This past September, 22-year-old university student Solveiga Pakštaité won the James Dyson Award for a final class project. She invented a brand new take on expiry labels that has the potential to change the date system we’ve been using until now. Not only is this product unique because virtually anyone can touch it to find out if their food has expired, but it’s also much more accurate than a traditional printed expiry date. Not convinced? Continue reading to learn all about Bump Mark! A Multilayered Solution If you are currently enrolled in a food quality training program, you will definitely.. READ MORE »
December 6, 2014
Following somewhat shocking research that revealed Americans eat and drink one third of their calories away from home, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has put immense effort into passing a law that will require major restaurants to display calorie counts clearly on their menus. Vending machines, long-time providers of unhealthy snacks and beverages, will also be required to display calorie counts under the new law. The FDA hopes that as a result of the law, Americans will make healthier eating choices and restaurants will feel pressure to offer healthier meal options. The Road to Calorie Counts Today, two out.. READ MORE »
December 2, 2014
Taking a plane to visit grandparents in Florida, or a sibling living overseas can be a fun way to spend your holidays. However, be aware that travelling during the winter makes us particularly vulnerable to the flu. With so many people sick during the winter season, germs can collect quickly in enclosed areas like trains, buses or planes. So what’s your everyday traveller supposed to do to keep their immune system on lock-down while travelling, and avoid arriving sick at their destination? We’ve got everything you need to know about staying healthy while on the go. Bring Hand Sanitizer Even.. READ MORE »
November 25, 2014
Experts in food safety training believe that the HACCP certification first originated from WW2 artillery shell testing. Today, hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) is used as a preventative tool to ensure food safety, helping professionals anticipate risks along stages of the food chain including packaging and distribution. Workers in the retail food supply chain, such as manufacturers or packagers will often be required to obtain HACCP certification to ensure proper risk-assessment. This may include workers in the meat and seafood industries, and fascinatingly – even those who produce and package space food. Whether you’re planning to obtain your.. READ MORE »
November 18, 2014
The term “Mediterranean diet” was first coined in 1980 after an academic-lead investigation of cardiovascular death rates in different parts of the world. While the US and Finland held high rates of cardiovascular disease, regions in Greece and Southern Italy had very low rates. After surveying the lifestyles of these regions, it was determined that diet was the greatest factor contributing to improved life expectancy. The Mediterranean diet has since been found to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and has also been successful for weight loss. What is a “Mediterranean” Diet? We hear the term on.. READ MORE »
November 11, 2014
In Canada alone, there are approximately 250 food recalls each year. Although some of these incidents are labelled as low risk, others have the potential to spread serious illnesses like E. coli, listeria and salmonella. As consumers, it’s important to stay informed about any food products that carry health risks—a fairly simple task given today’s excessive media coverage, accessible easily via TV, computers and cell phones. But did you ever wonder how an item gets recalled in the first place? Who identifies the safety threat? Who gets products removed from store shelves? Keep reading to find out everything you.. READ MORE »
November 4, 2014
A quick search of cancer statistics reveals that two out of five Canadians can expect to be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime, and that one out of four will not survive their battle with cancer. Anyone who has had clinical research training can tell you that cancer has become one of the leading causes of death in Canada. As this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness month nears its end, some promising news in cancer research is certainly a welcome surprise. The most recent innovative stride is in phototherapy – a treatment that promises patients some relief from the invasive.. READ MORE »
October 28, 2014
As a restaurant chain existing since 1940 and serving 86 million customers every day, McDonald’s certainly has a reputation—both good and bad. In recent years, this reputation has begun to dwindle with the release of documentaries like “Supersize Me” posing serious questions about the health effects of the restaurant’s food. As our attitude (and education about) food evolves, McDonald’s must try even harder to win over customers who are far more likely to exchange burgers and fries for green beans and quinoa. Last year, the company saw a 1.5% dip in sales, following a 0.2% dip from the year before… READ MORE »
October 21, 2014
As the go-to caffeine buzz for college students and high schoolers, health officials have long been skeptical about the effects of energy drinks. With their lack of nutritional labelling, energy drinks are a huge concern for the health of young people. Packed with sugar, high caffeine levels, taurine (increases energy levels) and ginseng, energy drinks have long been claimed as a health product—something which is now changing. After several deaths related to the consumption of energy drinks, and many others who claim energy drink companies use false advertising, government regulatory affairs has stepped in to change the way energy drinks.. READ MORE »
October 14, 2014
Pharmaceutical drugs are chemical substances formulated to cure, treat or prevent an illness. They can be classified as oral contraceptives, painkillers, antimalarial, antibiotics, stimulants and antiseptics to name a few, and can be administered in various forms including vaccination, tablet, topical cream or capsule. Drugs are crucial to preventing sicknesses from spreading, and also help us live daily life with less interference from pain and sickness. While it may seem like new drugs are appearing on the market every day, you can be assured that all drugs must undergo a standard procedure of research, trials and FDA approval before they.. READ MORE »
October 7, 2014
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