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]

After reading the Washington Post yesterday online, I was disappointed to learn that the Basic Food Flavors of Las Vegas was aware of Salmonella contamination at its plant according to the Food and Drug Administration. It was made public that Basic Food Flavors knew about Salmonella contamination as early as January of this year, but failed to stop producing the flavor enhancing HVP (Hydrolyzed Vegetable... [more]

The fallout continues as additional companies are recalling their products for possible Salmonella contamination due to the recall of one ingredient used to make their products.  The tainted ingredient is Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP), manufactured by Basic Food Flavors, Inc., of Las Vegas, Nevada.  Below are three more company releases: Reser’s Fine Foods, Inc. of Beaverton, OR has... [more]

Whether it’s a Food Safety Inspection Service recall notice or an improvement in the safety evaluation techniques for the nation’s school lunch program, the government as well as producers are apparently beginning to realize the urgency associated with food safety. Foodborne illness outbreaks, whether they are associated with bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella or any other host of food poisoning... [more]

American Pecan Co. of Yancey, Texas, is recalling 1 lb. bags of Pecan Pieces, small, medium, and large sizes, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea... [more]

Heartland Foods, Inc. of Indianapolis is voluntarily recalling all sizes/containers of COARSE GROUND BLACK PEPPER shipped from their facility at 6815 E. 34th Street, Indianapolis IN. Potential distribution took place on or after October 19th, 2009 to February 17th, 2010. These products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections... [more]

Columbus, Ohio – T. Marzetti Company  announced as a precautionary measure that it is voluntarily recalling certain production codes of T. Marzetti Veggie Dips, Oak Lake Chip Dips and Great Value Chip Dips because an ingredient used in the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. There have been no reports of illnesses associated with the identified products, and no other types,... [more]

    Wholesome Spice of Brooklyn, NY, who has been mentioned the the Daniele International Salmonella Recall, is now recalling lots of Crushed Red Pepper.  Here’s the company’s release:     Wholesome Spice of Brooklyn, NY is recalling all lots of 25 lb boxes of Crushed Red Pepper sold between 4/6/09 and 1/20/10, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an... [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]

Viruses and bacteria can be found throughout our world: on table tops, in our bathroom sinks, and sometimes in the food we eat. E. coli, Salmonella, and Staph are some of the more common bacterial infections that can cause foodborne illnesses in humans. Hepatitis A and Calcivirus are two viruses that humans can contract from food. However, not all pathogens cause illnesses in humans. Some viruses only... [more]