At least 167 residents around Casper, Wyo. have reported suffering from gastrointestinal illnesses in the past week, according to the Casper-Natrona County Health Department. The evidence points to a Norovirus contamination at a buffet-style Golden Corral restaurant in east Casper as the source, health department director Robert Harrington told Food Safety News. Thus far, none of… Continue Reading
This time last year, Minnesota public health officials found themselves in the path of a political tornado – a classic clash between government and religion. Thousands of church leaders and others around the state had been alerted that the state was imposing new health standards on church potlucks and bake sales – what became known… Continue Reading
Buffets. The word alone causes a smile to appear on my face. I can still recall with vivid clarity the new buffet restaurant that opened in my hometown when I was a young boy, and the bizarre obsession to experience it that overtook me and my friends. I pled with my parents–tears may have been… Continue Reading
Recently, while reviewing some documents, I found a Los Angeles Health Department 2005 ACDC Special Report captioned “Please Pass The Bacteria: An Outbreak of Clostridium Perfringens Associated With Catered Thanksgiving Meals”. I liked the title, and thought I would explore the subject of food safety risks associated with catered meals. Thanksgiving is now long past… Continue Reading
Have you been vaccinated against hepatitis A? It’s the time of year when candy, nuts, and other food becomes more prevalent on side-tables, in buffet-lines, and in office kitchens. Before you reach into the communal bowl of your favorite holiday treat, you may want to consider where the hands of the person who came… Continue Reading
Editor’s Note: This is the third installment in a ten-part series on meaningful foodborne illness outbreaks. After many outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7, usually associated with a recall of contaminated beef, Oklahoma woke up one morning to learn that another strain could also injure and kill. The largest outbreak of E coli O111 saw limited… Continue Reading