Food Safety in a Minute

This minute-long podcast from WSU Extension offers handy, easy-to-apply tips to avoid food-borne illness. This series delves into issues ranging from holiday food safety to packing school lunches, how to store canned food, and more.

FSM 378: Food Safety Behind Commercial Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Part 2

Transcript [ Music ] Welcome to Food Safety in a Minute from Washington State University Extension. California has many dry, hot, sunny areas: Perfect to produce sun-dried tomatoes. After sliced tomatoes are placed on large wooden trays, they are often treated with sulfur dioxide. Sulfur dioxide prevents spoilage caused by bacteria or fungi, prevents browning, […]

FSM 377: Food Safety Behind Commercial Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Part 1

Transcript [ Music ] Welcome to Food Safety in a Minute. Enjoy adding sun-dried tomatoes to hummus or pasta? The next two weeks, we focus on the food safety behind commercial sun-dried tomatoes. Just picked tomatoes arrive by truck to a dry yard. They are washed, sorted, sliced in half, inspected, and placed in large […]

FSM 375: This UN Commission Helps Ensure Worldwide Food Safety

Transcript [ Music ] Welcome to Food Safety in a Minute. Established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization, this special Commission develops international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice to protect consumer health while promoting fair practices in food trade. This past October the Codex […]

FSM 374: Food Safety and Chocolate

Transcript [ Music ] Welcome to Food Safety in a Minute, I’m Susie Craig. Chocolate and Valentines Day go hand in hand. With low water activity and high fat content, chocolate is considered a low-risk food. However, food processors follow Good Manufacturing Practices and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point systems to ensure food safety. […]

FSM 373: Food Safety for Ramadan

Transcript [ Music ] From Washington State University Extension, this is Food Safety in a Minute. Mid-February marks the start of Ramadan for Muslims around the world. The exact date depends on moon settings. Ramadan includes 30 days of fasting from dawn until sunset. After sunset, families look forward to home-cooked meals and community events […]

FSM 372: Coloring the Future Naturally: The Shift Away from Synthetic Food Dyes

Transcript [ Music ] I’m Susie Craig from Washington State University Extension. Did you know that 90% of the members of the American Bakers Association plan to eliminate certified FD&C colors from their snack and bakery products by December 31, 2028? FD&C colors are synthetic, petroleum-based dyes currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug […]

FSM 371: Ordering In? Six Food Safety Tips for Restaurant Deliveries

Transcript [Music] This is Food Safety in a Minute from Washington State University Extension. Are pad Thai, sushi, pasta, chicken curry, or a meatloaf dinner from a local eatery arriving this evening at your home for dinner? Here are six tips to prevent foodborne illness. • Check restaurant inspection scores from your health department. Food […]

FSM 370: New Year, Safe Kitchen: The Core Four Way

Transcript [Music] This is Food Safety in a Minute from Washington State University Extension. In 2026, resolve to improve food safety in your kitchen using this clear, straightforward mantra from the National Partnership for Food Safety Education. “It’s the “Core Four”: Clean, Separate, Cook, Chill.” Clean all surfaces and wash your hands before and after […]

FSM 369: Reduce Holiday Food Waste – Leftovers Done Safely

Transcript [Music] From Washington State University Extension, this is Food Safety in a Minute. After holiday meals, using leftovers is a great way to reduce food waste at home. Holiday celebrations often leave more food than expected; enough for 25 people instead of the 10 invited. According to the FDA’s Leftovers and Food Safety, bacteria […]