EdNet July 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

• FDA Warns Consumers of Serious Harm from Drinking Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS)
• USDA Offers Food Safety Tips for Nation's Capital Residents Without Electricity
• USDA Offers Food Safety Tips for Iowa, Illinois Flooding
• USDA Offers Food Safety Tips as Tropical Storm Bonnie Crosses Southeastern U.S
• FDA Public Health Alert: Que She Weight Loss Capsules Contain Potentially Harmful Ingredients
• USDA Offers Food Safety Tips in Aftermath of Hurricane Alex
• Magic Power Coffee: Potentially Dangerous—Not Magical (FDA)

Resources for Educators

• August 10 Webinar -- Using a Food Label to Make Smart Food Choices
• Statement by Margaret A. Hamburg, Commissioner of Food and Drugs, on the Opening of Some Louisiana State Waters to Commercial Fishing
• Former CEO of Seafood Importing Corporation Sentenced to Federal Prison for Importing Falsely Labeled Fish
• FDA Releases Details on How Retail Food Establishments and Vending Machine Operators with Fewer than 20 Locations Can Choose to Become Subject to the New Federal Menu Labeling Requirements
• Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Reestablishes NACMPI Charter, Appoints 2010-2012 Members
• Federal Agencies Announce Progress in First Year of Implementing Food Safety Working Group Recommendations
• USDA Launches Ask The Expert, an On-Demand Online Knowledge Database
• New Smartphone App Alerts Consumers to Food and Product Recall Info, Allows Reporting of Questionable Items
• The USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline Celebrates 25 Years
• Bottled Water Everywhere: Keeping it Safe (FDA)
• NOAA, FDA, and Gulf Coast State Officials Affirm Commitment to Ensuring Safety of Gulf Coast Seafood
• "Agricultural Research Magazine," July 2010 - Vol. 58, No. 6
• New Podcasts (FSIS)

Meetings, Conferences, and Workshops

• FDA, FSIS and CDC to Convene Public Meetings on Measuring Progress on Food Safety: Current Status and Future Directions
• Nominations Sought for Membership on the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods
• Public Meeting Transcript on Draft HACCP Validation Guidance Now Available
• FDA Seeks Public Comment on New Federal Menu Labeling Requirements
• USDA Seeks Comments on Standard-Setting Activities of the Codex Alimentarius Commission

Industry

• New Early Detection System Helps FDA Identify More than 100 Food Safety Problems in First 7 Months
• New FSIS Food Defense Risk Mitigation Tool Online
• Guidance for Industry: Enzyme Preparations: Recommendations for Submission of Item text (Chemical and Technological Data for Food Additive Petitions and GRAS Notices: Updated July 7, 2010
• Guidance for Industry and FDA: Advisory Levels for Deoxynivalenol (DON) in Finished Wheat Products for Human Consumption and Grains and Grain By-Products used for Animal Feed: Updated July 7, 2010
• FDA Produce Safety Activities: Growers Speak, FDA Listens
• FDA: New Final Rule to Ensure Egg Safety, Reduce “Salmonella” Illnesses Goes Into Effect
• FSIS Policy Updates

FDA Warns Consumers of Serious Harm from Drinking Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS)

The FDA is warning consumers not to take Miracle Mineral Solution, an oral liquid also known as “Miracle Mineral Supplement” (MMS). The product, when used as directed, produces an industrial bleach that can cause serious harm to health. The FDA has received several reports of health injuries from consumers using this product, including severe nausea, vomiting, and life-threatening low blood pressure from dehydration. Consumers who have MMS should stop using it immediately and throw it away.

Get more information about this advisory:
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm220747.htm

USDA Offers Food Safety Tips for Nation's Capital Residents Without Electricity

On July 26, 2010, FSIS issued recommendations for residents in and around the District of Columbia still without electricity after the previous day’s violent storms resulted in wide-spread power outages.

Read this news release:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_072610_01/index.asp

USDA Offers Food Safety Tips for Iowa, Illinois Flooding

On July 24, 2010, FSIS issued a news release offering recommendations for residents in Iowa and Illinois affected by flooding to minimize the potential for foodborne illnesses due to power outages and other problems often associated with severe weather.

Read this news release:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_072410_01/index.asp

USDA Offers Food Safety Tips as Tropical Storm Bonnie Crosses Southeastern U.S.

On July 23, 2010, due to the potential threat from Tropical Storm Bonnie, FSIS issued recommendations to minimize the potential for foodborne illnesses due to power outages and other problems often associated with severe weather.

