Earlier today, Bill Marler shared his thoughts on new proposed legislation in Colorado that provides a remarkable level of protection for food retailers who sell contaminated food. The bill would strengthen defenses that already exist under Colorado law for “non-manufacturing” sellers – providing immunity even where the manufacturer is bankrupt or outside the jurisdiction of the Court
Jack Decoster and Stewart Parnell should not move to England
Time and again British courts have held perpetrators of food crimes responsible for their actions, and by doing more than simply allowing civil suits against their companies to proceed. In another such example, the owner of a fish “take away” (“carry out” or “to go” to us) stand was sentenced to jail for 8 months
CDC’s final update on Salmonella sprouts outbreak: 140 ill
The CDC has released its final update on the Salmonella I 4,5,12,i- outbreak linked to Tiny Greens alfalfa sprouts: 140 people ill with confirmed infections in 26 states and the District of Columbia. Investigation into the outbreak revealed a link to consuming sprouts at Jimmy John’s outlets, though the CDC continues to state that
What says the FDA on the 60 day aging rule?
NPR profiled the burgeoning California artisanal cheese industry today, noting specifically the crackdown on producers that happened in 2010. Raw milk and raw milk-based products caused 12 outbreaks and 146 confirmed E. coli, campylobacter, salmonella, and listeria illnesses in 2010, and were responsible for another 9 recalls. Three of these outbreaks were linked
How safe is your chicken in the United States?
Not very if you follow @marynmck on Twitter. Maryn McKenna is a journalist for national magazines and the author of SUPERBUG and BEATING BACK THE DEVIL. She finds emerging diseases strangely exciting. Here is what she posted today on Wired, after seeing the chicken post on Canadian chicken I made last night:
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Tyson Foods Agrees to a $4 Million Criminal Penalty Stemming From Foreign Bribery Investigation
The day before six family members of victims of Peanut Corporation of America’s (PCA) 2008-2009 Salmonella outbreak urged for criminal action against PCA’s president, Stewart Parnell, it was announced that Tyson Foods Inc.–one of the world’s largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork products–agreed to pay a $4 million criminal penalty to
DeLauro stands up for victims of Salmonella Outbreak
Victims, families urge Peanut Corp. CEO to be held accountable
Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3), Ranking Member on the Labor, Health, and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement today in support of those who were affected by the 2009 recall of peanuts contaminated with Salmonella.
The outbreak was traced to a Peanut Corporation
Food Safety and Modernization Act Provides Whistleblower Protection
An important, but little known, component to the newly enacted Food Safety and Modernization Act provides whistleblower protection for workers at Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated food companies. As reported by Steve Karnowski at the Associated Press, the law protects workers from being fired, demoted or denied promotions or raises if they speak up
FDA to select Chief Outbreak Director; will also create 40-person, multidisciplinary outbreak team
After passage of the Food Safety Modernization Act, the FDA is looking to fill a newly created position for Chief Outbreak Director. The Director’s job will consolidate formerly disparate duties, putting one person in charge of dealing with foodborne disease outbreaks and leading a permanent team dedicated to that purpose. The person will report to Michael Taylor
Prior Salmonella Illnesses in Maine
The recent announcement by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention of a Salmonella outbreak at an assisted living facility stands in contrast to a relative lack of Salmonella incidents in the 
state’s recent history. In fact, in discussing positive tests for Salmonella enteritids at egg farms in the State, Dr. Hoening of the Maine