FDA/CFSAN's News for Educators – February 2018

February 2018

Welcome to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition’s (CFSAN) News for Educators!  Check out our latest information and materials for educating your consumer groups.  We also encourage you to share this update and invite your colleagues to sign up for future issues!

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Food Safety

Treating Foodborne Illness in Patients. About 48 million cases of foodborne illness occur each year in the United States. Healthcare professionals play a key role in recognizing and responding to symptoms. FDA created the Foodborne Illness Continuing Medical Education Program to help physicians and other medical professionals identify and treat foodborne illness. Videos and printable materials include key terms and definitions, processes for diagnosis, as well as information on common foodborne illnesses and recent outbreaks. The program also includes tips for consumers on how to buy, store, cook, and serve food safely.  

Nutrition

The Nutrition Facts Label and Healthy Eating.  A nutritious diet is key to overall health, and using the Nutrition Facts label can help support good eating decisions. FDA’s Nutrition Facts Label Continuing Medical Education Program has practical tips for physicians on how to advise patients on making informed choices with the help of the Nutrition Facts label. Downloadable and printable resources provide additional information on understanding the Nutrition Facts label, nutrients to eat for optimal health, and more.

Interested physicians can earn American Medical Association CME credit for each of these programs.

Teaching Students About Nutrition. Science and Our Food Supply: Using the Nutrition Facts Label to Make Healthy Food Choices (2017 Edition) introduces the fundamentals of more nutritious food choices to middle grade and high school students. Through engaging hands-on activities, students will learn about the Nutrition Facts label, serving size and calories, sugar in beverages, sodium in snack foods, meal planning, and healthy eating away from home. Created by FDA for use by science, health, and family and consumer sciences teachers, this program aligns with education standards in these curriculum areas.

Cosmetics 

Cold Weather Conditions and Cosmetics. Winter is cold and flu season, which can cause skin irritations. Dry winter air, cold wind, and indoor heating can also dehydrate skin and cause chapped lips as well as other winter-related conditions. As a result, individuals may increase the use of cosmetics like lotions and balms to minimize the winter-related issues. Before recommending products like lotions and balms, review FDA’s resources related to cosmetic products that people often inquire about. If you experience an adverse reaction,  should stop using the product, contact your healthcare provider, and then report the problem to FDA by calling a Consumer Complaint Coordinator or filling out a Voluntary MedWatch form online or on paper. FDA will review public health concerns and respond as needed.