Restaurant Law Group

USDA scientists have developed an ultra-small nanotechnological device that can detect salmonella in foods, and could be adapted to detect other pathogens. The device includes an organic fluorescent dye which, when it finds salmonella, “lights up” so that it can be seen more easily.

There is no shortage of tips on keeping your loved ones from contracting a food-borne illness. But the NBC affiliate in Wisconsin is nice enough to supply a video as well as text. Here is part of their cornucopia of advice:

The most important rule is not to cook the stuffing with the turkey. Just don’t do it. The stuffing rarely reaches the bacteria-killing temperatures when it’s inside the turkey.

By the way, that temperature is 165 degrees.

Most of the other tips would be known as common sense — if they were more commonly followed: keep raw and ready to eat foods separate; separate raw meats and produce in the fridge; store meat on the bottom shelf.

It seems uncanny that Canada could have yet another round of listeria problems, but UPI reports that in routine testing of food from Eurest Dining Services, traces of listeria were discovered.

The company supplies meat to, among other places, correctional institutions in Ontario. The acting chief of health services for the province has warned those who may have been exposed to such meats earlier in the month to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms of listeriosis –diarrhea, nausea, fever, severe headaches and a stiff neck.

So far, no cases have been reported.

So that your Thanksgiving is truly thankful and memorable in a good way, there are quite a few things to watch out for when preparing turkey. You’d be surprised at how often that great “stuffed” feeling becomes unstuffed with salmonella.

What is it about poor Canada that is taking such a beating with food safety this year? After epidemics of salmonella, E. coli and listeria, now it seems that someone is dumping potentially poisoned candy on the market in Toronto illegally.

Hershey’s candy that was recalled two years ago for potential salmonella poisoning, and supposedly destroyed, was stolen from the recall center, and now has surfaced at some stores.

Hershey Co. emphasizes that its Halloween candy is safe.

The Canadian death toll due to listeria food poisoning could be higher than officially reported, according to Torstar News Service.

Lack of blood tests in nursing homes and hospitals points to an even higher figure than the 20 known deaths. Blood tests have been denied patients at one nursing home even though a person died from listeria there.

Harry and David are recalling the Moose — the Moose Munch Confection, Milk Chocolate Gingerbread, that is. According to the FDA, the product has undeclared pecans in it.

The product was only in Harry and David stores. No illnesses have been reported associated with the product, but for those with allergies, the pecans could be life-threatening.

Though samples from one of Maple Leaf’s processing lines are still showing positive for listeria contamination, after its other lines have repeatedly passed inspection, those meats have been cleared by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for distribution.

The company attributed the listeria, which sickened over 50 people and was responsible for 29 deaths, to a bacteria-laden area “deep inside the mechanical operations” of a slicing machine.

Koala March Cookies

The Lotte Company, Battle Creek, Michigan, is recalling all of its Koala March cookies because they were manufactured in China and “may” contain melamine.

The cookies were distributed nationwide and in Canada. The recall includes nine different brands, according to the FDA.

Norfolk News TV News report

The Virginia Department of Health is posting the status of restaurants’ smoking policies on its website.

Pretty bold move, actually, for a state that was founded on tobacco and no doubt reels under its power still.