Fast Food Restaurants Are Selling Roundup Herbicide With Their Entrees April 28, 2019: 12:00 AM EST Nonprofit foodservice industry watchdog GMO Free USA published a report detailing the results of food tests for glyphosate residue across fifteen popular fast food and casual restaurants in the U.S. A Panera Bread sample had the highest level of glyphosate of all 44 restaurant foods tested. The irony is that the company’s primary marketing claim is: "100 percent of our food is 100 percent clean." Other restaurants tested include Chili's Grill & Bar, Domino's Pizza, Dunkin' Donuts, IHOP, Le Pain Quotidien, McDonald's, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Papa John's, Pizza Hut, Pret a Manger, Subway, Taco Bell, and Whole Foods Market. Glyphosate has been linked to cancer, disturbances in the microbiome and the depletion of our bodies' ability to detoxify." A growing body of peer-reviewed science links glyphosate to numerous health harms at levels found in some restaurant foods tested. [Image Credit: © GMO Free USA] "Report Uncovers Prevalence of Glyphosate in Restaurant Foods", CSRwire , April 28, 2019, © CSRwire, LLC

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The Romaine Lettuce E-Coli Outbreak Highlighted Blockchain Potential For Food Sector August 1, 2018: 12:00 AM EST Although Blockchain technology is penetrating the supply chains of many industries, the food sector has some catching up to do. The romaine lettuce e-coli outbreak in the U.S. earlier this year highlighted the need for the food industry to improve transparency in supply. Despite efforts from some companies, such as Walmart, to improve food safety procedures, much of the industry remains reliant on paper-based systems. There are a number of hurdles to overcome in switching to digital systems, including the cost, but new technologies like blockchain have the potential to improve safety for businesses and consumers. [Image Credit: © BlackRiv from Pixabay] Aaron Cohen, "Romaine, Blockchain, and the Future of Food Safety", Food Newsfeed, August 01, 2018, © Journalistic Inc.

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Will California Judge Rule That Coffee Can Cause Cancer? January 24, 2018: 12:00 AM EST Cancer warnings have multiplied in California since 1986, when the Toxic Enforcement Act took effect. Its purpose was to keep unsafe chemicals out of the water supply and warn of dangerous ingredients elsewhere. A state judge will rule soon on whether the law applies to coffee, which contains the flavorless chemical acrylamide, produced during roasting. Acrylamide is on a list of carcinogens that also cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. Businesses must warn of its presence. The coffee case was filed in 2010 by the nonprofit Council for Education and Research on Toxics, which sued dozens of coffee sellers and manufacturers, including Starbucks and Keurig Green Mountain. The defendants argue, however, that coffee contains only harmless trace amounts of acrylamide whose presence is outweighed by the health benefits of the drink. Sara Randazzo, "In California, Where Cancer Warnings Abound, Coffee Is Next in Line", The Wall Street Journal, January 24, 2018, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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“Raw Water” Gathers A Cult-Like Following In Silicon Valley January 2, 2018: 12:00 AM EST Silicon Valley is becoming obsessed with "raw water" that is not treated with chemicals used to prevent disease. The Live Water company of San Francisco, for example, sells "unfiltered, untreated, unsterilized spring water" for as much as $61 for a 2.5-gallon jug. Start-up Zero Mass Water, which sells technology for collecting water from the atmosphere near their homes, has raised $24 million in venture capital. Fans of raw water apparently acknowledge their obsession is not backed by science, but remain convinced of its health benefits. Not only is there no evidence that untreated water is better for you, experts say, drinking untreated water can be dangerous: the opportunities for sickness from water-based pathogens – cholera, E. coli, hepatitis A, and giardia – are nearly immeasurable. Kate Taylor, "Silicon Valley Elites are spending $60 for Less Than 3 Gallons of Dangerous, Unfiltered Water — and It's Flying off the Shelves", Business Insider, January 02, 2018, © Business Insider

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USDA Says Its Organic Police Are Slacking Off September 20, 2017: 12:00 AM EST The inspector general of the USDA has found that agency officials tasked with monitoring imported foods labeled “USDA Organic” have been sleeping on the job, allowing, for example, millions of pounds of imported conventional soybeans and corn to reach U.S. grocery stores with bogus certified-organic labels. The audit of the Agricultural Marketing Service determined that the agency could not “provide reasonable assurance” that those items from abroad are actually “from certified organic foreign farms and business.” The inspector general suggested that the USDA needs to find a way to get the organic food-monitoring staff to do its job properly. [Image Credit: © USDA ] Clint Rainey, "USDA Warns That Millions of Pounds of Fake ‘Organic’ Imports Are Pouring Into U.S.", Grub Street, September 20, 2017, © New York Media LLC

