Food safety has become an increasingly important governmental issue. FoodQualityNews.com posted notification of two public food safety meetings to be held soon in Washington, D.C. On March 10th, 2010, the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) will host an informational meeting on E. coli O157:H7 tracking. On March 30, 2010, several governmental agencies will be hosting another food safety meeting... [more]

According to the CDC’s Escherichia Coli General Information webpage, there are different forms of E. coli bacteria. Some are harmless, others can be potentially fatal. E. coli O157:H7 is a unique form of E. coli bacteria.  This form of E. coli is capable of generating Shiga toxin.  When the toxin are produced from E. coli bacteria, complications can result. The E. coli bacteria itself can cause... [more]

Parents love the convenience offered by bagged salads. Prepackaged leafy greens and vegetables provide a quick and easy alternative to making a salad the old-fashioned way. However, I became concerned when I read a recent report published on ConsumerReports.org. The title of the article, “Bagged Salads: How Clean?” says it all. Published in the March 2010 issue of Consumer Reports Magazine, the... [more]

Mentally, I have been planning a camping trip for several years now. Sleeping under the starry skies and hiking through some of the most pristine forests this country has to offer. I have looked at backpacks with lightweight frames, moleskin to prevent blisters, outdoor cooking equipment, and, of course, a coffee pot. One interesting thing that I have looked at are water treatment tablets. After researching... [more]

According to Food Safety Research Institutes’ webpage entitled “Pathogens and Contaminants: Escherichia coli O157:H7,”  five to fifteen percent of children, who contract Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome after a bout with E. coli, die. In the United States, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome is the most common cause of child-related renal failure. Additionally, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome results in less than... [more]

Recently, a series of articles hit the internet regarding antibiotic treatment of livestock and the creation of antibiotic resistant bacteria known as superbugs.  On February 9, 2010, a CBS News Investigative report by Katie Couric detailed utilization of antibiotics by commercial livestock producers. According to the report, antibiotics are sometimes used as a precauationary measure, even before... [more]

The National Kidney and Urological Disease Information Clearinghouse provides information related to various illnesses including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Their link gives an informative picture of HUS as the treatable yet sometimes fatal complication of E. coli food poisoning. E. coli foodborne illness leads to HUS when the E. coli bacteria enter the bloodstream and begin damaging red blood... [more]

Randolph Packing Co. Inc., an Asheboro, N.C. establishment, is recalling approximately 96,000 pounds of beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.  The products subject to recall include: Combo bin packages of “Randolph Packing Co., Inc. BONELESS BEEF.” Combo bin packages of... [more]

As the 2010 Winter Olympic Games come to a close, I must admit, it has been very exciting watching these competitions. Millions of people world-wide cheered as these athletes sought to fulfill a life-long dream of winning a gold medal. A fortunate few were able to visit Vancouver and watch the games in person. With people from all over the world descending on Vancouver, scientists prepared for these... [more]

The Wall Street Journal just published an article that notes the FDA has concluded that food poisoning is becoming more prevalent. According to the article, yearly over 75 million cases of foodborne illnesses are reported. Additionally, over 300,000 people each year are hospitalized for some type of food poisoning and 5,000 people die as a result of these illnesses. What is causing this increase in... [more]