EdNet – August 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

• USDA Offers Food Safety Tips as Hurricane Earl Approaches Eastern Seaboard
• URGENT Nationwide Egg Recall: Eggs in Their Shells May Put Consumers at Risk for Salmonella (FDA)
• URGENT Nationwide Frozen Mamey Fruit Pulp Recall (FDA)
• Salmonella Enteritidis Outbreak in Shell Eggs

Resources for Educators

• FSIS Reaches Out to Spanish-Speaking Consumers With the Launch of New Online Tools
• Put Food Safety on the Back-to-School Agenda (FSIS)
• Investigation Update: Multistate Outbreak of Human Salmonella Enteritidis Infections Associated with Shell Eggs (FDA)
• CDC Report Looks at Foods and Foodborne Agents Associated With Outbreaks in the United States - Nearly 1,100 Foodborne Outbreaks Reported Nationally in 2007
• FSIS Releases Interagency Risk Assessment for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Following Public Comments
• Statement by Margaret A. Hamburg, Commissioner of Food and Drugs, on the Reopening of Florida State Waters to Commercial Fishing
• United States Seeks Permanent Injunction Against New York Food Processor
• September is National Food Safety Education Month (R)
• New FSIS Videos
• New Podcasts (FSIS)
• "Amber Waves Magazine," September 2010 (ERS)

Meetings, Conferences, and Workshops

• FDA, FSIS and CDC to Convene Public Meetings on Measuring Progress on Food Safety: Current Status and Future Directions
• FDA to Convene Public Hearing on the Labeling of Food Made from AquAdvantage Salmon
• National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection to Hold Public Meetings
• Public Meeting to Address Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables
• USDA Holds Public Meeting to Address Agenda Items for the 19th Session of the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods
• FDA’s August 10, 2010 Webinar— Using a Food Label to Make Smart Food Choices

People in the News

• Dr. Elisabeth Hagen Sworn In as Under Secretary for Food Safety
• Statement of Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on the Appointment of Dr. Elisabeth Hagen

 Industry

• FSIS to Host Public Health Information System (PHIS) Webinars
• FDA Releases Guidance on Federal Menu Labeling Requirements
• FDA ‘s Draft Guidance for Industry: Questions and Answers Regarding Implementation of the Menu Labeling Provisions of Section 4205 of the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010”
• FDA’s Guidance for Industry: Questions and Answers Regarding the Effect of Section 4205 of the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010” on State and Local Menu and Vending Machine Labeling Laws
• FDA Publishes New Guidance on the Egg Safety Rule
• USDA Announces Proposed Rule to Include "Donning and Doffing" As Part of Workday for Inspection Program Person
• The Reportable Food Registry, FDA’s New Early Detection System Helps Identify 125 Food Safety Problems in First Seven Months
• FSIS Policy Updates

USDA Offers Food Safety Tips as Hurricane Earl Approaches Eastern Seaboard

On August 31, 2010, due to the potential threat from Hurricane Earl, FSIS issued a news release offering food safety recommendations for residents in the American Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and on the mainland from North Carolina to Maine. FSIS urges those in the projected storm path to watch the storm closely in order to minimize possible foodborne illnesses as a result of power outages and other problems often associated with severe storms.

Read the news release:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_083110_01/index.asp

URGENT Nationwide Egg Recall: Eggs in Their Shells May Put Consumers at Risk for Salmonella

Fast Facts:

• The current recall of eggs in their shells, or “shell eggs,” is part of an ongoing and intensive investigation by local, state, and federal officials into the cause of recent cases of Salmonella Enteritidis.
• This recall affects shell eggs produced by Wright County Egg of Galt, Iowa. The eggs are packaged under different brand names and distributed nationwide.
• The shell eggs may contain Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) and may cause serious illness.
• Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
• Consumers should throw away the product or return the product to the store.

