The recent USDA recall of 36 million pounds of ground turkey is alarming. Thankfully, the recall doesn’t include turkey products raised and processed by Ferndale Market, our Down in the Valley farm partner who provides Valley Natural Foods with fresh, locally-grown turkey meat. Ferndale Market’s turkeys are raised without added antibiotics and processed naturally without any additives at a USDA facility. According to research scientists, animals exposed to antibiotics may produce antibiotic-resistant salmonella, as stated in a recent MPR News article.

It’s a good idea to remember the basics when handling all raw poultry. Even naturally-raised turkey must be cooked to 165 degrees to remove the risk that’s always present with any undercooked meat. Wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw meats. Turkey and other meats should also be properly refrigerated or frozen and leftovers heated through. Make sure all cutting boards, knives and counter tops are properly sanitized after preparing raw meat.

What a great value to know where your food comes from! When considering ground turkey for a recipe, why not choose from a clean, local source?  For a delicious stuffed zucchini recipe using our fresh ground turkey, click here.  Enjoy $1.00 off one package Down in the Valley ground turkey, by visiting our online coupons. Coupon is valid through August 16, 2011.

Hooray for our warm and beautiful summer! As temperatures heat up outside, Valley Natural Foods gets cooler inside. Lately, customers have been commenting to us about the store feeling a little too chilly at times. We would like to remind shoppers that since many of our food coolers are open, we are required to maintain specific temperatures in our store and refrigeration units in order to adhere to proper food-safety standards.

This is also a good reminder for folks who are transporting refrigerated foods from the store to home to pack all cold items together, or purchase a cold storage bag. Please read Tips for Keeping Organic Food Fresh in the Summer for more ideas.