Food Safety

TECH FLASH

GAO recommends USDA strengthen food safety standards for Salmonella, Campylobacter contamination in poultry

The government agency provides four specific recommendations to ensure the safety of chicken and turkey products

Jeremy Gerrard

October 28, 2014

Salmonella and Campylobacter contamination in food causes more than 2 million human illnesses per year.

TECH FLASH

Beware the (warm) water

A University of Florida study of bottled water indicates the liquid is not safe if left in a warm place for an extended period of time

Jeremy Gerrard

October 28, 2014

Researchers studied chemicals released in 16 brands of bottled water kept at 158°F for four weeks to examine levels of BPA and antimony.

Food Safety

FSMA HARPC Update

While it may not seem like much is happening, a lot of work is going on behind the scenes to keep FSMA on track.

Wayne Labs

October 7, 2014

If you’re in the seafood or juice industry, each of which fall under HACCP rules, FSMA’s HARPC (Hazard Analysis and Risk-based Preventive Controls) doesn’t apply to your business—and probably won’t in the future.

Food Safety

HARPC: Will it be that different?

Is there a way processors can ensure food safety management systems will meet the final FSMA regulations? There is no guarantee, but some programs will increase your odds.

Richard F. Stier

October 7, 2014

FDA is getting closer to finalizing the regulations for the enforcement of the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010 (FSMA).

TECH FLASH

FDA revises four proposed FSMA rules

When finalized, the rules will implement portions of FSMA to help prevent foodborne illness

Jeremy Gerrard

September 29, 2014

The revisions seek to be more flexible, practical and targeted.

TECH FLASH

Antibiotic resistance a priority for the nation and food industry

US officials say the rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria has become a threat to public health and the economy

Jeremy Gerrard

September 29, 2014

President Barack Obama says fighting the bacteria will require a strategic, coordinated and sustained effort.

Food Safety

Make a commitment to educate your workforce

By properly educating staff and providing adequate resources to do this, a company protects its workforce, reputation, resources and itself.

Richard F. Stier

September 4, 2014

Everybody knows Murphy’s Law: Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.

Field Reports

Food safety and quality keep processor ahead of its competition

New processing/forming equipment is not only built for performance, it has food safety designed into every unit.

September 4, 2014

A family-owned business, JTM Food Group started more than 40 years ago in the retail meat industry and prides itself on working closely with customers to develop ideas for custom food products sold to schools, restaurants, healthcare groups, convenience stores and retail grocery stores.

TECH FLASH

Improving social media’s role in food safety

North Carolina State University researchers have developed guidelines for using social media to communicate effectively in the interest of public health

Jeremy Gerrard

August 25, 2014

To be successful, health information providers must meet the needs of online audiences.

TECH FLASH

Canada begins new beef labeling requirements

Beginning Aug. 21, all MTB products sold in Canada must clearly bear a label reading “mechanically tenderized” and include instructions for safe cooking

Jeremy Gerrard

August 25, 2014

The results of a risk assessment test focusing on E. coli showed a five-fold increase in risk from mechanically tenderized beef products when compared to intact cuts of beef.