Get questions and answers about the nationwide egg recall:
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm223248.htm

URGENT Nationwide Frozen Mamey Fruit Pulp Recall

Fast Facts:

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to eat frozen mamey fruit pulp sold under the La Nuestra brand by Montalvan Sales Inc. Ontario, CA, or the Goya brand by Goya Foods Inc. Secaucus, NJ.
• An investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state partners showed an epidemiologic link between an ongoing outbreak of Salmonella Typhi infections and the products.
• The CDC reports that at least nine people in California and Nevada are ill with typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi.
• Ill individuals have reported consuming mamey fruit pulp, including mamey fruit smoothies at juice stands.
• Goya Foods Inc. and La Nuestra have voluntarily recalled the product.
• Consumers who have the recalled La Nuestra brand or Goya brand frozen mamey pulp in their homes are urged to discard them immediately.
• Consumers also are urged to find out what brand of mamey products are being used in drinks prepared at juice stands and stores.
• This outbreak of Salmonella Typhi is not related to the current outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis linked to eggs in their shells.

View questions and answers and more: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm223465.htm

Salmonella Enteritidis Outbreak in Shell Eggs

The FDA is collaborating with Federal and state partners to investigate a nationwide increase of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) infections. Partners include the CDC, USDA, and state public health and agriculture officials. Joint FDA/CDC field investigation teams are working to identify potential sources of SE infection in shell eggs. The recalled shell eggs are packaged under the following brand names: Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph’s, Boomsma’s, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemps.

Read more about the investigation of the Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak:
http://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/WhatsNewinFood/ucm222684.htm

FSIS Reaches Out to Spanish-Speaking Consumers With the Launch of New Online Tools

On September 1, 2010 – In a continuing effort to reach more consumers and educators with food safety information, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection (FSIS) today launched “Pregúntele a Karen” “(Ask Karen”), and the FSIS Spanish language Twitter feed. 

Read more:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_090110_01/index.asp

Put Food Safety on the Back-to-School Agenda

On August 25, 2010, the FSIS issued a news release to encourage parents and educators to take advantage of this time of new beginnings to teach kids the importance of food safety and how to protect themselves from foodborne illness.

Read this news release:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_082510_01/index.asp

Investigation Update: Multistate Outbreak of Human Salmonella Enteritidis Infections Associated with Shell Eggs

August 19, 2010, the CDC issued an update announcing it is collaborating with public health officials in multiple states, the FDA, and FSIS to investigate a nationwide increase of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) infections with an indistinguishable pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) pattern JEGX01.0004. This is the most common PFGE pattern for SE in the PulseNet database. Investigators are using DNA analysis of Salmonella bacteria obtained through diagnostic testing to identify cases of illness that may be part of this outbreak. Because the outbreak PFGE pattern (outbreak strain) commonly occurs in the U.S., some of the cases identified with this outbreak strain may not be related to this outbreak.

Read this update from the CDC:
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/enteritidis/

CDC Report Looks at Foods and Foodborne Agents Associated With Outbreaks in the United States - Nearly 1,100 Foodborne Outbreaks Reported Nationally in 2007

A total of 1,097 foodborne disease outbreaks were reported in 2007 to the CDC according to a CDC analysis. State investigators reported 21,244 illnesses and 18 deaths as a result of these outbreaks. The report also provides the most recent data on how many illnesses were linked to specific types of foods.

Read more:
http://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/2010/r100812.htm

FSIS Releases Interagency Risk Assessment for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Following Public Comments

FSIS released the updated interagency food safety risk assessment for H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (HPAIV). The risk assessment was conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Food and Drug Administration and USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. To date, H5N1 HPAIV has not been found in the United States. For additional information, contact Neal Golden at (202) 690-6419 or neal.golden@fsis.usda.gov.

Read the risk assessment:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Science/Risk_Assessments/index.asp

Statement by Margaret A. Hamburg, Commissioner of Food and Drugs, on the Reopening of Florida State Waters to Commercial Fishing

On August 2, 2010, Margaret A. Hamburg, Commissioner of Food and Drugs, announced the opening of some Louisiana state waters to commercial fishing. Commissioner Hamburg stated, “We are pleased to be able to support the state of Florida as it reopens state waters off Pensacola to commercial fishing. Through close coordination with our state and federal partners, we are confident all appropriate steps have been taken to ensure that seafood harvested from the waters being opened today is safe and that Gulf seafood lovers everywhere can be confident eating and enjoying the fish that will be coming out of this area. We look forward to continuing to work closely with our partners in all of the Gulf states to reopen affected waters as quickly and safely as possible.”

