========================================================================= Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2006 15:35:35 EDT 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 October 2006 * * * * 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--October 2006 IN THIS ISSUE CONSUMER ADVISORY/ALERTS * FDA Statement on Foodborne "E. coli" O157:H7 Outbreak in Spinach * FDA Statement on Nunes Lettuce Recall * FDA Warns Consumers Not To Drink Bolthouse Farms Carrot Juice Due to Botulism Concerns RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS * Public Service Announcement Teaches Consumers How To Keep Food Safe During Power Outages (FSIS) * 2006 Food Safety Education Conference * FTC and FDA Act Against Internet Vendors of Fraudulent Diabetes Cures and Treatments: Measures are Part of Coordinated Effort by United States, Mexico and Canada * FDA's Statement on "Seafood Choices" Report by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies * Illinois Wild Bird Samples Undergo Additional Avian Influenza Testing (USDA and DOI) * USDA Expands the National Poultry Improvement Program * Montana Wild Bird Samples Undergo Additional Avian Influenza Testing (USDA and DOI) * NSF Scrub Club (R) Unveils A New Character Just in Time for Cold and Flu Season * "Agricultural Research Magazine," October 2006 - Vol. 54, No. 10 (ARS) MEETINGS/EVENTS/CONFERENCES * FDA Announces "Functional Foods" Public Hearing * Secretary Johanns Honors USDA Employees in Annual Awards Ceremony INDUSTRY INFO * FSIS New Technology Table * FSIS Notice 70-06: "Availability of Commonly Asked Questions Regarding Corrective Actions" * Health Claim Notification for Fluoridated Water and Reduced Risk of Dental Caries (FDA) * FSIS Directive 5420.5, Revision 2: "Homeland Security Threat Condition Response - Intelligence Reports and Communications" * FSIS Notice: "Notice of Re-chartering of Committee"--Docket No. FSIS-2006-0031 "Federal Register," Volume 71, Number 198 * FSIS Notice: "Facilities and Inspection"--Docket No. FSIS 2006-0026, "Federal Register," Volume 71, Number 194 * Qualified Health Claims: Letter of Enforcement Discretion - "Unsaturated Fatty Acids from Canola Oil and Reduced Risk of Coronary Heart Disease" (FDA) * FSIS Directive 7120.1--Amendment 9: "Safe and Suitable Ingredients Used in the Production of Meat and Poultry Products" * Summary Report of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Initial Test of the Accuracy of the Emergency Contact/U.S. Agent Data in the Food Facilities Registration Database * FSIS Notice 65-06: "Availability of Questions and Answers Export Certification" * FSIS Notice 64-06: "Answers to Questions Related to the Certification For Export of Intestines or Animal Casings" ------------------------------------------------------------ CONSUMER ADVISORY/ALERTS * FDA Statement on Foodborne "E. coli" O157:H7 Outbreak in Spinach On October 12, 2006, FDA and the State of California announced that test results from the field investigation of the outbreak of "E. coli" O157:H7 in spinach are positive for "E. coli" O157:H7. Samples of cattle feces on one of the implicated ranches tested positive based on matching genetic fingerprints for the same strain of "E. coli" that sickened 199 people. The trace back investigation has narrowed to four implicated fields on four ranches. The outbreak strain of "E. coli" O157:H7 from cattle feces was identified on one of these four ranches. More information may come forward as the investigation continues. These four fields, located in Monterey and San Benito counties, are not currently being used to grow any fresh produce. http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/spinach.html For more information on the illnesses, States affected, advice, recalls, symptoms of "E. coli," lettuce safety initiative, and other background information, visit: http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/spinach.html For the nationwide "E. Coli" O157:H7 Outbreak: Questions & Answers, Updated, visit: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/spinacqa.html * FDA Statement on Nunes Lettuce Recall On October 8, 2006, the FDA became aware that the Nunes Company, Inc., of Salinas, California initiated a voluntary recall of green leaf lettuce distributed under the Foxy brand. The company reported to FDA that it initiated the recall because of "E. coli" contamination of water used to irrigate the lettuce plants in the field during growing. At this time, there has been no determination of whether the "E. coli" found is O157:H7--the highly infectious type that can cause life-threatening foodborne illness in humans--or the more common, generally harmless strains of "E. coli" that usually do not cause disease. Further, there has been no known human illness linked to this recall. FDA will update the public on the lettuce and spinach recalls as more information becomes available. To check for updated information, go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fplettu2.html * FDA Warns Consumers Not To Drink Bolthouse Farms Carrot Juice Due to Botulism Concerns In response to a fourth case of botulism being linked to Bolthouse Farms, Bakersfield, California brand carrot juice, the FDA is warning consumers not to drink Bolthouse Farms Carrot Juice, 450 ml and 1 liter plastic bottles, with "BEST IF USED BY" dates of NOV 11 2006 or earlier. Consumers should discard this product. FDA is also reiterating its advice to consumers to keep carrot juice -- including pasteurized carrot juice -- refrigerated. The fourth case of botulism poisoning involves an adult female in Florida who is currently suffering from paralysis. To date, one link between the illness and the consumers appears to be that the juice they drank was not properly refrigerated once it was in the home, which allowed the "Clostridium botulinum" spores to grow and produce toxin. FDA is investigating other possible links. To view press release, go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fpcarro2.html RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS * Public Service Announcement Teaches Consumers How To Keep Food Safe During Power Outages On October 26, 2006, USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) released and posted on its Web site a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to help consumers keep food safe during bad weather. "Food Safety During Power Outages," is part of ongoing outreach efforts to raise awareness about the importance of food safety during times of power outages due to storms and other events. The PSA, available in 30- and 60-second versions, illustrates practical food safety recommendations for handling and consuming foods stored in refrigerators and freezers during, and after, a power outage. Consumers are encouraged to view the PSA at the FSIS Web site: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/news/Food_Safety_Videos/ To read this news release, go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_102606_01/index.asp * 2006 Food Safety Education Conference More than 600 food safety educators, public health officials and medical professionals from eight countries, 48 states and three U.S. territories gathered in Denver, CO, September 27-29, for the 2006 Food Safety Education Conference, "Reaching At-Risk Audiences and Today's Other Food Safety Challenges." Attendees tackled the question of how to improve food safety practices among those who are most "at-risk" for foodborne illness and other important food safety issues. Nearly one in five Americans fall into the "at- risk" demographic. It includes young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems - such as people with diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and transplant recipients. As the key organizers of the conference, FSIS' FSES developed the two-and-a-half-day conference that offered registrants a wealth of food safety information. Attendees had access to more than 80 exhibits and posters, more than 30 breakout sessions and a variety of speeches and presentations by top USDA and public health officials in the U.S. FSIS is planning to post conference presentations on its Web site. Please watch future issues of EdNet for additional conference information. http://www.fsis.usda.gov * FTC and FDA Act Against Internet Vendors of Fraudulent Diabetes Cures and Treatments: Measures are Part of Coordinated Effort by United States, Mexico and Canada The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), working with government agencies in Mexico and Canada, have launched a drive to stop deceptive Internet advertisements and sales of products misrepresented as cures or treatments for diabetes. The ongoing joint campaign has so far included approximately 180 warning letters and other advisories sent to online outlets in the three countries. The FDA has developed a strategy to focus its enforcement efforts in the area of dietary supplements. The FTC announced a new consumer education campaign to teach consumers how to avoid phony diabetes cures. http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fpdialtr.html List of Firms Receiving Warning Letters: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/dialist.html * FDA's Statement on "Seafood Choices" Report by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies The FDA welcomes the report "Seafood Choices," released October 18, 2006, by an expert Committee on Nutrient Relationships in Seafood of the National Academies' Institute of Medicine (the NAS report). FDA is in the process of reviewing the report. To see FDA's comments regarding the NAS report, go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/iommehg.html * Illinois Wild Bird Samples Undergo Additional Avian Influenza Testing On September 29, 2006, the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior announced a detection of the H5 and N1 avian influenza subtypes in samples from wild, migratory Green-winged Teals in Illinois. Initial tests confirm that these wild duck samples do not contain the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain that has spread through birds in Asia, Europe and Africa. These samples were collected from apparently healthy birds and initial test results indicate the presence of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus, which poses no threat to human health. To see this news release, go to: http://www.usda.gov/2006/09/0391.xml * USDA Expands the National Poultry Improvement Program On September 22, 2006, USDA announced an interim rule that expands the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP), a voluntary cooperative Federal, State and industry program designed to prevent the spread of poultry diseases in commercial poultry operations. The expansion of the program is in harmony with international animal health guidelines. To read this news release, go to: http://www.usda.gov/2006/09/0373.xml * Montana Wild Bird Samples Undergo Additional Avian Influenza