food safety

This weekend is Super Bowl Sunday, a time when even the casual football fan gathers around the TV to watch the big game.  But while you’re hanging out with family and friends, the USDA is reminding you to go on offense against Food Borne illnesses.  Janell G...

The Oregon Department of Agriculture reports it has greatly reduced a backlog of food safety inspections this past year.  ODA’s Food Safety Program inspects retail stores, food processors, and nearly all other food-related businesses with the exception of restaurants.  Program Director Stephanie P...

Now that the Hirst Decision has been addressed in Olympia, what is the top agriculture issue before Washington lawmakers.  If you ask Granger Republican Bruce Chandler, he says ensuring a safe food supply is tops on the list.  The Yakima Valley fruit grower told the Washington Ag Network looking ahead to 2018, he believes ensuring the Washington State Department of Agriculture has the needed peopl

The Oregon Department of Agriculture has a three-fold mission: It includes providing food safety and consumer protection, natural resource protection, and marketing of Oregon agricultural products.  ODA Director Alexis Taylor said the agency is strategically poised to meet the needs of its constituents.  However, one area...

It is that time of year when company and family parties start to pop up on your calendar and the Oregon Department of Agriculture is trying to get the word out on food safety to party goers in good health.   Food Safety Specialist Susan Kendrick says it’s particularly important when it comes to potlucks.   “...

For the first time, the United States has dropped from the top spot in a global ranking of how well countries can feed their own people.  A new ranking shows Ireland now as the world’s most food secure nation, with the U.S. the second most food secure nation.   Bloomb...

It’s harvest time for many home gardeners around the Northwest and the excitement of plucking your tomato, corn, or whatever you grew is an exciting time.   Jeanne Brandt, a family and community health expert with Oregon State University Extension Service said a lot of people don’t think about their gardening practices and how that might impact food safety for you and anyone you share your bounty

At the annual meeting of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, NASDA, Dr. Scott Gottlieb with the Food and Drug Administration said the organization will emphasize education for the first year of the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act...

It’s very nearly fair season and soon FFA and 4-H kids along with a host of others will be displaying what they’ve worked on for several months.   Oregon State Veterinarian Dr. Brad LeaMaster said it’s important to be biosecure, even if you’re not showing anything but merely watching.   “Wash your hands wh...

As more and more people hit the barbecue for the holiday, or just because it’s summer, or they want to head down to the park for a picnic, it’s important to bring along food safety measures.   Food Safety Specialist with the Oregon Department of Agriculture Susan Kendrick said food safety is even more important in the summer.   “The nu...