Abstract: Effective food safety and food defense risk communication helps to inform consumers without causing panic and alarm. The Risk Communication Team of the Natl. Center for Food Protection and Defense has developed a list of 11 best practices recommended for effective risk communication.

“In 1989, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency was a world leader in studying the application of HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) in meat-packing plants.” (CFIA was created in 1997 and included the meat inspection program of Agriculture Canada but is referred to as CFIA herein because the same people were involved.)

The public warning issued on April 19, 2012 has been expanded to include additional products. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume the salted and cured fish products (fesikh) described below because they may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum. Toxins produced by this bacteria may cause botulism, a life-threatening illness.

Anthony T. Accetta of Denver, writes regarding, “Impact of food probes spotty,” April 15 news story.

1. The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF)

Public Health Wales and Torfaen County Borough Council with the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency are investigating an outbreak of cryptosporidium associated with a farm in Cwmbran. Four people who have worked at Greenmeadow Community Farm have tested positive for cryptosporidium, and a further 13 possible cases in staff and volunteers are under investigation.

Mississauga – As unlikely as it seems, food safety professionals look to a sanitation executive at J.M. Schneider Inc. and Maple Leaf Foods Inc. for advice on keeping their plants, equipment and products safe.

Springfield, MO -- It's a cool night in the Ozarks, but you can warm up eating some of the best ribs in the area. The 13th Annual Rock'n Ribs BBQ Festival is going on right now outside the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks on Campbell. Thousands of tasters come out every year to sample local food.

Mel Kohn, director of the Oregon Public Health Division of the Oregon Health Authority, writes that s erious illness or the death of a child is a tragedy that touches all of our hearts. Over this past week four seriously ill children have been hospitalized in Oregon after drinking unpasteurized milk contaminated with E.