USDA: Irradiation Makes Vegetables Safer Apr 14, 2008
About 14 percent of the reported foodborne illnesses are linked to fresh produce, and spinach and lettuce are the biggest known culprits, causing 23 outbreaks since 1995. When bacteria are protected -- whether they're inside a leaf or inside a biofilm -- they're not going to be as easy to kill. (eFluxMedia)
Discouraging News on Foodborne Illness Apr 13, 2008
A indicates that after a period of decline, there was in the incidence of some foodborne illnesses in 2007. "The results show that prevention efforts have been partly successful, but there has been little further progress in the most recent years," said Robert Tauxe, deputy director of CDC's Division of Foodborne, Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases, in a statement. (U.S. News & World Report)
Washing Produce May Not Fight Poisoning Apr 12, 2008
Using this technique on fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables could provide a reliable way to reduce the numbers of foodborne illnesses reported each year in the United States, says Brendan A. Niemira, Ph ... Though some activist speak against irradiation, consumer confidence in the application has grown steadily through the years as studies have shown its effectiveness in reducing pathogens that cause foodborne illnesses, said Christine Bruhn, Ph. (Click2Houston, TX)
Foodborne Illnesses Remain Constant in U.S. Apr 12, 2008
THURSDAY, April 10 (HealthDay News) -- After declining for several years, reports of foodborne illnesses have remained constant in the United States since 2004, federal health officials said Thursday. And that leveling off of the rate of food poisonings casts into doubt the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's goal of reducing the overall number of foodborne infections by 2010. (MEDLINEplus)
Foodborne illnesses still go strong in U.S. Apr 11, 2008
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) stated that foodborne illnesses in the U.S. have remained constant since 2004, meaning they are going strong without any decline. There have been significant declines in certain foodborne illnesses since the late 1990s, however, all the improvements occurred before 2004, said federal health officials. (Xinhuanet, China)
Alabama Department of Health Launches Food Inspection Scores Website Mar 29, 2008
State Health Officer Dr. Donald Williamson said, "The inclusion of all recent inspection scores provides useful information for the general public so that they can make informed choices about where they purchase food and the restaurants where they eat. We anticipate this initiative may lessen the incidence of foodborne illnesses by encouraging our establishments to improve their food service sanitation practices.". For the past several years a number of county health departments have made their... (WSJA.com, AL)
Salmonella Strains In Humans Distinct From Strains In Animals Mar 28, 2008
27, 2008) A new study suggests salmonella strains collected from human salamonellosis patients to be distinct from those of animal origin, a finding that could significantly impact the development of treatment methods for foodborne illnesses. See also. (Science Daily)
Tips from the Journals of the American Society for Microbiology Mar 27, 2008
A new study suggests salmonella strains collected from human salamonellosis patients to be distinct from those of animal origin, a finding that could significantly impact the development of treatment methods for foodborne illnesses. The researchers report their findings in the March 2008 journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology. (EurekAlert!)
