foodborne

Flour Safety: Don’t Let E. coli become the Secret Ingredient in your Cake.

2023-04-19T14:20:41+00:00

Earlier this month, we started to see information coming out about a foodborne illness outbreak from an unlikely source – flour. As of early-April, 12 people had fallen ill, and three people had been hospitalized as a result of flour contaminated with Salmonella. While the outbreak is still in its early stages, no individuals have died because of their illness. A specific source has not yet been identified in the outbreak, but all who have fallen ill have reported eating raw batter or dough due before developing symptoms – and flour has been identified as the only common ingredient in these batters and doughs.

Flour Safety: Don’t Let E. coli become the Secret Ingredient in your Cake.2023-04-19T14:20:41+00:00

Be Proactive and Don’t End Up in Food Safety Jail!

2023-04-12T15:26:18+00:00

Ok, I admit – there really is no food safety jail. But there is jail and, while it is uncommon, you can be sent there for not practicing food safety. Just the other day, I ran across a news report about two individuals in Wales who were sent to jail (albeit a suspended sentence) for “failing to take action to protect food from the risk of contamination; placing unsafe food on the market; failing to comply with a Remedial Action Notice and operating the business without approval after permission to supply seafood was suspended.”

Be Proactive and Don’t End Up in Food Safety Jail!2023-04-12T15:26:18+00:00

Was that last 24 Hour “Bug” You Had Really a Foodborne Illness in Disguise?

2023-04-12T15:22:54+00:00

Within this blog, I have discussed many foodborne pathogens: E. coli, Hepatitis, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Campylobacter.  But we’ve somehow managed to omit Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).

Was that last 24 Hour “Bug” You Had Really a Foodborne Illness in Disguise?2023-04-12T15:22:54+00:00

30 Years Later: The Foodborne Illness Outbreak that Changed Food Safety

2023-03-13T20:05:14+00:00

In January, we hit a major anniversary.  One I am betting snuck by many of you – including me! January marked 30 years since the deadly 1993 E. coli O157:H7 outbreak at Jack in the Box restaurants on the west coast. The anniversary wasn’t on any of the major news networks that I recall. It did make it into a few newspapers, at least one or two of the newspapers that are left.  It wasn’t until late-February that I realized it.

30 Years Later: The Foodborne Illness Outbreak that Changed Food Safety2023-03-13T20:05:14+00:00

During National Food Safety Education Month is it time for Your Food Safety Refresher?

2022-09-09T16:20:53+00:00

You see them in every restaurant and commercial foodservice operation across the United States. Framed and proudly displayed, often by the kitchen, the cashier, the kitchen entrance, or the service counter - just as they should be.  To what am I referring? The food safety certification certificates, of course!

During National Food Safety Education Month is it time for Your Food Safety Refresher?2022-09-09T16:20:53+00:00

Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes: Serious Threats to the Safety of Food

2021-08-04T08:03:24+00:00

Earlier in the month, I mentioned the top microbial enemies we all face in foodservice operations, E. coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes. While we discussed E. coli and Campylobacter, we did not get around to discussing Salmonella or Listeria monocytogenes.

Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes: Serious Threats to the Safety of Food2021-08-04T08:03:24+00:00

E. coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes…oh my!

2021-08-04T08:06:30+00:00

Last month, I blogged a bit about the human factor in food safety. In the foodservice management realm, I do think the human factor is our biggest challenge, day in, day out. While the human factor is a major contributor to most foodborne illness outbreaks, we can’t forget about the microbial enemy we face on a daily basis.

E. coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes…oh my!2021-08-04T08:06:30+00:00

The Human Factor and Food Safety

2021-08-04T08:08:58+00:00

A few weeks ago, we discussed the top five causes of foodborne illness, 1) Improper hot/cold holding temperatures of time and temperature control for safety foods; 2) Improper cooking temperatures of food; 3) Dirty and/or contaminated utensils and equipment; 4) Poor employee health and hygiene; and 5) Food from unsafe sources. As I noted, all of these items are not in the direct control of your staff, but most can be.  For the second blog this month, I wanted to discuss a bit more about the human factor in our food safety programs.

The Human Factor and Food Safety2021-08-04T08:08:58+00:00

Food Safety Considerations for the “New Way” of Dining, Part II – Back-of-house

2021-08-04T08:11:23+00:00

In our first blog this month, we discussed the importance of front-of-house practices as we emerge from the pandemic this summer and into fall.   Making your guests feel safe will be an important point as we welcome them back to our establishment.  The safer they feel, the more likely they are to revisit and this could, in turn, be a competitive advantage for your business.

Food Safety Considerations for the “New Way” of Dining, Part II – Back-of-house2021-08-04T08:11:23+00:00
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