Showing posts with label CDC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CDC. Show all posts
Monday, December 7, 2020
Friday, December 4, 2020
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
USDA Proposes Tougher Food Safety Standards for Chicken and Turkey
From USDA:
The graphic above illustrates how proposed new federal standards could help reduce poultry-related Salmonella illnesses by an estimated 50,000 each year. Click to enlarge.
It’s no secret that Americans eat a lot of chicken and turkey. In fact, USDA estimates that a single American will eat 102 pounds of poultry in 2015. It is USDA’s job to ensure the meat and poultry products we enjoy are also safe to eat, and that means adapting federal food safety regulations to meet changes in production technology, scientific understanding of foodborne illness, and consumer demand.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 1 million Americans contract foodborne Salmonella poisoning each year, and 200,000 of those illnesses can be attributed to poultry. Today, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service proposed new food safety standards that would reduce Salmonella and Campylobacter, another common cause of foodborne illness, on ground chicken and turkey, as well as chicken legs, breasts and wings, which represent the majority of poultry items that Americans purchase and feed their families.
By taking specific aim at lowering contamination on these products, an estimated 50,000 cases of foodborne illness could be averted annually.
Since 1996, FSIS has used pathogen reduction performance standards to measure the food safety performance of meat and poultry businesses. With this proposal, FSIS would make the performance standards for ground poultry tougher to meet, which would reduce Salmonella and Campylobacter levels on ground poultry nationwide. FSIS implemented performance standards for whole chickens in 1996 but has since learned that Salmonella contamination levels increase as chicken is further processed into parts. By creating a first-time-ever standard for chicken parts, and by performing regulatory testing at a point closer to the final product, FSIS can greatly reduce consumer exposure to Salmonella and Campylobacter.
In addition, FSIS is proposing to be more strategic in the way we schedule microbial tests for Salmonella and Campylobacter at poultry facilities so we can gain a better picture of the food safety realities from business to business. Currently, we schedule a “set” of 52 samples at a facility, which are taken on consecutive days once the set is started. Facilities are categorized according to the number of samples that test positive in their set. Some retailers will only purchase chicken from the top category, so companies are motivated to be among those performers who meet or do better than the national performance standard. By stretching a sample set out over the course of a year so that samples are not collected on consecutive days, and by not alerting the company that the sample will be collected, results will be less affected by intermittent seasonal or production changes, and it will take longer for a company to move from a lower to a higher category. This should prompt companies to take meaningful steps that have a long lasting impact on the safety of their products.
The steps we are proposing are major pieces of FSIS’ Salmonella Action Plan, which the agency developed and released in 2013 to reduce Salmonella illnesses from meat, beef and pork. Collectively, these three foods contribute to about one third of all Salmonella illnesses, and FSIS aims to significantly reduce that number to meet the U.S. government’s Healthy People 2020 goals.
Monday, April 7, 2014
Stopping a Winged Purveyor of Disease and Death
USDA Blog Post:
The mosquito Aedes aegypti can spread several diseases as it travel from person to person. Only the females feed on blood. In this photo, the mosquito is just starting to feed on a person’s arm.
During the month of April we will take a closer look at USDA’s Groundbreaking Research for a Revitalized Rural America, highlighting ways USDA researchers are improving the lives of Americans in ways you might never imagine. For example, researching mosquitoes that spread diseases that threaten human health worldwide.
Today is World Health Day, and this year’s theme is vector-borne diseases—those diseases spread by organisms like insects, ticks and snails. Significant vector-borne diseases in the Americas include dengue fever, malaria, leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis and schistosomiasis.
One of the most egregious offenders is the mosquito, and the scientists of USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are taking aim at this winged attacker with weapons ranging from traditional remedies to computer modeling and satellite images.
Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a viral disease spread to livestock and humans via mosquito bites, and is a major threat in Africa and the Middle East. ARS scientists partnered with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO) and federal partners from NASA, CDC and the Department of Defense to form the Rift Valley Fever Outbreak Early-Warning Team to develop and transfer an early-warning system to detect and predict outbreaks of RVF.
The model is based on analyzing satellite images to detect when temperatures in the Pacific and Indian oceans elevate concurrently to produce widespread and heavy rainfall in Africa. The right conditions can give rise to major increases in the number and longevity of infected mosquitoes that spread the disease. Similar models can help predict outbreaks of malaria and dengue.
In October 2006, the model predicted that RVF would flare up within three months in sub-Saharan Africa, and warnings were sent to countries in harm’s way to allow them to step up surveillance and controls for disease-carrying insects. Additional warnings were issued from 2007-2010 in Sudan, Southern Africa and Madagascar months prior to the detection of RVF disease.