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3M Assay For Detection Of Foodborne Pathogen Approved By Health Canada June 21, 2017: 12:00 AM EST Canada’s public health agency has approved an advanced system for fast detection of the dangerous foodborne bacteria Listeria in a broad range of foods. The system, developed by the 3M Food Safety division, meets Health Canada’s requirements for detection of Listeria in environmental samples, dairy products, ready-to-eat and raw meats, fish and seafood, and fruits and vegetables. Using standard enrichment medium, the next generation assays for Listeria and Listeria monocytogenes provide a time-to-result after 24 hours of enrichment. The molecular detection assays are now included on Health Canada’s guide of official methods used to determine compliance with government standards and guidelines. "3M's Next Generation Molecular Detection Assay for Listeria Approved and Published by Health Canada", News release, 3M, June 21, 2017, © 3M Canada Company

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MIT Scientists Develop Faster, Cheaper Foodborne Pathogen Detection Method April 5, 2017: 12:00 AM EST A new technology developed at MIT may help prevent the 60 deaths and 73,000 illnesses caused each year by the foodborne pathogen E. coli bacteria. The technology is based on a novel type of liquid droplet that binds to bacterial proteins They are then detected by a smartphone much more quickly and less expensively than by existing food safety tests, which often involve placing food samples in a culture dish for two or three days to see if harmful bacterial colonies form. According to one of the scientists who helped develop the process, “The great advantage of our device is you don’t need specialized instruments and technical training to do this.”  [Image Credit: © Jose-Luis Olivares/MIT] Anne Trafton, "New Technology Could Offer Cheaper, Faster Food Testing", News release, MIT News, April 05, 2017, © MIT News Office

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Conagra Recalls Hunt’s Chili Kits After FDA Finds Salmonella Bacteria April 5, 2017: 12:00 AM EST Conagra Brands has recalled Hunt’s Chili Kits because the FDA claimed the chili powder was tainted with salmonella. Conagra said the kits they had examined had no traces of the dangerous bacteria, but they implemented the recall “out of an abundance of caution.” The recall affects retail and online stores, as well as military commissaries. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps that develop 12 to 72 hours after infection. The symptoms subside after a weak though there is a risk of dehydration. [ Image credit: © Conagra  ] Mahita Gajanan, "Hunt's Chili Kits Were Recalled Nationwide Because of a Salmonella Risk", Time, April 05, 2017, © Time Inc.

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Chipotle Works To Put Its Food-Poisoning Nightmare In The Rearview Mirror March 28, 2017: 12:00 AM EST Chipotle Mexican Grill continues to distance itself from the food-poisoning disasters it endured a couple of years ago by revamping the ingredients it uses in its menu items. In the latest move, the company announced its restaurants are now selling flour tortillas made without preservatives. In all, the chain uses only 51 ingredients – none are GMO – including some organic produce and meat raised without hormones. CEO Steve Ells said the strategy is to focus on “improving the basic, wholesome ingredients” rather than on limited-time offers, extra value meals or “menu proliferation.” The efforts to revive its tarnished reputation and boost sales have yet to kick in, however: same-store sales fell 4.8 percent in the most recent quarter. Leslie Patton, "Chipotle's Menu Is Now Preservative-Free", Bloomberg Markets, March 28, 2017, © BLOOMBERG L.P.

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Mercury Intake From Fish Linked To ALS March 23, 2017: 12:00 AM EST A preliminary study reports that eating fish with high levels of mercury – but not fish generally – is associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a mostly fatal neuromuscular disease. The U.S. researchers asked 518 people, 294 of whom had ALS, and 224 of whom didn't, how much fish and seafood they ate, which kind they ate, and how frequently. Researchers looked up the average mercury levels in various types of fish.  Among participants who ate fish and seafood regularly, those in the top 25 percent for estimated annual mercury intake were at double the risk for ALS. Sixty-one percent of people with ALS were in the top 25 percent of estimated mercury intake, compared to 44 percent of people who did not have ALS. Elijah Stommel et al., "Fish Consumption, Mercury Levels, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)", Preliminary study to be presented at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting, March 23, 2017, © American Academy of Neurology

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Widely Used Food – And Paint – Additive Damages Intestinal Lining February 22, 2017: 12:00 AM EST Long-term exposure to the common food additive titanium dioxide reduces the small intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients like iron, zinc, and fatty acids. It also harms enzyme functions while increasing inflammation signals. The additive – found in numerous foods, including chewing gum and bread, and used in paints, paper, plastics, and some sunscreens – is inert and not toxic, according to the U.S. researchers who conducted the study using a small intestine cell model. But it reduced the number of absorptive projections (microvilli) that line the small intestine, slowing metabolism. Titanium dioxide is also used in toothpastes, chocolate, donuts, and skimmed milk. Zhongyuan Guo et al., "Titanium dioxide nanoparticle ingestion alters nutrient absorption in an in vitro model of the small intestine. ", NanoImpact, February 22, 2017, © Elsevier B.V.

