Timely Topics

Family Nutrition Program Rides the SCAT Bus

 45 SCAT busses will now display  posters  featuring the University of Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Family Nutrition Program.    The FNP  grant began in May 2001 in Sarasota County and has now exceeded over $2.8 million in total funding.     The FNP  is a nutrition education program for families and individuals that are on a limited budget.   FNP is funded by Florida Department  of Children and Families and USDA Food and Nutrition  Services, in collaboration with state, local and county agencies.

• See the entire sign by clicking here.

Mythbuster! Food Safety

INTRODUCTION: Over the years we have all heard advice related to food safety. Some of this advice rings true, while other guidance is just plain wrong. To help you protect yourself and your family from foodborne illness, we will occasionally be debunking these food safety "myths".  Brush up on safe food handling advice with Fight BAC!®
MYTH: Food is safe once it's cooked, no matter how long you leave it out.

FACT: Food - raw food and cooked food - may not be safe after sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours.  Bacteria grow rapidly in the "danger zone" between 40° F and 140° F.

ADVICE: Follow the "two hour rule": toss perishable foods left out for more than 2 hours.  And if left out in a room or outdoors where the temperature is 90° F or hotter, food should be discarded after just 1 hour.

Here are some links about Food and Canning Tips and Safety

http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/index.html

http://www.gopresto.com/recipes/canning/index.php

http://foodsafety.psu.edu/canningguide.html

http://extension.usu.edu/foodpreservation/

FDA Announces Regulation To Make Eggs Safer

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a regulation to help make eggs safer to eat. The regulation will reduce the number of illnesses caused by eggs contaminated with the bacterium Salmonella Enteritidis (SE).

The regulation, released to the public on July 7, 2009, requires the egg industry to take specific preventive measures to keep eggs safe during their production, storage and transport. Egg producers will also be required to register with FDA and to maintain a prevention plan and records to show they are following the regulation.

FDA took this action because SE is a major cause of foodborne illness in the United States. Eating raw or undercooked eggs is an important source of SE infections in people. FDA estimates that 142,000 illnesses each year are caused by consuming eggs contaminated with SE.

FDA first proposed the regulation on September 22, 2004. The agency has held three public meetings and opened two comment periods to ensure public participation in the rule-making process.

About Salmonella Enteritidis (SE)

SE infections can be very serious, even life-threatening, especially to the very young, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Infected people may experience

• diarrhea
• fever
• abdominal cramps
• headache
• nausea
• vomiting

Some infected people may suffer from severe illness, arthritis, or even death.

Eggs can become contaminated on the farm because a laying hen can become infected with SE and pass the bacteria into the egg before it is laid. If the egg is not refrigerated, the bacteria can grow inside the uncracked, whole egg.

FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture carried out a series of egg safety efforts during the 1990s. These efforts focused on refrigeration to limit the growth of bacteria that may be inside an egg. Although these efforts made it harder for the bacteria to grow, they did not prevent the eggs from becoming contaminated initially on the farm. Through the measures spelled out in the new regulation, which address controlling the bacteria on the farm, SE will be reduced in the poultry house and consequently in the eggs themselves.

How Consumers Are Affected

The regulation means that eggs will be safer for people to eat.

The regulation will reduce the risk that eggs from an estimated 3,300 farms that produce most of the U.S. egg supply will be contaminated with SE. As a result, an estimated 79,000 illnesses and 30 deaths will be avoided each year—that’s a reduction of nearly 60 percent in egg-related illnesses from SE.

In addition to the new safety measures being taken by industry, consumers can reduce their risk of foodborne illness by following a few simple steps:

• Only buy eggs if they are sold from a refrigerator or refrigerated case.
• Open the carton and make sure that the eggs are clean and the shells are not cracked.
• Refrigerate the eggs promptly after purchase.
• Cook eggs until yolks are firm, and cook foods containing eggs thoroughly.

For more information on buying, storing, handling and cooking eggs—or foods that contain them—please see Playing it Safe With Eggs: What Consumers Need to Know.

Some Producers Exempt

The regulation does not apply to producers with fewer than 3,000 laying hens. These producers account for less than 1 percent of U.S. eggs. The regulation also does not apply to producers who sell all of their eggs directly to consumers.

