11 More Children Die From Swine Flu Nov 19, 2009
The officials stressed the finding does not threaten food safety. The samples were taken from pigs shown at the Minnesota State Fair between Aug. 26 and Sept. 1 as part of a university research project. (MEDLINEplus)
Pew Health Group statement on Senate mark up of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (S. 510) Nov 19, 2009
WASHINGTON Sandra Eskin, director of the Pew Health Group's Food Safety Campaign, today issued the following statement regarding the markup of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, ons Committee. "The Pew Health Group applauds the members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, ons (HELP) Committee for approving the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (S. 510) today. "We are pleased that the Committee took this significant step towards improving the safety... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Simply devilish (90) Nov 19, 2009
Thus the pre-emptive campaign by Livestock Care: beat the weenies at their ballot game and ask voters to permit Ohio to name its own farmers, veterinarians, scientists, consumers and food safety experts to use their best knowledge in making decisions affecting animal agriculture ... Ohioans want safe, affordable, locally grown food and the best way to assure this would be to keep the extremists whose agenda could lead to higher costs put food safety at risk (and) cause thousands of family farms... (Great Falls Prairie Star, MT)
Health Ministry defends fruit safety in Beijing Nov 18, 2009
"We have always paid close attention to food safety. It's not an issue that only governments are responsible for. Producers and sellers, such as supermarkets, should do more," Luo said. Greenpeace would issue an online notice in response to the ministry soon, said Luo. (Xinhuanet, China)
Hygiene threatens kangaroo meat industry Nov 18, 2009
THE kangaroo meat industry's failure to adhere to hygiene regulations is placing public health at risk, a former senior food safety bureaucrat says. Dangerous levels of salmonella and E.coli have been found in kangaroo meat destined for human consumption, backing up claims by a former NSW chief food inspector, Desmond Sibraa, that the industry is failing to adhere to the Australian standard which determines the conditions under which the animals are harvested, transported and stored. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Folic Acid Fortification Might Boost Cancer Risk Nov 18, 2009
"Public health and food safety authorities should take this into consideration.". In Norway, foods are not supplemented with folic acid, making it the ideal place to investigate whether or not the supplement increases the risk for cancer, Ebbing noted. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Biotech crops cause big jump in pesticide use: report Nov 17, 2009
The report was released by nonprofits The Organic Center (TOC), the Union for Concerned Scientists (UCS) and the Center for Food Safety (CFS) ... "This report confirms what we've been saying for years," said Bill Freese, science policy analyst for the Center for Food Safety. (Scientific American)
New Polls, Reports Highlight The Need To Update The US Food Safety System Nov 17, 2009
17, 2009) The U. S. Senate currently has an historic opportunity to take a major step toward improving food safety for all Americans ... Multiple outbreaks of foodborne illness over the last several years -- from spinach to peppers to peanut butter products -- have demonstrated that these outbreaks are not random, unpreventable occurrences, but are due to widespread problems with food safety oversight in the United States ... This summer the U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of a... (Science Daily)
Schools in the dark about tainted lunches Nov 17, 2009
"If it had been something where people were hospitalized, where there were deaths, obviously we may have treated this situation very differently," says Roberta Wagner, head of compliance for the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition ... "It's not part of the public discourse until you see people dying," says DeLauro, a longtime food safety advocate ... Chartwells also has staff who track food safety issues. (USA Today)
Eek! Rats giving RI Statehouse staffers a scare Nov 17, 2009
Health inspectors have repeatedly cited a food contractor at Lucas Oil Stadium for critical food safety violations, including mouse droppings and dead mice in kitchen areas. Ed Culver of the Marion County Health Department said inspections at the stadium resulted in 42 citations and $3,900 in fines. (Fresno Bee)
Facts for Families: Roasting the Thanksgiving turkey -- as easy as 1, 2, 3! Nov 17, 2009
It is highly recommended for food safety purposes that the stuffing/dressing be cooked in a separate baking pan ... Remember the food safety rules of thumb Keep hot foods hot (above 140 degrees) and cold foods cold (below 40 degrees) and never leave protein foods (this also includes the pumpkin pie) at room temperature for more than two hours. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Amish Voice Their Concern; Echoes Others (15) Nov 16, 2009
Most food safety issues occur AFTER that, during processing. There are already disease tracking protocosl in place, and they work just fine. (Agri-View, WI)
ISU Extension to offer training for local meat producers and buyers (21) Nov 16, 2009
Introduction of the ISU Beef and Pork Whole Animal Buying Guide, working with small meat processors, storing meat, and cooking and food safety tips. Jackson will also discuss marketing claims like grass-fed, natural, organic, corn-fed, certified humane, free-range, and pasture raised. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