Precaution is stressed for well use Mar 26, 2008
These organisms have the potential of causing serious, foodborne illnesses. Non-perishable foods in cans, bottles, jars, boxed items, canned fruits/juices, bread products, fresh/raw fruits and vegetables exposed to floodwater must be immediately discarded. (Rolla Daily News, MO)
Check Your Cantaloupes Mar 24, 2008
To reduce the risk of contracting salmonella or other foodborne illnesses from cantaloupes, the recommends. Purchasing cantaloupes that are not bruised or damaged. (WTVR.com, VA)
Got Raw Milk? Mar 23, 2008
Nationally, according to the Centers for Disease Control, from 1998 to 2005 there were 1,007 illnesses and two deaths from raw milk or cheese consumption - a tiny fraction of the estimated 76 million total cases of foodborne illnesses each year. And few foods are absolutely safe, including pasteurized milk. (Boston Globe)
Is rinsing enough? Mar 20, 2008
But the bad news is that leafy-green-associated outbreaks of foodborne illnesses went up much more: 39 percent since 1996. Researchers say they are not sure exactly why the rate of illness has increased more than consumption, but they do note that many foodborne disease outbreaks can be traced to a local food preparation source. (MSNBC -- Health)
Leafy Veggie Contamination Rate Rising Mar 20, 2008
The Centers for Disease Control found that the incidence of foodborne illnesses spread by leafy green vegetables is up nearly 40. Dr. Emily Senay shows Russ Mitchell how to avoid getting sick. (CBS News -- Early Show)
Foodborne illnesses from leafy greens rising Mar 19, 2008
CHICAGO - An increase in the number of foodborne illnesses caused by contaminated spinach or lettuce over the past 35 years cannot be explained by increases in salad consumption over the same period, U.S. government researchers said on Monday. They said the findings reinforce the need for local, state and federal health authorities to monitor preparation of leafy green vegetables from the point of harvest all the way through the food preparation process. (MSNBC -- Health)
The Growing List of Food Recalls Mar 6, 2008
While rare, foodborne illnesses should be taken seriously. The Food and Drug Administration always has an up-to-date list of the. (Suite101.com)
New Vaccine Technology Decreases E. Coli In Beef Cattle Mar 1, 2008
E. coli O157:H7 has been linked to foodborne illnesses in humans after consuming contaminated beef and produce. See also. (Science Daily)
Researchers collaborate to find new vaccine technology decreases E. coli in beef cattle Feb 28, 2008
E. coli O157:H7 has been linked to foodborne illnesses in humans after consuming contaminated beef and produce. "We have been studying the effects of a novel vaccine technology to make beef safer," said Dr. Dan Thomson, an associate professor at Kansas State University. (EurekAlert!)
Number of area schools receive beef from suspended Westland/Hallmark Meat Company Feb 15, 2008
The laws are in place because downed cattle are more likely to carry foodborne illnesses such as mad cow disease, E. coli and salmonella. Federal officials said they have been unable to determine from the video whether the downed cows depicted were, in fact, slaughtered. (Mt. Lake Observer/Advocate, MN)
Hold on beef includes meat sent to Georgia schools Feb 6, 2008
HSUS also contends the animals pose a higher risk of picking up bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses like E. coli 015:H7, because they re not able to stand, and are lying in feces in pens. Westland Meat Company shipped about 420,000 pounds of beef from this plant to Georgia; 40,000 pounds to a destination in Atlanta, and 378,000 to a USDA warehouse in Cedartown. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Is it safe to eat sushi? Jan 26, 2008
Eating raw fish can also make you susceptible to a variety of foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria, which causes diarrhea, cramping and vomiting, and also viruses such as Hepatitis A, and Norwalk-like viruses. Parasites can also be passed on via raw fish but, fortunately, can be killed when fish is frozen before consumption. (MSNBC -- Health)
Food Poisoning's Sickening Legacy Jan 23, 2008
Scientists Examine Link Between Foodborne Illnesses And Subsequent Health Problems ... (AP) A dirty little secret of food poisoning: E. coli and certain other foodborne illnesses can sometimes trigger serious health problems months or years after patients survived that initial bout ... "We're drastically underestimating the burden on society that foodborne illnesses represent," contends Donna Rosenbaum of the consumer advocacy group STOP, Safe Tables Our Priority. (CBS News)
Long-term health problems haunt some food poisoning Jan 23, 2008
We re drastically underestimating the burden on society that foodborne illnesses represent, contends Donna Rosenbaum of the consumer advocacy group STOP, Safe Tables Our Priority ... The CDC says foodborne illnesses cause 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths a year. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
