Get food safety emergency preparedness tips before a storm from the USDA. September is National Food Safety Education Month and emergency Preparedness Month. And with Hurricane Helene bearing down on the southeastern United States, it's time to get ready. For a chart about how to prepare, see Food Safety Before An Emergency. Knowing how to keep your food and water safe will minimize danger from spoiled food and reduce the risk of foodborne illness. It's a good idea to always be ready, but when a storm watch or warning is issued, start to prepare. First, fill empty spaces in your freezer with frozen plastic jugs of water or bags of ice. They can serve as fresh water as needed. And freeze items you don't need right away. Fill jugs with fresh water and fill your bathtub as well. … [Read more...]
FDA Says Skip Antibacterial Soap in Favor of Plain Soap
The FDA is advising consumers to skip antibacterial soap in favor of plain soap and water because those soaps are not better at preventing illnesses and could cause more harm than good. Many people believe the antibacterial soaps will do a better job at keeping their family safe and healthy. Antibacterial soaps will generally have the word "antibacterial" on the label. But the FDA states that there is no evidence that shows that over the counter antibacterial soaps are better at preventing illness than plain soap and water. Dr. Theresa M. Michele of the FDA said in a statement, "Following simple handwashing practices is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of many types of infection and illness at home, at school and elsewhere. We can’t advise this enough. It’s … [Read more...]
CFIA Informs Public About Safety of Imported Enoki Mushrooms
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is informing the public about the safety of imported enoki mushrooms and how to handle them to avoid illness. Several recalls of this type of mushroom have been issued in the past few years for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Most recipes call for cooking these mushrooms, but some use them raw. Enoki mushrooms are a common commodity in Asian and their market has extended into Canada in recent years. Most of the raw enoki mushrooms for sale in Canada are imported from Asia. When you choose to use enoki mushrooms, make sure they are in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. Never buy these types of mushrooms if they are not refrigerated. Then as soon as you get home, refrigerate them. Store them at 4°C (40°C) or … [Read more...]
FDA: Do Not Feed Some Lots of Darwin’s Natural Pet Food
The FDA is warning consumers to not feed some lots of Darwin's Natural Pet Food to their pets because of possible Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The FDA issued a similar warning about Darwin's Naturals for possible Salmonella contamination last August, and in October 2023, August 2022, and March 2019. This food is raw pet food. FDA samples of five Darwin's Natural Pet Products raw cat and dog food made by Arrow Reliance tested positive for Salmonella contamination. And a sixth FDA sample tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. This food is sold online through a subscription service. These products are sold in frozen 2 pound packages. They are lots of Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats and … [Read more...]
Increase in Illegal Sale of Raw Milk in Clark County, Nevada
The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is alerting people to the heath risks of drinking raw milk after an increase in the illegal sale of raw milk products in Clark County. The sale of raw milk and its products is illegal in Clark County becasue of serious health concerns. Raw milk can be contaminated with bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, Brucella, Campylobacter, and Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause serious health problems or even death. Children under the age of five, pregnant people, those over the age of 65, and people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and compromised immune systems are most susceptible to serious heath complications from these products. When public health officials find that raw milk was being sold, the milk is confiscated and discarded. … [Read more...]
Back to School Meal Prep to Keep Your Family Safe
Get great and easy back to school meal prep ideas and tips to keep your family safe from Foodsafety.gov, including how to pack safe lunches. It's not difficult; you just need to pay attention to certain steps. First of all, make a shopping list before you go to the store. Know which foods and recipes you'll be making for the week, then look in your pantry, fridge, and freezer to find out what ingredients you already have and what you'll need. When you are shopping, pick up perishable and frozen foods last so they stay cold longer. Separate raw meat and poultry products from veggies and fruit, putting them in bags to catch any raw juices. And make sure all of your food is in the fridge or freezer within two hours of checking out. When you start to prepare food, the first thing … [Read more...]
Possible Hepatitis A Exposure at Hana Koa Brewing in Honolulu
There has been a possible hepatitis A exposure at Hana Koa Brewing Company in Honolulu, Hawaii, according to the Hawaii Department of Health. That establishment is located at 962 Kawaiaha‘o Street in Honolulu. Anyone who consumed any food or drink products from that restaurant from August 3 through August 16, 2024 may have been exposed to the virus. Unfortunately, that is longer than the two week window in which hepatitis A vaccines are most effective. If you did eat or drink there during that time frame, contact your doctor to decide the best course of action for you. Hana Koa Brewing Company had no food safety violations that caused this case. The likelihood that patrons will contract this illness is very low, but the public still must be informed. The restaurant and … [Read more...]
FDA Finds More Ground Cinnamon Contaminated With Lead
The FDA has found more ground cinnamon contaminated with lead and is continuing to review sample results received from state partners. And that agency has collected the recalled ground cinnamon products in one place; bookmark this page and refer back to it whenever you need to buy cinnamon. State partners have been continuously sampling ground cinnamon from retail establishments for elevated lead levels. You can see the list of recalled products at the FDA web site. Please look at that list carefully. If you did buy any of those brands of cinnamon, do not eat them and do not use them in cooking. These products have a long shelf life, so check your home even if you have not purchased cinnamon lately. If you think that anyone your family has been exposed to lead through these … [Read more...]
Back to School Lunchbox Safety Tips From the USDA
Get back to school lunchbox safety tips from the USDA to keep your kids safe and healthy all year. The most important thing to remember is to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. You can accomplish this by using insulated soft-sided lunch bags, two cold sources, and insulated containers for hot foods. It is not safe to pack lunches in a paper bag. Remember the the danger zone is between 40°F and 140°F. Food should be colder or hotter than that range. In the danger zone, bacteria can double in food in 20 minutes. And pack a disposable wipe, or remind your child to wash their hands before eating. For cold lunches, use a soft sided lunch bag and include at least two cold sources. You can use two frozen gel backs that are at least 5 inches by 3 inches, or combine a frozen gel pack … [Read more...]
Stay Food Safe While Shopping at the Farmers Market
Learn how to stay food safe while shopping Farmers Markets with tips from the USDA. These markets are available seasonally and year round across the country. You can buy fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and beverages, as well as prepared foods in some states. The first tip is to watch the temperature. Perishable foods should be out of refrigeration no longer than two hours, and that time shrinks to one hour if the ambient air temperature is 90*F or higher. Bacteria can double in a food in 20 minutes when the food is not refrigerated. Look for vendors who display perishable items like soft cheeses and raw meats on ice, in a cooler, or with refrigeration. And if you intend to buy these foods, bring an insulated bag or cooler with cold sources such as gel packs, ice, or frozen … [Read more...]