* Letting the public have its say on policies Nov 16, 2009
Even the most fundamental food safety regulations were compromised. In the end, Yaung cited a set of administrative control measures to gloss over the dissatisfaction of 80 percent of the public. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
* Legislature faces heat to restrict US beef imports Nov 16, 2009
The Presidential Office and Executive Yuan would continue to negotiate with the legislature on proposed revisions to the food safety laws, Wang said. We will amend the law in a way that will protect public health and not violate our international obligation, Wang said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Roundup Ready Alfalfa: Appeal Made to Supreme Court (2) Nov 15, 2009
A federal lawsuit was filed in early 2006 by the Center for Food Safety (), headquartered in Washington, D.C. with a West Coast office in San Francisco ... The anti-genetic-engineering organization cited failure to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) by USDA. The Center for Food Safety claims more than 85,000 members saying no to industrial agriculture and yes to True Food ... The Center for Food Safety (CFS) hail the halting of Roundup Ready alfalfa as the first time in history a... (Agri-View, WI)
Tech Trade Deficit With China Swells While Europe Gains Nov 15, 2009
Demand for Waters' analytical tools in China picked up after a food safety crisis erupted in early 2007, says Gene Cassis, vice president of worldwide business development. Scientific tools like those made by Waters are one of the few areas where the U.S. still holds a tech trade surplus with China. (Investors Business Daily)
* DPP lawmakers protest revisions to food safety act Nov 14, 2009
DPP lawmakers protest revisions to food safety act. By Flora Wang STAFF REPORTER, WITH CNA Saturday, Nov 14, 2009, Page 3. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Oyster fans force FDA to back off ban on sales from Gulf of Mexico Nov 14, 2009
Oyster fans force FDA to back off seasonal ban - Food safety- msnbc ... MORE FROM FOOD SAFETY ... Food Safety Section Front. (MSNBC -- Health)
Food-Borne Ills Can Have Lasting Consequences Nov 14, 2009
Sandra Eskin, director of the Food Safety Program at the nonprofit Pew Health Group, said she hopes the report will prompt action on legislation pending in Congress to reform food safety in the United States. "We started 2009 with a major food-borne illness outbreak linked to peanut butter and peanut butter products. It ultimately resulted in nine deaths and sickened more than 700 people in 46 states," Eskin said. (MEDLINEplus)
Centerplate and the Capital Improvement Board Investigating Food Safety Violations at Lucas Oil Stadium to Ensure Highest Standards Achieved and Operational Excellence Nov 13, 2009
INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Centerplate, the hospitality partner to North America's premier convention centers and sports stadiums, announced today with the Capital Improvement Board (CIB) that its currently undergoing a comprehensive investigation of Lucas Oil Stadium to immediately address all known food safety violations, ensuring that the facility operates as a model of operational excellence and exceeds all Health Department guidelines ... "We are deeply committed to meeting the... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Switzerland sponsors accreditation of food testing labs Nov 13, 2009
The laboratories will assist Ghanaian exporters to ensure food safety, timely detection of pesticide residue in local and exported food and reduced cost of testing in destination countries. Furthermore Ghanaian exports will enjoy more acceptance because data generated by the accredited laboratories are internationally recognized and finally the exports will enjoy consumer confidence. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
SPECIAL REPORT: Welcome to the Clone Farm Nov 13, 2009
"The largest study looked at milk from only 15 cows. Only one study used standard methods of toxicology, and that study looked at the effects of feeding 20 rats products from clones for 14 weeks," said Jaydee Hanson, policy analyst at the Center for Food Safety, a nonprofit advocacy and research group. "We don't think that cloning is a technology that's ready yet, and we certainly don't think it's ready to be on your plate.". (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Tainted Food Surprisingly Deadly in Adults: WHO Nov 13, 2009
"It is a picture that we have never had before," WHO Food Safety Director Jorgen Schlundt said in an interview ... Food safety experts are now seeking to measure the burden of such afflictions in people over the age of five in the Arab world, Latin America and elsewhere in Asia including China ... Health authorities in developed countries are now much more able to document food safety risks because of tests that can quickly connect disparate cases of illness to tainted foods such as lettuce,... (MEDLINEplus)
Teens less likely to wash hands when cooking, more likely to cross-contaminate raw food than adults Nov 12, 2009
"While half of the adults we observed washed their hands after touching raw chicken, none of the adolescents did," said Casey Jacob, a food safety research assistant at K-State ... Food safety isn't simple, and instructions for safe handling of frozen chicken entrees or strips are rarely followed by consumers despite their best intentions, said Doug Powell, K-State associate professor of food safety who led the study ... Beyond the discrepancy between adult and adolescent food safety practices,... (EurekAlert!)
