========================================================================= Date: Wed, 22 Dec 2004 15:58:36 -0500 Reply-To: EdNet@FOODSAFETY.GOV Sender: National Food Safety Educator's Network From: National Food Safety Educator's Network Subject: Ednet Update December 2004 * * * * National Food Safety Educator's Network * * * * * * * * EdNet-L@foodsafety.gov * * * * EdNet is an electronic newsletter from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), providing updates on food safety activities to educators and others concerned about food safety. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ December 2004 EdNet IN THIS ISSUE RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS * Statement by John Clifford, Deputy Administrator, Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (November 23, 2004) * FY 2005 Program Priorities for FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition * Statement by Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman Regarding the 28th U.S. Secretary of Agriculture * FDA Acts to Remove Ephedra-Containing Dietary Supplements From Market * Holiday Food Safety from FSIS * Thermy(TM) for Food Service en Espanol * USDA Food Safety Mobile Schedule for 2005 * FDA Issues Final Rule on the Establishment and Maintenance of Records to Enhance the Security of the U.S. Food Supply Under the "Bioterrorism Act" -- FDA Also Issues Draft Guidance Regarding Records Access * Perchlorate - Updated Questions and Answers from FDA * Report Finds "Listeria" Rule Sparks Major Industry Changes (FSIS) * "The Economics of Food Safety: The Case of Green Onions and Hepatitis A Outbreaks" (ERS) * New ARS Sensory Testing Facility Open * FDA Initiates Seizure of Ginseng Because of Potentially Risky Pesticide Residues * FDA's Prior Notice of Imported Foods: Sending Gifts to Your Friends and Family: Prior Notice Policy * Speech by Lester M. Crawford, D.V.M., Ph.D., Acting Commissioner of the FDA, Before the Health Care Research and Innovations Congress NEWS FROM THE USDA/FDA FOODBORNE ILLNESS EDUCATION INFORMATION CENTER * Fight Foodborne Illness in High School MEETINGS/CONFERENCES/COURSES * USDA Announces National Poultry Improvement Plan General Conference Committee Meeting * Agricultural Outlook Forum 2005 * 2005 FDA Science Forum: FDA Science: Advancing Public Health through Innovative Science INDUSTRY INFO * FDA Proposes Draft Guidance for Industry for New Plant Varieties Intended for Food Use * FDA Draft Guidance: European Union Export Certificates * Availability of Updated Compliance Guidelines and Questions and Answers for the Interim Final Rule, "Control of 'Listeria monocytogenes' in Ready-to-Eat Products" * FDA's Guidance for Industry: Frequently Asked Questions about GRAS * "Safer Processing of Juice" Video (FDA) RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS * Statement by John Clifford, Deputy Administrator, Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (November 23, 2004) "The USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa, have determined that the inconclusive screening test sample reported on November 18, 2004 has tested negative for BSE upon confirmatory testing." http://www.aphis.usda.gov Go to News and then click on November 2004 Press Releases. * FY 2005 Program Priorities for FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition This document lays out the Center's work product expectations for the current fiscal year 2005 (October 1, 2004 through September 30, 2005), and is based on comments received from stakeholders as well as comments generated internally, with focus on the question: "Where do we do the most good for consumers and the overall public health?" http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cfsand04.html * Statement by Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman (December 2, 2004) on congratulating Governor Johanns on being named by the President to serve as the 28th U.S. Secretary of Agriculture "I congratulate Governor Johanns on being named today by the President to serve as the 28th U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. He is a good friend whom I've worked with closely over the years to advance agriculture policy and trade opportunities for America's farmers and ranchers. "The President selected an outstanding leader today who has a distinguished career in public service and a clear understanding of agriculture and farm policies." http://www.usda.gov Go to Newsroom and then December 2004 Press Releases * FDA Acts to Remove Ephedra-Containing Dietary Supplements From Market On November 23, 2004, the FDA intensified its efforts to protect consumers against harmful products and their sometimes fatal side effects by taking enforcement action against dietary supplements with ephedrine alkaloids marketed as a treatment for serious diseases and conditions. To view details go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fpephed8.html * Holiday Food Safety from FSIS Here's how to protect festive treats from bacteria: Chocolate chip, macaroons and gingerbread...how sweet are the aromas of freshly-baked cookies around the holidays. Treat your tummy to these tasty yummies, but avoid licking the spoon or the mixing bowl if the batter contains uncooked eggs. Tasting cookie or cake batter can be tempting, but remember that "Salmonella Enteritidis" could be lurking in those uncooked eggs. If any of your holiday recipes call for uncooked or lightly-cooked eggs, you can modify them by cooking the eggs thoroughly or by using pasteurized egg products. For more information on holiday food safety visit: www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/ * Thermy(TM) for Food Service en Espanol The revised Thermy(TM) foodservice magnet featuring the 135 degree F "hot-holding" temperature is now