========================================================================= Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2005 16:23:25 EST Reply-To: EdNet@FOODSAFETY.GOV Sender: National Food Safety Educator's Network From: National Food Safety Educator's Network Organization: National Food Safety Educator's Network Subject: Ednet Update December 2005 * * * * 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. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ EdNet December 2005 IN THIS ISSUE CONSUMER ADVISORY * FDA Warns Consumers to Avoid Drinking Raw Milk RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS * USDA Offers Food Safety Recommendations for Holiday Gatherings * Statement by Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns Regarding the Opening of the Japanese Market to U.S. Beef * Statement by Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach on the Opening of the Japanese Market to U.S. Beef * FDA Acts to Protect Public from Fraudulent Avian Flu Therapies * Preventing Health Risks Associated with Drinking Unpasteurized or Untreated Juice (CDC) * Gulf States, Feds Report on Seafood (FDA) * Questions and Answers on Avian Influenza ("Bird Flu") and Food Safety (FDA) * Spotlights on Avian Influenza (USDA) * USDA's New Avian Influenza Brochure * Advice to Consumers: "Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004" -- Questions and Answers (FDA) * "Roasting Those 'Other' Holiday Meats" (USDA) * E-mail Subscription Service Added to Several FSIS Web Pages * USDA Unveils MyPyramid in Spanish * USDA Food Safety Mobile Schedule for 2006 MEETINGS/EVENTS/CONFERENCES * Reminder: USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum 2006--"Prospering in Rural America" * 2006 Food Assistance Research Conference (USDA) PEOPLE IN THE NEWS * FSIS Makes Key Personnel Appointments * Johanns Recognizes Four ARS Scientists (USDA) INDUSTRY INFO * Proposed Rule: "Addition of the People's Republic of China to the List of Countries Eligible to Export Processed Poultry and Poultry Products to the United States" (FSIS) * USDA Issues Regulations for Handling of Canadian Ruminant Products Shipments * Guidance for Industry and FDA: Requesting an Extension to Use Existing Label Stock after the "Trans" Fat Labeling Effective Date of January 1, 2006 * FDA Publishes a Proposed Rule to Expand the Nutrient Content Claim, "Lean" * "Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides How-to-Comply Manual"-Revised 2005 (EPA) * FSIS Notice 79-05: "Performance Based Inspection System (PBIS), Version 5.1.3" * FSIS Notice 80-05: "New Check Box for Raw Ground or Comminuted Beef or Veal Products in PBIS 5.1.3" * FSIS Notice 81-05: "Pending Design Update and Revised Submission Instructions for FSIS Form 10,240-1, Production Information on Post-Lethality Exposed Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Products" * IKE Preliminary Scenario Available Online (FSIS) * FDA Acts to Seize Ephedra-Containing Dietary Supplements * USDA Expands List of Fruits and Vegetables Eligible for Importation * USDA Amends Regulations Governing the Importation of Whole Cuts of Boneless Beef from Japan * Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergens, Including the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004: Final Guidance for Industry (Edition 2) * Notice to Stakeholders: Summary Report FDA Security Surveillance Assignment CONSUMER ADVISORY * FDA Warns Consumers to Avoid Drinking Raw Milk Following an outbreak in the state of Washington, the FDA is warning the public against drinking raw milk because it may contain harmful bacteria that can cause life-threatening illnesses. Raw milk is not treated or pasteurized to remove disease-causing bacteria. The risk of drinking raw milk was most recently demonstrated in Washington State by an outbreak associated with raw milk containing the bacteria called "Escherichia coli" O157:H7. To date, eight illnesses have been reported in Washington state, several of which were in children. To view FDA's warning, go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fpmilk.html RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS * USDA Offers Food Safety Recommendations for Holiday Gatherings, Avoiding Foodborne Illness Key to a Food Safe Holiday Season December 13, 2005 - As Americans prepare for the upcoming holidays, they will encounter a variety of sumptuous food offerings - from eggnog and unique cookies to appetizers and roasted meats. USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) offers recommendations to consumers to help them avoid foodborne illness while enjoying these seasonal feasts. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_121305_01/index.asp * Statement by Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns Regarding the Opening of the Japanese Market to US Beef On December 11, 2005, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns released this statement: "I'm very pleased to announce that the Japanese market is now open to U.S. beef products. Resuming beef trade with Japan is great news for American producers and Japanese consumers, as well as an important step toward normalized trade based on scientifically sound, internationally recognized standards." To read this entire statement: http://www.usda.gov/2005/12/0544.xml * Statement by Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach on the Opening of the Japanese Market to U.S. Beef On December 12, 2005, Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach, Acting FDA Commissioner, released a statement regarding the opening of Japanese market to U.S. beef. "FDA is encouraged by the decision of the Japanese government to lift the temporary ban on imports of United States beef products. We believe that this decision by Japan acknowledges the effectiveness of U.S. measures adopted over the years -- one of the most critical measures being FDA's ruminant feed ban -- to protect our country from BSE or