Food Safety


Salsa, Guacamole Linked to Foodborne Illness: CDC

"We want restaurants and anyone preparing fresh salsa and guacamole at home to be aware that these foods containing raw ingredients should be carefully prepared and refrigerated to help prevent illness," said Magdalena Kendall, an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) researcher who collaborated on the CDC study.

A new safety rule for large-scale egg producers went into effect July 9.

New Egg Safety Rule Goes Into Effect

Implementing the preventive measures will reduce the number of Salmonella Enteritidis infections from eggs by nearly 60 percent, FDA says.

USDA wants one member of the committee to be affiliated with a consumer group and to "serve as a representative member to provide a consumer viewpoint."

FSIS Trying to Fill Advisory Committee Vacancies

Nominations to fill 12 slots on the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods are being accepted until Aug. 9. Most members require scientific expertise in epidemiology, food technology, microbiology toxicology, chemistry, risk assessment, or infectious disease.

U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, M.D., MBA

Health Promotion Council Delivers First Report

As required, the council -- which includes Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, EPA's Lisa Jackson, the surgeon general, and six other government agency chiefs -- delivered its report and action plan on July 1.

FSIS to Push 'Voluntary' Food Defense Plans

A July letter from the USDA agency will ask establishments that did not have such a plan in place, according to a December 2009 survey, to adopt one.

Researchers found that reusable bags have a great potential for cross contamination.

No Paper, No Plastic? Potential Problem

A university study of reusable grocery bags found that 50 percent were contaminated with E. coli and other bacteria, and that a full 97 percent of the shoppers who use them had never washed, much less bleached, the totes.

Beef Plant Faces Fines for Repeat Amputation, Serious Ammonia Release Hazards

An inspection found that machine guarding was inadequate for dumpers or packing machines and that, in general, mechanical integrity throughout the plant’s refrigeration system was not sufficient to prevent equipment malfunctions.

Plaques and an American flag honor FSIS Compliance Officers Jean Hillery and Thomas Quadros, killed in the line of duty June 21, 2000.

FSIS Honors Three Slain a Decade Ago

Leaders of the Food Safety and Inspection Service will take part in two memorial services for the inspectors who were victims of a shocking crime. The owner of a Leandro, Calif., sausage factory who shot them was convicted of first-degree murder.



Lobster

NOAA, FDA Ramp Up Efforts to Ensure Safety of Gulf of Mexico Seafood

“Closing harvest waters that could be exposed to oil protects the public from potentially contaminated seafood because it keeps the product from entering the food supply,” said Dr. Jane Lubchenco, undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator.

FEMA Webinar to Focus on Protecting Nation's Food Supply

The broadcast will devote special attention to a Department of Homeland Security-sponsored course called "Food Vulnerability Assessment Training" intended to prevent and deter terrorist acts.

Food Technology Survey Finds Consumers Savor Biotechnology, Sustainability

Sixty-three percent of respondents said they agree with FDA's food labeling policy, which requires food products to be labeled when use of biotechnology substantially changes the food's nutritional content (such as vitamins or fat) or its composition, or when a potential food safety issue is identified.

Validation demonstrates whether the HACCP system will work in theory and whether it actually works when used.

HACCP Validation Meetings Start June 14

The Food Safety and Inspection Service will hold these meetings to explain to stakeholders what it expects under the validation guidance issued in March. Comments are due by June 19, five days after the first meeting in Washington, D.C.

Seafood Plant Penalized for Deficient Piping, Other Hazards

"Failing to inspect and test the ammonia piping system and take corrective action exposes workers to the possibility of an ammonia leak or similar severe or catastrophic incident," said Rosemarie Ohar, OSHA's area director for New Hampshire.

Building 23 has 16 stories, contains 730,000 square feet, and has been built at a total cost of $365,336,000.

CDC Cuts Ribbon on New Lab Tomorrow

The opening of Building 23 in Atlanta finishes the replacement of all outdated CDC biological laboratories, including the oldest laboratory buildings.

A company needs to accurately identify the quantity of product affected and all suspect ingredients, packaging materials, and associated products.

Recalls: Are You Prepared for the Worst?

Establishments should test their ability to make and execute a plan by carrying out periodic recall simulations. This allows personnel to become familiar with recall procedures.

ATA Reports Slight Increase in Truck Tonnage Index

According to the organization, trucking serves as a barometer of the U.S. economy, representing 68 percent of tonnage carried by all modes of domestic freight transportation, including manufactured and retail goods.

New Site Facilitates Glove Comparisons

The site by IRSST, a Montreal research agency seeking to prevent occupational injuries and illnesses, allows searches by glove model or hazard type.

Tortilla Factory Faces 25 Safety & Health Violations in Texas

OSHA issued citations for, among other things, failing to ensure workers were not exposed to noise levels at or above 85 decimals and to adequately protect employees from exposure to hazardous chemicals such as formaldehyde.

Sugar Cane Mill Cited for Laceration, Amputation Hazards

"This facility has been inspected previously and received citations for various workplace hazards," said Darlene Fossum, OSHA's area director in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. "Management cannot delay taking action any longer to improve its safety and health program in order to protect workers."

Coking Plant Cited for Respiratory, Industrial Hygiene, PPE Violations

Specifically, the facility failed to adequately train workers on respirator selection, use, storage, and maintenance; did not supply positive-pressure filtered air to all work cabs; did not label containers of coke-contaminated clothing; allowed food and beverages to be consumed in an area with visible accumulations of coke-oven emissions; and more, according to investigators.

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