EdNet November 2009
EdNet, the National Food Safety Educator’s Network, is a monthly, multi-agency electronic news journal from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). EdNet provides up-to-date information about food safety and nutrition programs and activities for educators, consumer advocates, government officials, and industry representatives.
If you have questions or comments about this issue of EdNet, send e-mail to the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (FDA).
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In this issue:
Advisories, Alerts, and Warnings
- USDA Consumer Alert: Keeping Food Safe During An Emergency—Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States
- USDA News Release: “Preparing for a Safe and Easy Thanksgiving Dinner - One Day at a Time”
- FDA Warns Consumers on Sexual Enhancement Products
- USDA Consumer Alert: “Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency”—Southeastern US
Resources for Educators
- FDA Takes Action Against Dairy Farm and Owner
- FDA Takes Action Against Seafood Processing Company, Executives
- FDA Takes Action against Seafood Processing Company, Executives
- “Make Food Safety Part of Your Holiday Menu; Have a Safe, Successful Holiday Feast”
- FDA and Everyday Health Collaborate to Expand Reach of Consumer Health Information
- FDA Receives Report on Food Product Tracing from Institute of Food Technologists
- FDA Statement on Vibrio Vulnificus in Raw Oysters
- FDA Issues 2009 “FDA Food Code”
- Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Responds to Allegations From the Humane Society of the United States
- FDA, JIFSAN Travel to Bangladesh to Teach Seafood Safety
- Check It Out on the FSIS Web Site: Flu.gov Widget and H1N1 Helpful Information
- Get Answers at askFSIS
- FDA To Look Into Safety of Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverages
- Pai You Guo, Marketed as Dietary Supplement – Recall (FDA)
Meetings, Conferences, and Workshops
- FDA and FSIS to Convene Stakeholder Meeting on Food Product Tracing
- Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Invites You to Attend USDA’s 2010 Outlook Forum
- USDA to Host 2010 Food Safety Education Conference—Reminder
Industry
Advisories, Alerts, and Warnings
USDA Consumer Alert: Keeping Food Safe During An Emergency—Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States
On November 13, 2009, the USDA issued a consumer alert providing recommendations to those affected by storms and flooding in states in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States. USDA is hopeful that this information will help minimize the potential for foodborne illnesses due to power outages and other problems that are often associated with severe weather events.
Read the entire consumer alert at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_111309_01/index.asp
USDA News Release: “Preparing for a Safe and Easy Thanksgiving Dinner - One Day at a Time”
On November 10, 2009, the USDA issued a news release titled “Preparing for a Safe and Easy Thanksgiving Dinner - One Day at a Time” offering food safety advice for the holidays.
Read this entire news release at:
http://www.usda.gov/2009/11/0561.xml
FDA Warns Consumers on Sexual Enhancement Products
The FDA is warning consumers that Stiff Nights, a product marketed as a dietary supplement for sexual enhancement, contains an ingredient that can dangerously lower blood pressure and is illegal. Sexual enhancement products that claim to work as well as prescription products are likely to contain a contaminant. Use of such products exposes consumers to unpredictable risk and the potential for injury or even death.
Read this entire consumer alert at:
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm189295.htm
USDA Consumer Alert: “Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency” Southeastern US
On November 9, 2009, the USDA issued a consumer alert providing recommendations to those affected by tropical storms, flooding or severe weather in the Southeastern United States due to Hurricane Ida. The USDA is hopeful that this information will help minimize the potential for foodborne illnesses due to power outages and other problems that are often associated with severe weather events.
Read this consumer alert at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_110909_01/index.asp
Resources for Educators
FDA Takes Action Against Dairy Farm and Owner
On Nov. 16, 2009, Judge Marvin J. Garbis of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland entered a Consent Decree of Permanent Injunction (Decree) against Old Carolina Farm and its owner, Francis Roderick, of Ijamsville, MD. The Decree prohibits the defendants from selling animals for slaughter for human consumption until they have implemented record keeping systems that will identify and track animals that have been treated with drugs.