available. It can be found on the Web at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/thermy/foodservice/Thermy_Foodservice_Magnet_Spanish.pdf >>>Invite Thermy(TM) to Visit Your Event in 2005 During 2004, the Thermy(TM) costume character made a dozen special visits throughout the year to several Native American food safety training days and various local fairs promoting food safety awareness. (Blountsville, Alabama, Minneapolis, MN, and Gainesville, FL). The University of Georgia worked with grocery stores in the Athens area and featured Thermy(TM) for National Food Safety Education Month. In addition, Thermy(TM) was featured at the Mall of America, Government on Display, and at the annual Florida School Food Service Association Conference. And of course, Thermy(TM) was featured at numerous USDA Food Safety Mobile visits across the nation. You can order the Thermy(TM) costume free of charge, when you provide a Fed Ex number for shipping the costume to and from your location. Email your 2005 requests to: fsis.outreach@usda.gov For more information on Thermy(TM) and promoting a local food thermometer campaign in your area, go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Thermy * USDA Food Safety Mobile Schedule for 2005 The USDA Food Safety Mobile will continue to travel throughout the continental United States in 2005, appearing at State and county fairs, food events, media events, schools, libraries, grocery stores, community events, parades, festivals, health and safety expos, conventions, trade shows, FSIS District Offices, and at FSIS events in conjunction with visits and presentations by USDA officials. The Mobile is taking a holiday maintenance break this month, but will be ready to travel in January 2005. If you are interested in having it visit your event, grocery store, or school in 2005, you are encouraged to make your requests as soon as possible. Look for updates to the Mobile schedule on the FSIS Web site: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/foodsafetymobile Requests may be sent to FSIS at foodsafetymobile@fsis.usda.gov, or by calling (301) 504-9605. We look forward to partnering with you as we work together to promote public health through food safety education! http://www.fsis.usda.gov/foodsafetymobile * FDA Issues Final Rule on the Establishment and Maintenance of Records to Enhance the Security of the U.S. Food Supply Under the "Bioterrorism Act" -- FDA Also Issues Draft Guidance Regarding Records Access On December 6, 2004, the FDA issued final regulations on the establishment and maintenance of records to protect the U.S. human food and animal feed supply in the event of credible threats of serious adverse health consequences or death to humans or animals. FDA also issued draft guidance to FDA staff and industry, which details the internal procedures the Agency will follow before requesting access to records. http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fpbtact8.html * Perchlorate -- Updated Questions and Answers from FDA Perchlorate is both a naturally occurring and manmade chemical. Naturally occurring perchlorate, for example, is found in nitrate fertilizer deposits in Chile. Most of the perchlorate manufactured in the United States is used as the primary ingredient of solid rocket propellant. Perchlorate is also used in a wide variety of industrial processes and pyrotechnics. In recent years there has been increasing interest in perchlorate levels in soil, groundwater, drinking water, and irrigation water around the country and what health effects it may have. In order to better determine the answers to these questions, the FDA has begun to determine the occurrence of perchlorate in a variety of foods to evaluate exposure to perchlorate from food and support any action that might be needed to protect the public health. View questions & answers and exploratory data on perchlorate in food at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/clo4qa.html * Report Finds "Listeria" Rule Sparks Major Industry Changes On December 1, 2004, a report outlining the impact of the interim final rule designed to further reduce the incidence of "Listeria monocytogenes" in ready-to-eat meat and poultry products and making recommendations for possible future actions was released for public comment by FSIS. The report shows that the overall safety of these products has improved in response to the "Listeria" interim final rule because establishments have strengthened their control procedures, increased testing and taken additional steps to eliminate the pathogen. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_120104_01/index.asp * Control of "Listeria monocytogenes" in Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Products December 2, 2004, "Federal Register," Volume 69, Number 231, Docket No. 97-013FE FSIS is extending the public comment period on the interim final rule "Control of 'Listeria monocytogenes' in Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Products" The comment period on the rule will end on the same date as the comment period on the Agency report, "Assessing the Effectiveness of the 'Listeria monocytogenes' Interim Final Rule," announced in a document published elsewhere in this issue of the "Federal Register." Comments on the interim final rule must be received on or before January 31, 2005. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oppde/rdad/frpubs/97-013FE.htm * "The Economics of Food Safety: The Case of Green Onions and Hepatitis A Outbreaks" - An Electronic Outlook Report from USDA's Economic Research Service Using the example of recent foodborne illness outbreaks in the United States associated with green onions from Mexico, this report examines the economics of food safety. http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/vgs/nov04/VGS30501/ * New ARS Sensory Testing Facility Open New Agricultural Research Service (ARS) food processing and testing facilities in Beltsville, MD will make it easier for scientists and others to evaluate the safety and quality of meat products. Two years in development, the new sensory testing facility at the ARS Food Technology and Safety Laboratory houses 10 testing booths. Each one includes a computer so trained panelists can offer quick and efficient feedback to researchers. http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2004/041216.htm * FDA Initiates Seizure of Ginseng Because of Potentially Risky Pesticide Residues At the request of the FDA, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey issued a warrant for the seizure of imported ginseng, held for sale at FCC Products, Inc., located in Livingston, N.J. The U.S. Marshals Service, accompanied by an FDA investigator, seized the ginseng on December 15, 2004. The exact amount and extent of distribution at this time is unknown, but was probably small in scope. Due to the uncertainty of the distribution, FDA is issuing a nationwide warning to those who may have used this product. The bulk and blended ginseng products held at FCC Products, Inc., are adulterated under the "Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act" because they contain pesticide chemical residues that are unsafe. To view details go to: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2004/ANS01334.html * FDA's Prior Notice of Imported Foods: Sending Gifts to Your Friends and Family: Prior Notice Policy Read about FDA's policy for submission of prior notice for food imported for non-commercial purposes with a non-commercial shipper at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~pn/pngift3.html * Speech by Lester M. Crawford, D.V.M., Ph.D., Acting Commissioner of the FDA, before the Health Care Research and Innovations Congress (December 1, 2004) "In March of 2004, FDA released a comprehensive report from its Obesity Working Group entitled "Calories Count" that outlined a series of key recommendations on ways that FDA could help stem the rising tide of obesity in areas within its authority. This report offered a number of compelling recommendations on how to combat obesity. The recommendations also track closely with our Progress on Priorities report published in September of this year, in particular our goal of providing consumers with better information to help them lead healthier lives through better nutrition. To read the entire speech, go to: http://www.fda.gov/oc/speeches/2004/obesity1201.html NEWS FROM THE USDA/FDA FOODBORNE ILLNESS EDUCATION INFORMATION CENTER * Fight Foodborne Illness in High School Teens, at least as much as adults, need food safety training. Many are already preparing their own food, and maybe yours too, if they are one of the many young workers in food service establishments. Texas Cooperative Extension recently developed "Fight Foodborne Illness - A Food Safety Curriculum for Ages 14 and Over". The curriculum contains six lessons with background information for teachers, activities and transparencies. It is available for $30 from the Texas Cooperative Extension Bookstore at: http://tcebookstore.org/pubinfo.cfm?pubid=2005 You can find information on other materials geared towards older students at http://grande.nal.usda.gov/foodborne/fbidb/fbidbexcerpts.php?Focus=High%20School For more food safety information, visit the Center's Web site at: http://www.nal.usda.gov/foodborne/ MEETINGS/CONFERENCES/COURSES * USDA Announces National Poultry Improvement Plan General Conference Committee Meeting On November 29, 2004, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced that the National Poultry Improvement Plan's (NPIP) general conference committee will meet on Jan. 26, 2005. The meeting will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center, Room C108, 285 Andrew Young International Boulevard NW, Atlanta, GA, from 1:30 to 5 p.m. http://www.aphis.usda.gov Go to News and then click on November Press Releases. * Agricultural Outlook Forum 2005 The Agricultural Outlook Forum, February 24 and 25, 2005, offers two days of information-packed sessions, expert speakers and valuable networking contacts. Outlook sessions will feature USDA's first 2005 forecasts for planting, production, trade and prices, plus expert speakers on the latest issues for commodities, farm finance and the food industry. Attendees will receive new USDA long-term commodity projections to 2014. USDA agencies will demonstrate new e-government tools for farmers, business and consumers. The science-agriculture connection will be featured. Today as never before, science is crossing paths with farming, farm policy and the marketplace. Science holds the key to raising farm productivity and safeguarding the environment, crops and livestock, nutrition and health. At the same time, scientific findings can play a role in domestic policy-making and trade regulations. Diet and health recommendations influence consumers' shopping choices. Focus sessions will include managing risks from BSE and Avian Influenza; prospects for energy prices, ethanol and co-products; early debate over the next Farm Bill; new dietary guidelines; and the future of the North American marketplace, WTO talks and the bio-safety protocol. Full registration costs just $265; partial registration is also available; details at: http://www.usda.gov/oce/forum * 2005 FDA Science Forum: FDA Science: Advancing Public Health through Innovative Science Each year since 1993, the FDA Science Forum has served as a comprehensive training program, and as a vehicle to communicate and promote issues relating to scientific development and associated regulatory concerns. This annual event showcases FDA's scientific