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Fast-Food Packaging Is Loaded With Harmful Chemicals February 1, 2017: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study that analyzed more than 400 samples of food packaging from 27fast-food restaurants found that much of the paper used was treated with chemicals used in stain-resistant products, firefighting materials, and nonstick cookware. Perfluorinated chemicals (PFC) were found in hamburger and sandwich wrappers, pastry bags, beverage cups and French fry containers. Fluorinated compounds called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were found in 56 percent of dessert and bread wrappers, 38 percent of sandwich and burger wrappers and 20 percent of paperboard. According to the researchers, PFC and PFAS get in the bloodstream, stay there and accumulate. “There are diseases that correlate to it, so we really don't want this class of chemicals out there," one scientist said. [ Image credit: © tom.arthur  ] Laurel A. Schaider et al., "Fluorinated Compounds in U.S. Fast Food Packaging. ", Environmental Science & Technology Letters, February 01, 2017, © American Chemical Society

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Antibiotic-Tainted Seafood From China Is A Major World Health Problem December 15, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Ninety percent of the antibiotics administered to pigs in China passes undegraded in urine and feces into ponds used to raise fish that are exported globally. Despite ten years of FDA testing and seizure of seafood tainted with antibiotics, it keeps arriving at U.S. ports, restaurants and grocery stores. It’s simply too difficult to police the dishonest seafood companies and distribution networks that move the dirty seafood around the world. Microbes increasingly resistant to antibiotics lead to the creation of “superbugs” for which there is no treatment. In fact, a year ago scientists discovered a colistin-resistant gene in China that can transform a dozen or more types of bacteria into superbugs. The gene has since been found in patients, food, and environmental samples in more than 20 countries, including the U.S.  Jason Gale et al., "How Antibiotic-Tainted Seafood from China Ends Up on Your Table", Bloomberg Businessweek, December 15, 2016, © Bloomberg L.P.

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Which Ingredients In Popular Drink Soylent Are Making People Sick? November 7, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Although the supplier of an algae-based ingredient insists it is safe, the makers of protein drink Soylent say they’re pretty sure that TerraVia’s algal flour is the component that has made a bunch of its customers sick. Manufacturer Roas Foods has decided to remove the suspect ingredient from Soylent, an instant powdered meal cherished by techies in Silicon Valley and beyond. The drink was riding a wave of popularity in the summer when reports of illness began to pop up. Rosa Foods recalled protein bars and drink mixes containing the algal flour. TerraVia, meanwhile, blamed the illnesses on other ingredients in Soylent, including “known irritants” soy protein isolate and glycerin. Olivia Zaleski, "Soylent Thinks It Found What Was Making People Sick: Algae", Bloomberg Technology, November 07, 2016, © BLOOMBERG L.P.

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Antimicrobial Packaging Becoming Major Weapon In Clean-Label Trend October 5, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The clean-label movement in the food industry – which is partly a quest to get rid of unsavory chemical preservatives – is driving the growth of the in-pack antimicrobial market, as well as other “active packaging” technologies, according to a U.S. market research firm. The company studied the technologies being used today, and those in development, to meet clean-label shelf-life requirements and fend off specific pathogens. Lux Research looked at 35 systems, including Addmaster’s Biomaster silver ion technology. Linpac Packaging uses the technology in trays for meat, poultry and other protein to protect against various pathogens, but it is especially effective against campylobacter. Other technologies being considered include Wasauro allyl isothiocyanate from Mitsubishi-Kagaku and ethanol vapor generators. Paul Gander, "Antimicrobial growth led by clean-label", Food Manufacture, October 05, 2016, © William Reed Business Media Ltd

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Ads For Naked Juice Are Clothed In Misleading Statements, Lawsuit Alleges October 4, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest has joined with a New York law firm to sue PepsiCo in federal court for false and misleading advertising for their healthful juice line, Naked Juice. According to CSPI, Naked Juices says its products are packed with acai berry, blueberries, kale, and mango, but actually contain mostly cheap, nutrient-poor apple jor other juice. The company also claims on labels and in advertising that the juices contain “no added sugar,” implying that they are low in sugar. In fact, however, they are high in sugar, and PepsiCo does not tell consumers that the beverages are “not a low-calorie food” as the FDA requires. A 15 oz. bottle of Kale Blazer has eight teaspoons of sugar, mostly from orange and apple juice. "PepsiCo’s Naked Juices Mislead Consumers, Says Lawsuit", News release, CSPI, October 04, 2016, © Center for Science in the Public Interest

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Simple Test Provides Fast Way To Detect Salmonella Contamination September 22, 2016: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers have come up with a quick, more accurate way to detect dangerous Salmonella bacteria in food samples. Using artificially contaminated food, the researchers used Salmonella-specific antibodies coupled with a signal amplification technique (tyramide signal amplification) after only 15 hours, instead of the two to three days it takes using a Petri dish culture. The test provides a simple monitoring system for foodborne pathogens, especially in beef and poultry. Contamination of food with pathogens causes 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths annually in the U.S. Gene P. D. Herzig et al., "Magnetic Bead-Based Immunoassay Coupled with Tyramide Signal Amplification for Detection of Salmonellain Foods", Journal of Food Safety, September 22, 2016, © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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Chipotle Reassures Customers About Safe Food Handling In New Marketing Campaign September 21, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The Chipotle fast-casual restaurant chain has launched a marketing campaign to reassure customers that the E. coli outbreaks that made dozens of people sick in last year will never happen again. To do that it has implemented the recommendations of a former chief medical officer at the USDA and FDA, and redesigned and implemented a thorough food safety program in all 3,862 restaurants. Chipotle’s number one priority now is to serve fresh food – safely – so new safety protocols are applied at every level. All ingredients, for example, are tested for pathogens by suppliers, then tracked from farm to warehouse to restaurant. Several pathogen-killing procedures are followed in the restaurants. And all restaurant managers are trained and certified in proper food handling. Julie Jargon, "Chipotle Explains Food-Safety Practices in New Ad Campaign", The Wall Street Journal, September 21, 2016, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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FDA Releases Funds To States To Help Farmers Comply With Food Safety Rules September 13, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A year ago, the FDA issued final rules implementing the Food Safety Modernization Act. The rules established enforceable safety standards for produce farms and made importers accountable for verifying that imported food meets U.S. safety standards. It took a while but the agency is now making available to states financial aid to help them assist farmers in complying with the FSMA rules. FDA announced $21.8 million will be allotted to 42 states to help them plan, establish and enhance produce safety programs. "States Get $21.8 Million from FDA to Help Farms Comply with Produce Rule", Food Safety News, September 13, 2016, © Food Safety News/Marler Clark

