Inspection of Food: Who’s Responsible?
Local, state, federal, and international agencies all have a role in ensuring food safety and quality in the United States. These agencies regulate the use of chemicals and technology based on...
Author: Pamela Schmutz
Drying Foods
Food drying is one of the oldest methods of preserving food for later use. It can either be an alternative to canning and freezing or complement these methods. Drying food is simple, safe, and easy...
Country of Origin Labeling (COOL)
Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) is required for many foods found in your local grocery store. COOL gives consumers information about the origin of their foods. Food operations such as restaurants,...
Tomato Basics
Getting Ready to Preserve Select only disease-free, preferably vine-ripened, firm tomatoes with a deep red color. For easy peeling, dip tomatoes in boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds until skins...
Sweet Potato Basics
Selecting & Storing Look for firm, well-shaped sweetpotatoes with clean, smooth skins. Avoid any that have soft spots or bruises. Do not refrigerate sweetpotatoes. Refrigeration temperatures can...
Foodborne Illness: Prevention Strategies
What is Foodborne Illness? Foodborne illness often shows itself as flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, so many people may not recognize that the illness is caused by...
Pumpkin Basics
Pumpkin Information The deep orange color of pumpkin flesh is a sure sign that pumpkin is a good source of vitamin A. One cup of cooked pumpkin (without salt) has only 49 calories and is a great...
Food Safety in Hurricanes & Floods
Advance preparation is a key to food safety during a hurricane and the floods that can accompany it. Those living in hurricane areas should keep adequate supplies on hand because power will likely...
Storing Meats & Seafood
The goal of home food storage is to provide food that is both safe and of high-quality. A food may have good quality in terms of appearance and taste but have a high bacterial count and be unsafe to...
Pickled Peppers
Caution When working with hot peppers, wear plastic gloves while handling them, or wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your face. To Peel Peppers Use one of the following...
Safe Handling of Sausages & Hot Dogs
Selecting the Best Sausage There are so many varieties of sausages! How long can you store them—and where? Are they fully cooked or not? The following background information will answer these...
Leafy Green Basics
Buying & Storing Greens When selecting greens for cooking, remember they cook down considerably, by one-quarter or more, from their original volume. Wrap fresh greens in damp paper toweling,...