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New Food Safety Laws Go Into Effect in PA in 2011; Fine Dining Is Really Bad For You

• A new food safety law signed by Governor Rendell last month that standardizes and strengthens inspections at restaurants and retail food facilities across the state will go into effect in 2011. [KYW Newsradio]

• The discovery of powdered cake mix in an inmates’ mail prompted officials from the Philadelphia Prison System to call for Hazmat teams to come to a minimum-security prison last week. [Inquirer]

• The timing of Christmas this year isn’t just awkward for your holiday-travel plans, it’s fouling up restaurants, too, since many feel obligated to stay open for the Saturday holiday. [NRN]

• Agriculture for urbanites isn’t just a thing in this country; some city-dwelling Japanese are taking up the practice at local farms. [LAT]

• Fewer fliers owing to the recession means airport food-vendor earnings are down. Duh? [USAT]

• India is getting three new food-focused TV channels. For everyone in that country’s sake, we hope it’s a while before they’re subjected to as many home-shopping channels as we have. [Hollywood Reporter]

• Burglars broke into a food bank in Baltimore and stole computer equipment, but no food. Still, you would think even criminals have more heart than that. [Baltimore Sun]

• Thanks to high salt and fat content, it turns out fine dining — like pretty much everything fun — can be really bad for you. [The Age]

New Food Safety Laws Go Into Effect in PA in 2011; Fine Dining Is Really Bad For