Tag: food news

New chip-based sensor could let consumers test food for contaminants at home

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Food safety concerns are becoming too-frequent headlines. Right now, it’s a cyclosporiasis outbreak possibly linked to tainted lettuce. But the nation has also dealt with E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria – a long list of threats. Consumers already know to thoroughly wash fresh fruits and vegetables. But is it enough? And how would you know? Many have wondered what’s next. Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas are exploring a quick, cost-effective way to test for food contaminants at home using technology most people already carry in their pockets: computer chips.

“We have re-engineered those devices to be able to have what is called a ‘single capture measurement,'” said Shalini Prasad, PhD, department head of bioengineering and a Cecil H. and Ida Green Professor in Systems Biology Science in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science at UTD. “Say, it’s a lettuce sample, or it’s a strawberry,” Prasad said. “And you take it, mush it with your hand, and drop it on the sensor. CBS News Texas “The sensor is engineered so that it can measure any of these 16 things. So, a panel of antibiotics, a panel of pesticides, a panel of bacteria, a panel of parasites, and a panel of fungi. It can do all of this.” The device, called READ – Rapid Electro Analytical Device – can detect contaminants in food and water in just a couple of minutes.

Prasad said the research grew out of her curiosity as a mother trying to better protect her two sons. “As a mom, you’re a problem solver, right? And you don’t know what’s coming at you at any given point of the day. But what is important is how do I make people’s lives easier, better, healthier, and more accessible,” she said. The technology is nimble, allowing researchers to tweak and respond to outbreaks as they happen. “That is the idea,” Prasad said, “because we don’t know what’s the next epidemic, and we cannot wait to have it all built.” The research team is preparing for pilot testing, with hopes of having the technology in consumer kitchens within the next year or so.

“What worries us most is that which we cannot see,” Prasad said. “It is the invisible that I am making visible through this technology. That is the hope. And that is the dream.”

Source: New chip-based sensor could let consumers test food for contaminants at home – CBS Texas

And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”
Mark 7:20-23

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Metro Atlanta Urban Farm helps veterans, students and families grow food and stronger communities

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Two people harvesting vegetables in a rooftop urban farm with city skyline and sunset

As grocery prices continue to strain household budgets, a five-acre farm in College Park is helping people save money by teaching them how to grow their own food while cultivating something just as valuable: community. For 19 years, Metro Atlanta Urban Farm has used agriculture to improve lives, serving as a gathering place for neighbors, students, volunteers and, more recently, military veterans. Founder Bobby Wilson says the mission has always extended far beyond planting vegetables. “When we started out, we never intended for this just to be a place where you plant a seed and watch it grow,” Wilson said.

“We understood the therapeutic value of agriculture, of growing food.” Located at 3271 Main St. in College Park, the nonprofit teaches participants how to grow food using heirloom seeds, compost and natural growing methods without synthetic chemicals. Wilson said those skills help families become more self-sufficient while improving access to fresh, healthy food. “We use agriculture as a tool to help improve the quality of life of those who have been primarily left out of the mainstream of society,” Wilson said.

Metro Atlanta Urban Farm founder Bobby Wilson explains sustainable farming techniques to community members at the College Park nonprofit, which uses agriculture to promote food access, education and community wellness. CBS News Atlanta

The farm recently expanded its reach through a partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project. Veterans gather at the farm every other week to plant crops, harvest produce and learn skills they can use at home. Combat veteran and Wounded Warrior Project Peer Leader Teak Wilson said the experience has given veterans more than gardening knowledge. “It’s allowed me to make an impact in the community, not feel like I’m alone in the city,” Wilson said. “It’s lessened my stress. It’s given me a place to just get grounded, be in nature, and not be too far away from the house.” She said the practical lessons are becoming increasingly valuable as food costs continue to climb.

“I went in the store recently and spent $80 and only left with three things,” she said. “So just being able to come here and know that I could have at least a cucumber tomato salad that I didn’t have to pay for, that’s a blessing.” The partnership began in early June, with veterans from multiple branches of the military learning how to plant heirloom seeds that can be harvested and replanted for years to come. Participants leave with planter bags, seeds and vegetables to continue growing food at home. The farm is also investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders. Joshua Good, 20, traveled from Ridgeland, Mississippi, to spend eight weeks interning at the farm while studying agricultural business at Alcorn State University. Good said the internship is teaching him skills that can’t be learned in a classroom. “How to plant with my hand, how to operate a tractor, how to make a grow bed, and how to use different types of soil,” he said.

Wilson believes those lessons are the true harvest. For nearly two decades, he has watched volunteers return year after year, mentoring new gardeners and sharing what they’ve learned with others. “Some of those same people that have been gardening with me for almost 20 years are still here,” Wilson said. “They’re still helping new gardeners, they’re still building communities, and they’re still trying to make a difference by growing some of their own food and taking it back and sharing it with other people in their community.” The nonprofit also partners with schools, churches and community organizations, including groups from Coca-Cola and Tuskegee University, to provide hands-on agricultural education throughout the year. Wilson hopes the farm continues expanding those partnerships while encouraging more people to discover the benefits of growing their own food. “We’re trying to make a positive difference in the lives of marginalized and underserved communities,” Wilson said. “

Gain those skill sets to help improve the quality of life of everybody in your community and expand it into other communities.” For participants, every harvest offers more than fresh produce. It provides knowledge, confidence, and the opportunity to strengthen communities one seed, one lesson, and one neighbor at a time.

Source: Metro Atlanta Urban Farm helps veterans, students and families grow food and stronger communities – CBS Atlanta

Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.
1 John 3:21-22

Hunted for Following Jesus

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California bans ‘sell by’ labels on perishable food, in attempt to cut down on waste

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Packaged baby spinach, shredded mozzarella, hummus, and Greek yogurt with expiration and pricing labels in refrigerated shelf

California has banned “sell by” labels on perishable products, in an attempt to cut down on food waste. The law was passed in 2024 but didn’t go into effect until Wednesday.

It standardizes such labels to try to cut food waste and reduce consumer confusion in the state, according to The New York Times.  Manufacturers can still use several terms including “best if used by” or “best if frozen by” to indicate when a food item is at its peak quality, and “use by” or “freeze by” to indicate when a food item is no longer safe to consume.

Products exempt from the law are eggs and infant formula, according to California’s Department of Food and Agriculture. State and federal officials have long said the labels confuse consumers about when to throw away aging food products. There are roughly 50 variations of date labels in the United States, The Times also reports. 

Source: California bans ‘sell by’ labels on perishable food, in attempt to cut down on waste | Just The News

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12

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Oysters, clams sent to multiple states could be contaminated with norovirus, FDA warns

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photo of a person s hand holding a platter of oysters

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an advisory for certain raw oysters and Manila clams, warning they could potentially be contaminated with norovirus. The March 9 FDA advisory states that restaurants and retailers “should not serve or sell and should dispose of” the affected shellfish, and consumers should “not eat” them, as they may be contaminated with the virus.

Source: Oysters, clams sent to multiple states could be contaminated with norovirus, FDA warns – ABC News

He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good.
Proverbs 19:8

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