Read the entire statement:
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm220681.htm

See Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Updates:
http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/Product-SpecificInformation/Seafood/ucm210970.htm

United States Seeks Permanent Injunction Against New York Food Processor

The U.S. Department of Justice, in an action initiated by the FDA, is seeking a permanent injunction against NY Gourmet Salads, Inc., a processor of ready-to-eat deli salads, seafood salads, and cream cheeses in Brooklyn, NY, and Leonard F. Spada, the company's president. FDA inspections have documented unsanitary conditions at NY Gourmet's facility and a failure to follow applicable FDA regulations concerning the production of food and seafood products.

Read about the Listeria contamination and other repeated violations that prompted FDA action:
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm220793.htm

September Is National Food Safety Education Month (R)

September 2010 marks the sixteenth annual National Food Safety Education Month(R)

(NFSEM). The goals of NFSEM are:

• To reinforce food safety education and training among restaurant and foodservice workers.
• To educate the public to handle and prepare food safely at home where food safety is equally important--whether cooking from scratch or serving take-out meals or leftovers.

Restaurants and foodservice operations, hospitality associations, colleges and universities, Federal, State, and local government agencies, and consumer organizations across the country participate in National Food Safety Education Month (R) in a variety of ways each year. The theme this year is "High-Risk Customers: Serve Your Fare with Extra Care."

Visit:
http://www.servsafe.com/nfsem/

National Food Safety Education Month(R) is sponsored by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's International Food Safety Council, an initiative focused on heightening the awareness of the importance of food safety education to the restaurant and foodservice industry and supported by many public and private sector organizations.

For more information, visit:
http://www.restaurant.org/

New FSIS Videos

The Spanish video “Let Me Tell You How Dad Got Sick” is now available (English and Spanish captioning provided). Also, “Packing Lunches” part of the food safety video series from the Food Safety and Inspection Service, is now available in English and Spanish.

View these new videos:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/news_&_events/Video_Releases/index.asp

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 podcasts in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language

• Food Safety At Home:
  • “Bag Lunch Preparation for Warm Weather” (English and Spanish) – August 24
  • “Lunchmeat Safety” (English and Spanish) – August 11 

    Available also in American Sign Language:

• • Let's Talk about Mold in Foods – August 11

Check out these podcasts:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/news_&_events/Podcasts/index.asp

Listen to Spanish language consumer podcasts:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/En_Espanol/Podcasts_SP/index.asp

See video-casts in American Sign Language:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/news_&_events/SignFSIS/index.asp 

To continue automatically receiving podcasts, renew your subscription, or for assistance, e-mail: podcast@fsis.usda.gov.

"Amber Waves Magazine," September 2010

The September 2010 issue of the "Amber Waves Magazine" from USDA's Economic Research Service is now available online:
http://www.ers.usda.gov/AmberWaves/September10

FDA, FSIS and CDC to Convene Public Meetings on Measuring Progress on Food Safety: Current Status and Future Directions

The FDA, CDC, and FSIS jointly announced two public meetings to hear stakeholder presentations on measuring progress on food safety. The first meeting was held in Chicago, IL, on July 21, 2010. The second meeting will be held in Portland, OR on October 20, 2010, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, at The Crowne Plaza Portland Downtown, 1441 NE Second Avenue. September 24, 2010, is the closing date for requests to make oral presentations. October 8, 2010 is the closing date for advance Registration and requests for special accommodations due to disability.