bovine spongiform encephalophathy, also known as mad cow disease." To read entire statement, go to: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2005/NEW01273.html * FDA Acts to Protect Public from Fraudulent Avian Flu Therapies On December 13, 2005, the FDA issued warning letters to nine companies marketing bogus flu products behind claims that their products could be effective against preventing the avian flu or other forms of influenza. FDA is not aware of any scientific evidence that demonstrates the safety or effectiveness of these products for treating or preventing avian flu and the agency is concerned that the use of these products could harm consumers or interfere with conventional treatments. To read more about FDA's warning letters to these companies addressing the false and misleading claims, go to: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2005/NEW01274.html * Preventing Health Risks Associated with Drinking Unpasteurized or Untreated Juice (CDC) CDC has a new Web site on basic advice regarding drinking unpasteurized juice. Access the site at: http://www.cdc.gov/foodborne/juice_spotlight.htm * Gulf States, Feds Report on Seafood (FDA) The states of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, along with U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have analyzed hundreds of samples of fish and shellfish from the waters affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. To date, the data show no reason for concern about consuming seafood from the Gulf region due to the hurricanes. The samples were analyzed for chemical and microbiological contaminants that could have been introduced by the hurricanes. To read more about the report, go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fphurri3.html * Questions and Answers on Avian Influenza ("Bird Flu") and Food Safety (FDA) On November 29, 2005, the FDA posted questions and answers on avian influenza ("bird flu") and food safety. To view these questions and answers, go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/avfluqa.html * Spotlights on Avian Influenza USDA is working closely with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of the Interior, State and Tribal leaders, along with industry stakeholders, to enhance emergency response plans in the event that avian influenza is detected in the United States. More information about USDA's avian influenza efforts can be found at: http://www.usda.gov/birdflu * New USDA Avian Influenza Brochure USDA's avian influenza brochure is available on-line. The brochure will also be produced in Spanish. To view or download a copy of the brochure, go to: http://www.usda.gov/documents/AvianFluBrochure.pdf * Advice to Consumers: "Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004"--Questions and Answers The "Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act" (FALCPA) will improve food labeling information for the millions of consumers who suffer from food allergies. The "Act" will be especially helpful to children who must learn to recognize the allergens they must avoid. To view questions and answers about FALCPA, food allergen labeling, gluten, and advice for consumers, go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/alrgqa.html * "Roasting Those 'Other' Holiday Meats" While the holiday season is often turkey time for many, FSIS provides information about preparing various other holiday meats. The information includes guidelines for selecting and preparing beef, lamb, pork, veal and poultry, as well as wild game. To view the fact sheet, visit: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Roasting_Those_Other_Holiday_Meats * E-mail Subscription Service Added to Several FSIS Web Pages Customers can now sign up for e-mail subscription service for the following pages on FSIS Web site: * Humane Interactive Knowledge Exchange (HIKE) http://www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Employees/HIKE/ * Interactive Knowledge Exchange (IKE) http://www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Employees/IKE/ * IKE Scenario Comment Page http://www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Employees/IKE_Comment/ * New Technologies http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations/New_Technologies/ To sign up, go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/news_&_events/Email_Subscription/ * USDA Unveils MyPyramid in Spanish MyPyramid is now available in Spanish: just click on "En Espanol" when visiting: http://www.mypyramid.gov * USDA Food Safety Mobile Schedule for 2006 The USDA Food Safety Mobile will resume its travels throughout the continental United States, 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 in 2006. January 2006 27-29 South Florida Fair, West Palm Beach, FL February 2006 2 Elementary School, Weston, FL 4 Publix Supermarket, Weston, FL 15 Agape Food Bank, Lakeland, FL 18-20 Florida State Fair, Tampa, FL March 2006 31 Cooper River Bridge Kids Run, Charleston, SC April 2006 1 Cooper River Bridge Run, Charleston, SC 15 Costco Wholesale, Kennesaw, GA 22 WalkAmerica 2006, Atlanta, GA May 2006 12-13 International Bar-B-Q Festival, Owensboro, KY If you are interested in having the Food Safety Mobile visit your event, grocery store, or school in 2006, 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 protect and promote public health through food safety education! http://www.fsis.usda.gov/foodsafetymobile MEETINGS/EVENTS/CONFERENCES * Reminder: USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum 2006-"Prospering in Rural America" February 16-17, 2006 >>>Register by January 23, 2006, to receive a $50 discount. After January 23, 2006 the registration fee is $335<<< http://www.usda.gov/oce/forum/ * 2006 Food Assistance Research Conference Each year, USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS) sponsors a roundtable discussion to identify crucial research and information needs to support USDA's food and nutrition