For more information about this dairy farm and its sales of animals with illegal drug residues in violation of federal law, visit:
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm191232.htm
FDA Takes Action Against Seafood Processing Company, Executives
The U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has filed a complaint for permanent injunction against seafood processor Haifa Smoked Fish Inc. of Jamaica, NY, and two of its top officers for violations of the “Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.” If the court grants the injunction requested by the government, the company would stop the manufacture, distribution, and sale of its products, unless and until it has implemented measures to correct insanitary conditions and control the pathogenic bacterium Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono.) at the Haifa Smoked Fish facility.
More information about how this company’s failure to correct Federal violations prompted agency action can be found at:
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm190421.htm
"Make Food Safety Part of Your Holiday Menu; Have a Safe, Successful Holiday Feast"
“Make Food Safety Part of Your Holiday Menu; Have a Safe, Successful Holiday Feast” was released on November 17, 2009. Developed by the non-profit Partnership for Food Safety Education, USDA, and FDA, “The Holiday Food Safety Success Kit,” is one of the resources offered to help consumers plan a "food safe" celebration.
Read the entire news release at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_111709_01/index.asp
FDA and Everyday Health Collaborate to Expand Reach of Consumer Health Information
The FDA and “Everyday Health” announced a collaboration that will expand the delivery of the Agency’s vital consumer health information to the 30 million unique users who visit “Everyday Health” each month. This joint effort reflects FDA's emphasis on using innovative, technology-based strategies to carry out its mission of protecting and promoting the public health.
To learn about this collaboration to reach millions of consumers with accurate, science-based information that can help them make decisions about their health, visit:
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm190875.htm
FDA Receives Report on Food Product Tracing from Institute of Food Technologists
On November 13, 2009, the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) announced the release of a report developed by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) that recommends to FDA steps for improving the ability to trace food products in commercial distribution in the United States. FDA asked IFT to review current food product tracing systems, methods and technologies, and report its findings back to the Agency, including recommendations for improvements that would enable more rapid and accurate tracing of food products.
To read this report, go to:
http://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm190596.htm
FDA Statement on Vibrio Vulnificus in Raw Oysters
Several weeks ago, the FDA announced its intent to change, by summer 2011, its policy regarding the post-harvest processing of raw Gulf Coast oysters harvested in the warmer months. The intent of this change in policy, which would affect about 25 percent of the total annual harvest, would be to substantially reduce the number of Americans who suffer severe and painful illness and death from the Vibrio vulnificus bacteria.
To read more about the FDA's announced change in policy, visit:
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm190513.htm
FDA Issues 2009 “FDA Food Code”
On November 9, 2009, the FDA announced the publication of the new “FDA Food Code,” a model code and reference document that provides a scientifically sound technical and legal basis for regulating the retail and food service segment of the food industry. The 2009 “FDA Food Code” is a key component of the President’s overall public-health-focused food safety framework for maintaining a safe food supply.
For more information about the 2009 “FDA Food Code” and how copies can be ordered, go to:
http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/RetailFoodProtection/FoodCode/FoodCode2009/default.htm
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Responds to Allegations From the Humane Society of the United States
On October 30, 2009, Agriculture Secretary Vilsack issued a statement in response to events at Bushways Packing, Inc., in Grand Isle, VT.
Read this entire statement at:
http://www.usda.gov/2009/10/0540.xml
FDA, JIFSAN Travel to Bangladesh to Teach Seafood Safety
The FDA and the Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (JIFSAN) have sent a team of seafood specialists to Bangladesh this week to help train local officials on aquaculture safety and quality control techniques. The goal of the trip is to work with Bangladeshi officials to help the country improve the overall quality and safety of its aquaculture products for both domestic and international markets. The training will include lectures, demonstrations, site visits, and workgroup activities.
Read this news release at:
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm188750.htm
Check It Out on the FSIS Web Site: Flu.gov Widget and H1N1 Helpful Information
Visit the FSIS Web site and click the FLU.GOV widget to get helpful information on where to get the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines, read myths and facts, or even take an H1N1 flu self-evaluation.
For more information, go to:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/index.asp
Get Answers at askFSIS
AskFSIS is a Web-based technology and policy question-and-answer forum on topics such as exporting, labeling, inspection, programs and procedures. Recently posted topics include:
- Must all labels contain trans fat labeling?
- If manufacturer voluntarily declares trans fat on the nutrition facts panel, must the label be submitted?
