disaster Jan 15, 2008
Infected workers in food processing plants and restaurants are a common source of the food contamination as well. Norwalk virus is a virus that can cause viral gastroenteritis, acute nonbacterial gastroenteritis, food poisoning, and food infection and is transmitted mostly by contaminated water, sometimes by contaminated food. (Health-Finder)
Sure, it might be cruel, but intensive farming saves lives Jan 13, 2008
Prior to the 1950s, large numbers of people died because of tuberculosis due to a simple lack of nourishment,' says Hugh Pennington, emeritus professor of bacteriology at Aberdeen University and an expert on food contamination and nutritional issues. The wide availability of cheap animal proteins, both chicken and fish, has put an end to that. (Guardian Unlimited)
Letters to the editor Dec 12, 2007
The latter is easily seen with the difference in standards in potential food contamination between us and the rest of the world. Europe began these high standards with all Third World countries following their lead. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Fill topiary with sphagnum moss Dec 12, 2007
The possibility of disease transmission and food contamination is too great. Most water providers exempt food gardens from current water rules, so tap water can be used when irrigation is needed. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Home & Garden)
Report laments lack of expertise at FDA Dec 4, 2007
The report calls out the FDA's poor track record in regulating the safety of the food supply, noting a systems failure during a recent e. coli food contamination inquiry. "Crisis management in FDA's two food safety centers . . . has drawn attention and resources away from FDA's ability to develop the science base and infrastructure needed to efficiently support innovation in the food industry," it said. (Boston Globe)
Meal supports local produce Nov 28, 2007
"There is evidence that shows organic and local food that's fresher is healthier for us. This type of food has more vitamins, and there is less likelihood of food contamination occurring on a local farm. From another point of view, with local food we have the feeling that we are a part of a system that makes sense -- with today's runaway food system the average food on our plate has 1,500 miles on it, and it makes sense in a day and age when we're trying to be more contentious about energy... (The Cavalier Daily, VA)
Food safety endeavor goes global Nov 28, 2007
BEIJING, Nov. 28 -- Delegates from 45 countries and regions Tuesday issued a joint declaration in Beijing to boost information exchange on food contamination and disease outbreaks. They also agreed that developed countries should help developing nations build food safety capacities to ensure safer food for all. (Xinhuanet, China)
Push on to ban toxic baby bottles Nov 22, 2007
It's also used to create a resin that lines the tops of cans to prevent food contamination. Production: Most of the bisphenol A is consumed, or converted, during production, but traces of the industrial chemical remain at the parts per million level. (Toronto Star)
Ten new salmonella cases surface Nov 18, 2007
Warshawsky said there's often a delay of more than a week in tracking a food contamination outbreak because it can take several days for symptoms to appear, several more days for the affected person to visit a doctor and an additional wait for lab tests to be completed. Warshawsky urged people who suspect they may have salmonella to contact their doctor. (London Free Press)
Testing kit to fight food-poisoning Nov 13, 2007
"The conventional methods for detecting food contamination used by industries and regulatory agencies are labour-intensive, time-consuming and costly," the Scotsman quoted him as saying. "Our technology offers for, the first time, at low cost, the simultaneous detection of multiple contaminants within five to eight hours and has the potential to revolutionise the food safety industry and save lives through prevention of food-poisoning epidemics," he added. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Hope for new food bug test kits Nov 12, 2007
Scientists have received funding to mass produce a testing kit to detect potentially fatal food contamination within hours rather than days ... The Macaulay Institute's Dr Brajesh Singh, who is leading the project, said: "The conventional methods for detecting food contamination used by industries and regulatory agencies are labour intensive, time consuming and costly. "Our proposed technology offers for the first time, at low cost, the simultaneous detection of multiple contaminants within five... (BBC News -- UK)
Hurt will head dietary services when Phoenix reopens nursing center Nov 3, 2007
-- Prevention of food contamination throughout the purchase, preparation and serving process. -- Utilization of correct sanitizing procedures for utensils and equipment. (Carmi Times, IL)
Crime experts debate soil science Oct 30, 2007
Dr Lorna Dawson, head of soil forensic research at the Macaulay Institute, said: "In recent years, the disciplines of soil forensics have proved to be invaluable tools for the criminal and environmental investigator. "It has been possible to provide compelling evidence in linking offenders with crime scenes, in finding the graves of murder victims, and tracing sources of environmental pollution or food contamination. "This conference brings together those responsible for these ground-breaking... (BBC News -- UK)
* MOFA presses for direct access to WHO Oct 24, 2007
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) yesterday urged the WHO to restore direct contact with Taiwan after an incident in which China took 10 days to pass on information on food contamination to Taiwan. The International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN), under the WHO, on Sept. 12 informed countries that baby corn exported by a Thai company might be contaminated with the Shigella dysenteriae pathogen, but Taiwan did not receive the information until 10 days later, ministry spokesman... (Taipei Times, Taiwan)
Brownies Booted For Campus Fundraisers Oct 6, 2007