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Lawsuit: Use Of Glyphosate Disqualifies General Mills' Use Of The Term “100% Natural” August 25, 2016: 12:00 AM EST General Mills is misleading consumers by claiming that its Nature Valery granola bars are “made with 100% natural whole grain oats,” three nonprofit organizations allege in a lawsuit. In fact, the suit charges, the company’s granola bars contain traces of the herbicide glyphosate, the active ingredient in the weed killer Roundup. The suit was filed in Washington, D.C., under the District of Columbia’s Consumer Protection Procedures Act. The plaintiffs are asking a jury to find that General Mills’ “natural” claim is unlawfully deceptive and misleading and should be removed from the market. Participants in the suit are Moms Across America, Beyond Pesticides, and Organic Consumers Association with the Richman Law Group. "Nonprofits Sue General Mills for False and Misleading Use of ‘Natural’", News release, Beyond Pesticides, August 25, 2016, © Beyond Pesticides

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India’s Food Safety Regulator Announces Initiatives To Promote Safe Food August 23, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has unveiled a set of initiatives to promote safe food in a variety of venues. The ten initiatives, launched on the anniversary of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, will target homes, schools, offices, trains and railway stations, restaurants and religious facilities. FSSAI, for example, will provide a comprehensive guide to households and create a dedicated website for safe and nutritious food at home. It will  prepare a list of high fat, sugary and salty junk foods to ensure food safety and nutrition in schools. And it will require businesses that provide mid-day meals to be licensed by the FSSAI. "FSSAI Announces Initiatives to Promote Safe Food Culture", The Economic Times, August 23, 2016, © Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.

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Screening Of Sports Supplements In Australia Finds 13 Are Tainted July 7, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A review of untested sports supplements used in Australia found that 19 percent contained substances that were banned in sports, and two presented a health risk that would have led to anti-doping violations. The review, conducted by international anti-doping lab LGC, was designed to assess the risk of such supplements to athletes and consumers. LGC screened 67 untested products for anabolic agents (endogenous and exogenous steroids), stimulants, diuretics and Beta-agonists at levels as low as parts per billion. LGC presented the findings to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA), noting especially the two that presented significant risk. "Australian Supplements Survey Highlights Need for Testing", Nutrition Insight, July 07, 2016, © CNS Media BV

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Safe New Compound Destroys E. Coli Quickly June 19, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Singapore researchers have developed a safe antimicrobial material that could be used in consumer and personal care products to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The material kills harmful E. coli bacteria by penetrating cell membranes in less than a minute. A major reason for the spread of antibiotics-resistant bacteria is triclosan, an antibacterial ingredient found in toothpastes and other products. To find a suitable replacement for triclosan, the researchers synthesized a chemical compound using imidazolium oligomers that can kill 99.7 percent of E. coli within 30 seconds of contact. The material is safe for human use because it “carries a positive charge that targets the more negatively charged bacteria, without destroying red blood cells," the researchers said. The material could be used in alcoholic sprays for sterilization in hospitals or homes. Siti Nurhanna Riduan et al., "Ultrafast Killing and Self-Gelling Antimicrobial Imidazolium Oligomers. ", Small, June 19, 2016, © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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General Mills Recalls Flour Products After Reports Of Bacterial Illnesses May 31, 2016: 12:00 AM EST General Mills posted a notice on its website that it is recalling certain flour brands that may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria, though no consumers have reported any illnesses to the company.  Gold Medal, Wondra, and Signature Kitchens were mentioned in the notice. Customers of Safeway, Albertsons, Jewel, Shaws, Vons, United, Randalls and Acme were warned not to use the affected brands, which have best buy dates of August 23, 2016, to June 14, 2017. Federal and state officials are investigating 38 E. coli 0121 illness cases found in 20 states. About half said they had used flour or handled dough before getting sick. Michal Addady , "E. Coli Outbreak Could Be Linked to General Mills Flour", Fortune.com, May 31, 2016, © Time Inc.