- Claims made concerning trans fatty acids on labels
- Will labeling under FSIS jurisdiction require trans fatty acids declaration?
- FDA's requirements for nutrition labeling of trans fats
- Child Nutrition (CN) Products - AMS Oversight, October 1, 2009
- Child Nutrition (CN) Products - Use of the FNS Non-Meat Inspection Legend
- Child Nutrition (CN) Products - Contact Information, Fall 2009
In addition, askFSIS offers Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds that link back to the Q&As.
To find the answers to your questions and receive automatic updates, visit:
New Podcasts from FSIS
Tune in and subscribe to podcasts and videocasts that offer information helpful to both consumers and industry. To continue automatically receiving podcasts, renew your subscription, or for assistance, e-mail podcast@fsis.usda.gov.
The latest podcasts are:
- Food Safety at Home:
- Stuffing and Roasting a Turkey, in English, Spanish and ASL (November 17, 2009)
- Buying and Thawing a Turkey, in English, Spanish and ASL (November 9, 2009)
- Industry: Federal Grant of Inspection - Part II (November 4, 2009)
To listen to these new podcasts and renew your subscription, visit:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/news_&_events/Podcasts/index.asp
Spanish language consumer podcasts are available at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/En_Espanol/Podcasts_SP/index.asp
Videocasts in American Sign Language are available at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/news_&_events/SignFSIS/index.asp
FDA To Look Into Safety of Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverages
The FDA notified nearly 30 manufacturers of caffeinated alcoholic beverages that it intends to look into the safety and legality of their products. “The increasing popularity of consumption of caffeinated alcoholic beverages by college students and reports of potential health and safety issues necessitates that we look seriously at the scientific evidence as soon as possible,” said
Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, principal deputy commissioner of food and drugs.
To read the entire press release, go to:
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm190427.htm
Pai You Guo, Marketed as Dietary Supplement – Recall (FDA)
GMP Herbal Products and FDA notified consumers and healthcare professionals of a recall of Pai You Guo, a weight loss dietary supplement, due to the presence of undeclared drug ingredients. FDA lab analyses of dietary supplements were found to contain undeclared sibutramine, an FDA-approved drug used as an appetite suppressant for weight loss; and phenolphthalein, a solution used in chemical experiments and a suspected cancer-causing agent that is not approved for marketing in the United States. The FDA has not approved the Pai You Guo products as a drug; therefore the safety and effectiveness of this product is unknown.
Read the complete MedWatch 2009 Safety summary, including a link to the firm press release at:
Meetings, Conferences, and Workshops
FDA and FSIS to Convene Stakeholder Meeting on Food Product Tracing
The FDA and FSIS announced a joint public meeting focused on improving the system for tracing human and animal food products and ingredients that are causing illness outbreaks or presenting other risks to the health of consumers or animals. The meeting will be held December 9-10, 2009 at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Jefferson Auditorium at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (South Building), 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250.
For more information, go to:
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm189311.htm
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Invites You to Attend USDA’s 2010 Outlook Forum
Join Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and more than 130 distinguished moderators and speakers for the 86th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum: “Sustainable Agriculture: The Key to Health & Prosperity.” The Forum is scheduled for February 18-19, 2010, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel, in Arlington, VA.
To learn more and register, visit:
http://www.usda.gov/oce/forum/
USDA to Host 2010 Food Safety Education Conference — Reminder
USDA and NSF International are hosting the Food Safety Education Conference, “Advancements in Food Safety: Trends, Tools and Technologies,” March 23-26, 2010, at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta.
For more information, visit:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Atlanta2010
Industry
Comment Period Extended on Draft Guidances to Improve Safety of Tomatoes, Leafy Greens, and Melons (FDA)
The FDA published a notice in the Federal Register, extending to January 4, 2010 the comment period on its draft guidances to improve the safety of tomatoes, leafy greens, and melons. The FDA is taking this action in response to requests for an extension to allow interested persons additional time to submit comments.
For more detailed information, go to:
http://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm189114.htm
FSIS Issues Notices and Directives
FSIS has issued the following policy updates:
- FSIS Notice 77-09: Ensuring the Integrity of Firm Information Data in the In-Commerce System (ICS)
- FSIS Directive 5800.1: FSIS Data Coordination Committee
All Notices and Directives are available at:
