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GF Regs Re-Open for Comment

Aug 4

Posted by admin in Administration, FDA, food recalls, gluten-free, health, news

It is a tad ironic to mention on one hand how the phrase “Gluten-Free,” or GF as it is listed on many products, has become mainstream knowledge. Yet, the other hand frantically waves for attention as the FDA has extended the comment period for 2007 regs on labeling food “gluten-free” for an additional 60 days. Wait, 2007 regs are not yet finalized and put into law? What is wrong with this picture?

Let’s see where to begin. How about chronologically? As in this is August 2011 and comment submission materials are now due in early October! Have we not wasted 4 years in trying to figure out how to help individuals who are by illness, as in Celiacs, in need of certified foods? The FDA says we are only talking about 1 % of the population that struggles with Celiac. I struggle with that low percentage for it hardly seems a day passes without more attention to this illness. Celiac research paints a different picture, a more startling numeric: 1 in 133 American people has Celiac, according to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness.

How about the people who are gluten intolerant? That number is certainly growing. The FDA focus is only on the US, but we know some countries, such as Ireland, have taken the lead on product identification and restaurant preparedness. Sure, more restaurants in the states are offering gluten-free menus and increasing their range of selections, but what about the security issue? Everyone needs to be certain that what is labeled or described as GF, truly has zero gluten.

Individuals who cannot tolerate gluten continue to struggle with dining out choices as they fear the separation of foods may not be tightly monitored. These are not whimsical fears. They are life-and-death matters.

So what happened to the “new” FDA that was promised to be a more responsive agency? Seems it is still buried under mounds of paper and limited in its roll-out of important mandates. What can a foodservice professional or a consumer do? React; respond within this extended deadline. Go to www.regulations.gov, and submit a comment. Follow the link.

As concerned consumers and food professionals, we cannot let this comment period slip away and allow mounds of paper to be ignored. We’ve had enough of that. GF and gluten intolerance deserve better attention and protection. Now.

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Trouble in FoodLand

Jun 13

Posted by admin in Administration, coffee, Environment, FDA, food, food universe, healthy eating, news

Maybe it’s the extreme heat gripping parts of the country or maybe it’s just that time of the year when the ducks get lined up properly and months of research come rushing out the gates. That’s where we are in the food world.

I challenged Congress (the House) when they came up with the money-saving notion of switching to styrofoam cups in their cafeteria. It seemed like a backwards step then as environmental issues needed to be considered. Now several months later the formaldehyde/styrofoam study has come out, and it validates much of what many of us have believed for a long time. Skip the styrofoam.

The same goes for food on pesticide lists. For a number of years there have been lists of fruits and vegetables that should be considered safe and those that should by default move into the organic purchase pile. There have always been some obvious ones such as the berries which hug the soil. (If you crave strawberries, consider organic).  It was common knowledge that if you could peel it, you could remove many of the invading pesticides. Not so fast, Jones.

The report from The Environmental Working Group points a rather strict finger at a fruit that is readily available and well recognized by most: The Apple. It tops the latest list of fruit-invaded pesticides. Apples have had other issues in the past with spraying, but the common belief has been that you could wash the apple well and solve the problem. This report discredits that philosophy.

So what is one to do? It is true that organics have an increased presence in most grocers and markets, but as we well know, the price for switching from the regular produce aisle to the organic one can greatly increase one’s food bill. Not everyone is a candidate for organic shopping. We want variety, and the apple has often been the mainstay of packed lunches and a go-to snack.

According to the report, the apple has some company that gives pause to summer purchases: Cilantro was tested for the first time, and the herb ranked highest in overall pesticide infusion. Its position gives it the unenvious title of having the most unapproved pesticides in any product since the guide was first started in 1995! Not a good position to be in.

Here are the rankings of the 53 fruits and vegetables from the “Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides. Celery is probably pretty happy as it no longer tops the Dirty Dozen; it dropped to 2nd place! Celery, spinach, sweet bell peppers, potatoes, lettuce and greens (kale and collards) are the vegetables most likely to retain pesticide contamination. As for those on the Clean Fifteen, (The vegetables least likely to test positive for pesticides), they found onions, sweet corn, asparagus, sweet peas, eggplant, cabbage, sweet potatoes, and mushrooms. As for the fruits that score the best, those with the least pesticide residue, think avocado, mango, pineapple, watermelon, and grapefruit.