Get general information, including links to on-line Registration and the “Federal Register” Notice:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/news/meetings_&_events/

An initial one-day meeting was held on March 30, 2010, in Washington, DC, where FDA,
FSIS and CDC discussed their collaborations on the methodological and data challenges involved in the feasibility and effective food safety metrics.
Read the transcript of the March 30, 2010 meeting:
http://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/WorkshopsMeetingsConferences/default.htm

FDA to Convene Public Hearing on the Labeling of Food Made from AquAdvantage Salmon

The FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) has scheduled a public hearing regarding the labeling of food made from AquAdvantage Salmon. AquAdvantage Salmon is a genetically engineered Atlantic salmon produced by AquaBounty Technologies, Inc. The hearing will be held on September 21, 2010,  from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Hilton Hotel and Executive Meeting Center, 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20850, phone: (301) 468-1100.The purpose of this hearing is for FDA to explain the relevant legal principles for food labeling and to solicit information and views from interested persons on the application of these principles to the labeling of food made from AquAdvantage Salmon.

Get more information:
http://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm222601.htm

Additional details about the hearing are provided in a formal notice published in the “Federal Register” on August 26, 2010 and in a related Background Document: “Public Hearing on the Labeling of Food Made from the AquAdvantage Salmon”

National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection to Hold Public Meetings

The National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI) will hold a public meeting on September 29 and 30, 2010. The committee advises the Secretary of Agriculture on matters affecting Federal and State inspection program activities. The meetings will be held in the conference room at the south end of the USDA South Building cafeteria, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. For further information about the public meeting, contact

Josh Stull at (202) 720-9113 or josh.stull@fsis.usda.gov

Check for updates:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Meetings_&_Events/index.asp

Public Meeting to Address Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables

On August 18, 2010, the USDA’s Office of Food Safety announced a public meeting to provide information and receive comments on agenda items and draft U.S. positions that will be discussed at the 25th Session of the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV), to be held in Denpasar, Indonesia, October 25 - 29, 2010. The public meeting is scheduled August 30, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., in Room 2068, USDA, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC.

To participate through teleconference, dial (888) 996-4918, and enter the passcode 63757.
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_081810_01/index.asp

View the complete agenda and documents relating to the 25th Session of CCPFV:
http://www.codexalimentarius.net/web/current.jsp

USDA Holds Public Meeting to Address Agenda Items for the 19th Session of the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods 

On August 16, 2010, the USDA’s Office of Food Safety and the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine sponsored a public meeting to provide information and receive public comments on agenda items and draft U.S. positions that will be discussed at the 19th Session of the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods (CCRVDF), to be held in Burlington, VT, from August 30 to Sept. 3, 2010.

For more information, go to:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_080610_01/index.asp

FDA’s August 10, 2010 Webinar— Using a Food Label to Make Smart Food Choices

On August 10, 2010, FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition hosted a 30-minute Webinar on “Making Smart Choices Using the Nutrition Facts Label.” The featured speaker was Essie Yamini, a nutritionist and registered dietitian with a Ph.D. in nutritional biochemistry, who works with the science review team at FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. This Webinar is the seventh in a series of monthly online sessions hosted by different FDA centers and offices. The series is part of “FDA Basics,” a Web-based resource aimed at helping the public better understand what the Agency does. What’s "percent Daily Value" (%DV) and why is it important? What’s the relationship between serving size and total calories?

Learn the answers to these questions and more:
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm221311.htm

Dr. Elisabeth Hagen Sworn In as Under Secretary for Food Safety

On August 19, 2010, President Obama announced the appointment of Dr. Elisabeth Hagen as Under Secretary for Food Safety. She was sworn in at USDA headquarters by Assistant Secretary for Administration Pearlie Reed.

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/news_&_events/Const_Update_082010/index.asp

Statement of Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on the Appointment of Dr. Elisabeth Hagen

On August 19, 2010, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made a statement on the appointment of Dr. Elisabeth Hagen as Under Secretary for Food Safety.