Producers who treat their eggs to destroy SE, such as by in-shell pasteurization, or who process their eggs into egg products, need to comply only with the parts of the regulation addressing refrigeration and registration. FDA requires all producers who must comply with the regulation to do so between 12 and 36 months after issuance of the regulation, depending on the size of the operation.

This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates page, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.

Chinese Drywall Alert

Few Answers and Many Questions, Need for Research

LSU AgCenter offices can expect an increasing number of calls regarding Chinese drywall. Media, legal researchers and the general public want to know the facts. The problem is, questions far outnumber answers.

Here's what we know about Chinese drywall: sulfur compounds, including sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and carbon disulfide, can form and be released into the air from some imported wallboard installed across the humid South between 2004 and 2008, causing corrosion of copper, silver and other metals in home components such as air conditioners, exposed wiring, plumbing and electronics, thus raising serious safety, economic and health issues.

Homeowners are also complaining about the smell of rotten eggs. Some are attributing a variety of apparent respiratory and other health reactions to Chinese drywall.

Researchers in Florida, Louisiana and federal agencies are currently studying air quality in affected homes and testing drywall samples, but have yet to issue any specific health warnings. For now, we can offer no specific health recommendations other than to maintain adequate ventilation (for dilution) but, to avoid adding moisture to indoor air, because humidity and heat increase the release of sulfur compounds. 

Chinese drywall was heavily imported due to shortages during the most recent housing boom and increased after the 2004 hurricane season. Since then, researchers say that enough drywall to build more than 60,000 homes was brought into the USA and used in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Texas. It is estimated that the amount of Chinese drywall brought into Louisiana post-Katrina could potentially affect approximately 7,000 homes.

Chinese drywall is identified by looking for the words "Made in China" on the back of the wallboard. Additionally, because these sulfur compounds corrode copper and silver, consumers and professionals can look for tell-tale signs, primarily a solid black patina on copper pipes, wires and air conditioner coils. Air conditioner evaporator coils are typically most affected because a large amount of air is drawn through them and they are wet.

Because of the lack of scientific research and data about exposure levels, it would be unwise for LSU AgCenter agents to comment regarding health hazards of Chinese drywall. We do know  that once corrosion manifests itself, the process is expected to continue for a long time. Thus, replacing air conditioner coils or other damaged metals should not happen until the source of the corrosion is removed and replaced.

The bottom line is that we have limited information for homeowners who believe Chinese drywall was installed in their homes. However, until acceptable, independent research is made public, we can and should discourage people from buying it, and encourage people to evaluate their homes.

Consumers who suspect they have Chinese drywall in their homes or businesses are advised to use the following case definition to determine whether or not their home is affected.  If their home meets this definition, they may contact the Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals at 888-293-7020 to report it, and should consider remedial action.

Beware Scams
At this time, there is no recommended air test or remedial treatment other than replacement of the Chinese drywall and any severely damaged equipment, exposed wires and metal components.  Ozone generators and oxidizing (disinfectant) treatments are not recommended by EPA, since they cause chemical reactions that can have other harmful effects, or are not proven safe and effective.  Homeowners should be cautious about the potential for scam artists selling expensive testing services or treatments.  However, in the meantime, it may be helpful to take steps to keep conditions dry and cool, such as with air conditioning, dehumidification and exterior moisture control measures (good drainage, proper flashing, etc.)

Case Definition for Premature Copper Corrosion in Residences Possibly Associated with the Presence of Imported Drywall from China.

First, determine the date of construction. To meet the current case definition (03-30-09) homes constructed after 2003 (2004 to present) must meet two or more conditions; and those built prior to 2004 must meet three or more of the conditions specified below.

1. There is presence of sulfur-like or other unusual odors
2. Confirmed presence of Chinese manufactured drywall in the home
3. Observed copper corrosion, indicated by black, sooty coating of Un-insulated copper pipe leading to the air handling unit present in the garage or mechanical closet of home
4. Documented failure of air conditioner evaporator coil (located inside the air handling unit)
5. Confirmation by an outside expert or professional for the presence of premature copper corrosion on Un-insulated copper wires and/or air conditioner evaporator coils (inside the air handling unit)

By
Steve Picou, Area Housing Agent, Crescent Region and
Claudette Reichel, Professor and Housing Specialist
Sources:
Florida Department of Health
Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals
Florida Palm Beach Post
WWL TV
Miami Herald
MSNBC

What You Should Know About Being Caught Outside Near a Thunderstorm

There is no safe place outside in a thunderstorm. Plan
ahead to avoid this dangerous situation! If you’re outside and
hear thunder, the only way to significantly reduce your risk
of becoming a lightning casualty is to get inside a substantial
building or hard-topped metal vehicle as fast as you can. In
addition, you should avoid the following situations which
could increase your risk of becoming a lightning casualty
Remember – there is no substitute for getting to a safe place.

