Finding Safer Organic and Natural Meat Preservatives

Jeff Sindelar, UW-Extension Meat Specialist, UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, discusses how to ensure food safety in natural and organic processed meats.  To download an audio version or read the entire transcript, go to:  Food Safety in Processed Meats    

Read the Fine Print When Buying & Using Holiday Gift Cards

For many consumers, gift cards offer a simple, convenient solution for holiday gift giving. But shoppers need to stay on their toes when purchasing and using gift cards, says J. Michael Collins, Extension family and consumer economics specialist and director of the UW-Madison Center for Financial Security.  There are two main types of cards, explains […]

Healthy Eating for the Holidays

Holiday parties and special treats are oh-so-plentiful this time of year.  But with some thoughtful planning, you don’t have to abandon the basics of good nutrition.  “A few simple rules can help you sail through the month of December without gaining weight, ” says Susan Nitzke, Extension nutrition specialist and professor emerita of nutritional sciences […]

Consumers Can Now Report Food Safety Concerns Online

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has unveiled a new online Electronic Consumer Complaint Form wehre consumers can report problems with meat, poultry, and egg products.  Consumers can use the form to report illnesses, allergic reactions, injuries, improper labeling and issues with foreign objects to the Consumer Complaint Monitoring […]

Test Your Back to School Food Safety Smarts

USDA Challenges Consumers to Test Their Back to School Food Safety Smarts – As moms and dads pack lunches for their kids before a busy day of class and extra-curricular activities, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service encourages families to update their food safety routine and take precautions that will help prevent […]

Storing Fruits and Vegetables from the Home Garden

Many Wisconsin residents enjoy growing fruits and vegetables at home.Our growing season is relatively short, but many different kinds of produce can be stored at home – allowing us to enjoy good produce well after the harvest has finished. For more information on preserving produce longer go to: Storing Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Prepare Children for Back-To-School Routine

Whether your child is attending a new school or returning to the same school for a new year, it’s important to get the school year off to a good start. A successful transition can lay the groundwork for a successful school year. For suggestions to help with this transition go to: Back-To-School Routine

Extension Responds – Drought Resources

Southern Wisconsin is now in drought conditions that rival those of 1988. These conditions pose challenges for all Wisconsin residents, both urban and rural. Potential crop losses may prove stressful to cash grain farmers as they struggle to meet commitments, and for livestock farmers who require large amounts of quality feed and forage. Urban residents […]

Tax Preparation Resources & Information

UW-Extension provides up-to-date information on eligibility and benefits, as well as links to tax forms, outreach materials, and more. Visit:  https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/eitc/   Taxpayers can get free help determining their eligibility and claiming the Earned Income Credit (EIC) in Wisconsin at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Credit for the Elderly (TCE) site that provides service to […]

USDA Revises Recommended Cooking Temperature for Whole Cuts of Meat

USDA Revises Recommended Cooking Temperature for All Whole Cuts of Meat, Including Pork, to 145 °F Cooking temperature for ground pork, beef, veal and lamb remains at 160°. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is updating its recommendation for safely cooking pork, steaks, roasts, and chops. USDA recommends cooking all whole cuts of meat to […]

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