Read this news release:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_072310_01/index.asp

FDA Public Health Alert: Que She Weight Loss Capsules Contain Potentially Harmful Ingredients

On July 8, 2010, the FDA warned that Que She, marketed as an herbal weight loss supplement, contains active pharmaceutical ingredients not listed on the product label that could harm consumers, especially those with cardiovascular conditions. People who have purchased Que She should stop taking the product immediately and consult a health care professional. Que She, advertised as “Slimming Factor Capsule” and as “an all-natural blend of Chinese herbs,” has been widely distributed on Internet sites such as the Bouncing Bear Botanicals Web site, and at retail outlets, including Sacred Journey in Lawrence, KS.

Get detailed information:
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm218427.htm

USDA Offers Food Safety Tips in Aftermath of Hurricane Alex

On July 7, 2010, due to continuing flooding from Tropical Storm Alex, FSIS reissued its recommendations to minimize the potential for foodborne illnesses due to power outages and other problems often associated with severe weather.

Read this news release:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_070710_01/index.asp

Magic Power Coffee: Potentially Dangerous—Not Magical

Consumers should not use an instant coffee being sold online as a dietary supplement for sexual enhancement, warns the FDA. The product, Magic Power Coffee, contains a potentially dangerous ingredient. The product is sold in a two-serving box as well as in a carton that contains six two-serving boxes. FDA’s lab analysis determined that Magic Power Coffee contains a chemical similar to the active ingredient in the prescription drug Viagra to treat erectile dysfunction. The chemical may interact with prescription drugs known as nitrates, including nitroglycerin, and cause dangerously low blood pressure.

Learn more about Magic Power Coffee:
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm216399.htm

Resources for Educators

August 10 Webinar—Using a Food Label to Make Smart Food Choices

On Tuesday, August 10, 2010, the FDA will host an online session and invite questions from the public on how to use the food label to make wise choices.

Read this FDA consumer updatet:
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm221311.htm

Statement by Margaret A. Hamburg, Commissioner of Food and Drugs, on the Opening of Some Louisiana State Waters to Commercial Fishing

On July 29, 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 Louisiana as they reopen state waters to commercial fishing today that span from the Mississippi River Delta to the Mississippi state line. 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 and shrimp that will be coming out of this area."

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

Former CEO of Seafood Importing Corporation Sentenced to Federal Prison for Importing Falsely Labeled Fish

On July 27, 2010, Thomas George, the former Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Seafood Corporation, was sentenced to 22 months in prison for importing falsely labeled fish from Vietnam and evading over $60 million in federal tariffs, as well as selling over $500,000 in similarly misbranded fish purchased from another importer. United States Attorney Paul J. Fishman made the announcement.

View the press announcement:
http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/CriminalInvestigations/ucm220519.htm

FDA Releases Details on How Retail Food Establishments and Vending Machine Operators with Fewer than 20 Locations Can Choose to Become Subject to the New Federal Menu Labeling Requirements

On July 21, 2010, the FDA issued a “Federal Register” Notice that explains how restaurants and similar retail food establishments not covered by the new federal menu labeling requirements, such as establishments with fewer than 20 locations, and vending machine operators with fewer than 20 vending machines, can voluntarily register to become subject to the new federal requirements.

Read the details about the new federal requirements for nutrition labeling for foods sold at certain chain restaurants and similar retail food establishments and for certain foods in vending machines:
http://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm219124.htm

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Reestablishes NACMPI Charter, Appoints 2010-2012 Members

On July 15, 2010, FSIS issued a news release announcing Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has reestablished the charter of the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI) and appointed members of the Committee for 2010-2012.

Read this news release at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_071510_01/index.asp

Federal Agencies Announce Progress in First Year of Implementing Food Safety Working Group Recommendations

On July 9, 2010, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius commended federal food safety agencies for their accomplishments supporting the charge of President Obama's Food Safety Working Group, which advises the President on how to upgrade the U.S. food safety system for the 21st century.

The Food Safety Working Group, chaired by Vilsack and Sebelius, recommended a public health-focused approach to food safety based on three core principles: prioritizing prevention; strengthening inspection and enforcement; and improving response and recovery.

Read this news releaset:
http://www.usda.gov/2010/07/0362.xml

See the HHS news release:
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/07/20100709a.html

USDA Launches Ask The Expert, an On-Demand Online Knowledge Database

On July 7, 2010, the USDA announced the launch of Ask the Expert, a knowledge-based search engine that optimizes customer experience while conserving taxpayer dollars. This intuitive tool relies on self-service to deliver reliable and relevant information 24/7, greatly reducing wait time and USDA resources associated with the previous system.

