Dana Ollendyke's blog
Food recalls not reported fast enough in schools
In light of several food recalls over the past few years including beef and peanut products, the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to conduct a study that focused particularly on school food safety and how food recalls are handled. As children are still developing their immune systems and are unable to fight infection as well as adults, they are at high risk for foodborne illness.
Antimicrobial food processing equipment and refrigeration units
Microban Technology has created pathogen-resistant features for processing equipment and tools such as hoses, mop handles, conveyor belts, and storage containers. It is also being incorporated into home refrigerators. Refrigerators are using antimicrobial shelving, such as Amana's side-by-side units with Microban technology built into its door bins.
Farmers sell produce through vending machines
Thirteen towns in Germany currently have access to farm goods via vending machines. These machines sell sell fresh milk, eggs, butter, cheese, potatoes, and sausage.
Heart-health starts at childhood
The Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA) released findings from a nationally representative survey that found the majority of Americans, approximately 61%, falsely believe that the processes related to the development of heart disease begin in adulthood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report approximately 15% of 2-19 year olds are currently overweight, and one in six adolescents have pre-diabetes; and unfortunately these numbers continue to swell.
7-Eleven to individually wrap fruit with new stay-fresh plastic
7-Eleven will test at 27 Dallas-area locations a new plastic wrap developed by supplier Fresh Del Monte Produce to keep single bananas yellow and firm for five days -- more than double the two-day shelf life for an unwrapped banana. It would be interesting to test this wrap on other fruits (especially those grown in the mid-Atlantic)!
Best Practices for Sponsors and Managers Course
TheFood Innovation Center at Rutgers has developed a Best Practices for Sponsors and Managers Course.
This course is designed to provide market sponsors and managers with the practical tools required to successfully plan, begin and sustain a farmers market.
Best Practices for Farmers and Vendors Course
The Rutgers Food Innovation Center has developed a Best Practices for Farmers and Vendors Course.
For new vendors, this course provides practical guidance and tools to help farmers and other food purveyors transition to successful direct-to-consumer retailers. For established vendors, this course is designed to help expand and maximize the opportunities available at the markets at which they participate.
Bringing new and old farmers together to share information
The Center for Rural Affairs in NE has a program called Land Link that helps connect new farmers with experienced ones. These bonds are made to help new farmers learn about retirement planning, financing, farm business, etc. Click on the link below to read more
Technologies that will change agriculture (A-Z list)
This article gives an A-Z list of technologies that will change agriculture. For example, computer-controlled tractors, drought-tolerant crops, and vegetable oil engines. Click on the link below to read more
Environmental stewardship program developed to help schools and districts expand conservation practices
An environmental stewardship program has been developed in Washington state for students. The program teaches conservation practices to reduce depletion of natural resources and help to protect the environment. Click on the link below to read more
