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Archive for category FDA

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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Hard Over, Please

Aug 24

Posted by admin in FDA, news

So if the wise man puts all his eggs in one basket, (Andrew Carnegie), how many eggs does he throw out? BTW, he also said the first man gets the oyster, and the second one the shell. Maybe this discussion is all about the shell!

What a week. You do remember not that many months ago our energy was focused on another important house staple, peanut butter, but this time the problem has an even more invasive nature.  The egg recall has expanded, and predictions indicate it will keep growing. The USDA says it is the FDA’s problem, but what is the end user, the consumer, the eater, the chef to do?

Yes, the debacle seems to be linked to two main producers in Iowa, but problems such as this do not just appear. Several people have called the issue pervasive, one with repeat offenders. Food safety; what’s that?

Should we take solace from a sign at a market that says they have been advised to pull eggs from their current distributor, but have replaced their supply from a different company? The problem boils down to who do we trust and what do we do about it. Wash hands more diligently than ever; cook them hard. Keep focused on the changes.

Here is the latest information (at this moment) about the size of the recall and what are the suggested actions. My suggestion: Check the site regularly.

Cook ‘em, skip the soft-boiled egg. If you’re still anxious, buy a thermometer and check the temperature or switch to the pasteurized liquid shaker eggs. That may be the healthy, no cholesterol, way to go.buddy_Icon1

Bad year for food recalls. Not because we are becoming savvier and getting information quicker, but because food safety remains a top burner issue that often feels like a neglected step-child.

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A Caffeine Hi

May 4

Posted by admin in beverages, FDA

Yep, your cheerfulness will be noted when you greet everyone (a “HI”) from your over indulgence of caffeine-boosted beverages. Let’s see a couple of cups of coffee and a few cans of something to pep you up and pretty soon you’re reaching levels of caffeine that are heart-healthy questionable!

It seems there are no shortage of new companies entering this market, and a growing market space it is! In the US, no one seems to focus on the potential problems associated with these high-flying beverages. A new study from University of Illinois researchers calls for the FDA to put this beverage back on the look-and-see list. Now let’s review: The FDA is loaded with projects and all types of food-related concerns. Where should the over exuberance from energy drinks fit on the agenda? sobeTough one to call.

The facts from the above study say that this market space with new entrants and more boost for the buck needs attention from someone. They cite the UK which just this past week published a code of practice for the ever-growing energy drink market. The drinks according to the the British Soft Drink Association now need to carry a label warning: “Not suitable for children, pregnant women and persons sensitive to caffeine.” Love that last little phrase! Are there individuals who truly do not get a caffeine bounce? Is the high merely in our mind?

Sometimes. Sometimes. I know that I can have multiple espressos and feel nothing other than pleased by the light colored crema atop the cup. Then there are the times, that last cup has me sailed so that makes me “sensitive to caffeine.”

Warning labels on diet soda drinks are understandable. Warning labels on everything, that’s a whole ‘nother discussion.


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The BPA Controversy

May 1

Posted by admin in Environment, FDA

On this side of the food blog world, I believe strongly in removing bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical from our food and beverage containers. It seems logical that we move in this direction as so much research indicates the long-term harm from these types of containers. A week ago a number of food industry groups and even some business groups including the US Chamber of Commerce voiced opposition to this strategy.

Let’s review the issue. The recent negative response is in fear of new regulation that the FDA will assume over food production. Read the release and you’ll see how the Agency has taken all the recent studies into review and now believes that the toxicity factor from BPA products causes more harm than good. Baby bottles as a good example, should be free of BPA. The list is long; we do not need to ingest the chemical. What’s the deal with the  food manufacturers? Sure it will cost record amounts of money to make these manufacturing changes, but health, safety, and well-being should be the focus.

Already one company, Wegmans has distanced itself from some of the negative Association responses. We need to congratulate the company for taking this step. As consumers here is our opportunity to talk with our wallets!

Another company that deserves attention is Nalgene for its move away from BPA (several years ago they took a lot of criticism for not moving quickly enough in this direction). We need to find these companies that have taken a stand and get in line to show our support for their efforts.everyday_midR

Can we ignore a chemical that has a long list of negatives indicating its harmful effects? No, we cannot. We need to protect ourselves by finding products that have eliminated this harmful chemical.

We urge the FDA and EPA to maintain their focus and data analysis. Too many lives are hanging in the balance. Products can be changed.

Eliminating BPA from cans and plastics that come into contact with food should be the focus of this change.

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A Needed Crackdown

Nov 16

Posted by admin in FDA, news

It’s so easy to continue to slam the FDA–I practically have a whole file of blogs devoted to food or beverage issues where they have been MIA or just plain late to the party. In a few instances, they wiggled around the complexity of the issue. Yet, every once in a while, I am encouraged. Today is one of those days.

Caffeinated alcoholic drinks have been questionable products for some time, and now, at the urging of numerous state attorneys general, the FDA is going to take action. They have finally figured out that scrutiny is needed, and their letter to 30 beverage companies marks the beginning of a commonsense approach to a serious behavioral safety issue.

They plan to study the safety and legality of these booster beverages. It goes like this, caffeine has been approved in soft drinks as long as it does not exceed 200 parts per million. The caffeine-added alcoholic beverages have questionable scientific approval, and the law specifically states an additive, in this case the caffeine, cannot be considered safe unless it has received prior FDA approval. Caffeine has not been approved as an additive in alcoholic beverages.

Several large alcohol beverage companies (Anheuser-Busch, MillerCoors) took their alcohol-energy drinks off the market well in advance of this Agency scrutiny, tiltbut not without prior negative publicity. There are currently no shortage of such combo high-powered drinks. For instance, Tilt is still available, but without the caffeine.

