Continuing Safety Problems in the Food Supply Chain: Pre-Cut Melons, Veggie Trays

Continuing Safety Problems in the Food Supply Chain: Pre-Cut Melons, Veggie Trays

July 15, 2018
Ross L. Fink, Ph.D.

Safety related problems continue with our food supply chain.  Cut melons were recently recalled across 8 states with over 60 people becoming ill due to a salmonella outbreak. Del Monte’s pre-packaged veggie trays accounted for over 200 cases of infection by the Cyclospora parasite  in June and July.

Safety and recalls in the food supply chain were featured in a previous OM In The News blog.  Other recent issues include an April recall of over 200 million eggs over salmonella fear, Kroger’s recall of over 35,000 pounds of ground beef contaminated with hard pieces of plastic, and in May, a recall of romaine lettuce grown in the Yuma, Arizona area impacted over 20 states.

These continuing safety problems bring to light problems in our food supply chain.

This post is based on the CNN.com post, Multistate Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Pre-Cut Melon, by Susan Scutti and Jen Christensen, June 9, 2018; and on the Food Safety News article, Two dozen more confirmed in parasite outbreak linked to Del Monte (no author cited), July 7, 2018. Image source: Purestock/SuperStock.

Discussion Questions:

1. What should be done to ensure the safety of our food?

Guidance: You Continue reading →

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The Ingenious Design of a Food Truck

The Ingenious Design of a Food Truck

July 9, 2018
Corinne M. Karuppan, Ph.D.

Today’s food trucks bear no resemblance to the traditional food trucks at state fairs. They are mobile kitchens designed to please the most discriminating foodies. How can they deliver culinary feats in such tight spaces? With efficient layouts and the multi-faceted talents of the people who operate them.

Community fundraising events, such as the Eugene Food Truck Festival in Oregon, serve to expand the reach and popularity of food truck operations, while changing regulations and permit requirements pose a challenge in many locations.

This post is based on the Washington Post article, What’s in a Food Truck?, by B. Berkowitz, S. Blanchard, A. Steckelberg, and M. Ulmanu, May 14, 2018; and on the Daily Emerald article, Eugene Food Truck Festival attracts 12,000; raises funds for Eugene Mission, by E. Matlock, July 9. 2018, and the USA Today article, Regulations and permit headaches keep food trucks from cruising down Easy Street, by Z. Meyer, June 12, 2018. Image source: © McGraw-Hill Education/Christopher Kerrigan.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the basic equipment requirements for a food truck?

Guidance: See the interactive graphic shown in the article: freshwater and wastewater tanks, freezer, refrigerator, generator to power Continue reading →

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Made in China: From Scary Bad to Scary Good

Made in China: From Scary Bad to Scary Good

June 11, 2018
Corinne M. Karuppan, Ph.D., CPIM

China has climbed the quality ladder. Once associated with cheap, poorly made goods, Chinese manufacturers are emerging as strong players in the production of quality electronics and garments.

Global competitiveness has spurred quality improvements in exports, but the rapid rise of a prosperous middle class in China has also driven Chinese manufacturers to provide local markets with the quality products they demand.

This post is based on the Quality Digest article, Made in China: From Scary Bad to Scary Good, by D. Dusharme, May 29, 2018.  Image source: cookelma/Getty Images.

Discussion Questions:

1. What internal and external factors have likely contributed to the improved quality of products made in China?

Guidance: Factors for discussion include global competition (need to compete with Japan, EU, and US), technology (advanced manufacturing technologies have made it possible to meet high standards of quality), technological know-how (expertise acquired through outsourcing by US and EU companies), changing demographics in China, and a strong global economy.

2. The first part of the article addresses the challenges of overcoming a poor reputation for quality. Why does it take so long to change perceptions about quality? Is China experiencing the same problems?

Guidance: The Continue reading →

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