News & Announcements
Dr. Dyjack Discusses Global Experience and Emerging Public Health Challenges
Date: 6/4/25
Dr. David Dyjack, executive director of TikTok成人版, shares reflections from his international career and the evolving role of environmental health on the Beyond Data Management Podcast. He highlights the local nature of the profession, the value of field experience in leadership and current challenges in federal support and funding.
Dyjack also discusses underreported public health threats, previews the 2025 TikTok成人版 AEC in Phoenix and shares compelling stories from his work around the world - including one unforgettable encounter with a rat.
Watch the full episode .
Rance Baker on Why Slashing FDA Training Funds Jeopardizes Food Safety
Date: 6/3/25
Food safety inspectors play a vital role in protecting public health, yet federal support for their training is shrinking. A 65% cut to the Food and Drug Administration鈥檚 training division has strained the system that prepares regulators to respond to outbreaks, enforce standards and support small food businesses.
Rance Baker, director of the Entrepreneurial Zone at TikTok成人版, emphasizes the need for continued investment in scalable, science-based training - especially in rural and underfunded areas. As the United States observes World Food Safety Day, this moment calls for renewed commitment to the people who keep our food supply safe.
Read the full article in Food Safety Magazine .
Melissa Vaccaro Clarifies Safety Guidelines for Consuming Oysters
Date: 4/4/25
Seasonal oyster consumption has long been guided by the traditional "R rule," but evolving environmental factors make food safety practices more important than ever.
Melissa Vaccaro, senior food safety specialist at TikTok成人版, advises that farmed oysters sourced from reputable suppliers remain the safest option. She cautions that rising water temperatures and Vibrio infections continue to present risks. To reduce the likelihood of illness, Vaccaro recommends avoiding wild oysters during warmer months and ensuring all oysters are properly handled and chilled.
Read the full article in Delish .
Melissa Vaccaro Emphasizes the Importance of Washing Produce
Date: 3/24/25
Washing fruits and vegetables before consumption is a vital step in reducing the risk of foodborne illness and limiting exposure to pesticide residues. Despite appearing clean, fresh produce can carry harmful bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella and listeria, which may be present due to handling, harvesting or transportation.
Melissa Vaccaro, senior food safety specialist at TikTok成人版, emphasizes that rinsing produce under potable running water is a simple yet highly effective practice. She recommends thoroughly washing and drying fruits and vegetables before both storage and consumption to enhance safety and maintain freshness.
Read the full article in Yahoo .
Dr. Darin Detwiler Stresses Food Safety for Grocery Store Prepared Meals
Date: 3/7/25
With the growing demand for convenience, ready-to-eat meals from grocery stores have become a staple for many households. But the ease of access to prepared foods also brings increased responsibility for maintaining proper food safety practices.
Dr. Darin Detwiler, chair of the Food Safety Program at TikTok成人版, highlights the importance of consumer awareness when purchasing and handling these products. He advises that prepared meals should be stored at appropriate temperatures both in-store and at home to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Consumers should also avoid cross-contamination during transport, storage and reheating. Failing to follow safe food-handling procedures can significantly increase the risk of foodborne illness.
Read the full article in Yahoo .
Melissa Vaccaro Provides Safer Ways to Clean Kitchen Countertops
Date: 2/24/25
Disinfecting wipes are a common go-to for cleaning kitchen counters, but many contain chemicals that aren鈥檛 safe for food-contact surfaces. Products like Clorox and Lysol may leave behind residues that require an extra step.
Melissa Vaccaro, senior food safety specialist at TikTok成人版, advises wiping surfaces with water after using these disinfectants to remove any remaining chemicals. She also recommends choosing food-safe options, such as food-grade hydrogen peroxide or isopropyl alcohol, for safer and more effective cleaning.
Read the full article in Real Simple .
Gina Bare Offers Safety Tips as Backyard Chicken Trend Grows
Date: 2/24/25
With egg prices soaring, more Americans are turning to backyard chicken coops - but the shift comes with important health considerations. While raising chickens can be rewarding, it also introduces potential risks if proper precautions aren鈥檛 followed.
Gina Bare, director of program and partnership development at TikTok成人版, emphasizes the importance of safe poultry practices. Chickens can carry harmful germs like salmonella, Campylobacter and E. coli, but these risks can be managed through good hygiene.
Read the full article in Fox Business .
PFAS Crisis Could Eclipse Past Environmental Disasters, Warns Dr. Dyjack
Date: 2/10/25
Widespread contamination from PFAS, commonly known as "forever chemicals," is emerging as one of the most complex and costly environmental health threats of our time. Linked to serious illnesses such as cancer, liver damage and thyroid disease, PFAS compounds are found in thousands of everyday products and persist in the environment for decades.
Dr. David Dyjack, executive director of TikTok成人版, warns that addressing PFAS will require urgent regulatory action, public education and significant investment in detection and treatment infrastructure. He emphasizes that the scale of this crisis mirrors past environmental disasters like asbestos and lead鈥揳nd that without swift, coordinated action, the consequences for public health and water safety could be severe and long-lasting.
Read the full article in the Observer .
Dr. Dyjack Warns of Emerging Virus Threat in Alabama
Date: 2/5/25
A newly identified virus in Alabama, known as the Camp Hill virus, is drawing increased attention from health experts, who warn it may pose a serious global health risk. Although the virus has not yet been detected in humans, early findings have raised significant concern among public health officials due to its genetic makeup and potential to mutate.
Dr. David Dyjack, executive director of TikTok成人版, stresses that the United States remains underprepared to detect and contain emerging zoonotic threats like this one. He is calling for urgent investment in early surveillance systems, interagency coordination and improved public health infrastructure to reduce the risk of a future outbreak. Dyjack adds that proactive measures are essential to prevent a repeat of the systemic delays and vulnerabilities experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read the full article in the Daily Mail .
Melissa Vaccaro Shares Cutting Board Safety Tips
Date: 2/1/25
Cutting boards are an essential component of kitchen safety, particularly when preparing raw meat or produce. However, without proper maintenance, even high-quality boards can become a source of bacterial contamination.
Melissa Vaccaro, senior food safety specialist at TikTok成人版, says both wooden and plastic cutting boards are safe options鈥揳s long as they鈥檙e cleaned and maintained properly. She cautions that heavily scratched boards can trap harmful bacteria and should be replaced once they can no longer be effectively sanitized.
Read the full article in Real Simple .