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    Monthly Archives July 2016

    New polymer coatings for food-contact surfaces resist microbes

    Posted in: food safety, Nutrition & Public Health, Science & Research on: July 25

    Special new coatings being investigated by researchers are more resistant to bacteria and other microbes than food-contact surfaces used today, according to a report on a recent symposium hosted by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). “Manufacturers already work diligently to keep their facilities clean, but we are creating materials that are even less likely... Continue Reading Read More

    Lead contamination spurs recall of water bottles from L.L. Bean

    Posted in: Government Agencies, Nutrition & Public Health, recall on: July 21

    Thousands of insulated water bottles designed for children and sold by L.L. Bean are under recall for lead content because the Chinese manufacturer used the wrong kind of solder material. About 6,700 of the recalled bottles were sold online, at retail stores and through the L.L. Bean catalog from July 2015 through May of this year,... Continue Reading Read More

    Two E. coli cases linked to livestock close Washington school

    Posted in: Cross Contamination, E. coli, Government Agencies, Stec on: July 21

    Two young Washington state girls are hospitalized with complications from E. coli infection and their school has been temporarily closed for cleaning. One of the girls has reportedly developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious kidney condition linked to E. coli infection. Health officials said the source of their exposure to Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) bacteria... Continue Reading Read More

    Criminal charges pending against Ontario raw milk advocates

    Posted in: Food Policy & Law on: July 19

    When provincial agricultural officials in Ontario raided raw milk advocate Michael Schmidt’s farm this past October, they were accompanied by local police. The raid turned into a standoff that ended only when a deal was reached that allowed some samples and computers to be removed, but dropped equipment seizures. After going through raids and trials... Continue Reading Read More

    Food Recall Warning (leaking cans) – Ocean’s brand Tuna

    Posted in: Other on: July 11

    Distribution – Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. Recalling firm - Ocean Brands.

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    People say they go to work, even when they shouldn’t

    Posted in: food safety, Food Safety Policy on: July 11

    Rae Ellen Bichell of NPR writes that a majority of working adults say they still go to work when they have a cold or the flu. There are some jobs where doing that can have a big effect on health. … Continue reading → Read More

    Food Recall Warning (E. coli) – Betty Crocker Super Moist brand Cake Mix Rainbow Bit

    Posted in: Uncategorized on: July 10

    Distribution - National. Recalling firm - General Mills Canada. Read More

    Raw is risky: Canada reports 1st case this year of illness linked to eating raw oysters

    Posted in: food safety, Other Microorganisms, Risk Communication, Seafood on: July 8

    CBC News reports British Columbia has recorded its first case this year of someone being sickened by eating raw oysters contaminated with Vibrio bacteria. The B.C. Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) said the illness was reported June 30 in the Vancouver … Continue reading → Read More

    How do you clean your knives?

    Posted in: food safety, Food Safety Policy, policy, restaurant inspection on: July 8

    Improperly cleaned and sanitized chef knives present a potential contamination risk and a source for foodborne illness. This study compared the efficacies of two cleaning methods (three-compartment manual dishwashing and sanitizer wiping) at removing food soils from contaminated chef knives. … Continue reading → Read More

    Health Canada proposes rules for veterinary drugs in livestock

    Posted in: Canada, food safety, Food Safety Policy, policy on: July 8

    John Cotter of Canadian Press reports the Canadian government is proposing new rules for veterinary drugs used in livestock as it works to reduce human health risks associated with resistance to antibiotics and other antimicrobials. Health Canada says the decreasing effectiveness of antimicrobials is … Continue reading → Read More