See funky chicken, give a call

If you find something funky in your chicken… or bottled water or sandwich… there’s a new hotline to call in Washington.

The state’s Department of Agriculture has set up a toll-free number for food safety complaints. Whether you have concerns about something you bought at a store or ate at a restaurant call (800) 843-7890. You can also file a complaint against a food processor or warehouse facility by calling that number.

The food safety experts there will help make sure your concerns are heard by the right person. In addition to the state, food safety complaints are handled by the county health department, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service depending on what the complaint is about.

Linda Condon, a food safety specialist, said the Department of Agriculture wanted to provide a single hotline for complaints to help consumers navigate the sometimes confusing array of government agencies. “This will help us know quickly whether a food safety concern is an isolated situation or one that involves a larger population. Plus it helps us do a better job of protecting the public,” she said.

The agriculture department receives about two or three complaints a week. After an initial investigation, the report may be sent to another agency. If someone became sick from the product they are complaining about, that person will be contacted within 24 hours of filing a complaint.

You can also file a complaint online at www.agr.wa.gov, click on “Food & Animals,” and then consumer food complaints.

Viticulture online

Washington State University is now offering its viticulture program on the Web. Starting Feb. 7, the distance-learning program includes 10 online classes and three two-day “grape camps” held over a two-year period.

WSU Extension Food Scientist Sara Spayd said people who take the class will learn the basic skills it takes to begin their own vineyard or be a successful employee in the wine and grape growing industry, according to a news release.

WSU launched its viticulture program in 2003 with classes in Prosser, Wash. After getting some feedback from students, school officials decided to offer the online studies with companion in-person classes to practice some of the hands-on requirements.

The school also offers an enology certificate program and officials hope to have an online version available by 2006. For more information about the programs, instructors, classes or course requirements go to www.wineducation.wsu.edu/viti culture/.

Don’t forget foodies

The fourth-annual Festival of Foodies is Saturday from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Spokane Community College Lair Building.

Sample goodies from local restaurants, bakeries, bistros, wineries, microbreweries and gourmet food makers.

Admission is $15 at the door. Advance tickets are $10 at Vino! A Wine Shop, Hallett’s Chocolate Factory, Everyday Gourmet and University Appliance.