FDA News Digest October 27, 2003 ________________________________________________ FDA Outlines New Approach to Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance To address the growing problem of drug-resistant bacteria, FDA has issued guidance that helps determine if an antimicrobial drug used to treat an animal can cause antimicrobial resistance in humans consuming meat or other food from that animal. The new approach is especially valuable in heading off the improper use of antimicrobial drugs that are likely to cause resistance problems in humans. Press release: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2003/NEW00964.html Questions and answers: http://www.fda.gov/oc/antimicrobial/questions.html ______________________________________________________________ Study Shows Keeping Ready-to-Eat Foods Cold Cuts Listeria Risk A recent FDA risk assessment shows that keeping refrigerated foods stored at 40 degrees Fahrenheit may cut the risk of disease from Listeria monocytogenes bacteria by more than 50 percent. FDA also recommended using perishable items that are precooked or ready to eat as soon as possible. Press release: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2003/NEW00963.html Questions and answers: http://www.foodsafety.gov/~dms/lmr2qa.html ______________________________________________________________ Oregon Takes Action Against Alleged Illegal Internet Sale of Medicines Oregon's attorney general has filed suit against two medical doctors alleged to have illegally advertised and sold prescription drugs over the Internet and from a clinic. Products named in the suit include human growth hormone, prescription drug samples, and a gel claimed to have the same active ingredient as Viagra. FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations collaborated with Oregon authorities in the case. http://www.doj.state.or.us/releases/rel102303.htm ______________________________________________________________ RECALLS The following products are being recalled for the reasons shown. Go to the linked page for more information. Easy-Bake Chocolate Brownie and Chocolate Frosting mixes in certain Easy-Bake Refill Sets and Easy-Bake Rice Krispies Snack Shoppe (undeclared milk, wheat and eggs) http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/easybake10_03.html Royal Baltic Ltd. smoked or cured fish products (possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination) http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/royalbaltic10_03.html Noris Farms Organic Savory Cheddar Cheese (possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination) http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/norisfarms10_03.html For an archive of FDA-related recalls and safety alerts from the last 60 days, go to http://www.fda.gov/opacom/7alerts.html ______________________________________________________________ RECENT SPEECHES FDA Commissioner Mark B. McClellan, M.D., at the Fifth Annual David A. Winston Lecture, Washington, D.C. (Oct. 20) http://www.fda.gov/oc/speeches/2003/winston1020.html For an archive of speeches by FDA officials, go to http://www.fda.gov/speeches/speechli.htm ______________________________________________________________ RECENT TESTIMONY FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Acting Director Steven K. Galson, M.D., before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; topic: "Federal and State Role in Pharmacy Compounding and Reconstitution: Exploring the Right Mix to Protect Patients" http://www.fda.gov/ola/2003/pharmacycompound1023.html For an archive of testimony by FDA officials, go to http://www.fda.gov/ola/listing.html ______________________________________________________________ PUBLIC MEETINGS Nov. 20 -- FDA Workshop: Exploring the Link Between Food Labeling and Weight Management; Bethesda, Md. https://secure.z-techcorp.com/cmt/meetings/meeting_detail.cfm?meeting_id=26 For a list of upcoming FDA meetings, seminars, and other public events, go to http://www.fda.gov/opacom/hpmeetings.html. ______________________________________________________________ Thanks for subscribing to FDA News Digest. Our next posting will be November 3. To leave this list at any time, send an e-mail to LISTSERV@xxxxxxxxxxxx In the body of the message, write SIGNOFF FDA-NEWSDIGEST-L