Read this statement at:
http://www.usda.gov/2010/08/0416.xml

FSIS to Host Public Health Information System (PHIS) Webinars

FSIS will host a series of Webinars to introduce the Agency's new comprehensive data-analytics system called the Public Health Information System (PHIS). It's part of the FSIS effort to collect, consolidate and analyze data used to protect public health. The presentations will be an overview of PHIS and cover three separate topics: what it means to owners/operators of domestic establishments, how it will affect export certifications and requirements for import certification. Each Webinar topic is offered twice. To participate in these Webinars, please review the schedule below and join directly using the links and call-in information provided:

Thursday, September 9 – Export -- Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ET
Audio Call-In: 800-475-0512 -- Passcode: EXPORT -- Direct Link:
https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join.php?i=PW4172841&p=EXPORT&t=c

Thursday, September 9 - Import -- Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET
Call-In: 888-989-9721 -- Passcode: IMPORT -- Direct Link:
https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join/php?i=PW4172862&p=IMPORT&t=c

Read this announcement:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/news_&_events/Const_Update_082710/index.asp

FDA Releases Guidance on Federal Menu Labeling Requirements

On August 24, 2010, the FDA released two documents that outline steps to help chain restaurants comply with new federal nutrition labeling requirements.  “One of the most important things we can do when it comes to the nation’s health is to provide simple basic information to the American people so they can make choices that are best for them and their family,” said FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg, M.D. “The menu labeling program will help Americans get the facts about food choices that are available to them in restaurants and vending machines so they know what is in the food and can make healthier selections.”

View the guidance document on federal menu labeling requirements: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm223880.htm

FDA’s Draft Guidance for Industry: Questions and Answers Regarding Implementation of the Menu Labeling Provisions of Section 4205 of the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010”

The FDA is issuing these Questions and Answers as guidance for industry and State and local governments affected by the enactment of section 4205 of the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” ("Affordable Care Act”), which was signed into law on March 23, 2010. Section 4205 establishes requirements for nutrition labeling of standard menu items for chain restaurants, similar retail food establishments, and chain vending machine operators. It also requires FDA to issue proposed regulations to carry out the provisions of section 4205 no later than March 23, 2011.

View the questions and answers:
http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/GuidanceDocuments/FoodLabelingNutrition/ucm223266.htm

FDA’s Guidance for Industry: Questions and Answers Regarding the Effect of Section 4205 of the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010” on State and Local Menu and Vending Machine Labeling Laws

FDA is issuing this guidance to: (1) ensure that industry and State and local governments understand the immediate effects of the law; and (2) clarify section 4205’s effect on State and local menu and vending machine labeling laws. 

View the questions and answers:

http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/GuidanceDocuments/FoodLabelingNutrition/ucm223408.htm

FDA Publishes New Guidance on the Egg Safety Rule

On August 12, 2010, the FDA published additional guidance for egg producers to help them further comply with the new federal egg safety rule. The guidance, entitled "Guidance for Industry: Prevention of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) in Shell Eggs During Production, Storage, and Transportation," provides recommendations on certain provisions contained in the rule, including how to implement SE prevention measures, how to sample for SE, and how to maintain records documenting compliance with the final rule.

View FDA’s new guidance on the egg safety rule:
http://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm222171.htm

USDA Announces Proposed Rule to Include "Donning and Doffing" As Part of Workday for Inspection Program Personnel

On August 9, 2010, FSIS announced it is proposing to amend the meat, poultry products, and egg products regulations pertaining to the schedule of operations.

Read this announcement:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_080910_01/index.asp

The Reportable Food Registry, FDA’s New Early Detection System Helps Identify 125 Food Safety Problems in First Seven Months

Mandated by Congress, the Reportable Food Registry (RFR or the Registry) is a new system that requires manufacturers, processors, packers, and distributors to quickly report to FDA safety problems with food and animal feed, including pet food, that are likely to result in serious health consequences. "The FDA’s new reporting system has already proven itself an invaluable tool to help prevent contaminated food from reaching the public," said FDA Deputy Commissioner for Foods Michael R. Taylor.

Get detailed information about FDA’s Reportable Food Registry:
http://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm220973.htm

FSIS PolicyUpdates

FSIS issues Notices and Directives to protect public health. The following policy update was recently issued:

• Directive 9000.2, Revision : “Inspection and Export Certification of Livestock Intestines or Casings”
• Notice 42-10: “Using the Kidney Inhibition Swab (KIS™)Test to Detect Antimicrobial Drug Residues in Cattle in Selected Establishments - Phase II”

View Notices and Directives:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/index.asp