Just a week or so ago, the USDA introduced The Plate and took the Food Pyramid out of our lexicon. The plate is stacked in favor of fruits and vegetables. A little irony there, as we need to put the safest fruits and vegetables on the plate; not just any fruits and vegetables!

Timing is everything. Don’t forget your reusable container for coffee!

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Someone’s in the Kitchen with Uncle Sam

Jun 10

Posted by admin in Administration, beverages, cooking, Economy, FDA, First Lady Michelle Obama, gardening, healthy eating, news, USDA

Not quite the Dinah song, but clearly a spirited shout-out to the National Archives for putting together a phenomenal exhibit, “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?” The answer quite simply is that everything we know about food in this country has some piece of history attached to it and the exhibit underlies the strong connection.

In the past few years since the Obama Administration took office, it seems that food has become a major player in the national conversation. We have talked about the White House Garden, the commitment to getting people to Move off the couch and be aware of their food intake. Obesity has been a major topic of concern as has the School Lunch program. Yet, so many of these discussions have their roots in much earlier times. It is impossible to speak of food safety legislation today without thinking about the letter Upton Sinclair wrote President Theodore Roosevelt.

Our current obsession with food, chefs, and food trends is nothing new. Buying local and supporting the farmer has deep-seeded, yes, it’s true, roots in our country’s agricultural history. You’ll be able to study the past while reflecting on how so much of what we believe today parallels our government’s earliest commitments to food safety. No need to make this sound so serious, as the exhibit focuses on all the aspects of our food culture.

What this exhibition hall is filled with it the how the Federal government’s programs intersected with our lives whether we are referencing food safety regulation or tracing the early paths of those we affectionately call “agricultural pioneers.” Besides enjoying the numerous posters from the collection including the already popular “Vitamin Donuts” or “Uncle Sam Says , Garden to Cut Food Costs.” My initial favorite, “Eat the Carp” includes the advice, “The muddy taste can be washed away.”

Trust me, you’ll have fun exploring the original records (“Eat More Cottage Cheese“) that explain the history of our country through its food supply with an emphasis on four distinct influences on our food environment: Farm, Factory, Kitchen, and Table.

Check out the event calendar as numerous additional programs and speakers have been lined up to supplement the standing exhibit. The exhibit opens today and continues through January 3, 2012. You need to know that date as you’ll want to go more than once!

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A GF World

May 6

Posted by admin in FDA, food universe, gluten-free, health, news

It’s hard to believe that food labeling laws are proceeding at a crawl of a snail’s pace. Or not proceeding at all, depending on whom you ask. GF labeling Legislation was supposed to be in place three years ago (I love the line from the piece that describes the time period as the equivalent amount of time it took to build the Tunnel between France and Britain.) Some manufacturers have taken advantage of the increased marketing opportunities for labeling a product gluten-free. Shameful, but true. With the increased attention and awareness of Celiac Disease (May is National Celiac Awareness Month) and of finding significant numbers of individuals who have discovered they are gluten intolerant, it is devastating and dangerous that these protective laws have not been enacted.

We are not talking about a trend unless we are referencing the increased shelf space for GF products. Rather this is a health issue that needs attention in the current environment. This past week there were numerous outreach programs to call attention to the numbers of individuals affected by the disease. Will all of these efforts help? Possibly one of the most powerful benefits will mean that more people will be tested for this type of diet and many will feel better if they make the switch to a GF lifestyle. Not a trend; a healthy reality.

What can manufacturers do? Continue to examine product line and make certain that all the safety precautions have been applied to ensure that the labeling is accurate. Just this week Barbara’s Bakery, the cereal manufacturer, added to its GF lineup. Why not have Puffins Multigrain? Freezer options continue as well with Glutino expanding its pizza lineup with multi-paks. What happens if you are time-starved but crave a complete Italian entree, then Caesar’s GF linup works wonders. You have numerous freezer choices including manicotti, shells, lasagna, and gnocchi. Add your favorite sauce, and you’re covered!

Choices abound. Read the labels carefully and make certain your specific health and allergy needs are met. In the meantime, let’s hope that the FDA gets moving.

 

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Garden Dreamin’

May 4

Posted by admin in FDA, gardening, news

On the East Coast, in the mid-Atlantic region, there’s a small rule of thumb: Admire gardeners but do not give in and plant before Mother’s Day. Yes, the region has been known to have a late frost or in gardening parlance, a crop killer! What happens when Mother’s Day pops up early on the calendar? Yes, it’s still the 2nd Sunday of May, but this year it’s the 8th. In 2006 it was the 14th! Those extra days are ground warmers. What’s a tomato lover to do?

