Food Safety


Few U.S. Consumers Use Basic Food Safety Practices

The International Food Information Council Foundation added food safety questions to its 2008 Food & Health Survey and found consumers confident they safely prepare foods but not taking some simple steps, such as using a food thermometer to check meat temperatures.

Debating Perchlorate

The Grocery Manufacturers Association says Americans' intake of perchlorate, primarily from food and drinking water, does not appear to be a significant health risk, but EPA's inspector general on Dec. 30, 2008, questioned the research approach that produced the EPA perchlorate reference dose for drinking water in 2005. Nine days later, EPA announced an interim health advisory of 15 parts per billion.

A Recipe for Food Safety Success

According to a survey conducted by Audits International, when people prepared meals in their own kitchens, they failed to follow food safety and sanitation practices more than 99 percent of the time.

GAO Designates 3 New 'High-Risk' Areas: EPA, FDA, Financial Reg System

In its latest 2009 update for the 111th Congress and President Obama, the agency designated three new high-risk areas, focusing on the U.S. Financial Regulatory System, the FDA's oversight of medical products, and EPA's processes for assessing and controlling toxic chemicals.

New Study Adds to Bisphenol A Concern

The chemical, known as BPA, is used in plastics and can linings, and it has been linked to heart disease. This study shows BPA stays in the human body longer than scientists had thought.

FDA Warns Consumers Against Dietary Supplement Containing Undeclared Drug

The Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to take Venom HYPERDRIVE 3.0, a product sold as a dietary supplement and containing sibutramine, a controlled substance with risks for abuse or addiction and poses potential safety risks.

New Study Adds to Bisphenol A Concern

The chemical, known as BPA, is used in plastics and can linings, and it has been linked to heart disease. This study shows BPA stays in the human body longer than scientists had thought.

2009 Oregon GOSH Conference Headed to Portland

Registration is now open for the 2009 Oregon Governor's Occupational Safety and Health (GOSH) Conference, to be held March 9-12 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. The largest conference of its kind in the Northwest will feature more than 30 full-day workshops and 115 single-topic classes. It is designed to educate managers and workers about safety and health issues.



Vilsack Promises to Modernize Food Safety System

The new secretary of Agriculture, Mike Vilsack, told reporters yesterday that modernizing the nation's food safety system is one of his top priorities for USDA. Two people are reported to be under consideration to head the Food Safety and Inspection Service.

Study Finds MRSA in Midwestern Swine, Workers

The first study documenting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in swine and swine workers in the United States has been published by University of Iowa researchers.

FDA Issues Public Health Advisory Alert on Skin Numbing Products

The Food and Drug Administration recently issued a Public Health Advisory to alert consumers, patients, health care professionals, and caregivers about potentially serious and life-threatening side effects from the improper use of skin numbing products. The products, also known as topical anesthetics, are available in over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription forms.

FDA Issues Guidance on Regulating Genetically Engineered Animals

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued a final guidance for industry on the regulation of genetically engineered animals under the new animal drug provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Diacetyl Regs on Occupational Exposure Reach Pre-Rule Stage

OMB has 90 days to review and approve OSHA's proposal before publication in the Federal Register.

FDA Launches Pilot Program To Improve Drug Import Safety

The Food and Drug Administration today announced the launch of a voluntary pilot program that would help promote the safety of drugs and active drug ingredients produced outside the United States.

OSHA Revises Compliance Officer Manual

OSHA has revised its Field Operations Manual to provide OSHA Compliance Officers with a single source of updated information and guidance to more effectively protect employees from occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.

OSHA Revises its Voluntary Protection Program

OSHA published in the Jan. 9, 2009 Federal Register final changes to its Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) that, among other enhancements, allow participation by companies with mobile workforces. Changes are effective May 9.

Researchers Discover New Nanotechnology Application: Tooth Protection

Clarkson University Center for Advanced Materials Processing Professor Igor Sokolov and graduate student Ravi M. Gaikwad have discovered a new method of protecting teeth from cavities by ultrafine polishing with silica nanoparticles.

FDA Requires 'Suicidality' Warnings for Antiepileptic Medications

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced it will require the manufacturers of antiepileptic drugs to add to these products' prescribing information, or labeling, a warning that their use increases risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (suicidality). The action includes all antiepileptic drugs including those used to treat psychiatric disorders, migraine headaches, and other conditions, as well as epilepsy.

Consumer Groups Want White House Office Restored

A Dec. 11 letter to President-elect Obama and congressional leaders from seven organizations lists food safety, a consumer "czar," and affordable health care as urgent priorities.

Study Examines Why Restaurant Workers Don't Follow Food Safety Practices

According to a recent Kansas State University study, restaurant workers blame time constraints, inconvenience, inadequate training and inadequate resources for failure to follow food safety practices.

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