At a remote patrol base in Iraq, ARS scientist and U.S. Army entomologist Seth Britch applies a pesticide treatment to camouflage netting and shade cloth that will be suspended over outdoor eating and cooking areas and areas between dormitories. This treatment reduces populations of biting flies and mosquitoes by transferring lethal doses to the insects when they rest on the camouflage material.
In other work, ARS scientists have shown that compounds in the oil of seeds of Jatropha curcas—burned in homes in India—are effective mosquito repellents. They’ve also shown that a naturally occurring compound from pine oil seems to deter mosquito biting and repels two kinds of ticks.
Additionally, ARS scientists have evaluated treatments applied to uniforms to help protect military personnel against biting insects, and have helped the military evaluate spray equipment to combat insects that threaten the health of deployed soldiers.
These are just a few examples of the ways ARS scientists serve every day on the front lines in the battle against mosquitoes, ticks and other creatures that pose ongoing, serious threats to the health of the world’s population.
ARS agricultural engineer Clint Hoffmann evaluates a pesticide spray nozzle as ARS works to devise better ways of protecting military personnel from disease-transmitting insects like mosquitoes.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
On the Path to New Dietary Guidance Recommendations
USDA Blog Post:
The process to review the science that will support the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans is currently underway.
“Eat more fruits and vegetables.”
“Choose a variety of protein foods like lean meat and poultry, eggs, beans, peas and unsalted nuts and seeds.”
“Make at least half your grains whole grains.”
“Reduce Sodium intake to 2300 mg.”
These are just some of the nutrition recommendations that are the foundation of our current Federal nutrition guidance and policy. The process to review the science that supports these recommendations is currently underway.
Every five years, the Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services are required* to jointly develop and publish the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which form the basis of Federal nutrition policy. The next edition is scheduled to be released in 2015. To ensure that the Dietary Guidelines are based on the most up-to-date scientific and medical knowledge, the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (governed by the Federal Advisory Committee Act) has been established to review the current policy and advise the government. This advice comes in the form of a Federal Advisory Committee Report, which includes evidenced-based recommendations and rationales. Officials within USDA and HHS utilize this report, along with comments from the public and other Federal Agencies to develop the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans, policy document. In short, while the work of the DGAC is instrumental to the revision process, it is also solely advisory in nature.
The 2015 Committee includes 14 external expert advisors. These individuals are highly respected by their peers in the nutrition community for their scientific knowledge on how nutrition promotes health and reduces risk of disease, including overweight and obesity. Just like the American public, the membership of the 2015 DGAC is diverse, representing a range of expertise, ethnicities, ages, gender and regions of the country. This diversity is important, given that the work of this Advisory Committee impacts all Americans.
So far, the 2015 Committee has held three successful public meetings. During these meetings the DGAC provides updates on work that is being conducted by its various Subcommittees. From the meeting proceedings, it is clear that the 2015 DGAC is covering a wide array of topics, including current status and trends as it relates to the nutrient adequacy of the American diet, dietary patterns and health outcomes, the role of sedentary behavior on dietary intake and weight status, the role of the food environment on access to healthy and affordable food, and the effect of caffeine on various health outcomes, just to name a few.
Additional meetings will be held throughout 2014, and until its Advisory Committee Report is released later this year, we won’t know what the Committee’s final recommendations will be. While the DGAC is deliberating we encourage all Americans to get involved. You can provide your thoughts about nutrition and health in the form of public comments or watch the proceedings of the DGAC via webcast.
*The DGA is congressionally mandated under the 1990 National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act (Public Law 101-445, Section 301[7 U.S.C. 5341], Title III).
USDA, Partners Gearing Up for Summer Meal Service
USDA Blog Post:
Children enjoy lunch freshly prepared and served on-site at the Inter Metro Summer Recreation Program in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Last week, about 250 Ohio lawmakers, educators, nonprofit directors, community leaders and others came together at the Mid-Ohio Foodbank for the third annual statewide Summer Food Service Summit. The focus of this summit was USDA’s Summer Food Service Program, as efforts are ramping up to ensure that all eligible children have access to healthy meals this summer.
In Ohio, over 630,000 children receive free or reduced-price school meals (based on family income) through the National School Lunch Program during the school year. Yet, only about 60,000—less than one in ten–participate in the Summer Food Service Program. This means that well over half a million children across the state may be at risk of food insecurity or hunger during the summer months, when they no longer have access to meals at school.
The Summer Food Service Program is designed to close this nutrition gap by providing free, healthy meals to children from low-income households during the summer months. I am proud of the work going on in Ohio and the important commitments state partners have been making to ensure children in need can avoid hunger this summer.
The risk of food insecurity and hunger among children is not unique to Ohio. Of the 21 million children nationwide who receive free and reduced-priced meals during the school year, only 3.5 million participate in summer meal programs. That is why USDA is focusing priority attention on summer meals. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get our systems in place to reach more of these eligible children this summer. Consider this a call to action!
