========================================================================= Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2000 09:22:44 EST Reply-To: EdNet@FOODSAFETY.GOV Sender: National Food Safety Educator's Network From: EDNET@FOODSAFETY.GOV Organization: National Food Safety Educator's Network Subject: EdNet Update 02/2000 * * * * 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. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ IN THIS ISSUE FIGHT BAC!(TM) RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS NATIONAL FOOD SAFETY INITIATIVE NEWS FROM THE USDA/FDA FOODBORNE ILLNESS EDUCATION INFORMATION CENTER PUBLICATIONS MEETINGS/CONFERENCES SPECIAL INTEREST - Biotechnology INDUSTRY INFO FEEDBACK SUBSCRIBE FIGHT BAC!(TM) Fight BAC!(TM) Travels 2000 BAC! is on the go!! BAC! was invited to Publix Supermarket, Inc., in Lakeland, Florida for events held at Publix grocery stores February 17-24, 2000. Publix's Quality Assurance Food Safety Manager was in charge of getting BAC! and promoting food safety for the public and for the stores' employees! BAC! has a guest appearance with Pfizer's Traveling Microbe Education Show coming up March 9-13 in Buffalo, NY! The Fight BAC!(TM) exhibit will provide food safety educational materials and the BAC! costume character will be on hand to greet show-goers, bacteria-style! During March 16-27, the University of Florida and Dade County Cooperative Extension are putting on a Fight BAC!(TM) event to promote food safety education messages. Stay tuned for more BAC Travels...next month. Fact Sheets Now in Virtual Tool Box This just in...two new Food Safety Fact Sheets "Cook" and "Chill" are now in the Virtual Tool Box on the Fight BAC!(TM) Web site. You can find these new and exciting Fact Sheets in the following locations on the Web site: For Consumers For Educators and BAC Fighters For Media What's New Keep an eye out for "Clean" and "Don't Cross Contaminate", coming in March. http://www.fightbac.org/new/ RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS Thermometer Education Campaign Thermy(TM) is coming...Thermy(TM) is coming... Who's Thermy(TM)? Thermy(TM) is a new food safety messenger developed by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to promote the consumer use of food thermometers to check for safe internal temperatures in everyday meals. The thermometer education campaign is due to be launched this Spring. Grocery chains and the thermometer industry are working together to help launch Thermy(TM) to the public nationwide. A public service announcement is planned and Thermy(TM) kit materials will be available to all food safety educators. Resources will also be available on FSIS's Web site. More on Thermy(TM) next month... Thanks to all the EdNet subscribers who submitted possible slogans for the campaign. Focus groups held this past year, helped to create "Thermy(TM)," and select his national message. If you have any comments or would like to join in the launch of Thermy(TM) at your location, please contact Holly McPeak at: Holly.Mcpeak@usda.gov. CFSAN Provides Food Safety Initiative Constituent Updates The FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition developed a "Constituent Update" to keep stakeholders informed of activities on major food safety initiatives. The first updates using this format were issued on the Egg Safety Action Plan, the National Food Safety System, and the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments Dairy HACCP Pilot. These Constituent Updates, which contain information on the latest developments on each initiative, also provide Web site addresses where individuals may obtain additional information on each activity. CFSAN intends to issue these updates to achieve better communications with stakeholders on important food safety topics. http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fsiupdat.html USDA's Food and Nutrition Service Announces Team Nutrition Training Grants 2000- Request for Applications The 2000 Team Nutrition (TN) Training Grants offer funding to state agencies that administer the National School Lunch Program and/or Child and Adult Care Food Program. Through a competitive grants process, funds will be made available for states to deliver new and innovative training programs on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2000 to school and child care decision makers including teachers, school food service personnel, principals, superintendents, board members, parents and leaders of children's organizations. TN Training Grants will be funded September 1, 2000, to December 31, 2001. Grant application and forms on Web. Critical dates for 2000 TN Training Grants are as follows: January 24, 2000, TN Training Grants Requests for Applications issued to State agencies. February 22, 2000, Intent to Submit an Application Form due to FNS. April 7, 2000, Applications due to FNS http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/Grants/tnt00.html USDA Announces New Competitive Grants Program A new competitive grants program, "Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems (IFAFS)" was announced today by USDA's Secretary Glickman. The Secretary's new $120 million IFAFS promises to help address some of the most critical issues facing American agriculture. The initiative, authorized by Congress in 1998, will fund competitive research, education, and extension grants