Deal with Safeway a boon for Hanford firm Nov 12, 2009
For nine years, the people at Hanford-based Global Food Technologies Inc. have been seeking the mother lode with a process -- trademarked iPura -- that uses an organic wash, pressure and temperature to improve seafood safety and taste ... Illustrating how events outside of a company's control can affect its prospects: There is increasing government and consumer concern about food safety, and foreign seafood, in particular. (Fresno Bee)
Europe rejects GE corn but Australia has 'no concerns' Nov 12, 2009
Monsanto has pulled its commercial development application for high lysine LY038 corn, originally intended only as feed for animals, after the European Food Safety Authority questioned the safety studies already conducted by the company and used by Food Standards Australia New Zealand to approve the GE corn in 2006 ... This violates both international food safety testing guidelines and European rules,'' he said ... The European Food Safety Authority didn't. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
WHO Expects Donated Vaccine Shipments Through May Nov 11, 2009
No food safety issues have been identified, related to the flu. Preliminary investigations have determined that none of the people infected with the flu had contact with hogs. (KWTX.com, TX)
* DPP denies telling US it is using beef as political tool Nov 11, 2009
The beef issue] is closely linked to food safety and as Taiwans largest opposition party, the DPP is obligated to safeguard the countrys public health, she said. DPP Legislator Ker Chien-ming (_) accused the KMT of engaging in a smear campaign and said that it was using the beef issue as a smoke screen to evade its promise to pass the proposed amendment on the Act Governing Food Sanitation (~zk). (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
New strain of mad cow disease not tied to feed Nov 11, 2009
Caroline Smith DeWaal, food safety director at the Center for Science in the Public Interest in Washington, D.C., says it's too early to say if this new strain is spontaneous. "But it does mean that ensuring that high-risk cattle material stays out of both human and animal cattle feed is essential," she says. (Yahoo News -- Mad Cow Disease)
3 Years After E. Coli Outbreak, Is Spinach Safer? Nov 11, 2009
"We have to do better," FDA commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg told "Good Morning America." "The food safety programs at FDA have been woefully underfunded for years. There are serious gaps, and we can do better." ... Earthbound learned a hard lesson, Daniels said: The salad maker was forced to overhaul its food safety program. (ABC News)
Be safe while dining out Nov 11, 2009
Of course the restaurant industry is all for reducing these numbers and has stepped up efforts to train employees in food safety ... Al lthis food safety talk has me hankering for a little sushi, Eggs Benedict, and a plate full of Komomoto and Hog Island oysters and a tall glass of champagne. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
* US beef arriving in a week's time: official Nov 11, 2009
Bureau of Food Safety Director Lin Hsueh-jung (LT) said US beef exporters should submit three certificates X QAS, beef safety and quarantine certificates X when shipping their products to Taiwan. Once the products arrive at Taiwans ports of entry, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection and the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine will conduct random checks, with 5 percent of the shipments expected to undergo inspections before being allowed entry into... (Taipei Times, Taiwan)
* US beef ban could cost Taiwan its credibility Nov 11, 2009
It is generally accepted that tight regulations on US beef imports would have to change after Taiwan joined the WTO. The controversy is no longer a matter of food safety or communicating with the public X it is now about nationalist sentiment in the face of WTO negotiations. Japan and South Korea are cases in point. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
E. coli risk in school lunches sparks probe Nov 10, 2009
MORE FROM FOOD SAFETY ... Food Safety Section Front ... Add Food Safety headlines to your news reader. (MSNBC -- Health)
City of Lodi staff looking into possibility of limiting number of taco trucks (603) Nov 10, 2009
foodwriter99 wrote on Nov 9, 2009 8:12 PM:" Here comes an unpopular opinion. The presence of even one truck contributes to urban blight in our community. Why are we so willing to allow these eyesores to perpetually leak fluids, draw flies and bad odors and perpetuate loitering in our neighborhoods. Keeping it real, these trucks are ugly and unappealing and do not improve our community. Restaurateurs have to spend countless thousands of dollars on their image and curb appeal, when right across... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Market Forecaster Nov 10, 2009
USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service said Thursday it will not certify U.S. beef for shipment to Taiwan until that country clarifies what products it will accept under a new protocol that took effect Nov. 2. In an update to its export requirements, FSIS said it would certify boneless beef derived from cattle slaughtered on or before Nov. 1; under the old protocol, Taiwan accepted only boneless beef from cattle younger than 30 months of age. (Midwest Bulls Eye, NE)
* US export group denies beef ban Nov 10, 2009
Bureau of Food Safety Director Lin Sheue-rong (LT) said the DOH had not received any complaints from the US about the matter. ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY JIMMY CHUANG This story has been viewed 483 times. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Lawsuit charges contaminated meat caused illnesses Nov 10, 2009