Last year, USDA and partner efforts led to a historic increase of 7 million more meals served throughout the summer. We are proud of this progress and hope to see an even bigger increase in 2014. The summer hunger gap is still far too wide.
The key to success this year will be expanding the number of sites open for summer meals. We must spread the word to schools, parks and recreation departments, libraries, and faith and other community organizations across the nation; their participation is critical for the continued success of SFSP. The deadlines to become Summer Food Service Program sponsors vary by State, and begin as early as April 15. Program sponsors oversee and provide meals to summer sites. In return, USDA, through the States, reimburses program sponsors for the meals served to children.
If you or your organization is interested in helping us reduce the risk of hunger among our nation’s youth, visit our website, www.summerfood.usda.gov. The summer meals outreach toolkit includes sample outreach plans, templates, customizable flyers, door hangers, letters to parents, examples of site activities, best practices, and more. State representatives are also available to answer questions and facilitate sponsor enrollment and site registration.
Join us now in working together to make sure that this year every child has access to safe and healthy meals during the summer months.
Good News about Early Childhood Obesity Rates
USDA Blog Post:
Recent studies indicate that obesity rates among young children are finally starting to decline.
USDA believes in giving children a foundation for life-long health through access to healthy food and quality nutrition education. So, that’s why we are encouraged by a couple of recent studies that indicate that the rates of obesity among young children are declining. One study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that rates of obesity among young children ages 2-5 years have declined in the last decade, while another found that obesity is declining in low-income preschoolers in 19 states. These results suggest that we are making progress in our efforts to improve the health of our next generation! These findings were noted by Dr. Bill Dietz, former Director of CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity during his presentation at the 3rd meeting of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on March 14, 2014.
Efforts to turn the tide of obesity, both within the Federal government and in communities across the country, are having an impact in the preschool population. The USDA’s Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services programs are an important part of these efforts. Through the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act, USDA is making critical changes to the foods available to children – even the picky eaters.
The WIC program provides low-income women and children access to healthy food through the WIC food package, along with information on healthy eating through educational programs and nutrition counseling. The Child and Adult Care Food Program serves 3.3 million U.S. children in child care by providing nutritious foods and encouraging physical activity, both of which contribute to their health and wellness.
USDA is also proud to partner with the First Lady and her Let’s Move initiative to ensure that our youngest children live and learn in environments where healthy habits are the norm instead of the exception. More than 10,000 child care centers across the country are benefiting from the Let’s Move Child Care program. USDA has been a major contributor to the Let’s Move Child Care Resource Center, providing easy-to-use resources and practical tips about healthy eating and physical activity to inspire parents and caregivers who are working with young children.
We still have more work to do – the childhood obesity epidemic remains a major concern. Even with the decline in rates, 1 out of 12 preschoolers in the U.S. are obese. And, obesity in these early years of life can set the stage for serious health problems in the future.
The strides that have been made toward reducing obesity and improving the health of America’s next generation, is something that all Americans should be proud of, and we at USDA look forward to continuing to serve as a leader in the fight to end hunger and obesity. Learn more about USDA’s efforts to improve child nutrition or visit ChooseMyPlate.gov.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Secretary's Column: Continuing the Fight Against Childhood Obesity
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USDA Blog Post:
Ensuring the health and well-being of our nation’s children is a top priority for President Obama, and for all of us at USDA. We have focused in recent years on expanding access, affordability and availability of healthy foods for families and children.
Recently, we learned of some promising new results in the fight against obesity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the rate of obesity among young, low-income children appears to be declining. In 19 states, the obesity rate among low-income preschoolers has dropped for the first time in decades – and in many other states the obesity rate has leveled off.
This is encouraging for us at USDA, because we have made special efforts to help low-income families expand their access to healthier foods. In particular, we’ve provided healthier choices through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children – the WIC program – while helping parents learn more about healthy nutrition.
We have helped expand local markets around the country – with more than 8,100 farmers markets around the country today – and in the last two years we’ve doubled the number of these markets that accept SNAP and WIC benefits.
We’re also increasing access to fresh produce during the school day. USDA has provided grants to help schools in low-income areas provide fruits and vegetables to children – and USDA Farm to School programs in nearly every state are helping school districts buy locally-produced food for school meals.
Unfortunately, some of these efforts cannot continue unless Congress passes a comprehensive Food, Farm and Jobs Bill this year.
We still face a challenge in the coming years, with one in eight preschoolers overweight or obese today. This has troubling implications for the health of our nation, our economy and our national security in years to come.
The fight against childhood obesity is winnable, but we can’t let up. We must continue efforts that have already helped millions of parents and children with better access to healthy foods. We can create a generational shift to improve childhood nutrition and together, we can build on the promising results we’ve seen so far.
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