Food companies that are voluntarily recalling a product usually use the language suggested by regulatory agencies that is then distributed electronically via the federal government websites. Recalls not connected to outbreaks almost always contain a
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January 2013
Without Fanfare, CDC Reports Sharp Decline in Foodborne Illnesses
Wouldn’t you think that a one-third decline in reported foodborne illnesses would be a cause of celebration at the agency responsible for educating us about unsafe food? Well, if not a celebration, at least a…
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FDA Announces Public Meeting on New FSMA Rules
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday announced it will hold a public meeting to focus on the new Food Safety Modernization Act draft rules that were recently released. The meeting will take place…
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Veal Recalled for Potential E. coli Contamination
A California company is recalling 1,260 pounds of veal trimmings because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. San Jose Veal of Santa Clara, CA issued a voluntary recall of the product Friday after…
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Whole Foods Expands 18-State Smoked Salmon Listeria Recall
Whole Foods Market is recalling an additional lot code (for a total of two lot codes) of Whole Catch Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon which were sold in stores in 18 states, because it may contain…
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FDA Reorganizes Veterinary Medicine to Combine with Office of Foods
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Monday in the Federal Register that the agency has reorganized the Foods and Veterinary Medicine (FVM) program. Under the reorganization, which was completed in October, the Office of…
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Leafy Greens, Dairy Top Foodborne Illness Causes at Turn of 21st Century
A review of eleven years of foodborne illness data has revealed that, between 1998 and 2008, leafy green vegetables and dairy sickened the greatest number of people, while poultry caused the most deaths. Government researchers…
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Food Safety Since Jack in the Box: Progress Made and Progress Still Needed
In 1993, 623 people in the western U.S. fell ill with a little-known bacteria called E. coli O157:H7. Ultimately, four children would die from their infections; many others suffered long-term medical complications. The bug was …
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Fresh Produce at Farmers Markets Exempt from New Food Safety Regs
For farmers who sell fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers markets, food safety will be business as usual, despite the federal Food and Drug Administration’s new proposed rules governing produce. “Business as usual,” because most…
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Farm Protection Is Not "Ag-Gag," Says Animal Ag Spokeswoman
The introductions of new bills in Arkansas and Indiana bring the number of states where legislatures will be considering measures about interference with livestock and poultry operations to five. A national spokeswoman for animal agriculture…
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