that focus on production agriculture, natural resources management, and consumer issues. The Initiative's priorities include agricultural genomics and biotechnology risk assessment, and food safety. Grants will be distributed through a competitive grant process under IFAFS. Later this year, USDA will issue a request for proposals to solicit specific project proposals for the initiative. http://www.usda.gov/news/releases/2000/01/0007 Healthy People 2010 Resources Now Available: Healthy People 2010 was launched at the "Partnership for Health in the New Millennium" conference held January 24-28, 2000, in Washington, D.C. This conference edition of the new Healthy People 2010 goals and objectives is available online, in print, and on CD ROM. http://www.health.gov/healthypeople/ "Understanding and Improving Health," a document explaining the background, context, goals, and Leading Health Indicators for Healthy People 2010 is available for sale and on the Web. The seventy page document (Stock Number 017-001-00543-6) is for sale by the U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954, (202) 512-1800. http://www.health.gov/healthypeople/Document/HTML/Volume1/Opening.htm Healthy People 2010 Conference Edition: Volumes I and II are available in print and on CD-ROM. In print: Includes "Understanding and Improving Health," "Objectiives For Improving Health," and "Tracking Healthy People 2010." This 1,244 page document explains the background, context, goals, and Leading Health Indicators for Healthy People 2010. The document also sets national objectives for the decade to increase the span of healthy life and eliminate health disparities for all Americans. Limited number of copies are available from the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) Communication Support Center Center, P.O. Box 37366, Washington, DC 20013-7366, (301) 468-5960 Cost of Volumes I and II is $22 (B0074). CD-ROM: This CD-ROM contains Healthy People 2010: Conference Edition, Volumes I and II. Available from ODPHP Communication Support Center for $5 (B0071). Healthy People Objective 10-5, "Increase the proportion of consumers who follow key food safety practices" is based on the four Fight BAC! (TM) Campaign messages. They are Clean, wash hands and surfaces often; Separate, don't cross-contaminate; Cook, cook to proper temperatures; and Chill, refrigerate promptly. Details are located at: http://www.health.gov/healthypeople/Document/HTML/Volume1/10Food.htm NFSMI's Satellite Program Now Available on Web National Food Service Management Institute's Satellite Program Managing Food Safety: The Next Step that took place on January 26, 2000, is available on the Web. This video is best viewed on a T-1 connection, it can be viewed on DSL lines. http://www.nfsmi.org http://schoolmeals.nal.usda.gov:8001/Safety/fnssafety.html NATIONAL FOOD SAFETY INITIATIVE National Food Safety Education Month September will be here before we know it. The theme of this year's sixth annual National Food Safety Education Month is "Be Smart, Keep Foods Apart--Don't Cross-Contaminate." The theme focuses on how to avoid cross-contamination, a frequent cause of foodborne illness. The scene is now set to communicate our messages on the many ways how to avoid cross-contamination. EdNet issues will keep you posted on the development of new materials related to National Food Safety Education Month. E-mail: ednet@foodsafety.gov or go to the Web site: http://www.foodsafety.gov NEWS FROM THE USDA/FDA FOODBORNE ILLNESS EDUCATION INFORMATION CENTER Alphabet Soup - What Do Those Initials Mean? Food Safety Credentials. With the increasing interest in food safety has come a proliferation of credentials and exams to certify food safety knowledge. What follows is a short synopsis of options. For more information, contact the Web sites below. 1) Certified Food Safety Professional (CFSP) The National Environmental Health Association and Experior Assessments administer this advanced credential for health inspectors, quality assurance inspectors, food managers and trainers, commercial food processors, food protection supervisors, chefs, and dietitians. http://www.neha.org 2) Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP) The Dietary Managers Association's CFPP credential is geared toward the food service professional. After completion of DMA's food protection course participants are eligible to take the CFPP exam. Options for the course are a 16-hour classroom food safety training course, independent study via print materials, or independent online study. http://www.dmaonline.org 3) National Certified Professional Food Manager (NCPFM) Experior Assessments administers the NCPFM exam, which tests knowledge, skills, and abilities related to food protection, and the ability to organize and supervise employees within the work environment. The NCPFM exam is appropriate for site supervisors, managers, or first line supervisors in establishments that prepare and serve food. http://www.experioronline.com 4) Certified Food Safety Manager This certification, offered by the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals, Inc., serves the food service industry, regulatory agencies, and academia. The Food Safety Manager Certification Examination is designed to be used with any food safety training program available on the market. http://www.nrfsp.com 5) ServSafe More federal, state, and