Food Poisoning Can Be Long-Term Problem Jan 22, 2008
It's a dirty little secret of food poisoning: E. coli and certain other foodborne illnesses can sometimes trigger serious health problems months or years after patients survived that initial bout. . (Herald Sun)
Yuma's lettuce growers working to ensure supply is as safe as possible Jan 20, 2008
" Dogs romping in a field may leave waste that becomes a source of e-coli contamination, and a person's shoes may carry bacteria that could lead to foodborne illnesses, Thelander said. In other cases, a horse owner goes for a ride along a canal bank on a small road that separates lettuce fields, Campbell said. Animal waste left behind could get washed into the irrigation water or be picked up by tractor tires and carried into the field. Trash, whether piling up by a rural residence, illegally... (Yuma Daily Sun, AZ)
U.S. Food Safety: Foodborne Illnesses a Menu for Disaster Jan 15, 2008
U.S. Food Safety: Foodborne Illnesses a Menu for Disaster - healthfinder ... U.S. Food Safety: Foodborne Illnesses a Menu for Disaster. (Health-Finder)
Food safety key during holidays Nov 24, 2007
Leaving leftovers from Thanksgiving in the refrigerator too long and not properly storing extra food may lead to foodborne illnesses. Some people are at a greater risk for developing an illness, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Web site. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Thaw and cook turkey properly, or risk an illness Nov 20, 2007
When you re talking about foodborne illnesses, time and temperature are the formula for disaster, Waters said. Remember, bacteria prefer the same kinds of environments that we do. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Hurt will head dietary services when Phoenix reopens nursing center Nov 3, 2007
-- Identifying foodborne illnesses. -- Identifying time/temperature relationship with foodborne illness. (Carmi Times, IL)
Commissaries recall Banquet pot pies Oct 20, 2007
Consumption of food contaminated with salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. Salmonella infections can be life-threatening, especially to those with weak immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy. (The Dolphin, CT)
First Nationwide Class Action Filed Against ConAgra on Behalf of Consumers Who Purchased or Ingested Salmonella Contaminated Pot Pies Oct 13, 2007
For more information about the law firms or about foodborne illnesses, please visit. CONTACT: Schiffrin Barroway Topaz er, LLP Tobias L. Millrood, Esq. (PR Newswire)
Food Inspection Agency Warns Of E. Coli In Lettuce Brand Sep 18, 2007
The following listed below have been responsible for foodborne illnesses. ground beef. (CityNews)
More Canadians suffer food poisoning Aug 8, 2007
A rise in the number of cases involving foodborne illnesses is a strong signal of the need for change, says Paul Sockett, director of foodborne, waterborne and zoonotic infections at the Public Health Agency of Canada. Photograph by : CanWest News Service. (Canada.com)
Canned French Style Beans Recalled In US And Canada Aug 6, 2007
5 ounce cans made by Lakeside Foods, and bearing some 20 different brands are being recalled in the US and Canada as a precaution against potential foodborne illnesses such as botulism. As yet no illnesses have been reported. (Medical News Today)
Here's a sampling of what you've missed in Monday's edition! Jul 31, 2007
Our Healthy Living page focuses on food freshness with articles on fighting foodborne illnesses, foods in the pantry and guidelines for safe food handling. 3. (McPherson Sentinel, KS)
With summer grilling comes E. coli Jul 26, 2007
"Across the board, human foodborne illnesses usually spike in summer and you can see that in the ... five-year summaries," of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that analyze the number of infections season by season nationwide, said Robert Gravani, of Cornell University. "That's when people are usually outside grilling burgers, taking advantage of the weather," said Gravani, a professor of food sciences. (Newsday)
Where the food is fresh Jun 27, 2007
Huffman said freshness and foodborne illnesses are a concern for her and Black when shopping at the supermarket ... Market coordinator Dennis Schuett said there is no 100 percent guarantee that you can't contract foodborne illnesses from a farmers market ... To prevent foodborne illnesses, Cipperley said, any vegetable that comes into contact with the ground must be washed, ground beef should be cooked well done and steaks should be browned on the outside. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Texas Cooperative Extension to offer food manager certification training course 06-24-2007 Jun 24, 2007
Foodborne illnesses are estimated to cost thousands of dollars in lost wages, insurance and medical bills ... Foodborne illnesses can be prevented by following simple food safety practices. (Plainview Daily Herald, TX)
First Suit Filed Against UFG by E. Coli Victim Jun 16, 2007
