Sign up for food safety alerts

#MiddleburyCT #FoodSafetyAlerts #Seniors

At this writing we’re being told on the news that the bird flu that’s popping up across the country is being found in milk we buy. Then days later, no, it’s not. It’s only in raw milk, not the pasteurized we buy at the store. Except yes, there are “viral fragments” in pasteurized milk. With conflicting information, what can we do to stay safe?

Various agencies in the government release alerts and recalls about our food safety. Sometimes they find an undeclared allergen in a food product or an item has not been inspected. Then there are the adulterants such as tiny pieces of plastic found in food.

Sometimes, however, what’s found is quite serious, such as listeria, E. coli or salmonella, which can make people (especially seniors) extremely ill. Receiving alerts and warnings about these can help us avoid foods that can make us sick.

There are several alert/recall sources, but the one with the best information is at www.foodsafety.gov. You can either check the site on your computer or phone, or have the alerts sent to you. The website also has information on safe food storage and food poisoning.

The CDC has information on alerts as well at www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/outbreaks/index.html. One recent recall warned of metal fragments in ice cream.

The FDA has a wider selection of alerts covering shellfish, baby food products, beverages and dietary supplements. See www.fda.gov/food/recalls-outbreaks-emergencies/alerts-advisories-safety-information. One recent alert concerned elevated levels of lead in several cinnamon products.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls) recently recalled ham products that made it into the country without being inspected and ground beef with E. coli.

Sign up for as many (or as few) alerts as you need to feel safe about your food. If you sign up for more than one, you may get duplicate information, as they often share between agencies.

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.