The release of a new study by Consumer Reports, which found that antibiotic-free turkey products have lower levels of drug resistance than conventional products, sparked a wide variety of reactions yesterday. Depending on who you ask, the study is either alarming or offers evidence that turkey has an amazing food safety record. The National Turkey… Continue Reading
Ground turkey from birds raised without antibiotics is less likely to be contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria than conventional ground turkey, according to a new study published by Consumer Reports today. The group tested 257 samples of raw ground turkey meat and patties, purchased from major retailers nationwide, for Enterococcus, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, and… Continue Reading
When Consumer Reports released the results of a study last week that found most pork was contaminated with Yersinia enterocolitica, the media and bloggers were abuzz with headlines like: “Almost 70 Percent of Pork In Stores Unsafe” (Forbes), “Widespread bacteria and drugs found in US pork samples” (Fox News), and “Consumer Reports analysis of US… Continue Reading
In a new study of raw pork chops and ground pork, Consumer Reports found 69 percent of samples were contaminated with Yersinia enterocolitica, according to a report published by the group today. A lesser-known foodborne pathogen, Yersinia enterocolitica can cause fever, abdominal pain and diarrhea, lasting one to three weeks, according to the Centers for… Continue Reading
In response to a recent Consumer Reports investigation on arsenic in rice, Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Nita Lowey (D-NY) introduced legislation that would to limit the amount of arsenic permitted in rice and rice-based products. In a release from the lawmakers, they said they were taking action because the investigation revealed… Continue Reading
Consumer Reports, the popular monthly product testing magazine, was awarded a $2 million grant by the Pew Charitable Trusts to study food safety, the New York Times reported Monday. According to the Times, the organization has already received a one million dollar installment. The magazine’s scientific staff will begin their first round of testing of… Continue Reading
Advocacy groups are ramping up their push to reduce antibiotics in meat production with a new consumer campaign and another lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Consumer Reports released a new poll Wednesday that found that 86 percent of consumers think meat raised without antibiotics should be available in their local grocery store…. Continue Reading
It seemed like fear-mongering in September when daytime TV star Dr. Mehmet Oz said some of the top-selling brands of apple juice were laced with high levels of arsenic, which indeed sounds very scary. Most news reports were skeptical when Oz suggested this presented an urgent public health risk, particularly to children, and the U.S…. Continue Reading
This month, the newly formed National School Safety Coalition convened by Consumer Reports, the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA), and the National School Boards Association (NSBA) launched “Click, Check and Protect,” a website that distributes safety alerts and recall notices on children’s products including toys, food, medicines, and furniture. Coalition partners include the U.S. Consumer… Continue Reading
Here, Trevor Suslow, Ph.D., shares his reaction to the recent Consumer Reports article Packaged Salad Can Contain High Levels of Bacteria. Suslow is a cooperative extension research specialist in postharvest quality and safety in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of California at Davis. Yes, once again this type of bacterial testing activity… Continue Reading
In the latest analysis of packaged leafy greens, Consumer Reports found that nearly 40 percent of samples tested contained bacteria consistent with poor sanitation and fecal contamination. Leafy greens have been under particular scrutiny since late 2009, when the Center for Science in the Public interest put them atop the 10 most dangerous foods regulated… Continue Reading