Expanded recall linked to contaminated onions

Taylor Farms is recalling a variety of products containing onions, diced and chopped raw onion mixtures and pasta or chicken salad containing raw onions. Taylor Farms used onions in manufacturing that were recalled by Thomson International, Inc. Onions have been recalled nationwide because of contamination with Salmonella Newport. The recall of onion-containing products is effective […]

National recall: Salmonella and onions

On Saturday, August 1, media outlets reported a nationwide recall of Thomson red onions because of a Salmonella Newport outbreak. The red onions from Thomson International Inc. are the likely source of the outbreak, which has sickened more than 500 people in the U.S. and Canada, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) […]

Canning update: successful jar sealing

Successful jar sealing often begins, and ends, with the lids. Home canning requires use of a 2-piece sealing system, a flat metal lid and a metal band. Several years ago, manufacturers such as Ball changed the design of the lids to increase rust resistance and seal-ability and most lids no longer need to be preheated. […]

Safe substitutions when canning

The safety of the food that you preserve for your family and friends is important to you. The University of Wisconsin Division of Extension supports using up-to-date, research-tested recipes so that you know that the food that you preserve is both safe and high in quality. Here are a few quick tips on changes and […]

What’s up with condiments?

Whether it’s ketchup and mustard on a burger or mayonnaise used in a favorite potato salad, do condiments need to be stored in the refrigerator? Looking at the container for your favorite sauce or condiment, you will almost always find the words Refrigerate after Opening. My own home refrigerator has over a dozen such bottles: […]

Updated: Food and COVID-19

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated their recommendations on food handling during this time of COVID-19. The recommendations are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean. Highlights of the recommendations are: There continues to be no evidence that the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is associated with handling food or consuming […]

Cooking chicken this summer: do it safely!

Many American households fire up the grill as summertime arrives. Whether cooking chicken on the grill or stove, a new study revealed that it’s important to do so safely. A study published in April 2020 by European scientists in the journal PLOS One suggests that consumers routinely fail to accurately judge doneness of chicken. Cooking […]

Food safety precautions for July 4th

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have released food safety and health tips for celebrating this 4th of July. Planning to enjoy a picnic, barbecue, or meal under the summer sun on this holiday weekend? Remember to pack your picnic basket with food safety in mind, […]

At the end of canning, why wait 5-10 minutes?

Many current home canning recommendations suggest a 5 to 10 minute wait at the end of the canning process prior to removing jars from the canner. Why is this wait time now included in some canning recipes and it is necessary for safety? Some home canning recipes, such as the Ball (Fresh Preserving) recipe for Classic […]

A fresh look at steam canning

It’s jam and jelly season! Let’s review the use of an atmospheric steam canner for canning acid foods. The University of Wisconsin-Madison conducted research showing that an atmospheric Steam Canner may be used to safely can naturally acid foods such as peaches, pears, and apples, or acidified-foods such as salsa or pickles. The atmospheric steam canner […]