History of Food Safety in the U.S. - Part 1

In the winter of 1924, oysters grown in polluted waters near Long Island, NY, caused an outbreak of typhoid fever from Salmonella Typhi that killed 150 people and sickened at least 1,500. To this day, it holds the record for the highest body count of any foodborne illness outbreak in U.S. history.

This week, Part 1 of 3 on the History of Food Safety in the U.S.

TTFN, Fred.

Quote of the week: "This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it." - Ralph Waldo Emerson (US essayist & poet, 1803 - 1882)

   History of Food Safety in the U.S. Part 1

Traceback Investigations

In the spring of 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began to hear from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health partners about cases of salmonellosis. The case count grew quickly. In the first week of April, 93 illnesses were reported. The next week there were 116, and a week later there were 139. By early May, the number of cases had nearly doubled. The final count: 425 people had been reported ill by the end of the outbreak. But by using traceback analysis, FDA was able to follow a trail of tuna shipments to its source, leading to the recall 58,000 pounds of frozen tuna and helping prevent additional illnesses.

This week, a look at traceback investigations.

TTFN, Fred.

Quote of the week: "Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night." - Edgar Allan Poe in the short story "Eleonora" (American author, poet, editor, and literary critic, 1809 - 1849)

   Traceback Investigations

Fist bumps are less germy than handshakes

Like it or not, our hands are in constant contact with all types of microbes. When we touch a doorknob, answer the phone, or get on the bus, our hands are bound to get full of germs. And if we can’t wash them immediately after or forgot our hand sanitizers, we will spread germs to other surfaces, including someone else.

This week, a look at what we can do to avoid contact with germy hands.

TTFN, Fred.

Quote of the week: "What's done cannot be undone." - William Shakespeare, Macbeth, Act V, sc. 1 (English poet, playwright and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language, 1564 - 1616)

   Fist Bumps Are Less Germy Than Handshakes

Vladimir Putin employs a full-time food taster to faithfully ensure his meals arent poisoned

A food taster?  Really?

This week, a look at, well, the title says it all.

TTFN, Fred,

Quote of the week: "Hell, there are no rules here-- we're trying to accomplish something." - Thomas A. Edison (US inventor, 1847 - 1931)

   Junk Science Vladimir Putin Employs a Full-time Food Taster to Faithfully Ensure His Meals Aren't Pois...

Why Most Americans Refrigerate Raw Shell Eggs and Europeans Often Don't

Any world traveler has probably noticed that in most countries outside of the US and Canada, eggs aren't stored under refrigeration. Whether you are wandering in an outdoor market, shopping in a grocery store or visiting a home, you will find eggs sitting on the counter, at room temperature.

This week, a look at refrigerating eggs (or not).

TTFN, Fred,

Quote of the week: "Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence." -  Robert Frost (US poet, 1874 - 1963)

   Why Most Americans Refrigerate Raw Shell Eggs and Europeans Often Dont

Chicken ABCs

Still worried because of Risky Food Safety Practices in Home Kitchens?  Never fear, the brains at UC Davis (Go Aggies!) have made it easier.

This week, a look at Chicken Always Be Careful (ABCs).

TTFN, Fred.

Quote of the week: "The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook." - William James (US Pragmatist philosopher & psychologist, 1842 - 1910)

   Chicken ABCs

Risky Food Safety Practices in Home Kitchens

While most consumers are very aware of food safety issues, including salmonella, and the risk of foodborne illness, many do not follow recommended food safety practices in preparing their own meals at home, according to new research from the University of California, Davis (Go Aggies!).

This week, a look at risky food safety practices in home kitchens.

TTFN, Fred,

Quote of the week: "God doesn't require us to succeed; he only requires that you try." - Mother Teresa (Indian (Albanian-born) humanitarian & missionary, 1910 - 1997)

   Risky Food Safety Practices in Home Kitchens