Beverage safety remains an appropriate concern. Without scientific evidence and valid data, it is questionable whether these “drugs,” or so-called beverages, can remain in the marketplace.

You know how much I love my caffeine, but this type of caffeine booster has become a safety concern: A combination of an additive to an already potentially powerful beverage.

This is no ordinary caffeine high.

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Three-Bean Casserole Alert

Nov 5

Posted by admin in FDA, health, news

The December 2009 issue of Consumer Reports adds to our worry column. We’ve had a week of E.coli reports and undeclared allergens but what about the go-to foods when we just want a little help and the refrigerator section of fresh produce is bare? OK, problem on shelf one.

It’s that time of year when farm market selections get a little repetitive, and it’s a long wait til we rework the soil for the spring garden. Canned goods have a place in our food preparation. Maybe more so at this time of the year than other seasons.

Now this report says: Hold on there: Not everything is as safe as you’d like. Personally, I’ve always preferred glass jars to metal cans but not every manufacturer is on my program. I do have on hand several varieties of metal cans especially for diced bits of tomatoes. Oh, did I mention, tuna. They’re there!

I go with petra paks for soup concentrates but let’s get back to the metal world and this report. (Oops, they found some measurable BPA levels in some packaged soups, but not as high as those found in the specific canned soups). There, of course, is the frozen vegetable category, and Bird’s Eye Steamfresh cut green beans had a very low BPA concentration. Have to practice the Thanksgiving casserole recipe with the frozen beans!steamfresh

Consumer Reports tested 19 brand-name foods, including a few in the sacred organic category, and found measurable levels of Bisphenol A (BPA) in the products, even in some of those marked “BPA-free.” Canned green beans and canned soups were some of the worst offenders.

BPA exposure especially in infants and young children is a worrisome issue. With older adults it has been directly linked to numerous diseases and cancers. This is one more item, an important one, on the FDA plate: Now is the time for them to take action on BPA and eliminate this worry from our long anxiety list. I am not alone on this FDA Take Action strategy. These are the serious health action groups saying: Enough, Act Now.

Mercury, BPA, and the unknown food safety concern make it hard to have my tuna fish salad sandwich for lunch.

I’ll just have a smaller portion.

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When Twitter is Not Enough

Nov 3

Posted by admin in FDA, food, health

fafed014bb31409caa1ed472d9e217beI have been resistant but lately have started to tweet (twitter.com/allbeforecoffee) as a vehicle of immediacy; truly, instant communication. I used it when I heard about the latest ground beef recall. (For some reason, I still do not have all the wireless contraptions cooperating–it seems it took several days to appear in my twitter account from my mobile post–went by way of??)

It’s fine for a heads up message, but this recall is far more invasive and needs banner type attention. I have blogged numerous times about food safety and specifically about burgers, but this time the impact seems even more frightening.

What was a smaller E.coli warning has moved into headline space. People need to know. Products need to be returned. Freezers need to be checked for product. This is a sizable recall notice affecting multiple states and covering a broad range of supermarket shopping locations.

Consumers need to be aware, and then after that we need answers to what appears as a lengthy list of unending questions: How do we stop this from happening again? Who do we trust? What is going on? What next?

Although we have praised the efforts of the Administration in setting its food policy agenda, we are still struggling with the overall issues of food safety. BTW, you can follow the foodsafety folks on twitter!

For now, hamburgers are off the grill.

When can we feel safe?

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Defining a Smart Choice

Oct 26

Posted by admin in Administration, FDA, news

fruitsveggiesIt’s official: The Smart Choices Program has gone away quietly. Maybe that’s not completely true. Its response was quiet in comparison to the public outrage from consumers, reporters, and bloggers about its premise. The Connecticut Attorney General came out and questioned the program. A maelstrom was beginning. Done. It will no longer accept new applicants nor will it promote its so-called label program.

A big shout-out, maybe one of the most  positive signs of the new Administration’s commitment to food policy, goes to the FDA. Last week when they announced their efforts toward front of the package labeling, they took that big step out of the box. The inherent, albeit underlying, message was that they would actively ascertain the accuracy of  label information. The Smart Choices Program saw the writing. It was not pretty on the wall or anywhere. Their label idea was good in concept but in reality it struck a serious nerve. They were promoting and supporting foods that should never be thought of as smart choices.

Enough. Over. Hopefully, a footnote to the month.

Score one.

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Big News: Smart Labels Fall on their Sword

Oct 23

Posted by admin in FDA, health

Kraft and several other companies pulled their Smart Choice label program. This follows on the heels of the FDA decision to start studying labels and asking for front of package information.

Great news.

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Should You Buy That?

Oct 10

Posted by admin in cooking, dining out, FDA

The first rule of food safety is a simple mantra: Clean, separate, cook, and chill. Cutting boards should come under the inspection lens immediately. Identify the boards that should visit the recycling pile and those that can survive and not harbor bacteria. We talked about temperature this week when we said goodbye to our friend, the hamburger, but we need to do more.

Think about the foods you buy and their proper care. Food handling plays a central role in all food safety discussions. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) just came out with a list of the 10 riskiest foods that are regulated by the FDA, (these foods account for nearly 40% of all foodborne illnesses). The list has a few surprises such as eggs, tuna, and ice cream. I’m not surprised to see leafy greens (iceberg lettuce, romaine, and spinach, for example) topping the list of most outbreaks.

lettuceThe whole point of such a headline grabbing article is to get Congress in gear to modernize the FDA, to make it responsive to the current needs of the nation. The CSPI hopes that the Senate will follow the House of Representatives lead in passing the Food Safety Enhancement Act. They believe it is time for passage of the Food Safety Modernization Act.

As consumers we can play a role, but we need all the help we can get.

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