assistance programs and to highlight recent research findings. The 2006 Food Assistance Research Conference, "Emerging Issues and Recent Findings" will be held on February 15, 2006, at ERS in Washington, DC. A draft agenda is available. To check for registration details, visit: www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/FoodNutritionAssistance/ConferenceMaterials/ PEOPLE IN THE NEWS * FSIS Makes Key Personnel Appointments On December 1, 2005, FSIS Administrator Dr. Barbara Masters named William C. Smith as FSIS Assistant Administrator for the Office of Program Evaluation, Enforcement and Review (OPEER) and Dr. Kenneth Petersen as FSIS Assistant Administrator for the Office of Field Operations (OFO). Masters also announced that Dr. Jane Roth will remain as Deputy Assistant Administrator for OPEER and that Judy Riggins, currently an Executive Associate at OFO, will become the OFO Deputy Assistant Administrator. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_120105_01/index.asp * Johanns Recognizes Four ARS Scientists On December 7, 2005, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced that four Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists had been chosen for the ARS Science Hall of Fame. The scientists have made important research contributions in plant physiology and phytochemistry, enzymology, food science, and poultry health. http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2005/051207.htm INDUSTRY INFO * Proposed Rule: "Addition of the People's Republic of China to the List of Countries Eligible to Export Processed Poultry and Poultry Products to the United States"-Docket No. 05-012P, "Federal Register," Volume 70, Number 225 On November 23, 2005, FSIS issued a Proposed Rule to add the People's Republic of China to the list of countries eligible to export processed poultry and poultry products to the United States. China is not currently eligible to export poultry products to the United States; however, reviews of China's laws, regulations and other materials show that the country's poultry processing system includes requirements equivalent to all provisions in the "Poultry Products Inspection Act" and its implementing regulations. For further information contact Sally White, Director, International Equivalence Staff, Office of International Affairs at (202) 720-6400, or visit: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FRPubs/05-012P.htm * USDA Issues Regulations for Handling of Canadian Ruminant Products Shipments On November 29, 2005, APHIS amended its regulations regarding the handling of shipments of ruminants from Canada and the transloading of ruminant products and byproducts that travel across the United States by land from Canada to Mexico or to another country. For more details: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/content/2005/11/canseal_vs.shtml * Guidance for Industry and FDA: Requesting an Extension to Use Existing Label Stock after the "Trans" Fat Labeling Effective Date of January 1, 2006 The purpose of this document is to provide guidance to FDA personnel and the food industry about when and how businesses may request the agency to consider enforcement discretion for the use, on products introduced into interstate commerce on or after the January 1, 2006 effective date, of some or all existing label stock that does not bear "trans" fat labeling in compliance with the "trans" fat final rule. This policy provides guidance to FDA and the food industry related to such requests. To view the guidance document, go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/transgu2.html * FDA Publishes a Proposed Rule to Expand the Nutrient Content Claim, "Lean" FDA published in the "Federal Register" a proposed rule to amend food labeling regulations that will expand the use of the nutrient content claim, "lean." The proposed regulation would extend the claim to foods categorized as "mixed dishes not measurable with a cup" (for example, burritos, egg rolls, enchiladas, pizza, quiches, and sandwiches) that meet certain criteria for total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol. The criteria for "lean" categorized as "mixed dishes not measurable with a cup" can be viewed at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fsdup123.html#lean * Revised 2005 "Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides How-to-Comply Manual" is Now Available The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing its revised 2005 "Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides How-to-Comply Manual." This compliance assistance tool has been updated to reflect amendments to the Worker Protection Standard (WPS), a regulation designed to protect agricultural workers and pesticide handlers. The revised manual provides detailed information on who is covered by the WPS and how to meet regulatory requirements. The updated manual will facilitate better protection of pesticide workers and handlers in agriculture from the potential risks of pesticides. For further information about the revised manual and how to obtain print and/or CD-ROM versions of the manual, or for additional information about the WPS, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/htc.html * FSIS Notice 79-05: "Performance Based Inspection System (PBIS), Version 5.1.3" On December 5, 2005, FSIS issued Notice 79-05 to announce that in December 2005, inspection program personnel will begin using Performance Based Inspection System (PBIS) 5.1.3, which is an updated and enhanced version of the PBIS 5.1 system and provides for the inclusion of more information and improved security features. To read this Notice: www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/FSIS_Notices_Index/index.asp * FSIS Notice 80-05: "New Check Box for Raw Ground or Comminuted Beef or Veal Products in PBIS 5.1.3" On December 5, 2005, FSIS issued Notice 80-05 instructing inspection program personnel to update the establishment