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Soy Compounds Kill Antimicrobial-Resistant Food Germs Effectively, Safely May 25, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Heavy use of chemical antimicrobial agents over the years has led to some strains of bacteria becoming resistant to them, rendering them largely ineffective. But a new Canadian study has found possible natural replacements for the synthetic antimicrobials. Soy isoflavones and peptides – key ingredients in cooking oils, cheeses, ice cream, etc. – may provide an effective way to eliminate microbial contamination in the food industry. The researchers used microfluidics and high-throughput screening to run millions of tests in a short period. Soy isoflavones are not only good at killing microbes, they are biodegradable, environmentally friendly and non-toxic. Rekha Dhayakaran et al., "Investigation of the antimicrobial activity of soy peptides by developing a high throughput drug screening assay. ", Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports, May 25, 2016, © Dhayakaran et al.

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Tea Company Recalls One Flavor Because Of Possible Salmonella Contamination May 2, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The Republic of Tea has voluntarily recalled one flavor in its product line because of the possibility of salmonella bacteria contamination. Though the company insisted there is no evidence of a contamination problem in its organic turmeric ginger green tea, it said a supplier of organic ginger warned of the possibility. The company said it was the first voluntary recall in 25 years. The recall was posted by the FDA. There have been no reports of illnesses related to drinking the tea. Salmonella infections can cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and fever. Jen Christensen, "Republic of Tea organic turmeric ginger green tea recalled", CNN, May 02, 2016, © Cable News Network

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FDA Warns Seven Dietary Supplement Makers About Illegal Ingredient May 2, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The FDA has sent warning letters to companies whose dietary supplement products contain alarming levels of an illegal drug chemically similar to the banned heart stimulant ephedrine. The letters were sent in March to seven companies selling products containing ethylsynephrine (also known as oxilofrine). A study published in a scientific journal in April reported that an analysis of 27 brands of over-the-counter dietary supplements found that 14 contained the unapproved stimulant. Supplements containing oxilofrine were linked to 26 health emergencies in The Netherlands, including nausea and vomiting, chest pain and cardiac arrest. Oxilofrine is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency and most major sports organizations. "Ephedrine-Like Drug Found in Diet/Sports Nutrition Products", Nutraceuticals World, May 02, 2016, © Rodman Media

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Is It Ethical For Vegan Restaurateurs To Kill Cockroaches? April 25, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Some vegan restaurant owners committed to humane animal treatment stretch their principles to include the obnoxious pests that plague their facilities. But it’s quite a dilemma. How, after all, do you keep your eatery compliant with public health rules without killing rats, cockroaches, and spiders? Die-hard animal rights restaurateurs can follow the guidance of PETA, which suggests using orange peels to ward off flies, bay leaves to discourage roaches, and peppermint oil-soaked rags to discourage rodents. Faced with the impracticality of those solutions, however, some end up compromising their principles – i.e., calling the exterminator – for the higher good: staying in business “as a way to put a dent in the dominance of the factory farm system.” Kelli Kennedy, "Trapped! Vegan restaurants struggle with humane pest control", Associated Press, April 25, 2016, © Associated Press

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FDA Takes Steps To Reduce Infant Exposure To Arsenic In Baby Food April 1, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The FDA has issued a “draft guidance“ to the baby food industry proposing a limit of 100 parts per billion for inorganic arsenic in rice cereal, the main source of arsenic exposure in infants. Because of their small size, babies under the age of one consume about three times more rice – relative to their weight – than adults. FDA testing found that most infant rice cereal being sold today either meets or approaches the proposed limit. Manufacturers can produce infant rice cereal that meets or is below the proposed limit by sourcing rice with lower inorganic arsenic levels, the agency said. "FDA proposes limit for inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal", News release, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, April 01, 2016, © U.S. FDA

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Chipotle May Relax Some Emergency Measures, As Food Safety Crisis Eases March 16, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Chipotle Mexican Grill, beset by food safety breakdowns since last summer, may scale back or get rid of some of the emergency measures it implemented to stem the crisis. It has been precooking beef to ensure destruction of E. coli bacteria, for example, and using high-resolution DNA-based testing to detect pathogens. It has also shifted preparation of some produce items to a central kitchen. But now, as sales and share price begin to climb, the company may reduce pathogen testing while keeping other safety procedures in place, The Wall Street Journal reports, citing “people familiar with the matter.” Jesse Newman, "Chipotle Weighs Stepping Back From Some Food-Safety Changes", The Wall Street Journal, March 16, 2016, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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FDA Urges Food Industry To Help Reduce Possibility Of Acrylamide Exposure March 10, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The FDA’s new non-binding guidelines covering acrylamide – a suspected carcinogen produced during high-temperature cooking of some foods – urge companies to take a close look at their products and try to figure out how to reduce the amount of the chemical. The guidelines are directed at growers, manufacturers, and food service operators, offering steps to reduce acrylamide. The guidance covers raw materials, processing practices, and ingredients pertaining to potato-based foods such as French fries and potato chips; cookies, crackers, breakfast cereals, toasted bread and other cereals-based foods; and coffee. All are sources of acrylamide exposure. "FDA Issues Final Guidance for Industry on How to Reduce Acrylamide in Certain Foods", News release, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, March 10, 2016, © U.S. FDA

