EHA Food Safety and Epidemiology Blog

Pet Food Recall

It has been just over two months since the FDA first learned of pet foods that were manufactured in the United States being linked deaths in both dogs and cats. During this time, the FDA has received over 10,000 complaints from consumers who believe their pets may have been affected by tainted pet food.

The FDA determined thorough its investigations that vegetable proteins imported from China and used as ingredients in pet food, were apparently responsible. Apparently, wheat gluten, which is used as a thickening agent in pet foods, was contaminated with a small nitrogen containing molecule called melamine. Melamine is used as an industrial binding agent, flame retardant and also in the manufacturing of cooking utensils and plates. Additionally, because of its nitrogen component, it is also used as a fertilizer in some parts of the world.

Pool Safety and Pool Water

In many parts of the Northeast, Memorial Day signals the opening of pool season, while many other areas of the country, swimming pools remain open all year round. With the unofficial start to summer only a few days away it is important to ensure that your pool and pool water area properly maintained. To be safe, prior to opening, have your pool water tested by a reputable source to determine what types of chemicals are needed to stabilize the water and provide consistent ph and chlorine levels. Most pool supply company's now provided this service free of charge. Pool water that is not balanced properly is often difficult to keep clear, may encourage growth of algae and, if sanitizing levels are too low, may not adequately kill harmful bacteria and viruses. Every year we learn of children who die because they were permitted in pool area unsupervised. There are several manufactures of in ground pool alarms that will advise the homeowner that someone is in the pool. Alarms are a great idea, but nothing takes the place of parental supervision. Diving head first into back yard pools should never be permitted due to the dangers associated with head, neck and spinal cord injuries. Remember, an accident can happen in a second, but the ramifications can last a lifetime. Have fun - but be safe!

What Stinks?

With the new push towards composting and waste stream reduction, pulping units seem to be making a come back within foodservice units. Recently, I did an inspection on an older corporate food service operation that still maintained one of their old unused pulping units.

You may recognize this piece of equipment in dishwashing rooms as they use a water trough to push food waste and paper to a large grinding machine, where solids are removed and liquids ultimately discharged into the sanitary sewer. In my opinion, one of the worst pieces of equipment to grace a kitchen when they are not used and when not properly removed.

This equipment collects water and old food residues and often smell to high heaven! Many times, they are also found to be a source of insect infestations such as fruit flies and houseflies. SO - If you happen to have one of these machines in your operation, keep a close eye on it and routinely clean and sanitize it so that it does not become a source of foul odors and ultimately encourage pest activity.