An appeals court in Ontario, Canada is reviewing the 2009 conviction of two men for “serving food unfit for human consumption.” A central question on appeal is the incubation period for E. coli O157:H7 infections–in
Continue Reading Legal Battle Centers on E. coli Incubation Time
The Legal Implications of Secondary Infections
When contaminated food is placed into the stream of commerce, it is not only those who consume the food who will become injured. For every serving of lettuce or ground beef contaminated with E. coli
Continue Reading The Legal Implications of Secondary Infections
Let Grilling Season Begin!
Memorial Day will soon be here. Where I grew up, this meant greeting the sunshine and warm weather with the first barbecue of the season. Here in Seattle, we still pull out the grill, but
Keeping School Lunches Safe and Healthful
A senate panel last week unanimously approved the “Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010,” clearing it for a final vote. The legislation is a re-vamping of the Child Nutrition Act, originally passed in 1966. Portions
National Kidney Month Kicks Off
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), which makes up part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has issued a press release recognizing World Kidney Day on March 11. The
‘Traceability’ Not Just a Good Idea, It’s the Law
With the U.S. Congress back in session, there is hope that work on food safety legislation will soon pick up steam. One of the issues that will be part of that discussion is “traceability.” In
Continue Reading ‘Traceability’ Not Just a Good Idea, It’s the Law
Animal Exhibitors Should Heed CDC Guidelines
It’s time to add another entry on the list of outbreaks of bacterial pathogens linked to petting zoos and animal exhibits. The Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment announced that an outbreak of
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Problems With School Food Suppliers Not New
USA Today recently reported on the remarkable story of repeated outbreaks of illness in school children associated with Del Rey flour tortillas. Despite repeated problems, neither the company nor health officials took steps to remove
Continue Reading Problems With School Food Suppliers Not New
High Fructose Corn Syrup – 'Natural' or Not?
So, let’s say I was making you dinner, and in preparing one of the ingredients was “fixed to a column by the use of a synthetic fixing agent, glutaraldehyde.” Even if I told you that
Continue Reading High Fructose Corn Syrup – 'Natural' or Not?
Putting the Spotlight on Healthcare Food Service
I know you already knew this, but it’s National Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week.
All sarcasm aside, the importance of safe food handling practices for healthcare workers is likely underrated. While safe food is important
Continue Reading Putting the Spotlight on Healthcare Food Service