Food Safety


Agency Expects Faster E. coli O157:H7 Determinations

Genetic testing and a way to test more samples earlier are both being used, the agency said Tuesday.

FDA: Chinese Manufactured Infant Formula May Contain Melamine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a Health Information Advisory to consumers and health care professionals regarding milk-based infant formula manufactured in China.

Bam! Emeril, Other Foodie Stars Subject of Texas Tech Safety Study

The results weren't exactly savory: 118 positive food-safety measures and 460 poor food handling incidents. Among the most noticeable bad behaviors were not washing fruits, vegetables, and herbs properly, as well as a lack of hand washing in general.

FDA Posts Quarterly Report of Potential Drug Safety Issues

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has posted on its Web site its first quarterly report that lists certain drugs that are being evaluated for potential safety issues. The drugs have been identified based on a review of reports in FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS).

Report: Overuse of Pain Relievers May Create Bigger Headaches

"Instead of reaching for a pill when a headache comes on, people should consider alternatives," says Consumer Reports medical adviser Orly Avitzur, M.D. "Relaxation techniques, exercise, and acupuncture can all help ease headache pain. People who suffer from frequent or severe headaches should see their doctors."

DOL Announces Drug-Free Work Week is Oct. 20-26

The U.S. Department of Labor yesterday announced that this year's national Drug-Free Work Week will take place Oct. 20 through 26. The purpose of Drug-Free Work Week is to educate employers, employees, and the general public about the importance of being drug-free as an essential component of a safe and healthful workplace.

EPA Extends Comment Period for Soil Fumigant Safety Restrictions

In response to requests from groups representing manufacturers and users of the pesticides, the agency is extending the public comment period by an additional 45 days, closing on Oct. 30.

Food Safety Messages are Tailored to Generations X, Y

To bring food safety awareness to Generations X and Y and those who are employed in retail foodservices, Iowa State University Extension has turned to online video, with an eye toward making sure food safety messages reach all audiences.



Controlling Diacetyl Exposures

On Sept. 24, 2007, OSHA issued a Safety and Health Information Bulletin, Respiratory Disease Among Employees in Microwave Popcorn Processing Plants. The purpose was to inform employees and employers about the potential hazards of food flavorings containing diacetyl, recommend exposure controls to reduce exposures to food flavorings containing diacetyl, and inform employers of applicable mandatory OSHA standards.

145,000 Kenmore Brand Coffee Makers Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Sears, Roebuck and Co.; the great indoors; and Kmart Corp., of Hoffman Estates, Ill., have announced a voluntary recall of the Kenmore and Kenmore Elite Coffee Makers.

Former NIOSH Director Howard Takes an ILO Position

The International Labour Organization’s (ILO) SafeWork program today welcomed the acceptance by Dr John Howard, former director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, to serve as chair of the Steering Committee for the 5th edition of the ILO Encyclopaedia of Occupational Health and Safety.

FDA Urged to Require Labels for Irradiated Spinach, Lettuce

The director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest also called on Congress to ensure FDA has the authority and resources necessary to do its public health job.

Consumers Warned Not to Eat Certain Bantry Bay Seafoods Products

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers against eating certain frozen cooked mussel products made by Bantry Bay Seafoods, imported from Ireland, because they may be contaminated with azaspiracid toxins, a group of naturally occurring marine toxins known to cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

Hong Kong Tries Awards to Boost Food Service Safety

Cash prizes will be used to reduce accidents in this sector -- among the highest for all trades in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, its Labor Department reports.

Refrigeration Company Self-Discloses Ozone Violations, Gets Reduced Fine

Under the EPA's audit policy promoting self-disclosure, the agency may reduce certain penalties for violations that are voluntarily discovered, promptly disclosed, and quickly corrected, which is what happened in this case.

FDA Warning: Counterfeit Prescription Drugs Found at Two Pharmacies

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers who filled prescriptions at The Medicine Shoppe pharmacies in Baltimore that they may have received drugs that were either expired or suspected counterfeit.

FDA Approves Six 2008-2009 Flu Vaccines

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it changed all three strains for this year's influenza vaccine -- an unusual occurrence because usually only one or two strains are updated from year to year.

New Online Safety Social Network Seeks Traction

Workplace safety professionals who want the ability to interact with each other more than just once a year at trade shows and conferences now have a new resource.

Upcoming Safety Conferences: Chicagoland Safety & Health and SHARP/VVP

This year marks the 20th anniversary for the Chicagoland Safety & Health Conference, co-sponsored by the OSHA and slated for September 15-18 at Northern Illinois University, 1120 E. Diehl Road in Naperville.

FDA Announces Improved Transparency, Public Disclosure Policies

The Food and Drug Administration yesterday announced several improved policies and procedures strengthening its management of FDA advisory committees.

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