Testing On September 21, 2006, the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior announced a detection of the H5 and N1 avian influenza subtypes in samples from wild Northern pintail ducks in Montana. Initial tests confirm that these samples do not contain the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain that has spread through birds in Asia, Europe and Africa. These samples were collected from apparently healthy ducks and initial test results indicate the presence of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus, which poses no threat to human health. To see this news release, go to: http://www.usda.gov/2006/09/0369.xml * NSF Scrub Club (R) Unveils A New Character Just in Time for Cold and Flu Season With the cold and flu season just around the corner, the NSF Scrub Club (R) unveiled the latest hero to help kids and teachers fight the 164 million school days lost to illness each year. Families and educators can now log on to www.scrubclub.org to get to know GEL-MO (TM), a gel-based sanitizer character that morphs into a variety of shapes to counter the dirty deeds of Influenza Enzo and his henchman-Sniffles, Hack and Sweats. These latest characters are featured in a new electronic storybook that is also available as a free download to complement the existing award-winning Scrub Club(R) Web site, which was created for families and educators by NSF International, the not-for-profit testing and certification organization headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Scrub Club(R) public awareness program aims to help teach children the importance of getting kids to wash their hands the right way to help prevent foodborne illnesses and infectious diseases. The free interactive Web site features music, games, a curriculum, stickers, posters, Spanish language materials and cartoon "Webisodes" featuring loveable characters and villains. For additional information about the Scrub Club(R) and the benefits of proper handwashing, please visit: http://www.scrubclub.org Or, contact Jerry Bowman, senior director of communications at NSF International, at bowman@nsf.org To visit the NSF International Web site, go to: http://nsf.org * "Agricultural Research Magazine," October 2006 - Vol. 54, No. 10 The October 2006 issue of the "Agricultural Research Magazine" from USDA's Agricultural Research Service is now available online at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/oct06/ MEETINGS/EVENTS/CONFERENCES * FDA Announces "Functional Foods" Public Hearing A Public Hearing on foods being marketed as "functional foods" is scheduled to take place on December 5, 2006, beginning at 9 a.m. in the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition's Harvey W. Wiley Auditorium in College Park, Maryland. The "Federal Register" Notice announcing this Public Hearing was published on October 25, 2006. Companies are currently marketing foods with added substances/nutrients as "functional foods." The Agency's position has been that issues concerning substance/nutrient safety and label statements regarding nutrition can be appropriately handled under provisions of the "Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act." This Hearing will examine how foods currently marketed as "functional foods" fit into existing regulatory regimes and will solicit information and comments from interested persons on how FDA should regulate these foods under the Agency's existing legal authority. The Hearing will include a series of prepared presentations by Agency scientists and invited speakers, and an FDA panel Q&A for the invited presenters. Members of the public will then have the opportunity to present their views. Registration information is posted at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/funcagen.html * Secretary Johanns Honors USDA Employees in Annual Awards Ceremony On October 20, 2006, Agriculture Secretary Michael Johanns honored U.S. Department of Agriculture employees from across the nation for exemplary service and achievements in the 59th annual USDA Honor Awards Ceremony. To read more, visit the USDA Web site at: http://www.usda.gov/2006/10/0420.xml INDUSTRY INFO * FSIS "New Technology Information Table" On Oct 23, 2006, FSIS issued "New Technology Information Table" the latest summary describing some of the new technologies received and reviewed by FSIS for which there has been "no objection" for their use in establishments. To view, visit the FSIS Web site at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/New_Technologies/index.asp * FSIS Notice 70-06: "Availability of Commonly Asked Questions Regarding Corrective Actions" On October 23, 2006, FSIS issued a Notice, titled "Availability of Commonly Asked Questions Regarding Corrective Actions," to inform inspection program personnel that FSIS has posted commonly asked questions from small and very small establishments about corrective actions on its Web site. This Notice does not issue any verification procedures to FSIS personnel. The Q&A documents are available on the FSIS Web site at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/help/FAQs_Small_&_Very_Small_Plants/index.asp To see this Notice, visit: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/FSIS_Notices_Index/index.asp * Health Claim Notification for Fluoridated Water and Reduced Risk of Dental Caries Under the "Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act," a manufacturer may submit to the FDA a notification of a health claim based