FOOD SAFETY CENTRAL

LISTERIA SOURCE BACK ONLINE

charles peterson — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:58:11 +0000

Maple Leaf Foods has reopened the Toronto plant that was responsible for the outbreak of listeria in Canada that took 17 lives and infected almost 50 people.

All of the machinery has been “deep cleaned” several times and has been inspected for any possible strains.

STORY BEHIND ONE SALMONELLA CASE

charles peterson — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:57:44 +0000

A Colorado family, the Grubbs, that is suing Wal-Mart over their failure to pull salmonella-contaminated jalapeno peppers off their shelves relates their ordeal in Lawyers and Settlements.

WARNING: DON’T EAT THAT CAR! — Autos rife with E. coli and salmonella

charles peterson — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:48:40 +0000

Your Beetle is full of bugs! According to British microbiologists, bacteria like E. coli and salmonella are all over the inside surfaces of cars.

Not to worry too much, they say, unless you have pets or children, who are more at risk. The scientists also warn that the amount of germs on the typical dashboard is equivalent to a toilet seat.

CHINESE INFANT FORMULA CAUSES KIDNEY DISEASE

charles peterson — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:45:18 +0000

Melamine-Tainted Infant Formula

Supposedly, Chinese-manufactured infant formula is not allowed in the United States because it doesn’t meet FDA standards. However, some specialty markets that serve the Asian community import it illegally. The FDA is warning consumers not to use it because it could be tainted with melamine, the same chemical that tainted pet food last year.

The FDA is asking state officials to help in the removal of all Chinese infant formula and to warn members of the Asian community not to use it.

A number of infants in China are suffering from kidney problems — and one has died – because melamine causes kidney diseases.

WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES IT BLACK? — Licorice recalled because of lead

charles peterson — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:38:46 +0000

Lucky Country, of Lincolnton, North Carolina, is recalling its black licorice products, distributed in 16 states. Tests performed by the California Department of Public Health and the FDA showed that the lead level in the licorice exceeded the allowable limits for candy.

The product, in 1.5-pound bags, is labeled “Lucky Country Aussie Style Soft Gourmet Licorice Black.”

CDC HEADS TO OK

charles peterson — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:22:59 +0000

As the number of new cases of E. coli has virtually halted, experts from Atlanta’s Centers for Disease Control are heading to northeast Oklahoma to determine the source of the bacteria that has claimed one life and sickened over 200 others.

Though they have not found any evidence of E. coli at the Country Cottage Restaurant, near Tulsa, officials still have not ruled it out as a source since many of the stricken ate there.

A HIGH PRICE TO PAY FOR CONVENIENCE — Ready-made salads present higher risk of food-borne illness

charles peterson — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:17:31 +0000

Though the chances are low to contract food-borne illnesses from prebagged salads, scientists in the UK are predicting an increase in food poisoning because consumers are increasingly preferring them.

Part of the problem is that the salads are often marked “pre-washed,” so consumers don’t think they need to wash them again — thoroughly.

ALFALFA DID IT — Source of Northwest salmonella discovered

charles peterson — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:46:13 +0000

Sprouters Northwest, of Kent, Washington, has recalled its alfalfa products, after they have been linked to 13 cases of salmonella poisoning in Washington and Oregon. The company was involved in a recall of alfalfa in 2004, too, after being linked to a salmonella outbreak, according to the FDA.

HERSHEY RECALLS TOPPING

charles peterson — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:32:05 +0000

The Hershey Company is voluntarily recalling its nationwide distribution of 7.25-ounce bottles of Hershey’s Chocolate Shell Topping, according to the FDA.

The toppings have almonds in them, which aren’t labeled. Even trace amounts of the nut could be fatal to individuals who are allergic to them. No illnesses have been reported to date, and the topping is completely safe to those without allergies.

SALMONELLA WARNINGS EXTENDED TO MORE CHEESES IN CANADA

charles peterson — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 19:54:04 +0000

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is expanding a warning on cheese products that could contain the same strain of salmonella that has infected almost a hundred citizens of Quebec and has killed one person.

The six additional cheeses are all manufactured by Fromages La Chaudiere , based in Quebec, and distributed solely in that province at Super C grocery stores.