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Tyson Debuts Antibiotics-Free Pork Brand February 25, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Though American consumers increasingly say they prefer antibiotics-free meat and poultry, and food companies announce moves in that direction, producers continue to buy large amounts of drugs used in human medicine – 32.6 million pounds in 2013, a factor in the decline in antibiotics effectiveness in humans. According to Takepart.com, the FDA’s voluntary control guidelines “have thus far proved ineffective at reducing the use of antibiotics by the agriculture industry.” Still, the trend toward antibiotics-free meat is working its way from the avian sector into livestock. Most recent example: Tyson Foods' Open Prairie Natural Pork brand made from pigs raised without antibiotics, hormones, or the use of gestation crates. The move makes Tyson the leading producer of antibiotics-free pork in the U.S. Willy Blackmore, "A Major American Meat Company Is Going Big With Antibiotic-Free Pork", TakePart.com, February 25, 2016, © TakePart, LLC

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FDA Cracks Down On Grated Parmesan Tainted With Cellulose February 16, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Pennsylvania company Castle Cheese Inc. is being investigated by the FDA for adulterating its grated Parmesan cheese with cheap fillers such as wood pulp prior to distribution to grocery chains. According to the agency, some grated Parmesan suppliers have been mislabeling their products by not providing accurate data on the amount of anti-clumping cellulose being used, or by not mentioning that they contain less expensive cheddar cheese instead of Romano. A safe level of cellulose in grated Parmesan is two to four percent. Tests sponsored by Bloomberg found levels as high as 8.8 percent at one grocery chain, and 7.8 percent at Walmart. Kraft Grated Parmesan came in at 3.8 percent cellulose. Castle Cheese President Michelle Myrter is expected to plead guilty to criminal charges this month, and faces up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Lydia Mulvany, "The Parmesan cheese you sprinkle on your penne could be wood", Bloomberg, February 16, 2016, © Bloomberg LP

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New USDA Funding Supports Food Safety Research February 3, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A USDA food safety program has awarded 21 grants totaling $15.1 million to fund food safety research in U.S. colleges and universities. The goal of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s and its Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) is to protect consumers from microbial and chemical contaminants occurring in the food chain. The grants, authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, are clustered around four sub-programs: enhancing food safety through improved processing technologies; effective mitigation strategies for antimicrobial resistance ($3.4 million); improving food safety; and improving food quality.  Five schools received grants of about $1 million each. "USDA Awards 35 Food Safety Grants, Including $3.4 Million for Antimicrobial Resistance, to Protect Consumers", News release, USDA, February 03, 2016, © USDA

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USDA Testing Finds Pesticide Residue Levels On Food Are Safe January 20, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The USDA reports that 99 percent of the foods it tested – including fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, oats, rice, infant formula, and salmon – through its Pesticide Data Program had residue levels below EPA standards. The USDA said the pesticide levels it found “do not pose a safety concern.” The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) tested for pesticides in 10,619 samples of food. Seventy-six percent the samples were domestic in origin, 22.9 percent were imports, 0.7 percent were of mixed origin, and 0.9 percent were of unknown origin. Pesticide residues exceeding the EPA tolerance level were detected in 0.36 percent of the samples tested. "USDA finds pesticide residues do not pose a safety concern", News release, USDA, January 20, 2016, © USDA

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Chinese Parents, Fearing Contamination, Turn To Australia For Infant Formula January 16, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Investors in Australian baby formula manufacturers are licking their chops as they contemplate a profitable future, thanks to surging demand from China. The demand has created an underground market in Australia, where stores have begun to ration formula to prevent supplies from being shipped to Chinese cities and sold at triple the original retail price. Demand for Western-produced formula has risen since the rescinding of China’s one-baby per family rule and a rise in infant food contamination outbreaks. China has strict milk safety rules, but Chinese parents apparently don’t trust the government to enforce them. A. Odysseus Patrick, "China’s hunger for baby formula feeds underground market in Australia", The Washington Post, January 16, 2016, © The Washington Post

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Chipotle Says It Has Righted Its Food Safety Ship January 14, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Battered by a loss of customers and sales, a severe drop in stock value, and facing a bundle of lawsuits and even a federal criminal probe, Chipotle Mexican Grill says it has taken the necessary steps to ensure that the spate of foodborne illness outbreaks at its restaurants since July 2015 does not continue. The company hired a food safety specialist who says all of his recommendations have now been adopted, and the risk of further food contamination is now at “a level of near zero.” But Seattle-based attorney Bill Marler, who is handling several of the lawsuits against Chipotle, believes that the company still doesn’t know “how to embrace food safety with the same zeal they’ve shown for the other things” – i.e., being local, organic and fresh – “they’re striving for.” James B. Stewart, "Chipotle’s New Mantra: Safe Food, Not Just Fresh", The New York Times, January 14, 2016, © The New York Times Company

