EdNet April 2010
EdNet, the National Food Safety Educator’s Network, is a monthly, multi-agency electronic news journal from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). EdNet provides up-to-date information about food safety and nutrition programs and activities for educators, consumer advocates, government officials, and industry representatives.
If you have questions or comments about this issue of EdNet, send e-mail to the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (FDA).
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In this issue:
Advisories, Alerts, and Warnings
- Public Health Agencies Collaborate to Prevent Further Illnesses from Norovirus Outbreak Associated with Oysters Recently Harvested from Area Near Port Sulphur, LA
- Public Health Agencies Warn of Outbreaks Related to Drinking Raw Milk
Resources for Educators
- FDA Seeks Input on Making Nutrition Information More Useful to Consumers
- FSIS Announces Signing Of Procedural Agreement With Mexico
- FDA Announces Draft Revised Guidance on Transparency and Advisory Committees
- Statement by Dr. Margaret Hamburg, FDA Commissioner of Food and Drugs - Remarks at the Food and Drug Law Institute
- FDA Issues Statement on IOM (Institute of Medicine) Sodium Report
- USDA Seeks Comments on New Rules to Enhance Food Safety
- FDA’s Consumer Update: Start at the Store: Prevent Foodborne Illness (video)
- “Preliminary FoodNet Data on the Incidence of Infection with Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food --- 10 States, 2009”—MMWR, Volume 59, Number 14 (CDC)
- Statement of Secretary Tom Vilsack on Meeting with Japanese Minister Hirotaka Akamatsu
- New Podcasts (FSIS)
Meetings, Conferences, and Workshops
- Let's Talk: Food Safety Assessments (FSAs) and Recalls
- Meat and Poultry Inspection Seminars Designed for International Government Officials (USDA)
- Consumer Representatives Needed for FDA Advisory Committees: Learn More at Public Meeting
Industry
- FDA Urges Industry to Take Additional Steps to Prevent Cargo Theft
- FSIS Prepares for Food Defense Plan Survey
- FDA Issues Guidance on New Safety Rules for Shell Eggs
- FDA Takes Action Against New York Dairy Farmer
- Comment Period for HACCP Systems Validation Documents Extended (FSIS)
- Federal Government Seeks Permanent Injunction Against Texas Egg Roll Manufacturer (FDA)
- New Resource from FSIS: “N60 Sampling” Video
- FSIS Policy Updates
Advisories, Alerts, and Warnings
Public Health Agencies Collaborate to Prevent Further Illnesses from Norovirus Outbreak Associated with Oysters Recently Harvested from Area Near Port Sulphur, LA
The FDA is working with state health officials from Mississippi and Louisiana to notify consumers, food service operators and retailers nationwide about an outbreak of norovirus associated with oysters recently harvested from an area near Port Sulphur, LA. known as Area 7. The oysters were sold or distributed nationwide. Public health Agencies are warning consumers not to purchase or eat oysters from the affected area and warning retailers and food-service operators not to sell or serve them. Louisiana’s Area 7 is in the Gulf of Mexico near the mouth of the Mississippi River.
For more information about how the FDA was notified by state authorities, regarding consumers in Mississippi who fell ill with norovirus after eating raw oysters from the affected area at this website.
Public Health Agencies Warn of Outbreaks Related to Drinking Raw Milk
The FDA, along with several state agencies, is alerting consumers to an outbreak of campylobacteriosis associated with drinking raw milk. At least 12 confirmed illnesses have been recently reported in Michigan. Symptoms of campylobacteriosis include diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. The raw milk originated from Forest Grove Dairy in Middlebury, IN. Raw milk is unpasteurized milk from hoofed mammals, such as cows, sheep, or goats. Raw milk may contain a wide variety of harmful bacteria – including “Salmonella,” “E. coli” O157:H7, “Listeria,” “Campylobacter” and “Brucella” -- that may cause illness and possibly death.