Avoid open areas. Don’t be the tallest object in the area.
Stay away from isolated tall trees, towers or utility
poles. Lightning tends to strike the taller objects in an
area.

Stay away from metal conductors such as wires or
fences. Metal does not attract lightning, but lightning can
travel long distances through it.

If you are with a group of people, spread out. While this
actually increases the chance that someone might get struck, it tends to prevent multiple casualties, and increases the chances that someone could help if a person is struck.

Act Fast If Someone Is Struck by Lightning!

Lightning victims do not carry an electrical charge, are safe to touch, and need urgent medical attention. Cardiac arrest is the immediate cause of death for those who die. Some deaths can be prevented if the victim receives the proper first aid immediately.

Call for help. Call 9-1-1 or your local ambulance service. Give first aid. Do not delay CPR if the person is unresponsive or not breathing. Use an Automatic External Defibrillator if one is available. If possible, move the victim to a safer place. Lightning can strike twice. Don’t become a victim.

Avoid the Lightning Threat

Have a lightning safety plan. Know where you’ll go for
safety and how much time it will take to get there. Make
sure your plan allows enough time to reach safety.

Postpone activities. Before going outdoors, check
the forecast for thunderstorms. Consider postponing
activities to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation.

Monitor the weather. Look for signs of a developing
thunderstorm such as darkening skies, flashes of lightning
or increasing wind.

Get to a safe place. If you hear thunder, even a distant
rumble, immediately move to a safe place. Fully enclosed
buildings with wiring and plumbing provide the best
protection. Sheds, picnic shelters, tents or covered
porches do NOT protect you from lightning. If a sturdy
building is not nearby, get into a hard-topped metal
vehicle and close all the windows. Stay inside until
30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder.

If you hear thunder, don’t use a corded phone except
in an emergency. Cordless phones and cell phones are
safe to use. Keep away from electrical equipment and wiring. Water pipes conduct electricity. Don’t take a bath or
shower or use other plumbing during a storm.

Save $28 On Your Driver's License Renewal

As of September 1, 2009, Florida driver license renewal is going up to $48. The present cost is $20.  You may want to check your driver license and see if you can renew early before the increase date.  You can renew up to 18 months in advance.    

Also, there is a new law already in effect, "The Real ID" act that has been passed by 48 states already.   When you go into to renew even now, you must bring documents as if a first time licensed driver.   A website is provided for questions.   If you don't have these documents, you may want to get your hands on them because you will eventually need them.  

Pass this info along to residents of Florida that you know - a way to save money. http://www.flhsmv.gov/realid/

Keeping Students in School When the Mortgage Crisis Hits Home

A new brochure (PDF) from the National Center for Homeless Education gives much-needed information to families for whom the national mortgage crisis has hit home. Support for Students Whose Families Have Lost Their Homes to Foreclosure tells parents and caregivers about the basics of the Mckinny-Vento Act, which protects homeless young people’s right to go to school, and where to get assistance. The brochure can be distributed by service providers and is also available in Spanish (PDF). The local liason for our school district is Ellen McLaughlin at 941-951-1588.

Grocery Cart Makeover

Does your grocery cart need a makeover? Nutrition Director for Prevention Magazine surprised real supermarket shoppers and taught them how to buy the best items for their health in these videos. More..

Free Antibiotics

There has recently been an announcement by Publix that they will start providing the following antibiotics for free:

amoxicillin, ampicillin, cephalexin, ciprofloxacin (excluding ciprofloxacin XR), erythromycin (excluding Ery-Tab), sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (or SMZ-TMP) and penicillin VK.

Customers must bring in a prescription to get up to a 14-day supply for free.
This is great news, especially for low income families!
Heidi
Heidi Liss Radunovich, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Family, Youth and Community Sciences
University of Florida
Box 110310
Gainesville, FL 32611-0310
(352) 392-1778 x233