OSU Extension Food Safety

07/28/2026

Update: Since this video was recorded, the outbreak has expanded from five states to nine. Oklahoma is now among the nine states reporting cases linked to lettuce served at Taco Bell locations.

(July 25, 2026) Christi Evans, OSU Extension food safety specialist...

07/25/2026

Check Your Eggs: Salmonella Outbreak and Recall

A multistate Salmonella outbreak has been linked to recalled eggs. As of July 24, 2026, 98 illnesses have been reported in 17 states, including Oklahoma.

The recalled eggs were distributed in Oklahoma stores and foodservice outlets. Brands involved in the recall include Brookshire’s, Country Morning, Kroger, Simple Truth and Cal-Maine Sunups.

Check the side of your egg carton for:

• Code P-1950 or 0840962
• Julian date 157 through 184
• Sell-by or best-by date from July 20 through August 17, 2026

Do not eat recalled eggs, even if you plan to cook them. Throw them away or return them to the store for a refund. If you no longer have the original carton and cannot tell whether your eggs are included, throw them away. Wash and sanitize refrigerator shelves, containers and other surfaces the eggs may have touched.

Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Young children, adults age 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to become seriously ill.

Learn more and view the complete list of recalled products: https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-eggs-july-2026

07/18/2026

Taylor Farms has initiated a recall of all iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, which include Marketside-brand products sold at Walmart due to potential Cyclospora contamination.

Updates will be provided as additional information is available. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-5-state-outbreak-cyclospora-illnesses-iceberg-lettuce-july-2026

07/14/2026

Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause illness. People may become sick after eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated. Cyclospora has sometimes been linked to fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

Help reduce your risk:

• Wash hands before preparing food.
• Rinse produce under running water.
• Scrub firm produce with a clean brush.
• Refrigerate cut produce within two hours.
• Do not use soap or bleach on produce.

Washing produce can help remove dirt and some germs, but it may not remove all Cyclospora. Cooking produce is the best way to destroy the parasite.

The most common symptom is frequent, watery diarrhea. Other symptoms may include stomach cramps, nausea, tiredness, loss of appetite, bloating, and weight loss. Contact a healthcare provider if you have symptoms.
For more information: https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/07-26/index.html

06/06/2026

OSU Extension provides reliable, useful and local research-based information on a variety of topics for urban audiences, including gardening, food preservation, beekeeping and backyard chickens.

06/02/2026

Thinking about tweaking a canning recipe? Be careful!

Approved canning recipes are tested for safety, and even small additions or deletions can change the processing time needed to make food safe. Ingredients that thicken a recipe or create a denser consistency can prevent heat from reaching all parts of the jar, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.

Want to add your favorite seasonings or special ingredients? Do it after opening the jar when reheating or serving. And remember—some recipes simply taste best when made fresh rather than canned.

For safe home canning, always follow tested recipes exactly as written. For questions related to home canning, contact your local OSU County Extension office.

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05/16/2026

Christi Evans, Assistant State Extension Specialist tells us why this matters?

• Canning is a science requiring tested recipes
• Safety depends on precise acidity, ingredients, and processing times
• AI-generated recipes may omit critical safety steps
Key reminders for clients:
• AI is helpful for general cooking ideas
• Do NOT use AI for canning or food preservation
• Always rely on research-tested recipes
Trusted sources:
• USDA
• National Center for Home Food Preservation
• Extension materials
As AI becomes more prevalent, helping clients distinguish between safe and unsafe uses is essential.

04/23/2026

📢 Join us for an upcoming webinar on DUO Eligible Value-Added Foods!

OSU Extension is partnering with the Oklahoma Local Ag Collaborative and Hunger Free Oklahoma to host a DUO Eligible Value-Added Webinar on May 20th.

Learn how to create food products that meet Double Up Oklahoma (DUO) standards—without added salt, sugar, or fat—and better understand eligibility requirements.

✨ What you’ll learn:
• Overview of DUO eligibility guidelines
• Tips for producing and preserving DUO-compliant foods

This webinar is perfect for producers, food entrepreneurs, and organizations interested in developing DUO-eligible products.

🔗 Register here: tinyurl.com/DUOVALUEADDED

04/03/2026

Eggs are a big part of Easter fun, but don’t forget to keep them safe to eat!

Keep Eggs Cool:
- Always store eggs in the refrigerator (40°F or below)
- Don’t leave eggs out for more than 2 hours

Handling Hard-Boiled Eggs:
-Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
-Use within 1 week
-Keep them chilled until ready to eat

Decorating Eggs Safely:
- Use food-safe dyes if you plan to eat them
- Wash hands before and after handling eggs

Keep Easter fun AND safe because food safety matters!

02/20/2026

As a general rule, when in doubt, throw it out. Ensure water is safe, food is uncontaminated and medications are intact before use. These essentials are critical for protecting your family, livestock and overall recovery.
Learn more:

After a wildfire, the safety of water and food as well as medications are at the top of the priority list for affected families.