Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Local farmers’ market vendors say that the fruits and veggies they grow are superior to grocery store produce for many reasons.
Do you buy the freshest produce possible? According to many area farmers, the fruits and vegetables you buy at the grocery store may not be as fresh as you think. With farmers' markets open now (or about to open) around the St. Louis area, including Wentzville, Lake Saint Louis, Webster Groves, Kirkwood, Clayton, Ellisville, Wildwood, Arnold and elsewhere, we wanted to talk a little about what "fresh" means to you. Tim Hess, owner of Silent Oaks farm and a vendor at several area farmers’ markets, told Patch that most of the produce sold in local grocery stores comes from Calfornia or Florida, areas where many farms are staffed by migrant workers. “It’s a long trail and at the end of the trail you’ll find that migrant Mexican workers do …
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
The total number of confirmed E. coli cases connected to the St. Louis area outbreak has reached 30, but food samples are testing negative for the bacteria.
The total number of confirmed E. coli cases connected to the St. Louis area outbreak has reached 30, according to a news release from The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). The DHSS stated so far 55 food samples connected to the outbreak have been tested. However, none of those samples have tested positive for the bacteria. DHSS Spokesperson Jacqueline Lapine previously told Patch this is a very "fluid" situation and reminded people the investigation is ongoing and information will continue to change as the investigation continues. Lapine said health officials have not yet found a source and she is not sure when or if a source will be determined. Consumers are urged to wash all produce thoroughly with water before …
Friday, November 4, 2011
As local and state health officials investigate an E. coli outbreak, two new cases are reported, but food from local salad bars is testing negative for the bacteria.
The St. Louis County Department of Health continues to investigate an E. coli outbreak. Health officials are looking into reports that some of the infected patients purchased and ate food from Schnucks stores prior to falling ill; however, all of the food tested from the store is negative for the bacteria so far. (Read Previous Article: UPDATE: Schnucks Salad Bars Testing Negative for E. coli, But Still of Interest) The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory confirms 24 cases of E. coli in Missouri related to the St. Louis area outbreak. The cases began being reported last week as people fell ill. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) leads a team of local, federal, and state public health experts investigating the …
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Health officials are now investigating reports that some of the sick mentioned Schnucks stores while being interviewed.
As the St. Louis County Department of Health investigates an E. coli outbreak, health officials are now looking into reports that some of the infected patients mentioned visiting Schnucks stores prior to falling ill. Monday, Schnucks stated in a press release that while Schnucks has not been identified as a source in the on-going investigation, Schnucks has "voluntarily and proactively removed all items in question from salad bars across the company." Health officials said 16 cases of the bacteria were reported in St. Louis County last week. Health Department Spokesperson John Shelton previously confirmed to Patch that six people were hospitalized and treated at Mercy Medical Center in Creve Coeur. He stated the source of the E. coli is …
Friday, October 28, 2011
Some stores are voluntarily pulling produce, while others say they are waiting for more direction from health officials.
The St. Louis County Department of Health is investigating an E. coli outbreak. Health officials now confirm 16 cases of the bacteria were reported this week. (Read Previous Story: St. Louis County has an E. coli Outbreak) Late Thursday afternoon, dealth department Spokesperson John Shelton confirmed six people have been hospitalized and treated at Mercy Medical Center. He said the source of the E. coli is food-borne and health officials are investigating to see if there is a link to local store salad bars. Shelton said all of the affected people have not been interviewed and a source has not been positively identified. The cases are spread out from Florissant to South County, but Shelton did not give more specific information on where the…
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
A roundup of St. Louis news headlines for Wednesday.
Here are the top stories from Patch sites in your area:
Ed Norman
1:28 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
The two greatest deterrents to lo locally grown produce and fruits are... 1. Convenience - everyone wants to have their needs met close to home, easily accessible and inexpensive 2. Instant Gratification - "I want it NOW, even though it is not in season I want it and should be able to have it!" Gone are the days of waiting for the peaches and tomatoes to ripen in the backyard! I personally would … more ›