"There have been incidents in the past several years -- and some recent incidents, not here on campus, but in nearby areas -- about food contamination," said UNO risk manager Bill Swanson. Some students haven't reacted well to the decision, saying the university took things too far. (7 KETV Omaha)
China: en route to better food safety Sep 16, 2007
Food safety became a rising concern among Chinese citizens after a series of food contamination accidents occurred across the country in recent months. Last November, the country's food safety watchdog found that seven companies were producing red-yolk eggs contaminated with dangerous red Sudan dyes, supposed to be used in the leather and fabric industries, but banned for food use. (Xinhuanet, China)
Praises Washington Post for setting record straight Sep 15, 2007
"For example, in May, the conservative news organ WorldNetDaily.com asked, the Xinhua story states in trying to make the case for racism in the U.S. media. It was the only example of negative news coverage mentioned. On the other hand, the official Chinese news agency praised the Washington Post for setting the record straight. "China has been portrayed as a nation blind to hygiene and blissfully unconcerned about recent reports of food contamination," said a Washington Post commentary that... (WorldNetDaily)
How clean are restaurants? Sep 9, 2007
In the past 14 months, state investigators found three out of five restaurants inspected in Central Florida had at least 10 critical violations that could lead to food-borne-illness outbreaks, food contamination or other public-safety problems ... Areas evaluated include: Hand washing Food-handling practices and food temperatures Pest control Water and sewage systems Ventilation and building standards Violations are noted as either being critical, such as those that, if not corrected, could lead... (Orlando Sentinel -- Opinion)
Study Links Bad Foods to Hyperactive Kids Sep 8, 2007
If we take preservatives out we would have to balance against that the cost in terms of money and also the public health cost in terms of food contamination. What about artificial dyes. (MSNBC -- Health)
Tracking software helps pinpoint food contamination Sep 5, 2007
Lately the law has been used not to thwart bioterrorism but to root out shoddy Chinese practices that result in feed or food contamination. Regardless, Feed Management Systems' track-and-trace software helps pinpoint the source of animal feed constituents. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
UCD Entomology Contingent Serves as 'America's Agricultural Ambassador Davis, Aug. 31 Sep 1, 2007
Countries differ in their agricultural practices, research and extension programs, Leal said, but they share the commonality of getting food from the field to the table, while trying to resolve such issues as exotic pests, insect-plant interactions, disease outbreaks, food contamination and other global concerns. "It's a global agricultural industry now, and we need to know how to research the problems and how to solve them," Leal said. (University of California Newswire, CA)
Battling Bacteria at the Grocery Store Aug 31, 2007
A string of food contamination outbreaks in the past year has grabbed headlines, and reignited concern among consumers. Yet shoppers may still be surprised about some sources of problematic food, and how easy it is to spread contamination. (Fox News)
Down and out in Boston Aug 30, 2007
By year's end, letter grades will be added to a sheet that already includes a point system for staff hygiene, food temperature control, date marking, supervisory skills, techniques to prevent food contamination, and other key indicators. Diners in Massachusetts would benefit from similar transparency. (Boston Globe)
Scientists Preserve And Protect Foods Naturally Aug 25, 2007
Understanding this, chemists and food scientists at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, joined forces to develop natural approaches to the prevention of food contamination and spoilage. The researchers employed natural antimicrobial agents derived from sources such as cloves, oregano, thyme and paprika to create novel biodegradable polymers or plastics to potentially block the formation of bacterial biofilms on food surfaces and packaging. (Science Daily)
Scientists Develop 'Natural' Protection for Stored Foods Aug 23, 2007
TUESDAY, Aug. 21 (HealthDay News) -- Natural methods of preventing food contamination and spoilage could greatly expand the shelf life of products, food scientists at Rutgers University in New Jersey say. The researchers used natural antimicrobial agents developed from sources such as cloves, oregano, thyme and paprika to create biodegradable polymers or plastics designed to prevent the formation of bacterial biofilms on food surfaces and packaging. (MEDLINEplus)
Winn-Dixie to Announce Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2007 Results on August 27th Aug 22, 2007
The Company faces a number of risks and uncertainties with respect to its continuing business operations and its attempt to increase its sales and gross profit margin, including, but not limited to: the Company's ability to improve the quality of its stores and products; the Company's success in achieving increased customer count and sales in remodeled and other stores; the results of the Company's efforts to revitalize the corporate brand; pricing pressures and competitive factors, which could... (PR Newswire)
China is determined to step up fight to prevent substandard foodstuffs from going overseas, said a white paper issued Friday.• Full Text: China's food quality and safety Aug 18, 2007
Two, it has urged the catering industry and canteens to implement the quantified and classified supervisory system for food hygiene management in an all-around way, improved and strengthened monitoring of food contamination and building of a monitoring system on diseases caused by contaminated food. Three, it has intensified crackdown on activities in violation of food safety law, investigated and dealt with serious cases and timely made them known to the public. (Xinhuanet, China)
* One quarter of daycare centers pass CPC check Aug 17, 2007