Plant but acclimate and look at the 10-day forecast. Most of the gardening centers still have warning signs out about late frosts. Most likely these signs came out of the closet after the unexpected, and unnecessary, 80 degree days in early April! Tomatoes take time and full sun so as we move later into the month, the ground and the plants will be most appreciative. The sun will be do its job, too.

If you’re still in the wondering stage, remember what you grow, you control. A Salmonella tomato warning should probably be the final encouragement to become a gardener. Seize the ground: This is your year.

If you are still hesitant, check out your local farm markets or see if there is even a final short share in a CSA–be local. Support local or be your own locavore.

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Signed, Sealed, but Can It Deliver?

Jan 5

Posted by admin in Administration, FDA, food universe, news

After what felt like an interminable period of time between the Senate and House signing of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), an extra week was added to the timetable for a much-needed Presidential Holiday. Anyway who wants to sign a document when no one is looking? Plenty has been written, on this blog and numerous others, about what the Act will cover and how the FDA will finally assume the mantle of power. Of course, there are the worriers who question any type of authority and simultaneously believe such a broad-sweeping measure will negatively impact the little guy, the small producer.

No need to take sides, but acknowledge the number one issue that hopefully will be improved by the passage and signing of the Act: Food Safety and all aspects of food-borne illnesses. Maybe the myriad of scares and recalls will start to decline, and we will have a safer food system in place. This week, once again, demonstrated how important monitoring and checking is. We began the year with several recalls. (Frankly, I seldom focus on sprout recalls anymore as they are almost commonplace: Buy sprouts and you’re likely to have some sort of Salmonella issue. Of course, there are plenty of small growers who can offer protection, but history has demonstrated more nationwide or regional outbreaks with this particular food than almost any other I can tabulate.)

Let us take out the celebratory horns and whistles to herald the future and the hope of success in monitoring and preventing the prior steady stream of food safety issues. The FDA has published a Q and A page to help set the record straight about what the Act will and will not cover, or accomplish, for that matter.fsbillboard_good_luck

We can only hope that implementation with its emphasis on prevention will be smooth and life-saving.

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Elmo and Congress: A Duet of Hope

Dec 20

Posted by admin in FDA, news

As we rush around fulfilling all the end-of-the-year promises and getting everyone in place for a weekend of festivities, it is fitting that Sesame Street plays a major role in our moves forward. Yes, last week Elmo visited the White House (you might enjoy the video) to congratulate everyone on the passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act: A true milestone in more ways than just from Elmo’s visit! The hunger numbers have not decreased.

Then over this past weekend, the Senate wanted to elevate its place in history as it managed to secure passage of the Food Safety Bill. If you recall, they passed it about a month ago, but there was an outcry about how legislation gets initiated and passed. With a few language adjustments, that fear doctrine was removed. Now as the final legislative countdown of the year is in full swing, the House needs to act to put this into law.

What does this all mean for us, the consumer? Are we safer? Is our food safer? Are we protected?

The answers to all those questions depend on who you ask and how much you trust the various systems. No doubt it has been a difficult year in the realm of food safety with E. coli and Salmonella recalls vying for headline prominence. The CDC reported that 1 in 6 consumers gets sick from foodborne illnesses each year! A frightening percentage.eggs

Many of our sacred foods including peanut butter and eggs went under the knife as consumers were in harm’s way from various avenues. Now will our lives be safer? Will the FDA have the manpower to implement the new legislation? Will school nutrition programs prove to be healthier for the millions of young people that need to get food?

These are all questions of hope. Hope that the continuing efforts from the White House for nutritional benefits and from Congress for legislative mandates for government agencies will all benefit the end user: Us.

It is after all the season of hope.

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FDA in Action: A Hope

Nov 16

Posted by admin in alcohol, beverages, FDA, news

We complain so vociferously (and frequently) about the FDA’s inaction, that it’s time to spotlight a forward-thinking approach. It is anticipated that the FDA will come down hard this week on the caffeinated alcohol beverage market. You know those specialty drinks that give you a double jump and in the process most likely kill off any potential “benefit” from such a beverage. Severity of interaction has become a more common complaint with hospitalization not an infrequent occurrence.

