Arsenic in rice and rice products is low

On September 6, 2013, FDA released the analytical results of approximately 1,100 new samples of rice and rice products as part of a major effort to understand and manage possible arsenic-related risks associated with the consumption of these foods in the U.S. marketplace. – The levels FDA found in its testing are too low to cause immediate or short-term adverse health effects. FDA’s work going forward will center on long-term risk and ways to manage it with a focus on long-term exposure.

New US food safety standards for foodborne illness prevention and produce safety

FDA proposes new food safety standards for foodborne illness prevention and produce safety — The FDA encourages Americans to review and comment on these important proposed rules – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration proposed two new food safety rules that will help prevent foodborne illness. The proposed rules implement the landmark, bipartisan FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and are available for public comment for the next 120 days.

Hurricane Sandy and food storage and food safety

Hurricane Sandy and Power Outage — Food Storage And Food Safety Tips For Hurricane Preparedness — What To Do And When To Do It – Hurricane Sandy is already making an impact on the North Eastern coast, and being prepared for a storm as large as this is crucial. Hurricane Sandy could bring wind, flooding, heavy rain and possibly snow to the East Coast, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) urges people to take steps now to ensure they have access to safe food.

Food safety guides available for groups most vulnerable to foodborne illness

Food safety guides for groups most vulnerable to foodborne illness now available — USDA and FDA partner on food safety booklets to help those with compromised immune systems prevent foodborne illness – The U.S. Department of Agriculture?s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Department of Health and Human Services? Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have partnered to create six booklets with food safety advice for populations that are most susceptible to foodborne illness.

Listeria monocytogenes on Jensen Farms Rocky Ford brand cantaloupes confirmed

FDA confirms Listeria monocytogenes on Jensen Farms? Rocky Ford-brand cantaloupes — Jensen Farms voluntarily recalled product last week in response to outbreak – US Food and Drug Administration announced that it found Listeria monocytogenes in samples of Jensen Farms’ Rocky Ford-brand cantaloupe taken from a Denver-area store and on samples taken from equipment and cantaloupe at the Jensen Farms’ packing facility.

No cases Salmonella of from recalled ground turkey products in Washington US

Outbreak of 77 cases in 26 other states is reminder of importance of safe food handling and prep – No cases of Salmonella Heidelberg associated with recalled ground turkey products have been reported in Washington. Thoroughly cooking and safely handling and preparing meat and poultry will kill bacteria like Salmonella Heidelberg, which prevents illness.

Salmonella Kentucky has developed resistance to antibiotic Ciprofloxacin

Salmonella Kentucky has developed resistance to antibiotic Ciprofloxacin – A strain of Salmonella resistant to the most powerful antibiotics has been found in the UK, France and Denmark. This particular strain has a high level of resistance to ciprofloxacin, a common treatment for severe salmonella infections.

Salsa and guacamole important causes of foodborne disease

Salsa and guacamole important causes of foodborne disease

Salsa and guacamole increasingly important causes of foodborne disease – Nearly 1 out of every 25 restaurant-associated foodborne outbreaks with identified food sources between 1998 and 2008 can be traced back to contaminated salsa or guacamole, more than double the rate during the previous decade.

Seaweed reduces fat uptake by 75%, can fight obesity

Seaweed to tackle rising tide of obesity, seaweed reduces fat uptake by more than 75 per cent. – Seaweed could hold the key to tackling obesity after it was found it reduces fat uptake by more than 75 per cent. The research team at Newcastle University are adding seaweed fibre to bread to see if they can develop foods that help you lose weight while you eat them.

Health Newstrack