Salmonella Scare

An inspection by the Food and Drug Administration has uncovered salmonella contamination in Basic Food Flavor’s processing equipment. The F.D.A. inspected the company after a consumer reported the contamination. Basic Food Flavor has recalled all products containing hydrolyzed vegetable protein from September 17, 2009, to present. The protein is in virtually every type of processed food products. Fortunately, no one has come forward with an illness attributed to the scare since most products require additional cooking, which kills the salmonella.

The F.D.A. is using this food scare to exemplify the need for new food laws to prevent this sort of contamination. Congress may write legislation that gives the F.D.A more power and money to enforce it.

Learn more: New York Times

Methane Frozen in Arctic Seafloor Escaping

Researchers have discovered a hole in which methane is leaking into the atmosphere in the Arctic Ocean seafloor. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide. It has long been feared that methane trapped in permafrost and frozen areas would escape and accelerate global warming and the speed of climate change. Now scientists have proof that this is indeed already happening under the East Siberian Arctic Shelf. The full report was published in today’s edition of the journal Science.

Learn more: Science Daily

E.U. to Allow Sale of Genetically Modified Foods

For the first time in twelve years, the European Union has approved the cultivation of genetically modified foods. A potato and three types of corn will now be allowed to grow in Europe. Many are opposed to this decision and accuse the E.U. of bowing to corporate interests. However, the E.U. responds that there is no scientific evidence to support claims that health risks are at stake. The strongest opposition comes from the UK, France, Greece, Italy, Austria, and Hungary.

Learn more: The Guardian