Foodborne Pathogens Including Physical Hazards in Food

FSM 400: Safe Produce Practices During Cyclospora Outbreaks

Transcript [Music] I’m Susie Craig, this is Food Safety in a Minute.Human illness from the parasite, cyclospora results from eating food or drinking water contaminated with human feces. Most often, fresh produce becomes contaminated after coming into contact with irrigation or washing water of produce where the parasite is present.What can you do to stay […]

FSM 399: Tracing the Cyclospora Outbreak – Not as Easy as You Think

Transcript [Music] From Washington State University Extension, this is Food Safety in a Minute.Federal investigators identified a Taylor Farms location in Mexico as the single supplier connected through traceback to shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell. They voluntarily removed iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico initiating recalls for food-service products and Marketside lettuce sold at […]

FSM 398: Cyclospora Outbreak Not Finished – Traceback Difficulties

Transcript [Music] Welcome to Food Safety in a Minute from Washington State University Extension.Identifying the source of a Cyclospora outbreak is difficult. Symptoms begin a week after exposure and may take up to two weeks, so patients must remember specific foods eaten days earlier. Fresh produce is mixed, shredded, repackaged, and distributed widely making traceback […]

FSM 397: Cyclospora Cases Rise Nationwide; Washington State Not Linked to Outbreak

Transcript [Music] From Washington State University Extension, this is Food Safety in a Minute.Since May 1st, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed thousands of domestic cases of Cyclosporiasis most likely linked with iceberg lettuce grown in Mexico. Caused by the parasite Cyclospora, most illnesses have been reported in Michigan, New York, North […]

FSM 396: The Multistate Cyclospora Outbreak is Solved

Transcript [Music] From Washington State University Extension, this is Food Safety in a Minute. There’s a multi-state outbreak of an illness caused by the microscopic parasite cyclospora. People become infected by consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms typically develop about a week later. Symptoms include diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, […]

FSM 391: Dry Canning Vegetables: An Unsafe Home Canning Practice

Transcript [Music] Welcome to Food Safety in a Minute from Washington State University Extension. Did you know some home canners are experimenting with “dry canning” vegetables? This involves putting raw vegetables in canning jars with no added liquid followed by pressure canning. Some consumers are even adding butter or ghee. This practice is unsafe. Safe […]

FSM 386: Food Allergies: The Big Nine

Transcript [Music] From Washington State University Extension, this is Food Safety in a Minute. A food allergy happens when your immune system mistakes certain food proteins as threats and makes IgE antibodies; eating that food again can trigger a reaction. Reactions often start within minutes to two hours and can range from hives or stomach […]

FSM 384: Dark Chocolate and Heavy Metals: What Consumers Should Know

Transcript [Music] I’m Susie Craig from Washington State University Extension. In 2024, a peer reviewed research study of 72 dark chocolate and cocoa products showed 43% exceeded lead and 35% exceeded cadmium levels of California’s Proposition 65 limits. Read the entire study by linking to Resources for this episode, downloading a free pdf. It’s an […]

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 355: A Study on Nanoplastics and Pathogenic E.Coli O157: H7.

Transcript [music] This is Food Safety in a Minute from Washington State University Extension. Are you familiar with microplastics and nanoplastics? With widespread use, they are found throughout our environment, raising health concerns. Research on nanoplastics and their potential risks is ongoing. Food scientists at the University of Illinois are examining how nanoplastics influence pathogenic […]