Read this announcement:
http://www.usda.gov/2010/07/0358.xml

Visit Ask the Expert online today and view available information or submit an inquiry:
http://www.usda.gov/askexpert

New Smartphone App Alerts Consumers to Food and Product Recall Info, Allows Reporting of Questionable Items

On July 2, 2010, the USDA issued a news release announcing popular technology that will now help Americans verify what they eat is safe. The U.S. Government's Products Recall app for the Android smartphone is now available at the revamped USA.gov Web site, and the apps for Blackberry and iPhone are soon to follow.

Using information from several Agencies across the government, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Department of Health and Human Services' Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Products Recall app for the Android smartphone is a powerful tool that will help reduce foodborne illness and enhance the lives of Americans.

Read this news release:
http://www.usda.gov/2010/07/0353.xml

The USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline Celebrates 25 Years

July 1, 2010 marked the 25th anniversary of the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline, a toll-free service staffed with food safety experts who provide consumers with information about the safe storage, handling and preparation of meat, poultry and egg products.

Read more:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/news_&_events/Const_Update_070910/index.asp

Bottled Water Everywhere: Keeping it Safe

Consumers have a big thirst for bottled water. The International Bottled Water Association says that, in 2009 alone, more than 8 billion gallons of it were consumed in the United States. The U.S. FDA regulates bottled water products, working to ensure that they’re safe to drink. FDA describes bottled water as water that’s intended for human consumption and sealed in bottles or other containers with no added ingredients, except that it may contain a safe and suitable antimicrobial agent (Fluoride may also be added within the limits set by FDA). The Agency classifies some bottled water by its origin.

Learn about the four classifications of bottled water by its origin, bottled water from municipal sources, and how FDA ensures the quality and safety of bottled water:
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm203620.htm

NOAA, FDA, and Gulf Coast State Officials Affirm Commitment to Ensuring Safety of Gulf Coast Seafood

Representatives from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) met in New Orleans with State health officers and State fisheries directors from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas to coordinate implementation of a joint protocol for sampling and reopening that will apply to both state and Federal waters. Together, they will implement a comprehensive, coordinated, multi-Agency program to ensure that seafood from the Gulf of Mexico is safe to eat. This is important not only for consumers who need to know their food is safe to eat, but also for fishermen who need to be able to sell their products with confidence.

Read entire press announcement:
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm217635.htm

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

"Agricultural Research Magazine," July 2010 - Vol. 58, No. 6

The July 2010 issue of the "Agricultural Research Magazine" from USDA's Agricultural Research Service is now available.

View online:
http://ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/jul10/

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:
  • “The Food Safety Discovery Zone” (English and Spanish) – July 29
  • “Let's Talk About ‘Listeria’” (English and Spanish) – July 14
  • “Safe Grilling with Bobbie and Sam” (English and Spanish) – June 30

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

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

Get 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, send e-mail to podcast@fsis.usda.gov.

Meetings, Conferences, and Workshops 

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

Read the Constituent Update:
http://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm217798.htm

Read the USDA news release:
http://www.usda.gov/2010/06/0348.xml

Nominations Sought for Membership on the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods

On July 27, 2010, FSIS announced that nominations are being sought for membership on the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF).

Read this announcement:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_072710_01/index.asp

Read the Federal Register notice:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/About_FSIS/NACMCF

Public Meeting Transcript on Draft HACCP Validation Guidance Now Available

On July 14, 2010, FSIS held the first of a series of public meetings to discuss and receive public comments on the Agency's draft proposed guidance concerning Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Validation. The Agency made a preliminary draft of the validation guidance available in March 2010 to receive public input earlier in the guidance development process, as requested by a number of stakeholders. The guidance does not create any new requirements on establishments, but rather clarifies existing requirements and provides direction on how producers, especially small producers, can meet them.

View the transcripts from this meeting:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/past_events/index.asp

FDA Seeks Public Comment on New Federal Menu Labeling Requirements

On July 7, 2010, the FDA announced the opening of a docket to gather public comment and information to help the Agency implement a new Federal law that requires the posting of calorie content and other nutrition information on menu items at certain chain restaurants and similar retail food operations and vending machines. The new law sets new Federal requirements for foods sold at certain restaurants, coffee shops, delis, movie theaters, bakeries, ice cream shops, and vending machines.

Get more detailed information about the New Federal Menu Labeling Requirements:
http://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm218112.htm

USDA Seeks Comments on Standard-Setting Activities of the Codex Alimentarius Commission

On July 1, 2010, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Food Safety (OFS) announced it is inviting comments on standard-setting activities of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex). Among the Codex activities announced were: phytosanitary standard-setting activities, commodity standards, guidelines, codes of practice, and revised texts.

