In the wake of the tornadoes that devastated many Oklahoma communities this week, state health officials are reminding residents and rescue workers that food is more likely to be contaminated after a natural disaster, and should be handled safely. The Oklahoma State Health Department praised the recent outpouring of support for victims in the storms’ aftermaths, but cautioned that while many people are generously donating food, that food must also be served in a sanitary manner to avoid spreading foodborne illness. “Processes must be in place to ensure that products and services do not inadvertently harm or put at risk the very people who are impacted by the tornado or those assisting the families or those involved in clean-up efforts,” said OSHD on its website Wednesday. “One such area of concern is the availability of free food or food for sale for residents, responders and relief workers in the storm-damaged areas.” The health department advised food vendors to serve non-perishable items that do not need to be heated before consumption. It also recommended the following precautions for those preparing food in areas affected by the tornadoes:
Protect food from flying debris and insects by using screens in any open food areas.
Thaw frozen food properly prior to cooking, and cool food rapidly prior to storage.
Cook all food thoroughly, serve at correct temperature, and avoid cross-contamination.
Use clean utensils to handle cooked foods.
Wash your hands, dishes and utensils used for preparing and serving food, with water from a safe source.
OPDH also said environmental specialists are on hand at disaster sites to ensure the safety of food being served to the public.
The News Desk team at Food Safety News covers breaking developments, regulatory updates, recalls, and key topics shaping food safety today. These articles are produced collaboratively by our editorial staff.
Heath Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., again promised on Monday that The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030, will be released to the public in December.
If available by Christmas,
— OPINION —
By Sarah Sorscher
Last week, some of the biggest players in Big Food, including household names like Nestlé, Coca-Cola, General Mills, Hormel and PepsiCo, teamed up to launch
As November approaches, with the federal government shutdown now in its third week, suspension of food stamps for the hungry is becoming increasingly likely.
There was sufficient federal funding in
Consumer Reports is urging the FDA to establish strict limits on lead in protein powders and shakes in light of its new investigation that found troubling levels of toxic heavy
Several children have needed hospital treatment in Israel after consuming contaminated fruit puree.
According to the Ministry of Health’s epidemiological investigation, children were hospitalized after having "Prinok"
The Food and Drug Administration uses import alerts to enforce U.S. food safety regulations for food from foreign countries. The agency updates and modifies the alerts as needed.Recent
Fry Pie Factory has issued a recall of its 5-ounce pepperoni rolls because of misbranding involving undeclared milk, a known allergen, and a process deviation related to refrigeration.
The
Power Plate Meals LLC a West Fargo, ND, Cooperative Interstate Shipping establishment, is recalling 5,795 pounds of frozen meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes because of misbranding and an undeclared
