 |
What are food recalls?
|
A food recall is when a food producer takes a product off the market because there is reason to believe that it may cause consumers to become ill. A recall is intended to remove food products from commerce.
Who decides when a recall is necessary?
Recalls are initiated by the producer or distributor of the meat or poultry. It is a voluntary action. In some situations, government agencies may request a food recall.
What to Do with a Recalled Product?
- Return the product to the place of purchase for a refund.
or
- Dispose of the product following the instructions provided in the recall notice to make sure no one will consume it.
Click here to sign for food recall email notifications
|
Case 1:
19-month-old child was bitten by a copperhead snake while playing on the back porch with her toys. The child was taken to hospital and was there for several days. Luckily, the child has recovered but still has some sensitivity in her leg.
Case 2:
A woman in her 70s with slight dementia had a cough, so she took some over the counter cough medicine. Her caregiver then came in and gave her another dose of cough medicine without realizing that the patient had already taken some. The patient later told her caregiver that she had already taken some medicine. The caregiver called her local poison center. Once all medicines were taken in account by the poison center, it was determined that the patient needed to skip a dose of her blood pressure medicine the following day. A follow up call was made and the patient reported having no other issues.
|
|
|
|
Fall is the season of change. The leaves begin to change colors, the temperature begins to drop, and our thoughts begin to shift towards "the holidays." First, we have Labor Day, then Halloween, followed by Thanksgiving and Christmas. All of these holidays bring about completely different types of dangers into our home.
One of these dangers is alcohol. Alcohol is common at most holiday celebrations, but we need to remember that children are at an increased risk during this time. Don't leave alcoholic beverages within children's reach - especially those mixed with soda or juice; they are more attractive to small children. Alcohol poisoning can be fatal to a child. Also, remember to drink in moderation, and if you drink, don't drive.
Another danger that comes with the holidays is food poisoning. Bacteria account for about 70% of food borne poisonings; this includes E.Coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Clostridium perfringenz. Symptoms can take from one hour to several days to appear and usually begin in the gastrointestinal track. These symptoms may include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and blood/mucus in stool.
Here are a few steps you can take to avoid contamination of food during the holidays:
- Thaw foods in their original wrapping by moving it to the refrigerator to prevent bacteria growth. If defrosting it in the microwave, remove wrapping and defrost until it is thoroughly thawed before cooking.
- Most fresh foods rich in proteins (fish, beef, pork, turkey, chicken, milk products, eggs, etc.) naturally contain a certain amount of bacteria. This usually does not present any danger if cooked properly. The internal temperature of meats should reach at least 160ยบ F to kill bacteria, depending on the type of meat.
- Always refrigerate left over food promptly. Food should never remain at room temperature for more than two hours.
- Remember to wash cooking areas and utensils that were in contact with any raw foods.
Have a happy and safe holiday season free from poisonings!
For more information, visit:
If you have any questions or concerns about poisons or possible exposures, please call the Texas Poison Center Network at
1-800-222-1222.
Free, confidential, expert medical advice, 24/7/365
|
Want more poison information???
|
|
|
|
|
