Botulism
What is Botulism? Botulism is a food poisoning caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria, Clostridium botulinum. C. botulinum and its spores are everywhere. It is prevalent in soil and water...
Category: Food
Food Safety Answers for College Students
Is it safe to eat pizza that was left out overnight? Will I get sick if I eat a hamburger that is still pink inside? College students living away from home for the first time may be looking for...
Food Safety in Power Outages
A power outage may occur during a seasonal storm such as a hurricane, tornado or flood, or may simply be caused by work being done on electric lines. Whatever the cause, the following...
Teaching Children About Food Safety
One of the best ways to teach food safety is to practice it and to be vocal about why it is important to practice. Help your children understand that although we cannot see germs, they can make us...
Mailing Perishable Foods
Everyone loves receiving packages in the mail. Sometimes they are gifts of food, either homemade or from mail order. When your package contains baked goods or shelf-stable canned items, the lucky...
Choose the Right Canner for Home Canning
Many myths exist about safe ways to can foods. The reality is that food must be processed using the right equipment and the right recipes to ensure safety. The type of canner you need depends on the...
Food Safety for Travelers Going Abroad
Whether on vacation or on business, no one wants to get sick when traveling abroad. The main source of infection is contaminated food or water. High-risk destinations are the developing countries of...
Food Safety Pitfalls at Thanksgiving & Beyond
Avoid common pitfalls that can turn a festive Thanksgiving meal into a foodborne illness disaster! Preparing and cooking a turkey safely can determine whether your family and friends simply enjoy a...
Planning Meals for a Family
Eating Meals at Home Has Benefits Many of today’s children and adults are part of a generation that has grown up in restaurants and fast-food eateries. Preparing and eating meals at home is a better...
Safety of Stored Foods
The most frequently asked questions on food safety are about food storage. How long is it safe to store leftovers in the refrigerator? Is it safe to eat that meat found in the back of the freezer?...
Keeping Foods Safe at Home
Of the millions of cases of foodborne illness that occur each year, most can be prevented. The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises using these strategies to keep foods safe at home: Buy...
Stretch Your Food Dollars Part 1: Before Going to the Store
During challenging economic times, Americans try to stretch their dollars. Food is a flexible budget expense that can be reduced when money is tight. Plan Ahead Before Going Grocery Shopping By...