Read how the FDA is collaborating with the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), the Illinois Department of Public Health and other state Agencies to investigate the outbreaks at this website
Resources for Educators
FDA Seeks Input on Making Nutrition Information More Useful to Consumers
On April 29, 2010, the FDA announced it has issued a request, in the “Federal Register,” for data and other information the Agency can use as it considers ways to make nutrition information more useful to consumers; for example, on “front-of-pack” labeling (the main display panel on products) and shelf tags in retail stores. The deadline for submitting comments is July 28, 2010. The FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are working with public and private stakeholders to develop a voluntary front-of-pack nutrition label based on sound nutrition criteria, consumer research, and design expertise, to supplement the information in the Nutrition Facts box currently on labels.
View this constituent update.
FSIS Announces Signing Of Procedural Agreement With Mexico
On April 27, 2010, FSIS announced the signing of a procedural agreement with Mexico's National Service of Health, Food Safety, and Agro-Alimentary Quality (SENASICA). The "Terms of Reference" is a documented procedure for the way in which FSIS engages with its Mexico counterpart, SENASICA. The document has been a collaborative effort between the governments of Mexico and the U.S., and represents a new level of interaction and cooperation between FSIS and SENASICA.
FDA Announces Draft Revised Guidance on Transparency and Advisory Committees
On April 22, 2010, the FDA announced draft guidance that would expand transparency and disclosure when the Agency grants a conflict of interest waiver to permit an individual’s participation at an FDA advisory committee meeting. The draft guidance would expand the information disclosed about waivers prior to committee meetings. Specifically, the FDA proposes to post online the name of the company or institution associated with the financial interest along with the type of conflict of interest.
More information about this proposed guidance at this website.
Statement by Dr. Margaret Hamburg, FDA Commissioner of Food and Drugs - Remarks at the Food and Drug Law Institute
On April 21, 2010, Dr. Margaret Hamburg, FDA Commissioner of Food and Drugs discussed the use of FDA’s legal tools to promote the public health at the Food and Drug Law Institute.
FDA Issues Statement on IOM (Institute of Medicine) Sodium Report
Today’s average sodium intake is several times what the body requires and its long-term effect on our health is very serious. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects one in three U.S. adults – nearly 75 million people aged 20 or older. An additional 50 million adults suffer from pre-hypertension. High blood pressure can increase the risk for heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and kidney failure. Too much sodium in the daily diet is a major contributor to high blood pressure. A story in the "Washington Post” leaves a mistaken impression that the FDA has begun the process of regulating the amount of sodium in foods. The FDA is not currently working on regulations nor has it made a decision to regulate sodium content in foods at this time.
For more information about how the FDA can continue to work with other Federal Agencies, public health and consumer groups, and the food industry to support the reduction of sodium levels in the food supply go to this website.
USDA Seeks Comments on New Rules to Enhance Food Safety
On March 25, 2010, FSIS announced that it is seeking comments on proposed measures to enhance food safety. The proposed Rule would implement a provision of the “2008 Farm Bill” and is a priority for the President's Food Safety Working Group (FSWG) supported by key findings announced on July 7, 2009. Comments regarding the adopted regulations must be received on or before May 24, 2010. All submissions must reference the Food Safety and Inspection Service and include docket number FSIS-2008-0025. Submissions can be made through the federal e-rulemaking portal at www.regulations.gov or sent to the Docket Clerk, USDA, FSIS, George Washington Carver Center, Room 2-2127, 5601 Sunnyside Ave., Beltsville, MD 20705.
Review the related press release.
FDA’s Consumer Update: Start at the Store: Prevent Foodborne Illness (video)
By starting at the store with safe food handling practices, consumers can play a major role in preventing foodborne illness. In this Consumer Update video, FDA Consumer Safety Officer, Doriliz De León, provides tips for keeping food safe while guiding viewers through a grocery store.