Read this announcement:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_070110_01/index.asp

In a Federal Register notice published on June 4, 2010, OFS describes the standard setting activities for the Codex Commission and for each of the Committiees.

Get more information:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FRPubs/2009-0033.htm

Industry

New Early Detection System Helps FDA Identify More than 100 Food Safety Problems in First 7 Months

On July 28, 2010, the FDA reported that more than 100 food safety reports were submitted by industry to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s new electronic portal in its first months of operation. Mandated by Congress, the Reportable Food Registry (the “Registry”) is a new system that requires manufacturers, processors, packers and distributors to immediately report to the government safety problems with food and animal feed, including pet food, that are likely to result in serious health consequences.

Read about how the electronic portal speeds identification and investigation of potential health hazards in human food, animal feed, pet food industries:
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm220419.htm

New FSIS Food Defense Risk Mitigation Tool Online

FSIS recently conducted vulnerability assessments with industry representatives. A suggestion was made to develop a searchable, user-friendly tool to facilitate the identification and selection of applicable mitigation strategies or countermeasures. To serve this need, FSIS' Office of Data Integration and Food Protection developed a Food Defense Risk Mitigation Tool, an online resource for plant owners and operators.

Get this tool:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Food_Defense_&_Emergency_Response/index.asp

Guidance for Industry: Enzyme Preparations: Recommendations for Submission of Chemical and Technological Data for Food Additive Petitions and GRAS Notices- Updated July 7, 2010

This document describes chemical and technological data that the FDA’s Office of Food Additive Safety (OFAS) in the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition considers when evaluating food additive petitions and GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) Notices for enzyme preparations.

View this guidance for industry document:
http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/GuidanceDocuments/FoodIngredientsandPackaging/ucm217685.htm#i

Guidance for Industry and FDA: Advisory Levels for Deoxynivalenol (DON) in Finished Wheat Products for Human Consumption and Grains and Grain By-Products used for Animal Feed- Updated July 7, 2010

Deoxynivalenol (DON), commonly called vomitoxin, is produced by several molds of the genus “Fusarium,” especially “F. graminearum,” which causes pink scab disease in wheat. It is not possible to completely avoid the presence of DON in wheat. DON is sometimes found in wheat grown under normal weather conditions, however, the fungus thrives in cool, wet conditions. When DON occurs in wheat, the levels are reduced by the processing of wheat into wheat products like flour, but processing does not totally eliminate DON.

Read about the results of recent studies about DON in feed for cattle:
http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/GuidanceDocuments/NaturalToxins/ucm120184.htm

FDA Produce Safety Activities: Growers Speak, FDA Listens

FDA announced earlier this year that work has begun on a proposed rule for the safe production, harvesting and packing of fresh produce. To ensure that we develop the most effective and appropriate rule, we are working more closely than ever with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and its Agencies, the Environmental Protection Agency, state departments of agriculture, advocacy groups, and growers. Over the past several months, FDA and USDA technical experts, scientists, and other staff have participated in listening sessions and meetings in 13 states.

Get more information:
http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/Product-SpecificInformation/FruitsVegetablesJuices/FDAProduceSafetyActivities/ucm2006738.htm

FDA: New Final Rule to Ensure Egg Safety, Reduce Salmonella Illnesses Goes Into Effect

The FDA says that as many as 79,000 illnesses and 30 deaths due to consumption of eggs contaminated with the bacterium Salmonella Enteritidis may be avoided each year with new food safety requirements for large-scale egg producers. The new food safety requirements will become effective on July 9, 2010, through a rule for egg producers having 50,000 or more laying hens – about 80 percent of production. Among other things, it requires them to adopt preventive measures and to use refrigeration during egg storage and transportation.

Get more information about the new final rule to ensure egg safety:
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm218461.htm

FSIS Policy Updates

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

• Notice 40-10: "Cancellation of FSIS Notice 34-10"
• Notice 41-10: “Synchronization of Field Computers”
• Notice 38-10: “Fifth Food Defense Plan Survey”
• Directive 5420.5: “Homeland Security Threat Condition Response-Intelligence Reports and Communications”
• FSIS Notice 37-10: “Communicating with the Office of Inspector General (OIG)”
• Directive 7120.1: “Safe and Suitable Ingredients Used in the Production of Meat, Poultry and Egg Products”
• Docket No. FSIS-2010-0019: “Measuring Progress on Food Safety: Current Status and Future Directions; Public Meeting”
• Docket No. FSIS-2010-0001: “Nominations for Membership on the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods”

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