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From Washington State University Extension, this is Food Safety in a Minute

Did you know there are at least 360 naturally occurring chemicals in strawberries? Sugars including glucose, fructose, and sucrose, minerals such as potassium, and vitamins including folate and vitamin C. They also contain naturally occurring chemicals, some of which may pose health risks. For example, salicylates can trigger allergic-like reactions. In some soil conditions, strawberries can uptake cadmium or lead in trace amounts. In processed strawberry jam, furan is produced, classified as a possible human carcinogen.

Food is chemically complex. A recent article, May 2025 in the New England Journal of Medicine found more than 139,000 chemicals in food. For perspective, the USDA tracks 150 nutritional components, 13 on our labels. There is much to learn.

Thanks for listening, I’m Susie Craig.

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Resources

Menichetti, Giulia, A Barnabas and J. Loscalzo. Chemical Complexity of Food and Implications for Therapeutics. New England Journal of Medicine. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra2413243

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Welcome to Food Safety in Minute.

What do cereals, snack foods, candy, olives, soda and even some yogurts have in common? Many contain petroleum-based synthetic food dyes. On April 22nd, the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration announced plans to phase out petroleum-based synthetic food dyes.

Food processors are working with Federal agencies to re-formulate food products with natural alternatives. The alternatives include calcium phosphate used in ready-to-eat chicken products, white candy melts, and sugar on coated candies. Galdieria extract blue, gardenia blue, and butterfly pea flower may be approved for use, soon.

In the future, look for the establishment of national standards with a timeline, as well as authorization of new natural color additives.

Thanks for listening, I’m Susie Craig from Washington State University Extension.

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Resources

Federal Register: Daily Journal of the United States Government. Listing of Color Additives Exempt from Certification’ Calcium Phosphate. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/05/12/2025-08249/listing-of-color-additives-exempt-from-certification-calcium-phosphate. Accessed online 5/19/25.

Food Safety Tech. 4/23/25. HHS, FDA to Phase Out Petroleum-Based Synthetic Dyes in Foods. https://foodsafetytech.com/news_article/hhs-fda-to-phase-out-petroleum-based-synthetic-dyes-in-foods/. Accessed online 5/18/25.

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Thanks for listening to Food Safety in a Minute.

Don't forget to include your “fur babies” and other beloved pets in your earthquake preparedness plans. Ready.gov, part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, offers a helpful guide called Prepare Your Pets for Disasters, available online in twelve languages.

Here are some essentials they recommend for your pet’s emergency kit:

• A two-week supply of food in an air-tight, waterproof container.

• At least one gallon of water per day for two weeks.

• Sanitation items such as pet litter, paper towels, and plastic trash bags.

• A photo of you and your pet in case you get separated.

• And a favorite toy, treats, and bedding.

Also, microchip your pets and keep your contact information up to date—just in case!

From Washington State University Extension, I’m Susie Craig.

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Resources

United States Department of Homeland Security. Ready Campaign – Prepare Your Pets for Disasters. https://www.ready.gov/pets.

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From Washington State University Extension, welcome to Food Safety in a Minute.

Preparing for an earthquake starts with learning, planning, and creating a plan for your family. This week, we’re highlighting two key resources. The first is “Two Weeks Ready” from the Washington Emergency Management Division. Available online, it covers public safety locations, alternate driving routes from work, steps to take during and after an earthquake, and essential supplies like extra batteries, food, and water. It also encourages learning about emergency plans at work and school.

Oregon State University Extension Service also offers an online guide for Family Emergency Preparedness. It includes guidance on earthquake readiness, building emergency kits, sanitation, waste management, and food and water storage.

Check the episode transcript for both resource links. Preparation for earthquakes is important.

Thanks for listening, I’m Susie Craig.

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Resources

Emergency Management Division – Washington. Two Week Ready. https://www.shakeout.org/washington/downloads/2_Weeks_Ready_Insert_Seattle_OEM.pdf

Oregon State University Extension Service. Family Emergency Preparedness. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/families-health/emergency-prep/

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Welcome to Food Safety in a Minute.

The Cascadia Subduction Zone runs off our coast from British Columbia to northern California. We’re overdue for a major earthquake that could disrupt water supplies for weeks, even months.

Storing at least one gallon of water per day, per person and pet, for a minimum of 14 days is essential. Because that much water is heavy (116 pounds), it’s good to choose smaller containers for storage. For instance, soda bottles with screw-on lids or food-grade, heavy-duty plastic containers with recycling symbols PETE and HDPE suitable for camping. Avoid milk jugs, they’re made from biodegradable plastic and may leak.

For more tips on building a safe, drinkable water supply, check out Oregon State University Extension’s online guide: Survival Basics: Water.

I’m Susie Craig from Washington State University Extension.