"Preliminary FoodNet Data on the Incidence of Infection with Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food --- 10 States, 2009"—MMWR, Volume 59, Number 14
On April 16, 2010, the CDC published a report describing preliminary surveillance data for 2009 and trends in incidence since 1996.The Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) of CDC's Emerging Infections Program conducts active, population-based surveillance in 10 U.S. states for all laboratory-confirmed infections with select enteric pathogens transmitted commonly through food.
Statement of Secretary Tom Vilsack on Meeting with Japanese Minister Hirotaka Akamatsu
On April 8, 2010, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued a statement following a meeting in Tokyo, Japan, with Hirotaka Akamatsu, Japan's Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Among other topics, the issue of Japan's import conditions for U.S. beef and beef products was addressed.
New Podcasts
Tune in to podcasts on selecting, handling and preparing meat and poultry products to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. FSIS has released the following new podcast:
- Food Safety At Home:
- Let’s Talk About “Salmonella” – April 7
- Industry:
- Food Irradiation - Part I – April 14
Spanish language consumer podcasts.
Video-casts in American Sign Language.
To continue automatically receiving podcasts, renew your subscription, or for assistance, e-mail podcast@fsis.usda.gov.
Meetings, Conferences, and Workshops
Let's Talk: Food Safety Assessments (FSAs) and Recalls
FSIS will host a Web seminar next month, "Lessons Learned From FSAs and Recalls During the Fiscal Year 2010 Second Quarter." This seminar will discuss issues concerning for-cause FSAs and class 1 recalls related to “Listeria,” “E. coli” and “Salmonella.” The meeting will be held on May 4, 2010, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (ET). For additional information, and to find out how to participate, contact Denise Gallman at (301) 504-3346.
See also FSIS’ Constituent Update.
Meat and Poultry Inspection Seminars Designed for International Government Officials
From May 18 to June 4, 2010, FSIS will host the first of three meat and poultry inspection seminars for international officials in Puerto Rico. The purpose of the seminars is to familiarize international government officials with U.S. inspection regulations and procedures used by USDA to assure that the nation's meat, poultry and egg products are safe, wholesome and correctly labeled and packaged. This seminar will be conducted in Spanish and participation will be limited to 30 individuals. This year, three seminars will be held at three separate locations:
- May 19 - Jun 5, 2009: University of Puerto Rico (UPR), Mayaguez, PR
- Aug 10 - Aug 21, 2009: The River Inn training facility, Washington, DC
- Sep 8 - Sep 25, 2009: The River Inn training facility, Washington, DC
For more information and to register.
Consumer Representatives Needed for FDA Advisory Committees: Learn More at Public Meeting
Do you want to voice your opinion to the FDA on its role in protecting and promoting the public health? Do you have ties to a consumer group or community-based organization? Can you analyze scientific data? If so, plan to attend a public meeting on April 30, 2010, to learn how you can bring the consumer perspective to FDA. The meeting is being held for individuals and groups interested in nominating or serving as consumer representatives to FDA’s advisory committees and panels.
For more information.
Industry
FDA Urges Industry to Take Additional Steps to Prevent Cargo Theft
On April 28, 2010, the FDA sent a letter to companies and a wide range of other key stakeholders detailing the Agency’s concern over cargo and warehouse thefts of FDA-regulated products. The products stolen have included prescription and over-the counter medicines, medical devices, and infant formula.
View the full text of the letter.
FSIS Prepares for Food Defense Plan Survey
This summer, FSIS will repeat its “Food Defense Plan Survey” to determine how many FSIS-regulated slaughter and processing establishments have voluntarily adopted a functional “Food Defense Plan.” Results from the December 2009 survey indicated that approximately 62 percent of all plants have adopted plans. By reviewing the “Food Defense Plan” document and signing the cover page, the facility will then have such a plan and be able to answer "yes" when FSIS inspection personnel ask if they have a plan during the next survey, scheduled for this July. At least 90 percent of regulated industry would have to voluntarily have a plan in place to prevent rulemaking that would make “Food Defense Plans” mandatory.
Retrieve a copy of the general “Food Defense Plan”.
