USDA is withdrawing its proposed framework to reduce Salmonella in poultry. In October 2022, that agency released the framework to reduce Salmonella infections linked to poultry. Food safety advocates were pleased to see this framework and were hopeful it would lead to fewer illnesses and deaths. In that announcement the USDA stated, “The Centers for … Read more
Minnesota PFAS fish consumption guidance has been updated by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). PFAS is per- and polyfluralkyl substances that are found in some waters in 10 Minnesota counties. In the Twin Cities area, the counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington counties are affected. In greater Minnesota, waters in Douglas, … Read more
Are you serving ham For Easter dinner? Learn these food safety tips from the USDA and have a happy and safe holiday. Did you know that hams can be ready to eat, fresh hams that must be cooked before eating, picnic hams, and country hams? Learn their storage times, cooking methods, and safety tips. It’s … Read more
Learn how to protect yourself in the wake of cuts to FDA, USDA, and CDC. Today we learned that many scientists and food safety experts have lost their jobs at those agencies. What does that mean to you and your family and how can you protect yourself? You have always been the final piece of … Read more
The CDC says that seven pathogens cause 9.9 million illnesses every year in the United States. This estimate is used to allocate resources and prioritize interventions. The seven pathogens are Campylobacter, Clostridium perfringens, invasive Listeria monocytogenes, norovirus, Salmonella, Toxoplasma gondii, and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). And those illnesses cause about 53,000 hospitalizations and 931 … Read more
Consumer Reports has tested baby formula for the heavy metals lead and arsenic and found some with concerning levels. The tested 41 types of powdered formula, looking at established formulas like Enamel and Similac, popular store brands, imported brands, and newer foods like Bobbie. About half of the samples had potentially harmful of at least … Read more
Brookvale Pines Raw Milk is being recalled for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination, according to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). A cow on the farm was diagnosed with a Listeria infection. The notice did not state whether or not any illness have been reported to date in connection with the consumption … Read more
Eight firms have been added to and FDA Import Alert for PFAS in clams. PFAS include chemicals that resist grease, oil, water, and heat. They were first used in the 1940s. Some PFAS are authorized by the FDA for limited use in food packaging, cookware, and food processing equipment. Accumulation of some PFAS does occur … Read more
Minnesota is starting to test raw cow milk for H5N1 bird flu, according to a press release from the Minnesota Department of of Agriculture (MDA). The testing will start beginning the week of February 24, 2025. This is intended to identify where the virus is present, to monitor trends, and prevent its spread to dairy … Read more
A possible hepatitis A exposure has been reported for anyone who ate at Rheta’s Market dining hall at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on certain dates. That hall serves about 4,000 students and staff. University of Wisconsin-Madison’s University Health Services (UHS) sent a notice to students and faculty on Friday, February 7, 2025. Health services identified … Read more