Among the institutions failing in the category of fire safety and management, 36 had defects in their emergency escape facilities, Wang said, adding that food contamination was discovered in 21 institutions failing in the category of sanitary safety and management. Chen Kun-huang ([), chief secretary of the Children's Bureau, noted that more than 284,000 children require daycare services and that there are more than 4,200 child daycare institutions in the country. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
The hospital kitchens that'll make you sick Aug 14, 2007
The environmental health inspector noted: "This is a completely unacceptable practice. "Apart from the danger of food contamination, there is also a significant health and safety risk to kitchen staff, especially staff employed in the wash-up area. "Nothing except cutlery, crockery and food-related items must be put on food trays and ward staff must check the trays before meal trolleys leave the ward.". (This is London)
Cockroaches 'in hospital kitchen' Aug 13, 2007
" Pest control Mr Mills said Ashford council's response to the FOI inquiry had said the situation was being "regularly monitored", and "appropriate corrective action" had been taken. The council response said: "The hospital has reviewed its pest control arrangements, maintenance schedule and increased its level of routine food sampling in order to monitor for food contamination. " "Recent reports from the hospital's pest control service that are copied to the council indicate no current... (BBC News)
China in about-faceon product safety Aug 3, 2007
Export-control officials argued that food contamination occurred both within the United States and with US exports to China. "No food-inspection system is foolproof," Li Yuanping, director general of the Import and Export Food Safety Bureau, countered at the time. (Asia Times Online)
Lessons of China's safety scandals... Aug 3, 2007
PORT TOWNSEND, WASH. - Americans are again upset about China, this time thanks to a spate of product safety and food contamination cases, the revelation of slave labor conditions at a rural north China brickworks, and the execution of the head of the State Food and Drug Administration for health-threatening corruption. American diagnoses are familiar: "Wild West capitalism," "spiritual vacuum," "local protectionism," absence of the rule of law, the ill effects of one-party rule. (Christian Science Monitor)
State Budget Provision Boosts Health, Economy Aug 3, 2007
Wisconsinites are increasingly concerned about the quality of their food at a time of increasing food-related health issues - from obesity and diabetes to food contamination scares. Fortunately, Wisconsin s diverse agricultural economy is well poised to provide the kind of healthy, regionally produced food that Wisconsin consumers seek. (Agri-View, WI)
Ghanaian Chefs participate in international competition Jul 31, 2007
Courage Quashigah, Minister of Health, said food remained a social determinant of health and that any food contamination would cause human life and eventually affect productivity and general well-being of the individual. He said as food formed an important part of tourism, members of the Association must sharpen their skills and teach themselves food safety, handling and presentation to enable them to win the competition. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
More of this story Jul 26, 2007
It includes provisions that would create a food contamination early warning system and requirements that food companies provide records to regulators upon request. The FDA and USDA currently lack mandatory recall authority; they must ask companies to take back bad food, or, if the situation is extreme, they can go to court to force a company s hand. (Pine Bluff Commercial, AR)
Regional Roundup Jul 26, 2007
MODESTO Fresno and Stanislaus counties have developed a coordinated plan to protect the region's valuable agriculture industry from disasters ranging from animal viruses to food contamination. The "All-Hazards Food and Agricultural Emergency Response Template" spells out specific roles for local, state and federal agencies if there is an agricultural emergency. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Food recall may include cans in your cupboard Jul 24, 2007
Maryville Daily Forum - News. Tuesday, July 24, 2007. (Maryville Daily Forum, MO)
One in 10 salads has poisonous bacteria Jul 24, 2007
The HPA report, which involved testing more than 2,600 ready-to-eat salads, concluded that the control of bacteria in food manufacturing and in shops was essential to minimise the potential for hazardous food contamination. advertisement. (Telegraph.co.uk)
* Johnny Neihu's NewsWatch: The apocalypse is a fake dumpling Jul 21, 2007
On this occasion Chan reminded us that the WHO receives reports of food contamination from all around the world. "I have to say that food safety is a big problem for both developed and developing countries," the China Daily quoted her as saying on Thursday. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Fedele in charge while Rell heads to Mich. Jul 21, 2007
"In light of the pet food contamination in March of this year, the recent tainted toothpaste and similar problems, the FDA s already limited resources need to be bolstered rather than reduced.". Rell also wrote a letter to President Bush asking that state government officials be included on a new federal import safety panel. (New Haven Register, CT)
Food recall procedures come under fire Jul 17, 2007
It includes provisions that would create a food contamination early warning system and requirements that food companies provide records to regulators upon request ... Several states, such as Minnesota and California, are known for their aggressive pursuit of food contamination cases. (Columbus Telegram, NE)
Food safety lacks teeth, critics say Jul 17, 2007
It includes provisions that would create a food contamination early warning system and requirements that food companies provide records to regulators upon request. The House did not include the food safety provisions in its version of the FDA bill, so final adoption is in doubt. (Chicago Tribune)
