Consumer Advocacy/Information

Recent Answers

2009-10-31 Food Safety Issues - Health dept. inspections for home and commercial rental:

Hi LL, If you are renting a certified kitchen, then the health department has it on their regular list of operations to inspect. It is not up to you to request an inspection, however, it would courteous

2009-10-31 Food Safety Issues - Bean Soaking Food Safety:

Hi Ron, Do your beans still look and smell okay? If so, they will be safe to cook. If not -- pitch the beans. Beans soaked for a long time tend to produce a mushy product so don't be suprised if

2009-10-30 Food Safety Issues - chili:

Hi Diane, Your chili was off the heat source from 6:30 pm to 1 am -- 6 and 1/2 hours. The general recommendations for all foods capable of supporting the growth of bacteria is to not reheat or consume

2009-10-30 Food Safety Issues - Packing homemade barbecue sauce:

Hi Darcy, First, you need to check with your local health department to see if tomato-based bbq sauce is allowed to be sold at your local farmer's markets. In Illinois, where I live, the Illinois Department

2009-10-29 Food Safety Issues - Ground Beef:

Hi Chris, Who knows????? All we do know is that thawing meats at room temperature increases the chances that any bacteria that may have been present would grow rapidly. Since you can't see, taste