Gourmet Guardian: Providing safe food solutions and quality assurance services
You wouldn’t believe it unless I included a photo… Here is someone’s brilliant idea for a dining experience you would not soon forget!
Mid Air Floating Restaurant
For more photos of this ‘restaurant’ click on this link -> Antimimeticisomorphism.
Once on the page, click on Cool Photos and then select Mid Air Floating Restaurant!
When you go to this site, you’ll find a whole collection of interesting images and videos…
On the 4th November 2011 Food Standards Australia New Zealand, the Government body responsible for Food Safety guidelines and legislation issued warnings against consuming raw apricot kernels. The raw kernels are often used as a cancer treatment or preventative cancer supplement.
The following information has been reproduced with permission of FSANZ:
“Food Standards Australia New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Steve McCutcheon today warned consumers against eating raw apricot kernels following the discovery of high levels of a naturally occurring toxin in some products available in Australia.
There are different types of apricot kernels, some of which contain high levels of the toxin that can release cyanide into the body when eaten. Adults eating as few as four of these kernels a day could become very ill – children should not eat any.
Testing of a number of raw apricot kernels by state and territory health authorities found they contained high levels of the toxin that can release hydrocyanic acid, a cyanide compound, in the gut. These products are currently being investigated and a recall is occurring. The products have been sold nationally on-line and at some health food stores.
While some raw apricot kernels are promoted as an alternative therapy for cancer treatment, the Cancer Council of Australia has published a position statement that cautions consumers about using alternative therapies, including laetrile (apricot kernels).
If you have recently purchased the recalled raw apricot kernels you are advised not to eat them. Return the product to point of sale for a refund or dispose of it safely out of the reach of children and pets. More information (including individual state health authorities) about this recall is available on the Food Standards Australia New Zealand website.
Anyone who has eaten these products and is concerned about their health should seek medical advice.
Apricot Kernels are also sometimes used to assist jams to thicken, however FSANZ has indicated that fresh and dried apricots, apricot juice and jam are not affected.
I don’t know about you, but this would be in my top 10 list of best restaurants in the world – regardless of the menu!
How fresh would the seafood be?!?!?
World's Best Restaurant?
We like everything about food, food preparation, food safety – you name it, if it involves food, we’re interested!
We think images like this promote healthy eating and advance the cause for food safety by projecting an innovative, fun and creative perspective of food.
If you come across any other interesting food images, photos or illustrations, please forward them to us so we can continue to share them with our readers!
Today’s blog post is a follow-up to the Will Smith Food Safety Parody we published recently.
It’s a two-song medley: “Microbes, They Might Kill You” and “We Are the Microbes”, a parody of Queen’s “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions,” as performed by Carl Winter.
The animations were produced at New Mexico State University as part of USDA CSREES National Integrated Food Safety Initiative Project Number CD-D-FST-7057-CG.
The message is both valuable and entertaining – enjoy!
The Gourmet Guardian is committed to reducing Food Poisoning any which way it can. Food Poisoning statistics are alarming, every little bit we can do helps!
I don’t know about you, but nothing beats great gourmet food at a fabulous restaurant.
Whenever that happens, I’d swear this is what my tongue is trying to say… “More, More, More! That way!!!!”
When you’re in the food services sector, as we are, food safety is the top priority, but it’s closely followed by enjoyment of the foods and surrounds. Wouldn’t you agree?
New food laws require certain food businesses in the NSW hospitality and retail food service sector to have at least one person trained Food Safety Supervisor (FSS). Businesses have until 1 October 2011 to appoint their trained Food Safety Supervisor and notify the relevant council. Penalties for not having a Food Safety Certificate in NSW include a $330 fine for individuals or a $660 fine for corporations, plus placement on the NSWFA “Name and Shame” website for 12 months.
Click on the image below to access an online Food Safety Supervisor Training course.
The analysis of the cost of weekly food for families shows the wide contrast in the world we live in today. If you click on the hyperlink or photo, you’ll be taken to a blog post that summarises the variety from all 4 corners of the world. I’m sure you’ll agree that Australians have it pretty good!
The cost of food for a week - Darfur Province, Sudan
Ever wonder whether buying dented cans is a good bargain? Are they safe…?
I recently came across an email that highlighted this and I thought it was worth mentioning it to you.
Is it safe to buy dented cans?
This blog is all about bringing you the most relevant food safety tips and research to help you be more informed and aware of potential food safety risks.
I am sure you’ve wondered whether dented cans are safe… You’re at the supermarket and come across a few dented cans discounted to clear.
Here’s what the scientific research shows: You should AVOID ALL DENTED CANS.
That’s it. Pretty simple.
Health food fanatics will tell you to avoid ALL canned foods, but if you do eat canned food, make sure the can is scratch-free, dent-free and most important – make sure there are no leaks of any sort.
The reason not to buy a dented can is that all cans have a lacquered inside surface. That surface can be damaged when it’s dented. The lacquer may crack and contaminate the food.
But, it’s not only the inside lacquer that can cause a health and food safety risk. If the lacquer peels off or cracks, the food may come into contact with untreated metal, causing tainting.
Either way, you want to avoid the risk. It’s not worth the 20 or 50 cent discount.
When a can is severely dented, as shown in the photo above, the all-important seal can be damaged allowing air and bacteria inside the can.
The biggest challenge when considering buying a dented can is that you don’t know how long that can has been sitting there on the shelf.
Trust me, it’s not worth the risk.
You just have to watch this great re-make of Will Smith’s Rap it “Get Jiggy Wit It” transformed for food safety… Great message with a great beat!
Gavin Buckett Food Safety Expert & Former Apprentice Chef of the Year
My name is Gavin Buckett and I have over 10 years experience in this industry and have also practiced as a chef. I have also had the honour of being named Victorian Apprentice Chef of the year. These years of experience mean that I live and breathe food safety.
With friendly, cost effective and practical solutions I will empower your staff to do the right thing around food safety. I will help you put in place systems to ensure your peace of mind in this area.
