Bag Lunch Safety
Whether it is students taking lunch to school or adults packing lunch for work, millions will take “bag” lunches with them each day and will want to make sure their food is safe to eat....
Category: Safe Handling
Raw Juice Preparation & Storage for Retail Food Service Establishments
Raw fruits and vegetables that are squeezed for juice and stored for future service are subject to specific food safety requirements. That is because, like other ready-to-eat foods, there is no...
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...
Food Service Operation Inspections
In South Carolina, the Department of Agriculture is the regulatory agency with the authority to inspect food service operations. The ultimate goal of a food establishment inspection is to prevent...
Kitchen Hygiene: Let’s Talk About That Sponge!
Summary The purpose of this article is to discuss kitchen sponge cleanliness, along with how often and how to clean your kitchen sponge. Kitchen sponges can be one of the dirtiest items in your...
Vibrio vulnificus
The organism Vibrio vulnificus causes wound infections, gastroenteritis, or a serious syndrome known as “primary septicema.” V. vulnificus infections are either transmitted to humans through open...
Ciguatera
What is Ciguatera? Ciguatera is a unique type of food poisoning caused by eating fish that are contaminated with ciguatoxin. This natural toxin originates in tropical and sub-tropical waters. The...
Safe Handling of Canned Goods
This fact sheet focuses on commercially canned goods. For information on home canning, request HGIC 3040, Canning Foods At Home. Canning is an important, safe method of food preservation if...
Basics of Safe Food Handling
Bacteria that contaminate food and cause foodborne illnesses are everywhere. Follow these four basic safety tips to keep your food safe. Wash hands and surfaces often. Don’t cross-contaminate. Keep...
Safe Handling of Wild Game Birds
Wild Game Birds in South Carolina A few species of game birds in South Carolina are Bobwhite Quail, Canada Goose, Doves, Waterfowl: Puddle Duck, Diving Duck, Geese, Swans, Wild Turkey, and Wood...
Pesticide Safety
Pesticides are chemicals used to kill, repel, or control organisms that are considered pests. “Pests” are defined as organisms that prey on, kill, and feed on desirable plants, animals, and humans....
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,...