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Harmful Bacteria Can Survive A Long Time In Packaged Cracker Sandwiches December 29, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Recent outbreaks of foodborne diseases in packaged dry foods like cookies and crackers prompted a U.S. study that shed some light on the activities of pathogens like salmonella. The researchers put salmonella bacteria into four types of fillings – cheese and peanut butter, or chocolate and vanilla – found in dry cookies or crackers sold in vending machines and stores, then placed them into storage. Salmonella didn't survive as well in the cracker sandwiches as in the cookie sandwiches, the researchers found, but in some cases was able to survive for an unexpected six months. The next step is to identify the specific filling ingredients that are harboring the pathogens. Larry R. Beuchat & David A. Mann, " Survival of Salmonella in Cookie and Cracker Sandwiches Containing Inoculated, Low–Water Activity Fillings. ", Journal of Food Protection, December 29, 2015, © Beuchat & Mann

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E. Coli Outbreak May Sabotage Chipotle’s “Buy Local” Tradition December 3, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Thanks to a severe E. coli outbreak, Chipotle Mexican Grill is making some major changes in its supply chain practices that could adversely affect its seven-year-old “buy local” commitment. The outbreak, whose cause has not been pinpointed, sickened 43 people and led to the temporary closing of restaurants in six states for deep cleaning. The health scare has hurt the company’s stock price, which dropped 11 percent in October and 9.5 percent in November, and slowed sales. In response, Chipotle has tightened safety standards, especially ingredients testing, for produce suppliers. Smaller local suppliers may not be able to meet the elevated standards, the company acknowledged, putting a crimp in its promise of using food grown locally. Leslie Patton, "Chipotle Tightens Standards Amid E. Coli Outbreak, Putting Buy-Local Pledge in Jeopardy", Bloomberg Business, December 03, 2015, © Bloomberg L.P.

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E. Coli Illnesses Traced To Recalled Packages Of Vegetable Mix November 26, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A packaged mixture of diced celery and onion has been recalled because an outbreak of E. coli-caused illness has been traced to it. Taylor Farms Pacific recalled the mix “out of an abundance of caution,” the FDA said in a statement. The mixture was used to make chicken salad, Thai-style salads, packaged dinners and wraps, and other foods sold by Costco, Target, Starbucks and other stores and restaurants. The illnesses of 19 people in seven states nationwide were traced to the vegetable mix. Costco posted signs in its stores and provided detailed purchase logs to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help it track buyers and ingredient sources. Olga R. Rodriguez, "Farm recalls produce used in Costco salad linked to e. Coli", Associated Press, November 26, 2015, © The Associated Press

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Avoid Toxic Bacteria This Fall: Refrigerate Those Caramel Apples October 24, 2015: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers have found that a dangerous bacterium known as Listeria monocytogenes increased 1,000-fold on a favorite fall treat: unrefrigerated caramel apples with sticks. By contrast, listerial growth was delayed on caramel apples without sticks stored at room temperature for three days. Refrigeration was the key difference, the scientists said. Caramel apples with sticks had no listerial growth for up to a week, and only a little growth over the next three weeks. Those without sticks had no listerial growth during four weeks of storage. Craig et al., "Growth of Listeria monocytogenes within a Caramel-Coated Apple Microenvironment", Blog entry, study to be published in October 2015 issue of mBio, October 24, 2015, © Craig et al.

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Wine Contains Lots More Arsenic Than Water, But Poses Small Health Threat October 7, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. researcher has determined that wine on average contains a lot more arsenic than the U.S. EPA allows in drinking water, but the risk of poisoning is small unless you’re also getting arsenic from other dietary sources, like apple juice, rice or cereal bars. The problem is especially worrisome for pregnant women, children and the elderly, the scientists said. They are more likely to consume large amounts of contaminated rice, organic brown rice syrup, seafood, wine, and apple juice. The study analyzed 65 wines from Washington, New York, California and Oregon. Washington wines had the highest arsenic concentrations, while Oregon's had the lowest. Arsenic leaches into water and soil – and then the food chain – when rocks containing the metalloid are eroded by rain, rivers or wind. Denise Wilson, "Arsenic Content in American Wine. ", Journal of Environmental Health, October 07, 2015, © Denise Wilson

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USDA Says Organic Livestock Producers Can Tout Their Drug-Free Meats September 4, 2015: 12:00 AM EST The U.S. Department of Agriculture is allowing organic meat producers to use new language to advertise how livestock and poultry were raised without using beta-agonist drugs like ractopamine. The drugs, long banned in the raising of animals for export, continue to be used to produce domestic meats because animals gain weight while eating less. As much as 80 percent of pigs raised in the U.S. are given the drug. But from now on, consumers will see the phrase “produced without ractopamine” on packages of Organic Buttercroft bacon from Tendergrass Farms, and soon on similar products from other companies. Stephanie Strom, "New Type of Drug-Free Labels for Meat Has U.S.D.A. Blessing", The New York Times, September 04, 2015, © The New York Times Company