profile under PBIS 5.1.3 in order to identify establishments that produce raw ground or comminuted beef or veal products meeting the standard of identity in 9 CFR 319.15 (a), (b), or (c) and subject to verification testing for "Escherichia coli" O157:H7 under MT03 project code. This update is necessary to ensure that FSIS is properly identifying those establishments that are subject to verification testing under MT03. To read this Notice: www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/FSIS_Notices_Index/index.asp * FSIS Notice 81-05: "Pending Design Update and Revised Submission Instructions for FSIS Form 10,240-1, Production Information on Post-Lethality Exposed Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Products" On December 5, 2005, FSIS issued Notice 81-05 to announce that early in 2006, FSIS plans to make a revised Form 10,240-1, "Production Information on Post-Lethality Exposed Ready-to-Eat Products," available for online submission. This Notice instructs inspection program personnel to meet with establishments that produce products that are regulated under 9 CFR part 430 and provide them with information regarding the forthcoming Web-based application for submitting the new form. Additionally, this Notice instructs inspection program personnel to inform establishments that they may postpone the 2005 annual submission until the revised form is available, provided there have been no changes to the information provided since an establishment's last submission of the form. To read this Notice: www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/FSIS_Notices_Index/index.asp * IKE Preliminary Scenario Available Online FSIS' Technical Service Center (TSC) has made the Preliminary Interactive Knowledge Exchange (IKE)Scenario 06D-05, "Verification of Water Activity (aw) In Shelf Stable RTE Jerky Products," available for comment. This scenario provides clarification to Inspection Program Personnel regarding the acceptability of Water Activity criteria which are different from those addressed in the "Compliance Guidelines for Meat and Poultry Jerky Produced by Small and Very Small Plants" (PDF Only), dated December 2004 and the "Compliance Guidelines to Control "Listeria monocytogenes" in Post-Lethality Exposed Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products" (PDF Only), dated October 2004. Anyone with questions regarding the IKE Scenario Comment Page can contact the TSC at ike@fsis.usda.gov or 1-800-233-3935. To view the IKE scenario comment page, visit: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Employees/IKE_Comment * FDA Acts to Seize Ephedra-Containing Dietary Supplements At the request of the FDA, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Texas and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon filed Complaints for Forfeiture against Nature's Treat Energy Plus #1, a dietary supplement that contains ephedra, an herbal source of ephedrine alkaloids. The supplement is distributed by Nature's Treat, Inc., Gainesville, Texas and ACD Distributing, LLC, of Eugene, Oregon. To read the news release, go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fpephed9.html * USDA Expands List of Fruits and Vegetables Eligible for Importation On December 7, 2005, APHIS announced that it has expanded the list of fruits and vegetables eligible, under certain conditions, for importation into the United States. Many of these commodities were previously enterable under a permit but were not listed in the Code of Federal Regulations until now. This action will improve the transparency of the regulations while continuing to protect against the introduction of quarantine pests through imported fruits and vegetables. To view the news release, go to: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/news/2003/07/fruitvegimport.html * USDA Amends Regulations Governing the Importation of Whole Cuts of Boneless Beef from Japan On December 12, 2005, APHIS announced that it is amending regulations governing the importation of meat and other edible animal products to reestablish, under certain conditions, the importation of whole cuts of boneless beef from Japan. This final rule will continue to safeguard the United States against the introduction of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). To view this and to read "Questions and Answers: The Importation of Boneless Beef from Japan," visit: http://www.usda.gov/2005/12/0546.xml, www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/pubs/fsheet_faq_notice/faq_ahjapanbeef.html * Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergens, including the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004: Final Guidance for Industry (Edition 2) Comments and suggestions regarding the "Final Guidance for Industry: Questions and Answers about the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004" may be submitted at any time. Submit comments to Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. For questions regarding this document, contact Rhonda R. Kane at the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) at 301-436-2371 or email her at rhonda.kane@fda.hhs.gov. http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/alrguid2.html * Notice to Stakeholders: Summary Report FDA Security Surveillance Assignment On December 13, 2005, the FDA posted on its Web site a summary report describing the activities and findings of the FDA Security Surveillance Assignment, which was completed over six weeks during the months of October and November 2004. The assignment served as a prototype for integrating food defense and food safety inspections, sample collection and laboratory testing, compliance and enforcement activities, and logistics for domestic and imported foods including Prior Notice of Imported Foods targeting. The two major goals of this assignment were to test preparedness and promote deterrence. 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