achievements, facilitates discussions on topics of interest to FDA and its stakeholders, promotes both internal and external collaborations, and recognizes outstanding research and science-based review performance with Scientific Achievement Awards. The 2005 Science Forum is organized around FDA's Critical Path Initiatives to stimulate the development of new tools in the areas of Safety, Effectiveness, and Manufacturing that will facilitate the introduction of new medical products. The 2005 FDA Science Forum will be held on April 27-28, 2005 at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. For information about 2005 FDA Science Forum go to: http://www.fda.gov/scienceforum/ INDUSTRY INFO * FDA Proposes Draft Guidance for Industry for New Plant Varieties Intended for Food Use To address the possibility that material from a new plant variety intended for food use might inadvertently enter the food supply before its sponsor has fully consulted with the FDA, the Agency is announcing the availability of a draft guidance document entitled "Guidance for Industry: Recommendations for the Early Food Safety Evaluation of New Non-Pesticidal Proteins Produced by New Plant Varieties Intended for Food Use." This draft guidance discusses the early food safety evaluation of new proteins in new plant varieties, particularly in new bioengineered varieties that are under development for possible use as food for humans or animals. The draft guidance also describes procedures for communicating with FDA about this evaluation. To view the draft guidance go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/tpbioprg.html * FDA Draft Guidance: European Union Export Certificates The FDA is providing this draft guidance on how it is issuing health certificates that accompany shipments of fish and fishery products from the United States (US) to the European Union (EU), EU Accession Partnership Countries (hereinafter referred to as EU Export Certificates), and members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). These certificates are required by the EU and these countries. The purpose of the draft guidance is to clarify the internal processes that FDA uses to issue these EU Export Certificates; the procedures that industry seeking these certificates should follow; the criteria that FDA generally intends to consider in determining whether to issue an EU Export Certificate; and related matters. The draft was released for comment on November 22, 2004 and can be viewed at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~comm/seaguid4.html * Availability of Updated Compliance Guidelines and Questions and Answers for the Interim Final Rule, "Control of 'Listeria monocytogenes' in Ready-to-Eat Products" (FSIS Notice 54-04) This Notice announces the availability of an update of the Compliance Guidelines and the Questions and Answers (Q's and A's) for the interim final rule, "Control of 'Listeria monocytogenes' in Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Products." Also, the Technical Service Center will make available an Information Knowledge Exchange (IKE) scenario addressing how inspection program personnel are to respond to a positive result from a food contact surface sample and how to verify the establishment's corrective actions. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/Notice_54-04/index.asp * FDA's Guidance for Industry: Frequently Asked Questions about GRAS FDA's list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) is intended to be a convenient place to find answers to common questions about the food ingredient classification known as "generally recognized as safe" or "GRAS." This FAQ addresses common questions about the regulatory process and regulatory considerations regarding whether the use of a food substance is GRAS. To view the FAQ about GRAS and contact information about the GRAS program go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/grasguid.html * "Safer Processing of Juice" Video (FDA) Many consumers enjoy juice products for the taste and nutritional value. However, as evidenced by recent outbreaks, unpasteurized juice can also serve as a vehicle for foodborne illness. The California Department of Health Services, Food and Drug Branch developed this video in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, university researchers, and industry representatives to assist the industry in producing a safer product. The video may also be useful for retailers, regulators, and anyone working with the industry who wants to better understand the product and current recommendations for best production practices. To view topics covered by the video and video order forms go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/juicevid.html ARCHIVED EDNET NEWSLETTERS Interested readers can access EdNet newsletters archived since October 1997 from the Web site: http://www.foodsafety.gov/~fsg/ednet.html SUBSCRIBE Please forward this issue to colleagues and friends and tell them how to subscribe. Thank you for sharing. Web Page Addresses of the EdNet Federal Sponsors: - FDA/CFSAN: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/ - USDA/FSIS: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/ - CDC/NCID: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/ncid.htm +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Feedback (comments or suggestions on this issue) contact Peggy Barrow and Kathy Bernard Subscription problems, contact Diane Schmit LISTSERV commands (send all commands to LISTSERV@FOODSAFETY.GOV): - To subscribe, send "SUBSCRIBE EDNET-L YOUR NAME". - To unsubscribe, send "SIGNOFF EDNET-L". - To get the list of EdNet files available, send "INDEX EDNET-L". - For general LISTSERV commands, send "HELP" or "INFO REFCARD". +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++