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Resources

Black, Lynette, G. Hyde, L. Kraemer, C. Sánchez-Frank. Survival Basics: Water. Tips for securing a safe, drinkable supply. Oregon State University Extension. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/em-9285-survival-basics-water.

Emergency Management Division – Washington – Safeguarding Lives and Property. Prepare in a Year. https://mil.wa.gov/personal.

United States Department of Homeland Security. Suggested Emergency Food Supplies. https://www.ready.gov/food.

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Welcome to Food Safety in a Minute, I’m Susie Craig.

Washington State experiences 1,000 earthquakes each year. After a major quake, safe drinking water becomes a critical resource for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. Disaster Ready Washington recommends storing two weeks of water for your family and pets - one gallon per person and pet, per day. For a family of four with one pet, that’s seventy gallons for an emergency water supply.

After an earthquake - turn off your home’s main water valve. This prevents water in your hot water heater and toilet tanks from draining due to gravity – potentially adding these additional water supplies. Be sure to locate and label the valve inside your home—and know how to operate it. Next week, learn more about storing water.

From Washington State University Extension, this is Food Safety in a Minute.

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Resources

Emergency Management Division – Washington – Safeguarding Lives and Property. Prepare in a Year. https://mil.wa.gov/personal

United States Department of Homeland Security. Suggested Emergency Food Supplies. https://www.ready.gov/food.

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From Washington State University Extension, this is Food Safety in a Minute.

Without power, would you have food to survive two weeks after a major earthquake?

Gather a two-week supply of non-perishable food. Think MyPlate choosing shelf stable fruits, vegetables, protein, grains and dairy. There are lots of choices easily found in your grocery store.

• Ready-to-eat canned goods such as tuna or chicken. Canned beans, fruits, and vegetables.

• Evaporated milk and protein shakes. Dried milk or buttermilk.

• High energy foods including nuts, peanut butter, granola bars, trail mix, and dried fruit.

• Comfort, packaged foods including cookies, candy, instant coffee and tea.

Freeze-dried food is a good option. Easy to store with a 25-year shelf life, you can find everything from freeze-dried chili to 30-day meal kits for families.

Thanks for listening, I’m Susie Craig.

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Resources

United States Department of Homeland Security. Suggested Emergency Food Supplies. https://www.ready.gov/food. Accessed online 3/20/25.

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This is Food Safety in a Minute from Washington State University Extension.

Do you know small earthquakes occur almost daily in Washington state? We have the second-highest risk of major earthquakes in the country. Are you prepared with enough food and water? The Emergency Management Division recommends having at least two weeks' worth of food, water, and supplies to survive a disaster. This is important in western Washington, where numerous bridges and overpasses could be damaged in an earthquake, making evacuation difficult and delaying emergency response.

Visit Disaster Ready Washington to learn how spending just an hour a month for a year can help ensure your family stays safe during and after an earthquake. Planning guides are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Vietnamese.

Start Your Earthquake Preparedness, now. I’m Susie Craig

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Resources

Emergency Management Division – Washington – Safeguarding Lives and Property. Prepare in a Year. https://mil.wa.gov/personal. Assessed online 3/19/25.

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I’m Susie Craig. Welcome to Food Safety in a Minute.

Did you know there was a bill passed in 1996 which protects Americans from liability when donating food? When food is donated in “good faith” and “meets safety standards”, the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act safeguards you from lawsuits.

Why is this protection important? It makes it easier for businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals to help others, addressing food insecurity while reducing food waste. For example, community gardens, restaurants, grocers, wholesalers, gleaners, food manufacturers, farmers, and even home gardeners are protected. All food donated must meet quality and labeling standards as required by Federal, state, and local laws.

Learn more about food donation, contact your local food bank.

This is Food Safety in a Minute from Washington State University Extension.

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Resources

United States Department of Agriculture. Frequently Asked Questions about the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act. https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/FAQs-GoodSamaritanAct.pdf. Assessed online 3/19/25.

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From Washington State University Extension, I’m Susie Craig.

Did you know it’s Food Waste Prevention Week in Washington state? This week, our podcast focuses on how restaurants reduce food waste while keeping food safe for you to eat. In a study by the National Restaurant Association, 55% of consumers consider a restaurant’s food waste reduction efforts when choosing a restaurant.

Here are some of the ways restaurants work to reduce food waste while keeping food safety in mind.

• They regularly audit food waste.

• They work with suppliers, receiving and storing food carefully, attentive to use by dates.

• They design menus to reduce waste, giving customers portion size choices and accommodating those who want to take leftovers home.

• They donate food to others following food safety protocols.

Thanks for listening to Food Safety in a Minute.

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Resources

National Restaurant Association. 86 Food Waste: Managing Food Waste in Restaurants. https://www.restaurantkitchen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/2021_86FoodWaste_Report_Update.pdf. Accessed online 3.19/25.