Several states including Michigan and Washington have already addressed the issue and decided they did not need to wait for any Federal mandate to dictate a potentially unsafe beverage sale. Beer distributors in New York will stop their delivery by early December. The question boils down to scientific safety, the domain in which the FDA can act. We are referencing a product that has high alcohol levels, 12 percent, and gets the added boost of caffeine from the equivalent of multiple cups of coffee. No doubt you believe you can fly. If the FDA acts, we can safely say that its action has been a long time coming: See 2009 link.drinklineup

Hospitalization, injury, death–those words should create enough of a buzz without having to worry about mixing two categories of drinks into one dangerous high.

This time, a year later than anticipated, the FDA needs to act. Some products just should not be so readily available and heavily marketed. Danger outweighs gain.

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Truthiness

Sep 28

Posted by admin in beverages, FDA, food universe, healthy eating

No, I am not supporting an upcoming rally–that’s way too far in the future! Rather, my use of truthiness focuses on advertising claims and the right to package correct information rather than somewhat misleading “facts” which help sell a product. Hardly a week passes without some sort of near-riot of misleading information. Earlier this summer there was the olive oil debacle where we learned that not all proved as it seemed. Canola? That’s a big price to pay for a non extra-virgin olive!olivesplash

This week new questions about other products. First, the POM Wonderful controversy. This is a topic I have covered in the past, but now regulators have stepped in and decided there is more to this story than just a claim. The Federal Trade Commission responded to the claims about heart, prostate, and erectile dysfunction with a lawsuit that demands greater substantiation. Let me guess this action will not disappear quickly nor hide under the radar as the product holds a prominent position among beverage sales.

In another matter, that started several weeks ago, the flavor kings of ice cream decided to halt some of their claims. The Ben and Jerry ice cream folks have changed their labels and removed “All Natural” in products that have ingredients that stretch that definition. If you have processed or artificial ingredients, then “natural” takes on a different meaning. No longer will their labels tout their natural ingredients when those ingredients include sweetener derivatives or other processed foods. Natural is natural.

The less we say; the less the label brags, the better the likelihood that the product fulfills its promise. The FDA has numerous issues on its plate including efforts for proper labeling. Regardless of which Federal agency decides to bring forth a discussion about label claims, the consumer deserves the honest approach.

Sometimes, less is more. Give us the straight shot.

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Back on the Beat

Sep 20

Posted by admin in FDA, First Lady Michelle Obama

I’ve been off key and away for a few weeks as I lost my staunchest advocate, my bright light, and overall, my all-out supporter. Now, it’s time to come out from under my shell and fulfill the promise he so desperately wanted me to achieve: To stay on top of the story and tell it like it is. So here we go.

A lot has happened in the food world, or nothing has happened, depending on your outlook.  Little changes prove noticeable as in the more things change, the more they stay the same. So sameness envelops what’s happening, or not, when we speak of food safety and when the phrase, the FDA gets mentioned.

Yes, folks, it’s an election year and that means paper gets shuffled, but in the fall weeks preceding a November election, time stands still. Any hope of seeing the FDA assume the leadership mantel that was so eloquently promised—review blog entries on FDA and food safety and food recalls--and you’ll notice little change. Sorry, truth is truth. Peanut butter, lettuce, burgers, and eggs are still topics of grave concern and continued surveillance. Without some degree of enforcement, E.coli and Salmonella will continue to be words echoed repeatedly and plague our decision-making.

We have talked frequently about the importance of organics and how some products should only be organic purchases. It seems that the popularity of going organic continues to increase and there are some early indications that the price of organic produce seems to be less out of touch than in earlier years. Irony aside but many stores that have large organic departments also manage to deliver better prices on the organic line-up than their larger chain competitors. Whole Foods continues to accomplish this price-value coefficient. If you need first-hand proof, go to the dairy aisle and check-out organic milk. You’ll be a believer.lunch208345913

Not that there have been miraculous overall changes to the school lunch program, but concern is widespread. Many well-known chefs joined with their nearby school systems and volunteered their time and talent to help implement change. What Jamie Oliver accomplished with his well-publicized Revolution earned him numerous accolades and got couch potatoes to be thinking about more than starches. Then, of course, First Lady Michelle Obama found a judicious cause and continues to champion its direction. Harder to go higher up the ladder than 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue!

Always end with good news, at least that’s what I was taught.

The week has begun. So much to report.

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