local jurisdications recognize the Educational Foundation of the National Restaurant Association's ServSafe food safety training program than any other food safety program. http://www.edfound.org 6) Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) The National Environmental Health Association and Experior Assessments offer the REHS/RS credential. While a Registered Sanitarian covers other areas of public health in addition to food safety, many food safety inspectors are also Registered Sanitarians. http://www.neha.org PUBLICATIONS Dietary Guidelines For Americans 2000 Report - Fifth Edition The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee presented its report to Agriculture Secretary Glickman. The recommended revision for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans carries three basic messages- the ABCs for your health and that of your family - with ten guidelines to "point the way to good health." New this year, the Dietary Guidelines include a food safety recommendation: "Keep Foods Safe to Eat." http://www.ars.usda.gov/dgac MEETINGS/CONFERENCES USDA Announces Public Meeting on E.coli O157:H7 Policy USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will hold a public meeting February 29, 2000, to discuss their policy regarding E. coli O157:H7 and new information concerning the pathogen and its relation to human health. The public meeting will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn Westpark Hotel, 1900 North Fort Myer Drive, Arlington, Virginia. The purpose of the public meeting is to present new data, information, and development related to E. coli O157:H7 that may affect the agency's policy on the pathogen or implementation of the policy. In addition, FSIS will allow time for comments and discussion regarding the agency's testing procedures and other issues on E.coli O157:H7. To register for the meeting or arrange for a sign language interpreter or other special accommodation, contact Mary Gioglio, at: 202-501-7244 or fax: 202-501-7642. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/news/ecmeet1.htm Public Meeting on Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Report The USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) provide notice of a public meeting to solicit oral comments on the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Report. The meeting will be held at the Jefferson Auditorium of the South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC. No registration is required to attend the public meeting, but pre- registration is required to provide oral comments at the meeting. Written comments on the Committee Report can be submitted and must be received by the Agencies on or before March 15, 2000. The public meeting to solicit oral comments on the Report will be held on March 10, 2000, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. E.S.T. The final Report is available electronically and in hard copy; for availability and contact and meeting addresses, refer to Unit I. of the supplementary information section. For further information, contact Shanthy Bowman, Ph.D., USDA, Agricultural Research Service, 10300 Baltimore Boulevard, Building 005, BARC-West, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, telephone: 301-504-0610. http://www.ars.usda.gov/dgac SPECIAL INTEREST- Biotechnology On January 19, President Clinton proclaimed January 2000 as National Biotechnology Month. President Clinton believes we must strengthen our efforts to improve science education for all Americans and provide Federal regulatory agencies with sufficient resources to maintain sound, science-based review and regulation of biotechnology products. As a result, FDA has a new initiative to engage the public about foods made using bioengineering. This initiative began with a series of public meetings in November and December, 1999. Transcripts from these meetings, in addition to a new FDA Consumer article entitled "Are Bioengineered Foods Safe?," can be accessed from the following Web site: http://www.fda.gov/oc/biotech/default.htm USDA Forms Advisory Committee on Agricultural Biotechnology In a USDA News Release, Agriculture Secretary, Dan Glickman named 38 members to a newly-formed USDA Advisory Committee on Agricultural Biotechnology. The Committee will advise the Secretary on policy related to the creation, application, marketability, trade and use of agricultural biotechnology. The Committee, authorized for two years, will hold its first meeting which is open to the public, on March 29-30, 2000, in Washington, D.C. http://www.usda.gov/news/releases/2000/01/0023 INDUSTRY INFO FDA Offers Guidance in Seafood HACCP FDA's Seafood HACCP Transition Guidance outlines a procedure for requesting the agency to consider exercising enforcement discretion on certain matters under the seafood Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulations (21 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 123) pending the scientific resolution of issues bearing on food safety hazards. http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~comm/seaguide.html FEEDBACK If you have any comments or suggestions regarding this issue, please contact us via e-mail at: ednet@foodsafety.gov. SUBSCRIBE Please forward this issue to colleagues and friends and tell them how to subscribe. Thank you for sharing this update. 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