Food Safety Weekly Roundup 2

3 Things To Watch to Ensure Food Safety at Farmers Markets

One of the best parts of summer is the farmers' market, and we love swinging by our local market in Tennessee. The three things to watch:

1) Watch for signs of imported items, which may be less fresh and prone to spoilage.

2) Ensure that vendors keep their foods at safe temperatures and avoid cross contamination.

3) Always check for pasteurization labels on items like milk, juice, and cheese. And when in doubt, ask questions! Farmers' markets are the perfect time to learn about your food!

Learn more here from NY Post

US Faces Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Fresh Cucumbers

Federal officials have confirmed 381 cases of Salmonella across two outbreaks linked to fresh cucumbers. According to the CDC, 75% of the patients reported eating cucumbers before falling ill. The CDC predicts that the number of sick individuals is likely higher due to unreported cases. A Florida-based company, Fresh Start Produce Sales issued a recall and the FDA believes the cucumbers to be off the market.

Learn more here from Food Safety.

New FDA Reorganization Aims to Enhance Food Safety

The FDA has announced a significant reorganization to create a unified Human Foods Program (HFP) and streamline its field operations. This reorganization, set to begin on October 1, aims to improve efficiency and responsiveness to food safety challenges. The new structure will integrate the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, the Office of Food Policy and Response, and key functions from the Office of Regulatory Affairs. The renamed Office of Inspections and Investigations (OII) will focus on core missions such as inspections and investigations, enhancing the FDA's ability to ensure the safety and quality of the food supply.

Learn more here from the FDA.