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CDC Increases Funding To Fight Infectious Diseases, Including Foodborne Disease August 3, 2015: 12:00 AM EST The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has awarded $110 million to states and communities to boost their ability to track and respond to infectious diseases. The money will target infectious disease surveillance and outbreak response, public health laboratories, health information systems, and efforts to combat zoonotic, vector-borne and foodborne diseases; vaccine-preventable infections; influenza; and healthcare-associated infections. The total award amount is $13 million higher than in fiscal year 2014. The increased funding is allocated to vaccine-preventable-disease surveillance, foodborne-disease prevention and advanced molecular detection, among other projects. "CDC funding helps states address infectious disease threats", News release, CDC, August 03, 2015, © CDC

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Antibiotics Use On German Animal Farms Needs To Be Strictly Controlled July 31, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Though antibiotics use in German animal husbandry has been declining -- 15 percent less in 2014 than in 2013 – the practice has nevertheless led to some serious safety issues, specifically an increase in multi-resistant pathogens. Experts say the medications being used on German animal farms, particularly reserve antibiotics that encourage animal fattening, are important to human health and should not be on farms at all. The German government needs to impose binding reduction targets for antibiotic use, deadlines for implementing the measures and stronger controls. If such actions are not taken, within three decades 10 million people worldwide could die of infection from pathogens that are resistant to most antibiotics. Nicole Sagener , "Antibiotics on animal farms spread deadly pathogens, experts warn", EurActiv.com, July 31, 2015, © EurActiv.com PLC

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Dangerous Pathogen Should Be Added To Official Food Safety List July 23, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A study by U.S. and Danish researchers confirms that the increasing antibiotic resistance of the harmful bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae poses a serious public health threat. The researchers compared K. pneumoniae isolates from retail meat products and human clinical specimens to assess their similarity. They looked at turkey, chicken and pork products sold in nine major grocery stores in Arizona, then analyzed urine and blood samples taken from local residents suffering from infections during the same time period. Forty-seven percent of the 508 meat products purchased harbored Klebsiella, and many of the strains were antibiotics-resistant. The researchers suggest that Klebsiella be added to the official list of dangerous pathogens in food products. Lance B. Price et al., "Intermingled Klebsiella pneumoniae populations between retail meats and human urinary tract infections. ", Clinical Infectious Diseases, July 23, 2015, © Price et al.

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Opponents Of Herbicide Glyphosate Urge Consumer Action In U.K. July 20, 2015: 12:00 AM EST The Soil Association in Great Britain is urging consumers to push retailers and bread manufacturers to stop using glyphosate – the weed killer used in RoundUp – in wheat cultivation because British government and EU regulators are not likely to act. A recent World Health Organization preliminary study found that glyphosate is “probably carcinogenic,” though manufacturer Monsanto says there is no scientific evidence to support that opinion. The association says glyphosate use has increased 400 percent in the last two decades, and tests on British bread found glyphosate in a third of the samples. Bakery and milling organizations say the glyphosate levels found in bread are insignificant and harmless. Niamh Michail , "Bread companies should drop glyphosate, says Soil Association", Food Navigator, July 20, 2015, © William Reed Business Media SAS

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FDA To Food Companies: Three Years To Get Rid Of Trans Fats June 16, 2015: 12:00 AM EST After taking a close look at all of the available evidence from scientific studies, the FDA has told food companies to rid their products of all partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), the main source of harmful trans fats in the American diet, within three years. The agency in 2013 made a preliminary ruling that PHOs were not “generally recognized as safe,” then considered all public comments on the proposal. The three-year compliance period will give companies time to reformulate products without PHOs or petition the FDA for special exemptions from the ban. After three years, “no PHOs can be added to human food unless they are otherwise approved by the FDA,” the agency said. "FDA takes step to remove artificial trans fats in processed foods", News release, USFDA, June 16, 2015, © USFDA

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Disinfectant Wipes Are Highly Effective At Reducing Poultry Preparation Risk May 12, 2015: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers who tested the effectiveness of disinfectant wipes on typical countertop materials after preparation of chicken found they reduced the risk of Campylobacter jejuni infection by up to 99.2 percent. People cooking chicken and other poultry don’t need to ingest Campylobacter bacteria to get sick. That’s why it’s critical to wipe kitchen surfaces clean and wash the hands after poultry preparation. Surfaces tested successfully with the disinfectant wipes included granite, laminate and ceramic tile. The researchers said the wipes would also be effective in reducing food poisoning caused by E.coli, Salmonella, and noroviruses. Gerardo U. Lopez et al., "Impact of Disinfectant Wipes on the Risk of Campylobacter jejuni Infection During Raw Chicken Preparation in Domestic Kitchens. ", Journal of Applied Microbiology, May 12, 2015, © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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Tyson Chicken To Be Antibiotic Free Within Two Years April 28, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Tyson Foods announced it will end the use of antibiotics in its chicken products by September 2017. The decision is a reflection of a more health-conscious attitude among food companies, which are using less antibiotics and other artificial ingredients in their products. Market researcher IRI said dollar sales of antibiotic-free chicken – about 11 percent of total chicken sales -- were up 25 percent in the year ending January 25. Organic chicken sales were up 33 percent in the same period. Tyson is the largest seller of chicken in the U.S. Benjamin Snyder, "Tyson is making a very big change to its chicken", Fortune, April 28, 2015, © Time Inc.

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