The suit, which was filed Nov. 4 by the Seattle law firm of Marler Clark L.L.P., which specializes in food safety litigation, states that the defendants negligent acts and omissions have caused the plaintiffs physical injury, emotional distress, reasonable fear of injuries and harm and related general and special damages ... According to Schafter, Fairbank Farms has been a pioneer in food safety and is working closely with USDA officials. (Marshfield Mariner, MA)
Daily guide to television and radio Nov 10, 2009
Also: Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood perform in Nashville; Dr. Richard Besser continues his series on food safety. Today at 7 a.m. on Chs. (Boston Globe)
Better restaurant inspections lead to fewer repeat offenses Nov 9, 2009
Nine months ago, the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department instituted a "cultural shift" in the way it inspects food establishments by encouraging inspectors to spend more time at restaurants to educate employees about food safety ... The focus on "quality over quantity" of inspections comes at a time when administrators are looking for ways to manage their department more efficiently while increasing food safety ... "Food safety is our Number 1 priority," said David Ludwig, manager... (AZCentral -- News)
Hold the beef, pass the tests Nov 9, 2009
Food safety regulations need to reflect today's needs, and modern science. To comment: tuletters@timesunion. (Albany Times Union)
Farmer raises turkey for holiday bounty Nov 8, 2009
But before the bird is consumed and the tryptophan sets in, turkeys have to be raised to market weight, and one Somerset County farmer said, raising turkey can be a tough task (Somerset Daily American, PA)
British scientists challenge government Nov 7, 2009
Alan Boobis, a professor of toxicology who advises the government on food safety issues, said the statement is an attempt to remind the government that, whatever its ultimate position, it should not try to fudge the facts. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Environment)
The cost of not enacting health care reform Nov 7, 2009
Government economists use this methodology to help determine whether the cost of new government regulation (stricter pollution controls, for example, or food safety rules) is worth the value of lives saved. Insurance companies also use this approach to help estimate compensation levels for wrongful death. (Boston Globe)
Ghana Veterinary Medical Association holds annual meeting Nov 7, 2009
He said the veterinary profession was undergoing rapid changes and challenges to meet the demand of society in the field of food security, food safety, public health and animal welfare, and urged the doctors to update their knowledge so that they can reduce the emerging transfer of diseases from animal to humans. Dr. Sugri said with the establishment of the two new veterinary schools at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and the University of Ghana, Legon, more veterinary... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Six Things You Need To Know About Contaminated Food Nov 7, 2009
If I become a vegan, I'll never have to worry about food safety again, right ... According to food safety experts, a "" can cut down on microbacteria by as much as 90 percentthe remaining decile of disease is lodged in grooves on the produce's surface or attached to it by. (Slate)
FFA working to fill wagon for food pantry Nov 7, 2009
Among the more pressing issues are the importance of food safety in both the local and global economies, the role science and technology is playing in increasing food production, and the need to double current food production in order to feed the world population, which is anticipated to hit nine billion by the year 2050. The mission of FFA is make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success, Webb says. (Keyser Mineral Daily News Tribune, WV)
Giant Food Stores updates beef recall list Nov 6, 2009
Giant said Fairbank Farms, a supplier of ground beef to Giant Food Stores, has recalled fresh ground beef products that have been contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, according to the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service. Products with sell-by dates of Sept. 19 through Oct. 5, 2009 are affected. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Salmonella Victims Upset No Prosecutions Yet Nov 6, 2009
Federal prosecutions in food-illness outbreaks are rare, but food safety experts and legal analysts say the salmonella investigation seemed as cut-and-dry as any case ... Food safety prosecutions typically lead to fines against companies rather than prison time, and experts and attorneys sensed criminal charges could be imminent in the salmonella case. (ABC News -- Wire)
Warcraft game falls into war of gov't departments Nov 5, 2009
Shi Jie, a lawyer in Beijing told Xinhua Wednesday that more than ten government departments including the agricultural, industrial, commercial, health and quality inspection departments, had their own different regulations on food safety, which made supervision on the issue very hard. "They fight for regulating powers with each other, but many tend to shrug off responsibilities when food safety accidents occur," said Shi, who is also a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's... (Xinhuanet, China)
App to find nearest toilet? Data flood unleashed Nov 5, 2009
