Listeria monocytogenes contamination has been found at a facility that manufactures vegetable products, including Trader Joe’s- branded zucchini and butternut squash spirals distributed in Wisconsin.  Other brands such as Green Giant are also implicated, although the Green Giant product does not appear to have been distributed in Wisconsin. The recalled product is manufactured by California-based Growers Express and […]

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has announced a national investigation into Salmonella infections from backyard flocks.  As of June, there were 279 people across 41 states who have been infected!  Of the 152 patients for whom the information is available, more than a fourth had to be admitted to hospitals because their symptoms were so severe. Since 2000, […]

A short heat process known as blanching is generally recommended before freezing of vegetables.  Some canning recipes also call for a short blanching, or heating, step prior to placing vegetables into the jar.  Blanching helps to stabilize the color, especially of peas and other green vegetables, and it protects flavor and texture.  Blanching also helps to cleanse […]

Three prominent brands have recalled flour due to the possible presence of contamination with a harmful strain of the E. coli bacteria.  The newest recall includes more than 4,600 cases of Pillsbury “Best Bread” flour.  While the flour was shipped to retailers and distributors in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia – […]