Food Safety during Power Outages

Food Safety during Power Outages by Barb Ingham Whether it’s a massive winter storm or heavy rains and flooding in the summer, it’s important to handle food safely in an emergency. Knowing how to determine if food is safe and how to keep food safe will help minimize the potential loss of food and reduce […]

Annual report on pesticide residue levels in food

Pesticide residue levels in food. The USDA has issued its annual report(2017) of pesticide residue levels in our food supply. The voluntary sampling of foods represent geographically about 50% of our population and major agricultural areas. The foods include imports and those labeled as organic. Food samples were collected at points close to consumer purchase, like warehouse distribution […]

Instant Pot isn’t safe for canning

As a reminder, posted in an earlier article about electric multi-cookers, the most popular of which is the Instant Pot. At several holiday parties individuals had received this appliance as a holiday gift. Are these electric multi-cookers safe for canning? Unfortunately, the answer is ‘No.’ These units have not been tested to ensure that they […]

Canned Fruits and Vegetables are a Good Choice

The majority of Americans do not consume enough fruits and vegetables. In fact, only 33% of Americans consume the recommended amount of fruits and only 27% consume the recommended amount of vegetables. A study shows that canned fruits and vegetables can help bridge the dietary gap. Popular media often emphasizes the point that only fresh fruits and […]

Holiday Baking: Say NO to Raw Dough!

It’s the season for holiday baking, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) warns consumers not to consume raw dough this holiday season or at any other time of the year. When you prepare homemade cookie dough, cake mixes, or even bread, you may be tempted to taste a bite before it is fully cooked. Steer […]

To Eat or Not to Eat: Decorative Products on Foods Can be Unsafe

Edible glitter cake balls Baking fancy cookies and cakes for the holidays? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wants you to know that some glitters and dusts promoted for use in foods may, in fact, contain materials that should not be eaten. Many decorative glitters and dusts are sold over the Internet and in craft and bakery […]

Safe Preserving: Lots of Tomatoes to Can!

I have a bounty of garden tomatoes to can. How do I know whether to pressure can them or can them in a boiling water canner? There are lots of great things to be said for home-canned tomatoes: the flavor can’t be beat, canned tomatoes are a versatile pantry item, working well in so many […]

Food Safety for Flooded Farms

Flooding events, especially during the harvest season, can have a significant impact on a farm’s bottom line. Growers need to also consider food safety impacts as they assess damage and consider their options. Several resources are available to help growers in the aftermath of significant rain events: Food Safety for Flooded Farms (Produce Safety Alliance) Flooding […]

Guidelines for Consuming Late Season Produce Exposed to Floodwater

Heavy rains and the flowing waters that result can contaminate plants growing in the garden and create a food safety hazard. As floodwater moves into your garden, it can carry raw sewage overflow, farm and domestic animal waste, river or pond water, and agricultural run-off, all of which can be sources of human pathogens such […]

Fruits and Vegetables – Healthy Many Ways!

Lorre Kolb’s interview with Barb Ingham, UW-Extension Food Scientist with the Department of Food Science at the UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. TRANSCRIPT Lorre Kolb: Eating healthy; including more fruits and vegetables in your diet. We’re visiting today with Barb Ingham, Extension Food Safety Specialist, Department of Food Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension, in the College […]