National Ground Water Awareness Week March 8-14, 2009

Just as periodic checks of furnaces and smoke detectors are recommended, so is an annual water well checkup. Spring is a good time to have this done before the peak water-use season begins. As part of its annual Ground Water Awareness Week promotion, NGWA stresses the importance of yearly water testing and well maintenance.

Not only do about 12 million households nationwide rely on private wells for their water supply, many community water systems rely on ground water in whole or part to meet water demands, and ground water supplies much of our nation’s water for agricultural irrigation. Ground water makes up about 95 percent of all available fresh water.

Everyone can easily become good stewards by protecting ground water through the proper storage, use, and disposal of hazardous household substances. These include common products such as gasoline and oil, paints and paint thinner, fertilizers, weed killers, pesticides, and cleaning products.

Why is it a good idea to have my water well checked annually?

• An annual checkup by a water well driller, water treatment specialist or pump professional is the best way to ensure problem-free service and quality water.
• Preventative maintenance usually is less costly than emergency maintenance.
• Good well maintenance, like good car maintenance, can prolong the life of your well and related equipment.

At the very least have make sure your water has been tested for bacteriological quality within the last 12 months. For information on local testing options please contact Grays Harbor County Environmental Health at (360) 249-4413.

Recall of Products Containing Peanut Butter:

Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak

Please vist the link below to learn more about this recent outbreak. As always if you have questions or concerns feel free to contact the Environmental Health Food Safety Program at 360-249-4413.

http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/food/salmonellaoutbreak.html

Flood Recovery

As some flood waters are beginning to recede we are posting the links below which are good sources of information on a variety of topics associated with emergency response and recovery. Please note that these informational sources were not prepared by Grays Harbor County but feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. (360) 249-4413.

http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/preparedness/disaster.aspx

http://www.doh.wa.gov/phepr/factsheets.htm

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/

FLOOD INFORMATION

The following link to the Center of Disease Control and Preventions (CDC’s) website is a valuable source of information to consider in anticipation of the significant rain and flood event predicated for Western Washington. If you have specific concerns please contact Environmental Health at (360) 249-4413.

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/

What Consumers Need to Know During Power Outages and Floods

The link below is to the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations website and provides basic information to consumers about precautions to take before, During and After Power Outages and Floods. For additional information please contact Environmental Health at (360) 249-4413.


http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fsdisas.html#s2


Remember to call 911 for access to FIRE, POLICE, AID, RESCUE AND POISON CONTROL for help during an emergency. Call when life and/or property are in immediate danger; when you see smoke or fire; when a crime is being committed; when rescue or emergency assistance is needed.

DO NOT CALL 911 for information, such as road or weather conditions, area power outages, or directions. Use the link below to access the Grays Harbor County Division of Emergency Management for information on road closures, weather and other information.

http://www.co.grays-harbor.wa.us/info/DEM/News.htm

Food Safety During Power Outages

A Guide For Food Establishments

The following link will direct you to a Washington State Department of Health Guide which provides information for Food Service Establishments about what to do before, during and after a power outage. If you have any questions please contact Environmental Halth at (360) 249-4413

http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/food/establishmentpoweroutage.pdf

Utah Firm Recalls Frozen Chicken Meals That May Contain Foreign Materials

WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2008 - Nestlé Prepared Foods Company, a Springville, Utah, establishment, is recalling approximately 879,565 pounds of frozen chicken meals that may contain foreign materials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The following products are subject to recall:

9.5-ounce packages of “LEAN CUISINE PESTO CHICKEN WITH BOW TIE PASTA” brand frozen meals. Printed on each side of each package is a production code of “8280595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best Before MAY 2010.”

10.5-ounce packages of “LEAN CUISINE CHICKEN MEDITERRANEAN” brand frozen meals. Printed on the side of each package is a production code of “8231595912” or “8241595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best before SEP 2010”; a production code of “8263595912,” “8269595911” or “8274595912,” as well as a use-by date of “Best before OCT 2010”; or, a production code of “8291595912” or “8301595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best before NOV 2010.”

12.5-ounce packages of “LEAN CUISINE CHICKEN TUSCAN” brand frozen meals. Printed on the side of each package is a production code of “8234595911” and a use-by date of “Best before SEP 2009”; a production code of “8253595911” or “8269595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best before OCT 2009”; or, a production code of “8292595911” or “8296595911” as well as a use-by date of “Best before NOV 2009.”

Each package also bears the USDA mark of inspection as well as the establishment number “EST P-9018.” The frozen chicken meals were produced on Aug. 18, Aug. 21, Aug. 28, Sept. 9, Sept. 19, Sept. 25, Sept. 30, Oct. 6, Oct. 17-18, Oct. 22 and Oct. 27 and were distributed to retail establishments nationwide.

The problem was discovered after the company received consumer complaints and a report of one injury. The company identified the objects as small pieces of hard plastic. FSIS has not received other reports of injury. Anyone concerned about an injury from consumption of the products should consult a medical professional.

Media with questions about the recall should contact Company Marketing Communications Manager Roz O’Hearn at (440) 264-5170. Consumers with questions about the recall should contact Nestlé Consumer Services Center at (800) 227-6188.

Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.