on an authoritative statement from an appropriate scientific body of the United States Government or the National Academy of Sciences or any of its subdivisions. For more information, visit: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/flfluoro.html * FSIS Directive 5420.5, Revision 2: "Homeland Security Threat Condition Response - Intelligence Reports and Communications" On October 19, 2006, FSIS issued a revision to the Directive titled "Homeland Security Threat Condition Response - Intelligence Reports and Communications." This Directive is reissued in its entirety to change the name and update the responsibilities for the Office of Food Defense and Emergency Response. To read this Directive, go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISDirectives/5420.5Rev2.pdf * FSIS Notice: "Notice of Re-chartering of Committee"--Docket No. FSIS-2006-0031 "Federal Register," Volume 71, Number 198 On October 13, 2006, FSIS issued the "Notice of Re-chartering of Committee" to announce the re-chartering of the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF). The Committee is being renewed in cooperation with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). To view this Notice, go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FRPubs/2006-0031.htm * FSIS Notice: "Facilities and Inspection"--Docket No. FSIS 2006-0026, "Federal Register," Volume 71, Number 194 On October 6, 2006, FSIS issued Notice 2006-0026, "Facilities and Inspection." FSIS is publishing this Notice to inform Federally-inspected meat and poultry establishments that the Agency has determined that, under certain circumstances, the installation of a satellite dish on establishment premises by the Agency is essential to the efficient conduct of inspection. The Agency intends to use satellite technology to provide high-speed Internet access to inspection personnel in approximately 2000 establishments nationwide. To view this Notice, visit: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/2006_Notices_Index/index.asp * Qualified Health Claims: Letter of Enforcement Discretion - "Unsaturated Fatty Acids from Canola Oil and Reduced Risk of Coronary Heart Disease" On October 6, 2006, the FDA CFSAN Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling and Dietary Supplements issued a letter responding to the health claim petition dated January 7, 2006, requesting the Agency to authorize a qualified health claim characterizing the relationship between the consumption of unsaturated fatty acids from canola oil and a reduction in risk of coronary heart disease. FDA concluded that there is sufficient evidence for a qualified health claim, provided that the claim is appropriately worded so as to not mislead consumers. To view the letter, go to: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/qhccanol.html * FSIS Directive 7120.1--Amendment 9: "Safe and Suitable Ingredients Used in the Production of Meat and Poultry Products" On October 5, 2006, FSIS issued Amendment 9 to Directive 7120.1, titled "Safe and Suitable Ingredients Used in the Production of Meat and Poultry Products." Attachment 1 identifies the substances that have been approved in 21 CFR for use in meat and poultry products as food additives, approved in GRAS notices and pre-market notifications, and approved in letters conveying acceptability determinations. Substances added since the 07/03/2006 issuance of the Directive are in bold. To see this Directive, go to: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISDirectives/7120.1Amend9.pdf * Summary Report of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Initial Test of the Accuracy of the Emergency Contact/U.S. Agent Data in the Food Facilities Registration Database Section 305 of the "Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002" ("Bioterrorism Act)" requires facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for consumption in the U.S. to register with FDA, and FDA to compile and maintain an up-to-date list of facilities that are registered. FDA established a Food Facilities Registration Database in response to Section 305 of the "Bioterrorism Act," as implemented by the Registration of Food Facilities Final Rule. To date, 300,840 facilities have registered with FDA (127,046 domestic and 173,794 foreign). http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~furls/ffregacc.html * FSIS Notice 65-06: "Availability of Questions and Answers Export Certification" On October 5, 2006, FSIS issued a Notice titled "Availability of Questions and Answers Export Certification." This Notice provides answers to questions FSIS personnel have raised regarding FSIS Directive 9000.1, Revision 1, "Export Certification;" FSIS Directive 9040.1, Revision 3, "Reinspection of Product Intended for Export" and FSIS Notice 19-06, "Revised Notice for Certifying Products under Export Verification (EV) Programs." To see this Notice, visit: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/FSIS_Notices_Index/index.asp * FSIS Notice 64-06: "Answers to Questions Related to the Certification For Export of Intestines or Animal Casings" On September 28, 2006, FSIS issued Notice 64-06, titled "Answers to Questions Related to the Certification For Export of Intestines or Animal Casings." This Notice can be viewed on the FSIS Web site at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/Notice_64-06/index.asp 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. 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