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Abstract

Fermented foods have become a part of our cultural heritage and chefs and retailers seek to offer these tasty foods to their customers. Fermenting foods at the retail food service level, however, is considered a special process under the Food and Drug Administration model Food Code and requires a food safety plan. This special report was developed to assist both operators and regulators in preparing or reviewing a food safety plan for vegetable fermentation, including pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi, and fermented vegetable juices.

Abstract

Waterborne outbreaks of salmonellosis are uncommon. The Tennessee Department of Health investigated a salmonellosis outbreak of 10 cases with the only common risk factor being exposure to a single splash pad. Risks included water splashed in the face at the splash pad and no free residual chlorine in the water system. We surveyed water quality and patron behaviors at splash pads statewide. Of the 29 splash pads participating in the water quality survey, 24 (83%) used a recirculating water system. Of the 24, 5 (21%) water samples were tested by polymerase chain reaction and found to be positive for E. coli, Giardia, norovirus, or Salmonella. Among 95 patrons observed, we identified common high-risk behaviors of sitting on the fountain or spray head and putting mouth to water. Water venue regulations and improved education of patrons are important to aid prevention efforts.

Abstract

In early 2005, the Howard County Health Department began a sampling initiative to evaluate the potential presence of elevated naturally occurring radionuclides in individual drinking well water supplies of Howard County residents. Earlier preliminary test findings from the U.S. Geological Survey and subsequent discussions with the Maryland Department of the Environment led to sampling for gross alpha (GA) and gross beta (GB) particles, plus confirming radium-226/-228 for both existing and newly developed residential properties. In 2009, sampling focused in and directly around the portion of the county containing the Baltimore Gneiss geological formation. More than 2,061 properties were tested with 3,091 samples collected and analyzed. Greater than 19% of properties sampled had elevated GA and/or GB levels, while select data combinations for untreated GA, GB, and radium-226/-228 indicated an elevated combined radium-226/-228 in 42.4% of those results. Also revealing were results with elevated radium-226/-228 with GB levels well below the current recommended standard. In this special report, we describe ongoing testing efforts and treatment effectiveness for residents within Howard County.

Abstract

The role of worksite environments in promoting physical activity (PA) remains largely unexplored. With workers in the U.S. spending half of their waking day in their work environment, the workplace could be an important venue for the promotion of health and PA. We examined associations between PA gained while at work and the built environment around the workplace. We measured PA using accelerometer devices in a sample of 119 participants of the Supports at Home and Work for Maintaining Energy Balance study, with a wear time of 1 week. Measures of built environment included perceived walkability, two different measures of objective walkability, and greenness.

Working in an environment perceived as walkable was associated with more minutes of PA while at work in all models. When measured objectively, walkability was found significant in the adjusted models controlling for both home walkability and amount of PA gained in nonwork related activities. Greenness of the work environment was found nonsignificant. Findings suggest investing in walkable environments around the workplace or having worksites located in walkable areas can contribute to increased minutes of PA for employed people in the U.S.