Consumer Reports: Meats Produced Without Antibiotics Harbor Fewer “Superbugs”

Yonkers, NY – A review of a series of in-depth studies conducted by Consumer Reports show that, in general, meat, poultry and shrimp from animals raised without antibiotics are less likely to harbor multidrug-resistant bacteria than conventionally-produced meat from animals that get the drugs routinely.

During the past three years, Consumer Reports’ Food Safety and Sustainability Center has conducted tests of bacterial contamination in four different types of primarily raw and uncooked meat while also examining antibiotic resistance of bacteria as a consequence of antibiotic overuse, including the presence of dangerous “superbugs.” Hundreds of packages of meat, poultry and shrimp were methodically tested for bacteria and antibiotic resistance and analyzed by an expert team of scientists and statisticians.

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U.S. Department of Agriculture offers Barbecue and Food Safety Tips

Washington, D.C. – Cooking outdoors was once only a summer activity shared with family and friends. Now more than half of Americans say they are cooking outdoors year round.

So whether the snow is blowing or the sun is shining brightly, it’s important to follow food safety guidelines to prevent harmful bacteria from multiplying and causing foodborne illness.

Use these simple guidelines for grilling food safely.

[Read more]

ShopSmart’s Secrets for Saving Big at the Supermarket without Coupons

A month-to-month breakdown of what to buy when, plus storage tips to make food last

Yonkers, NY – Clipping coupons can be a chore, but there are secrets to slashing grocery bills without using coupons.

The April 2015 issue of ShopSmart, from Consumer Reports, uncovers ways to track supermarket sales cycles and other special discounts for big savings, plus food storage tips so shoppers can stock up on items when they are on sale. [Read more]

Cornbread and Chili Warm Up Fall Suppers

Nashville, TN – As the days shorten and cool, those hearty soups and stews start sounding good again.

“There may be no other meal that folks look forward to more in the fall than that first big pot of chili and a skillet of hot cornbread,” observes Martha White® baking expert, Linda Carman. “Chili and cornbread are both easy to make and fun to serve on a lot of different occasions – a family supper, tailgate outing or a casual get-together with friends.”

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USDA Grilling Food Safety 101

Washington, D.C. – Questions received to USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline about grilling meat and poultry increase during spring and summer months.

In anticipation of the popular summer grilling holidays like Memorial Day weekend and the Fourth of July, I have put together some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive about grilling.

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USDA gives Seven Food Safety Steps for Successful Community Meals this Independence Day

Washington, D.C. – Whether preparing food for a holiday like the 4th of July, family reunion or a community gathering, people who are great cooks at home don’t necessarily know how to safely prepare and store large quantities of food for large groups.

Food that is mishandled can cause foodborne illness. However, by following some simple steps, volunteer cooks can make the event safe and successful!

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American Heart Association reports Healthy diet may help prevent recurrent Heart Attacks, Strokes

The benefits of eating right were in addition to those from taking preventive drugs, even in countries with varying economic levels.

Dallas, TX – If you have cardiovascular disease , a heart-healthy diet may help protect you from recurrent heart attacks and strokes, according to new research in the American Heart Association journal Circulation.

“At times, patients don’t think they need to follow a healthy diet since their medications have already lowered their blood pressure and cholesterol — that is wrong,” said Mahshid Dehghan, Ph.D., study author and a nutritionist at the Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. “Dietary modification has benefits in addition to those seen with aspirin, angiotensin modulators, lipid-lowering agents and beta blockers.”

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Consumer Reports Poll shows that the Majority of Americans Want Meat raised Without Antibiotics sold at Local Supermarkets

Consumer Reports Finds Misleading, Unapproved Labels that Can Confuse Consumers; Calls on USDA to Tighten Labeling Standards for Meat Raised Without Antibiotics

Yonkers, NY – A majority of Americans want meat raised without antibiotics to be sold in their local supermarket, according to a new national poll conducted by Consumer Reports. The poll is part of a report released today, “Meat On Drugs: The Overuse of Antibiotics in Food Animals and What Supermarkets and Consumers Can Do to Stop It,” available online at www.ConsumerReports.org . [Read more]

USDA offers Outdoor Barbecuing Food Safety Tips

Washington, D.C. – Cooking outdoors was once only a summer activity shared with family and friends. Now more than half of Americans say they are cooking outdoors year round.

So whether the snow is blowing or the sun is shining brightly, it’s important to follow food safety guidelines to prevent harmful bacteria from multiplying and causing foodborne illness. Use these simple guidelines for grilling food safely.

[Read more]

UT Extension Launches Online Domestic Kitchen Certification Course

News and Information from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture

Knoxville, TN – Earning certification to prepare, manufacture and sell certain foods from a home kitchen is now more convenient for Tennesseans thanks to a new online training module from University of Tennessee Extension.

Domestic Kitchen Food Safety Training, which launched Wednesday, February 1st, provides instruction centered around the state’s Domestic Kitchen Rule. The rule allows people to commercially prepare, manufacture and sell non-potentially hazardous foods in the home while ensuring the public’s health is protected. [Read more]