Mary's Blog I Love You

These days people are looking for ways to protect themselves and their families from harmful germs.  Now, more than ever, folks are thinking about what they are bringing into their homes.  SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19 has significantly changed our daily lives in so many ways. We slather our hands in sanitizer.  Some even change clothes in the garage after a shopping trip.  We wear masks everywhere.  Those with a compromised immune system or high-risk category are wiping down packages coming from grocery delivery.  Many are using grocery delivery or curbside pickup for the first time in their lives.  While these are all good ways to lower risk of transmission, some are taking it too far. It goes without saying – but I still must say it – Don’t Bleach Produce, People! The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report based on data gathered from calls to poison control centers and an online survey of ...

As of the writing of this article, 465 people in 42 (yes 42) states have become infected with Salmonella linked to their pet chickens. One person has sadly died. For those of you who recall, we see these pet chicken outbreaks every year. But they are preventable. If you keep backyard chickens or are around them, here is everything you need to know about this Backyard Chickens Salmonella Outbreak. About the Backyard Chickens Salmonella Outbreak According to the latest from the CDC, 465 people infected with one of the outbreak strains of Salmonella  have been reported from 42 states. Of these illnesses, 86 people have been hospitalized. One person, in Oklahoma, has died and over 1/3 of the cases are children under 5 years old. State Ill People Alabama 4 Arkansas 11 Arizona 11 California 19 Colorado 14 Connecticut 6 Florida 7 Georgia 26 Iowa 10 Idaho 3 Illinois 16 Indiana 9 Kansas 11 Kentucky 34 Massachusetts 8 ...

Oklahoma is undergoing a statewide recall for raw milk products produced by Swan Bros. Dairy, Inc.. At this time, there are 10 Campylobacter illnesses linked to Swan Bros Raw Milk, according to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. Swan Bros Raw Milk Outbreak Officials said anyone who has purchased or received their raw milk products between April 9 and June 22 is strongly urged to dispose of any remaining product. The raw milk products were sold in plastic half-gallons, gallons and pints directly from the Swan Bros. Dairy in Claremore and include raw whole milk, raw 2% milk, raw skim milk and raw heavy cream sold in pints, officials said. Raw Milk in the US Raw milk continues to be a pressing issue in the United States. With multiple outbreaks of foodborne illnesses occurring each year at the hands of unpasteurized milk, the CDC and other health officials have to constantly remind people not to drink raw milk or consume products made with raw milk. It is only...

In a world filled with dangers, sometimes we put food safety on the back burner. Unfortunately, this can lead to complications not only in our own kitchens but wherever we eat. Be it the dinner table, a favorite local restaurant, a picnic by the lake, or even a neighbor’s dinner party; food safety needs to be at the front of our minds. So, what does the CDC Foodborne Report say? A new report from the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) has some staggering news concerning foodborne illnesses and the lack of the decline in those numbers. FoodNet is part of the CDC’s Emerging Infections Program and once you read the report for yourself you will see how much danger we are in and how much more we need to be diligent. Take the time to read the report, it is technical in nature so it’s a bit – dry if you will – but worth understanding. Here is the takeaway: foodborne illnesses are up, A LOT. The Report I wanted to point out a few of the bigger picture topics first. Th...

With the current regulations set forward by many states during the COVID-19 pandemic many people are starting gardens at home to not only cure the boredom but also to provide nourishment for their families. This is whay today we are discussing Gardening & Food Safety! Living in Virginia, I love that we typically have great planting weather and we can grow a variety of things in our own soil. We are usually able to start planting in mid-March and things will continue to grow through the first frost in the fall and sometimes even after. I love that gardening gets me outside to enjoy the weather and I often tell people it is my therapy but of course there are precautions that we must take when doing something that many people love so much. Farm to School gives us some great tips to expand our knowledge of gardening: The fundamental principals of garden food safety are: CLEAN SOIL – Learn about the soil your using for the school garden and get it tested for contaminants before ...

With many states having stay at home orders enacted finding alternative sources for food can be quite tricky. We have tested out several meal kit delivery options over the last several weeks as well as companies who send produce. Living in a rural area it is always interesting to see who delivers here and how the quality of the product is once it arrives. This is why Meal Kit Food Safety is important! When choosing these services I am looking for the company who offers optimal food safety as part of their claim. Several years ago we tested out a company and when the product arrived the entire box had been contaminated with the juices of raw chicken. Not a really great way to earn my trust as a buyer and needless to say we didn’t order from that company again. With the ever-changing world around us, the CDC gives us some ideas on meal kit food safety and the main thing is to make sure you are staying safe and to be sure that you ask any questions that you may have prior to ordering. ...

Late Friday, the CDC and FDA announced their investigations into a Cyclospora outbreak linked to bagged salads. No formal FDA recall has been made at this time. For those of you who eat salads purchased from Aldi, Hy-Vee, and Jewel-Osco, you may want to go check your fridge. Your salad mix may be involved in this Bagged Salads Cyclospora Outbreak. The Outbreak According to the announcement: “[We are] investigating a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora illnesses potentially linked to ALDI Little Salad Bar Brand Garden Salad from ALDI grocery stores, Hy-Vee Brand Garden Salad from Hy-Vee grocery stores, and Signature Farms Brand Garden Salad from Jewel-Osco. Although the investigation is ongoing, CDC’s analysis of epidemiologic information indicates that these bagged salads from ALDI, Hy-Vee and Jewel-Osco grocery stores are a likely cause of the illnesses. FDA has initiated a traceback investigation to determine supplier and distributor information to find the cause and source o...