The Extension Institute of Health & Well-Being works to catalyze positive change in Wisconsin families through evidence-based programs focused on nutrition, food security and safety, chronic disease prevention, mental health promotion, prevention of substance abuse and health insurance literacy.
As we move into the season of holiday baking, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds consumers that some decorating “luster dust” has been associated with toxic metal poisonings in children. Decorating foods with luster dust or glitter is a current trend, popularized on television programs, instructional videos, blogs, and websites such as […]
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As we head into the gun-deer season, it is a good time to remember safe handling practices for wild game meat. Families across Wisconsin depend on game meat to supplement their food budget, and safe animal and food-handling practices can help ensure that harvested meat is safe and high quality. Venison is a nutritious game […]
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The holidays are a common time for food items to be used for gift exchanges. However, is this really a good idea for a gift? What should you do if you receive a home-processed food item? It is always best to err on the side of caution, even if you know the person giving the […]
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In home canning, salt is primarily for flavor in plain vegetables, tomato products, poultry, and meat. Therefore, salt can be left out of these products to reduce the sodium content. In vinegar-based pickles, salt contributes to the flavor. For fermented foods, salt is needed for safety and flavor. There are many types of salt available. […]
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Check out the September/October 2022 issue of the Preserve It Fresh, Preserve It Safe newsletter developed by the University of Missiouri Extension. Topics included in this issue: Store your canned good properly! If you have gone through all the effort to can your garden’s harvest, be sure you take the time to also store your […]
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The weather has caused power outages across the United States already this year. There are certain things that you can do to before, during, and after a power outage to help keep your family food-safe. Prepare Yourself Before Power Emergencies Make sure you have appliance thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer. Check to ensure that the freezer temperature […]
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The current avian influenza outbreak is not thought to pose a risk to human health or to food safety but it is highly toxic to birds, including backyard poultry flocks. As of April 2, 2022 the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced a confirmed case of the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPIA) in a […]
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Wisconsin has a vibrant local foods culture, and you are sure to find customers eager for your products. Be sure to follow the rules that govern preparation and sale to help ensure public health and protect your brand! Note: In spite of what many web sites say, Wisconsin does not have a cottage food law. Vendors must […]
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Recommendations for canning summer squashes, including zucchini, that you may have seen in past United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) bulletins have been withdrawn due to uncertainty about the determination of processing times. Squashes are low-acid vegetables and require pressure canning for a specific period of time that will destroy the bacteria that causes botulism. […]
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In the wake of the Uvalde, Texas school tragedy, there are numerous resources for supporting families and children as they process scary and violent events: Young Children Talking to Children About Scary events (English and Spanish) as part of our Parenting the Preschooler series. Death and Grief in Parenting the Preschooler may also be appropriate. Elementary Our Raising […]
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