Cannery redirects here. For the casino in North Las Vegas, Nevada, see Cannery Casino and Hotel.Canning is a method of preserving food by first sealing it in air-tight jars, cans or pouches, and then heating it to a temperature that destroys contaminating microorganisms that can either be of health or spoilage concern because of the danger posed by several spore-forming thermo-resistant microorganisms, such as Clostridium botulinum (the causative agent of botulism). Spores of C.Botulinum (in a concentration of 104 /ml) can resist boiling at 100°C (212°F) for more than 300 minutes; however, as temperature increases the times decrease exponentially, so at 121°C (250°F) for the same concentration just 2.8 minutes are required. From a public safety point of view, foods with low acidity, i.e., pH > 4.3 need sterilization by canning under conditions of both high temperature (116-130°C) and pressure. Foods that must be pressure canned include most vegetables, meats, seafood, poultry, and dairy products. The only foods that may be safely canned in a boiling water bath (without high pressure) are highly acidic foods with a pH below 4.6, such as fruits, pickled vegetables, or other foods to which acid has been added.

A summary of recent food safety issues including E. coli contamination of meat, the USDA/FDA press conference on food products from cloned animals and a petition you can sign.

Foodborne illness can strike at any time and be caused by any number of different pathogens. Here is a rundown of the most common bacterial offenders, and what you can do to protect yourself:

Searches can give us insight into a culture in motion and Yahoo!'s Top Trends in Search in 2007 reflects the world's fascination with crossroads and breakthroughs. People weren't just buzzing about celebrity. More than ever they sought to be environmentally responsible, were using the Web to find out about food and product safety and getting the...

consumer groups and lawmakers in Washington pointed out that the two agreements covered only a small number of products. And the success of the new regulatory effort depends on whether Chinese officials can get producers to meet U.S. safety standards and whether thinly stretched U.S. government agencies can ensure that China keeps its promises.

This article lists some foods and beverages that have been banned either because the particular species is endangered or because, if ingested, they can seriously threaten the health, safety, and well-being of the consumer.