Separately, earlier this year a developer , FoodWatch NSW, which tells users if a nearby restaurant has been fined for breach of food safety standards. The app uses data from the NSW Food Authority's website. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Technology)
Sparks stops sale of imported fish to Ala. Nov 5, 2009
(L-R): Food Safety Director Lance Hester, Sparks, and Joe Basile, Chemist III with the Dept.'s Food Lab. Latest Health News. (WSJA.com, AL)
E. Coli Concern: Would You Eat Once-Tainted Meat? Nov 5, 2009
"If the establishment finds a positive ground beef sample, they can implement steps to ensure the meat is safe to eat through proper cooking, and [the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service] inspection program personnel verify that steps are taken to ensure that the meat is safe," he said. "These steps would include delivering a full lethality treatment to positive product, and verifying, as a critical control point, that this lethality is met. The product is then safe to eat.". (ABC News)
China calls for mutual trust, deeper co-op food safty issue Nov 5, 2009
China's quality watchdog called for mutual trust and deeper cooperation between nations concerning the food safety issue at an international meeting held Wednesday in Beijing. Speaking at the annual China International Food Safety & Quality Meeting, Wang Yong, director of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (GAQSIQ), said food safety is a difficult issue faced by all nations and that the food safety situation is severe around the world ... He said food... (People's Daily Online, China)
Soap vs. Hand Sanitizer: Which Kill... Nov 5, 2009
The Food Safety Network s fact sheet, What are hand sanitizers. (University of Guelph, 2003) reports that ethanol is more efficient at killing viruses than isopropanol. (Suite101.com)
* DPP pans Ma over failed trade promises Nov 5, 2009
The four agreements included the opening of the three links X direct air, sea transport and postal services X plus an agreement on food safety. Tsai said under the agreements, the government promised to seek compensation from Beijing on behalf of 12 Taiwanese firms for the damage caused by imports of melamine-tainted milk products from China last year. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Farm support worthy idea Nov 4, 2009
At the same time, concerns over food safety, a yen for local food and growing interest in sustainable agriculture have led to exciting new ventures nationwide from truck farms that make extra cash with pumpkin patches, to food-sharing cooperatives in which consumers invest in a farm's output. If local governments can deter development by helping farmers hold onto their land, they ought to consider any reasonable proposal. (Herald Online, SC -- Opinion)
2 dead, 28 sick in E. coli outbreak Nov 4, 2009
The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service advised consumers to safely prepare raw meat products, whether they are fresh or frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. The only way to be sure ground beef is cooked to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer to measure the internal temperature, the FSIS said. (CNN -- US)
Big scramble to get all 2010's eggs in one basket Nov 4, 2009
It also means that food safety standards need to be strictly adhered to, so that a boom does not turn out to be a bust. DuPont has warned that South Africa needs to have proper systems in place to test food quickly and accurately as the cost for producers of recalling a product and losing production time can be high. (Business Report, South Africa)
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,571049,00.html?loomia_ow=t0:s0:a4:g4:r5:c0.000000:b0:z5 Nov 4, 2009
Located in the southwestern corner of New York a few miles from the Pennsylvania line, Fairbank Farms has had two other voluntary recalls over the last two years, according to the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service. In September 2007, the company recalled 884 pounds of ground beef products because they may have been contaminated with E. coli, the agency said. (Fox News)
Bayer Blamed at Trial for Missouri Crops `Contaminated' by Modified Rice Nov 4, 2009
The Bayer unit said biotech rice, called LibertyLink, posed no food safety issues. Ferguson disputed claims that U.S. rice growers are still suffering financially from the release of Bayers LibertyLink rice, arguing that crop prices have since recovered and exceeded pre-contamination levels. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
Premier to roll out aid plans for Africa's growth Nov 3, 2009
"We will further push China-Africa cooperation forward in various fields such as agriculture, food safety, infrastructure construction, trade, investment and healthcare.". The premier is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh on Nov 8. (Xinhuanet, China)
Local Grocery Stores Pull Ground Beef from Shelves Nov 3, 2009
Congress has begun hearings on food safety, including more stringent inspections and a bigger role for the food and drug administration, but as shoppers ask if the beef they're buying is safe, they're starting to ask when they can see some action. "I hope that better legislation is passed," said Johnson. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Healthy eating tips Nov 3, 2009
Of course the restaurant industry is all for reducing these numbers and has stepped up efforts to train employees in food safety. And with government sanitation inspection scores on display for customers to see, its good business to get good grades, I wouldnt eat anywhere with a sanitation score lower than an. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