Background: Marler Clark has represented thousands of victims of foodborne illnesses, such as E. coli, Salmonella, and hepatitis A. The firm has litigated high profile E. coli cases against Odwalla, Chili s, Wendy s, ConAgra, and other food companies. For additional information, contact Bill Marler: (206) 346-1888. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Salmonella-tainted peanut butter sickened 628, CDC reports Jun 2, 2007
Public health officials in PulseNet (the molecular subtyping network for foodborne disease surveillance) and OutbreakNet (the network of public health epidemiologists who investigate foodborne illnesses nationwide) have been investigating this outbreak and attempting to identify the mechanism of initial contamination. The investigation began in November 2006, when public health officials in PulseNet noted a substantial increase in the number of isolates of the outbreak strain of Salmonella... (Food Consumer)
So, what are you really eating? May 31, 2007
Foodborne illnesses are caused by ingesting foods or beverages contaminated by disease-causing microbes or pathogens. Poisonous chemicals or other harmful substances can also cause disease if in food. (Cadillac News, MI)
Keeping cookouts safe: Foodborne illness risks rise with the temperature May 29, 2007
As summer approaches, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control cautions that the potential for foodborne illnesses can rise along with the outdoor temperatures. The risk of foodborne illness rises with warm weather and when foods meant to be kept within a certain temperature range are allowed to warm for long periods of time, said Sandra Craig, director of DHECs Division of Food Protection. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Beef Products Recalled Due To Suspected E Coli Contamination May 19, 2007
But some cases are more serious, with some 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths due to foodborne illnesses occurring in the US each year. Written by: Catharine Paddock Writer: Medical News Today Copyright: Medical News Today. (Medical News Today)
Spray to quell E. coli Apr 23, 2007
The bacterial strain - referred to as O157:H7 - caused two major waves of foodborne illnesses last year ... The agency estimates that there are 76 million cases of foodborne illnesses in the United States annually caused by a range of pathogens. (Newsday -- Health)
E. Coli Cases on the Rise Apr 14, 2007
CDC report shows cases of other foodborne illnesses holding steady or decreasing ... THURSDAY April 12 (HealthDay News) -- A new government report on foodborne illnesses shows that the number of E. coli infections in the United States has inched upwards in the past two years ... The data on foodborne illnesses was culled from the CDC's Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, known as FoodNet. (MEDLINEplus)
E. coli making a comeback, CDC says Apr 13, 2007
By Maggie Fox, Health and Science Editor. We know the faster we can detect an outbreak, the faster we can take actions that will help protect people. (Reuters.uk)
CDC: E. coli cases up in leafy greens Apr 13, 2007
By Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY The deadly strain of E. coli responsible for hundreds of illnesses and at least three deaths last year was a leading culprit in the government's annual report on foodborne illnesses ... Based on data from 10 participating states, it gives a snapshot, but not a full picture, of the nation's foodborne illnesses, according to CDC director Julie Gerberding. (USA Today)
Kitchen confidential Apr 10, 2007
Closer scrutiny was in order; DPH had received several complaints about foodborne illnesses possibly traceable to the restaurant. One complaint came from a physician whose family was in the seafood business. (Boston Globe)
The Dirty Dozen Mar 29, 2007
The Center for Science in the Public Interest recently published a list of the dirty dozen-- names of bacteria and different foodborne illnesses that you are most likely to pick up from your own kitchen. 1-2. (WOKR13 Rochester)
Amish bakers face food safety scrutiny Mar 14, 2007
A few foodborne illnesses have been linked to domestic kitchens that sell homemade food to the public. They include canned green beans sold at markets in several states and candy sold by the Amish that led to a stomach virus outbreak that sickened 48 people in Minnesota in 2002. (Anchorage Daily News)
Freeze a hot topic as citrus growers gather Mar 9, 2007
Gathering for the annual Citrus Showcase presented by California Citrus Mutual, they also considered how to keep at bay what could be a devastating disease and how to take steps to assure food safety -- even though there are no known instances of foodborne illnesses linked to eating fresh citrus. A panel that included top officials with Kern, Fresno and Tulare counties said they favor making it mandatory for fruit picked after a freeze hits to be held for a specified length of time to see... (Fresno Bee -- Business)
FDA Doesn't Pass Inspection Mar 7, 2007
