The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is requesting a budget of $4.5 billion to protect and promote the public health as part of the President’s fiscal year (FY) 2013 budget – a 17 percent increase over the FDA enacted budget for FY 2012. Industry user fees would fund 98 percent of the proposed budget increase. The FY 2013 request covers the period from Oct.

Linda Doherty, president of the New Jersey Food Council, writes that two weeks ago, at least 38 people across four states, including some New Jersey residents, contracted campylobacter illness (the number has since risen to 65 sick). This is a bacterium causing gastrointestinal distress and possible death in certain cases.

Contaminated chicken, which has been frozen repeatedly, is thought to be behind a recent spate of animal deaths in Tonga. Radio Tonga says two vets from overseas have been brought in to investigate what’s behind the problem which has led to nearly 30 dogs dying.

DES MOINES, Iowa – Like many pet owners, customers at April Lawrence's pet bakery and boutique in central Iowa want the best for their four-legged family members. That means high-quality, safe and eco-friendly products, from organic food and treats to BPA-free toys and water dishes. And they don't mind paying extra.

McDonald’s Corporation today announced that it will require its U.S. pork suppliers to outline their plans to phase out the use of sow gestation stalls, a move supported by The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

Magic glove syndrome, the phenomenon where food service workers think they are immune to cross-contamination because they're wearing protective gloves, is rampant on reality TV. Even our own butcher here in Brisbane touches everything from raw meat to money with his gloves on. It's just one of those things I never would have thought about before I met Doug, but now I find it disgusting.

MANILA, Philippines - Around 40 kids were rushed to the Western Pangasinan District Hospital due to diarrhea. Doctors blame the incident on dirty water or food. The victims, mostly from the town of Bani, are now crowding at the pediatric ward of the hospital. The provincial health office is still determining the cause of the incident.

CHILPANCINGO -- Health authorities confirmed Guerrero poisoning of at least 709 people, including children and adults in the municipality of Chilapa de Alvarez, Low Mountain region, from eating tacos rice with egg and ham pies, apparently contaminated, they distributed after a political rally held PRI in this capital city.

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