Call button

Goodbye Camel? FDA rules to restrict tobacco advertising

  The Washington Post (3/19, Layton) reports that on Thursday, the FDA announced rules “that will severely restrict the way the tobacco industry can advertise and sell cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products, especially marketing efforts designed to appeal to children and teenagers.” Howard Koh, HHS’ assistant secretary for health, said, “This is truly a historic … Read more

Eat With Care — Health Experts Question Diet Claims Made by Fast Food Chains

  More fast food companies are providing reduced-calorie choices these days. However, some things are just too good to be true… The New York Times (1/28, Ellin) reports that many fast food companies “have jumped on the reduced-calorie bandwagon” recently, although Taco Bell “is one of the few to promote their low-fat offerings so widely.” … Read more

Taylor says legislation would bring “new era” of food safety

  In a commentary appearing in The Atlantic (1/12), FDA senior advisor Michael Taylor discusses the agency’s food safety initiatives for the coming year. Taylor said the nation “is at an historic tipping point,” with Congress close to passing legislation that will “usher in a new era of food safety in this country.” Citing the … Read more

Congress, USDA urged to raise food-testing standards.

In an editorial, the Philadelphia Inquirer (1/6) praises Congress for “making a welcome push for higher food-testing standards,” citing bills by Rep. Joe Sestak (D-PA) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). Noting recent problems with USDA food supplied to schools and “a recent report by the Government Accountability Office [that] questioned whether federal agencies are getting … Read more

Airport Food Safety a Concern

A recent headline in USA Today warns travelers about food safety violations at airport restaurants. Some of the violations are: 1.   Tuna salad and turkey sandwiches are stored at dangerously warm temperatures. 2.   Raw meat contaminated. 3.   Rat droppings. 4.   Kitchens lack soap for workers to wash hands. These are national chains located in airports … Read more