The plummeting inspection rates and the periodic, widespread outbreaks of foodborne illnesses are reasons enough to ask if the federal officials in charge are committed and competent. Please create an account or login to read this story. (The Ledger)
Nudists sweatin' it out at the gym Mar 6, 2007
March 5: Shelly Feist of the Partnership for Food Safety Education talks with TODAY's Lester Holt about preventing common foodborne illnesses caused by listeria and salmonella. . (MSNBC -- Health)
Key to food safety lies in knowing the dangers Mar 3, 2007
Every year more than 250 billion meals are prepared in the U.S. Some of that food makes the people who eat it sick and so, an estimated 76 million foodborne illnesses are reported ... While there has been no outbreak of foodborne illnesses in the county because of food prepared here, just a week ago, some jars of peanut butter were removed from store shelves in the Parkland because they'd been linked to salmonella outbreaks in several states, including Missouri. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Preparing for new food service regs Mar 3, 2007
In the district news release, Grant states that the posting of scores coincides with heightened public awareness about food safety as a result of recent outbreaks of foodborne illnesses across the nation ... National Centers for Disease Control estimate that each year, 76 million people become sick from foodborne illnesses, of which more than 300,000 are hospitalized and 5,000 die. (Bainbridge Post Searchlight, GA)
Food poisoning possible addition to fun Feb 17, 2007
Dr. Beth Reames, LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert, says y following some simple practices, you can enjoy the festivities without suffering from foodborne illnesses. Reames says many people think they have the flu or a 24-hour virus when they're actually suffering from food poisoning. (Brewton Standard, AL)
Lincoln Researchers Look For Salmonella Contamination Feb 17, 2007
They said part of the reason foodborne illnesses seem to be on the increase is because of better technology. "They may have been occurring for a long time and just escaped notice," said state epidemiologist Dr. Tom Safranek. (7 KETV Omaha)
FDA issues peanut butter alert Feb 16, 2007
The cause of foodborne illnesses can be difficult to identify. As a result of extensive epidemiological testing and recent case control studies, CDC was recently able to identify Peter Pan peanut butter as the likely cause of illness. (Heber Springs Sun-Times, AR)
Salmonella outbreak traced to peanut butter Feb 16, 2007
Foodborne illnesses are difficult to detect because the symptoms - fever, diarrhea, severe stomach pain and vomiting - are similar to other maladies. And reactions can vary from slight nausea to a life-threatening condition. (Monterey County Herald)
Food Safety Resources Feb 14, 2007
While the likelihood of serious complications is unknown, the estimates that two to three percent of all foodborne illnesses lead to secondary long-term illnesses. How Can I Fight Bacteria In My Food. (CBS News -- Evening News)
Beware Of Food Contamination During The Big Game Feb 4, 2007
(CBS) LOS ANGELES Southlanders having Super Bowl parties Sunday could be putting themselves and their guests at risk for foodborne illnesses, the U.S. Department of Agriculture warned. "While football has the two-minute warning, the world of food safety has the two-hour rule," USDA undersecretary of food safety Richard Raymond said. (CBS2.com, CA)
Tracking the germs that hitchhike on food Jan 22, 2007
Doctors have also gotten better about looking for and identifying foodborne illnesses. But while the pathogens may have been in our food system for decades, no one is advocating complacency in tackling the problem. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Keep nutritious foods safe to eat Jan 9, 2007
Before you sit down to devour an anticipated meal, make sure you're protecting yourself from foodborne illnesses resulting from bacteria in or on food ... The organization reports about 76 million cases of foodborne illnesses occur each year in the United States ... CuisineClean and PurePrep are two food-purifying systems that reduce food contamination during preparation and the chance of consumers experiencing foodborne illnesses. (The Clarion-Ledger)
The Skinny: E.Coli Alert; Barney Cam Dec 12, 2006
The federal and state regulations supposedly protecting the country from foodborne illnesses are a "patchwork" that "has become less effective as the nation's produce supply has grown increasingly industrial.". Consumer advocates are arguing for stricter federal standards and more enforcement will solve the problem, while the food service industry prefers self-regulation, "arguing that government rules can take years to put in place.". (CBS News)
Congressto focuson food safety Dec 12, 2006
Food poisoning is common in the United States with 76 million cases of foodborne illnesses reported annually, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (c) Reuters 2006. (MSNBC -- Health)
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)
