Restaurant Law Group

CRACKDOWN ON NYC RESTAURANTS

Nate Lee — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 18:36:42 +0000

The notorious NY Health Department shut down over 1700 restaurants in 2009, 27 percent more than in 2008. According to the Daily News, it wasn’t because more restaurants were violating the rules, it was because the Health Department actually got around to inspecting almost all of them.

Apparently not so concerned with trans fats and calorie counts on menus, the inspectors had more time to inspect for real hazards. The result, too, is a windfall of cash for the Department in fines, which enables them to hire more inspectors.

It’s a wonder why the FDA hasn’t considered this business model for its inspection of imports.

NOT SO BUENO — Queso Fresco recalled

Nate Lee — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 23:52:57 +0000

The FDA reports that Del Bueno of Grandview, WA, is recalling its 16 ounce packages of Queso Fresco Fresh Cheese because it could be contaminated with listeria.

Washington State Ag officials found the contamination. The product is only distributed in Washington and Oregon.

SALMONELLA NANO-DETECTOR DEVELOPED

Nate Lee — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:02:42 +0000

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.

HOLIDAY TURKEY TIPS

Nate Lee — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:36:47 +0000

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.

CANADIAN PRISONS EXPOSED TO LISTERIA

Nate Lee — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 22:59:48 +0000

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.

BEWARE OF TURKEY!

Nate Lee — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:06:52 +0000

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.

A MALICIOUS TRICK WITH TREATS

Nate Lee — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:27:27 +0000

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.

LISTERIA DEATHS COULD BE HIGHER THAN REPORTED

Nate Lee — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:17:48 +0000

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.

KILL THE MOOSE… MUNCH!

Nate Lee — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:25:35 +0000

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.

MAPLE LEAF HALF A PLANT — Some processing lines cleared for the source of the Canada listeria outbreak

Nate Lee — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:25:59 +0000

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.