According to the San Diego Union Tribune, the Pew Charitable Trusts is conducting research regarding the correlation between food safety and environmental protection. This trust is a nonprofit organization which conducts research and surveys in order to better understand emerging policy issues, including food safety and the environment. Recently, the organization surveyed dozens of California farmers... [more]

As a result of a recall of Black Pepper by Mincing Overseas Spice Company and distributed by Dutch Valley Food Distributors due to the possibility of contamination 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, a product recall is being issued. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella... [more]

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]

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]

Listeria is a bacterial infection, which is particularly dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn children. A news article on MyFox8.com describes how a North Carolina pregnant woman, who battled this disease and almost lost both her life and that of her baby, is now lobbying for stronger governmental food safety regulations. The mother contracted Listeria from cheese and delivered her daughter... [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]

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]

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]