Earlier this week, Taylor Farms Pacific, Inc. recalled celery-containing products due to a possible E. coli risk. Some of these products, including celery sticks, diced celery, and pre-made salads containing celery were sold in Arizona at Costco, Safeway, Albertsons, Sam’s Club, and Walmart. At this time, no one in Arizona has gotten sick from E. [...]
There has been on average 24 multistate outbreaks reported each year since 2010, each involving two to 37 states. In Arizona, just in the last few months, we have helped investigate several notable multistate outbreaks including: Salmonella associated with cucumbers, raw ground tuna and a truffle and mushroom product. Teamwork is crucial to a rapid [...]
Are you planning on cooking up a Thanksgiving feast tomorrow? Whether you are planning on making everything from the turkey to the pumpkin pies or just some side dishes, follow these tips to make sure the food you prepare is safe to serve: Purchase a thermometer and make sure the cooked turkey reaches an internal [...]
Halloween is loved by children and adults alike. As Halloween approaches, the Arizona Department of Health Services encourages families to celebrate in a safe and healthy way. Parents should talk to their children about Halloween food safety. Tell children not to accept – and especially not to eat – anything that isn’t commercially wrapped. Inspect [...]
Our state has experienced some powerful storms over the past month with the most recent hitting the Greater Phoenix Area last night. After the storm passes, the threat to public health can continue. Fortunately, there are simple actions you can take to prevent the spread of these health risks, including mosquito-borne disease, flood water runoff [...]
The Food and Drug Administration’s 50 State Food Safety Twitter Tour is underway and Arizona will be featured on August 4th. This tour aims to encourage engagement through social media by promoting the best content the 50 state agricultural and/or health agencies have on food safety. The Food Safety Tour kick-off was on April 7th, [...]
Summertime is the season for pool parties, barbecues, picnics and other outdoor family fun. These events are a great opportunity to get together with friends and family and share a meal. However, our hot outdoor temperatures can result in the rapid growth of dangerous bacteria on food, which could lead to foodborne illness. Did you [...]
With the monsoon comes an increase in foodborne illnesses in Arizona. While outdoor pool parties, barbeques, and family gatherings are cool, it’s important to remember some tips for handling food safely to protect your family and guests from a nasty bout of foodborne illnesses. According to the CDC, reducing foodborne illness by just 10% would keep 5 million Americans [...]
I started my career in public health inspecting restaurants, motels and the like in the mid- 1980s. My area was right around here down toward South Mountain- and I inspected the cafeteria in the basement of the Executive Tower and the cafeteria that used to be on the 4th floor of the 1740 building. It doesn’t seem [...]
When it comes to the Super Bowl, defense matters. When it comes to planning a Super Bowl XLV party, good defense against foodborne illness matters even more. Food Safety Playbook Fans should follow the food safety play book at the Super Bowl parties that they host. Large gatherings can increase the chance of becoming ill, [...]