FDA Issues Guidance on New Safety Rules for Shell Eggs
On April 13, 2010, the FDA published guidance for small egg producers to help them comply with a 2009 Federal egg safety regulation designed to prevent “Salmonella” Enteritidis in shell eggs during production, transportation, and storage. Entitled “Guidance for Industry: Prevention of “Salmonella” Enteritidis in Shell Eggs During Production, Transportation, and Storage - Small Entity Compliance Guide (SECG),” the new guidance is intended to set forth, in plain language, the requirements of the 2009 egg safety regulation in order to help small businesses comply with that regulation. The regulation is part of a coordinated strategy between the FDA and the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to help ensure egg safety.
More information about complying with the new Federal egg safety regulation.
See the Egg Final Rule.
Read the Guidance for Industry.
FDA Takes Action Against New York Dairy Farmer
A New York State dairy farmer cited by the FDA for selling cows that had illegal residues of antibiotics was ordered by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York this week to stop offering the animals for slaughter until he complies with Federal law. Federal Judge Richard J. Arcara entered a consent decree of permanent injunction on March 25 against
Jerald P. Schumacher, the sole proprietor of a farm in Wyoming, NY. The FDA complaint said Schumacher has sold cows for slaughter for at least 10 years with residues of the antibiotics penicillin and sulfadimethoxine in the animals’ edible tissue. The Agency also said he illegally gave the cows higher-than-allowed dosages.
For more detailed information.
Comment Period for HACCP Systems Validation Documents Extended
FSIS has extended the comment period for HACCP Systems Validation documents to June 19, 2010. Interested parties should submit their comments to DraftValidationGuideComments@fsis.usda.gov, or mail comments to the Docket Clerk, USDA, FSIS, George Washington Carver Center, Room 2-2127, 5601 Sunnyside Ave., Beltsville, MD 20705. Persons seeking help in accessing the letter, or information on submitting comments, may contact the Small Plant Help Desk at 1-877-374-7435 or InfoSource@fsis.usda.gov. The Agency will review comments received and decide how it will proceed with respect to the validation of HACCP systems.
On March 19, 2010, FSIS made available three documents on the validation of HACCP systems.
Federal Government Seeks Permanent Injunction Against Texas Egg Roll Manufacturer
The U. S. Department of Justice, in an action initiated by the FDA, is seeking a permanent injunction against Chung’s Products LP (“Chung’s”), an egg roll manufacturer in Houston, Charlie A. Kujawa, the company's president, and Gregory S. Birdsell, the firm's director of quality assurance. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, charges the defendants with violating the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the “Act”) by preparing, packing and holding shrimp egg rolls under insanitary conditions, whereby they may have become contaminated with filth and rendered injurious to health. The complaint concerns Chung’s fish and fishery products. It does not include Chung’s other food products.
Read about how FDA has previously warned the company that corrective actions need to be taken in this facility.
New Resource from FSIS: “N60 Sampling” Video
FSIS has posted to its Web site a video which demonstrates the techniques used for FSIS “N60 Sampling.” Topics include a description of the sampling procedures, needed supplies and sample packaging and shipping.
Look for this video under the “Food Safety” section.
FSIS Policy Updates
FSIS issues Notices and Directives to protect public health. The following policy updates were recently issued:
- Notice 21-10: “Submission of FSIS Form 10,240-1, Production Information on Post-Lethality Exposed Ready-To-Eat (RTE) Products”
- Direction 7120.1: “Revision 2, Safe and Suitable Ingredients Used in the Production of Meat, Poultry and Egg Products”
- Directive 9500.8: “Importation of Products for Other than Commercial Use”
- Directive 10,010.1 - Revision 3: “VerificationActivities for ‘Escherichia coli’ O157:H7 in Raw Beef Products”
- Directive 9500.9: “Foreign Visitors Program”
- Notice 19-10: “Humane Handling Activities and Documentation in Livestock Slaughter Establishments”
See all Notices and Directives
