Top 20 Food Trends:Locally grown produceLocally sourced meats and seafoodSustainabilityBite-size mini dessertsLocally produced wine and beerNutritionally balanced kids’ dishesHalf portions or a smaller portion for a smaller priceFarm/estate-branded ingredientsGluten-free/food allergy consciousSustainable seafoodSuperfruitsOrganic produceCulinary cocktailsMicro-distilled/artisan liquorNutrition/healthSimplicity/back to basicsRegional ethnic cuisineNon traditional fishNewly fabricated cuts of meatFruit/veggie children’s side itemsFor more…

A Calibrated Thermometer is an Essential Tool in Food Service


The regular and consistent use of a calibrated probe thermometer in any food service is an indispensable tool. It helps any food service protect their customers from foodborne illnesses which are a major health concern to…

The American Dietetic Association, the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, will change its name effective January 2012 to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The announcement of the name change was made recently at the ADA's 2011 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo in San Diego, Calif.…

Valentine's day may have your New Year's resolution put to the test.  From the traditional box of chocolates to the chocolate covered cherries your loved one is impressing you with, the holiday sweets just seem to always be present.  We should have the opportunity to indulge on a special day,…

Date marking can be a confusing regulation to understand and implement in your food service operation. Here are some clarifications to this code, which is Illinois Food Code Section 750.151.

Why must date marking be done?
It controls the growth of Listeria monocytogenes and assures the food is discarded…

The Federal Government’s National High Blood Pressure Education Program (NHBPEP) recommends a healthy eating plan along with reduced intake of sodium to lower high blood pressure or prevent the development of high blood pressure (hypertension). According to key studies, blood pressures were reduced with a meal plan that was low…

Food allergies can have a devastating impact on children. A new study indicates that food allergies are even more common, almost double, in children than originally thought. The study done by researchers at Northwestern University, estimates that about 8% of children or 6 million in the U.S. have a food…

Unintentional weight loss has been a prevalent concern among the elderly population in long term care. Residents who are experiencing unplanned weight loss may be at high risk for developing pressure sores, infections, muscle wasting, malnutrition, and increased health complications including death. For this reason, the facility heath care team…

About 25% of the hospitalizations for dual eligible beneficiaries in 2005 were potentially avoidable. Medicare and Medicaid spending for those potentially avoidable hospitalizations or rehospitalizations, was almost $6 billion, or about 20% of total spending on inpatient care for the dual eligible.  Research has shown that the highest potentially avoidable…

The release of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans was recently announced. This is the federal government's evidence-based nutritional guidance to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity through improved nutrition and physical activity. Because more than one-third of children and…