Dogs and Raisins

Grapes and raisins appear to cause renal failure in dogs who have ingested large amounts. ASPCA http://bit.ly/IoqovN

Senate Agriculture Committee Approves Key Nutrition Program Funding

For Release April 27, 2012

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Applauds Senate Agriculture Committee For Funding Key Nutrition Programs In Farm Bill

CHICAGO – The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics praises the Senate Agriculture Committee for approving legislation that will fund key nutrition programs that empower Americans with the knowledge to make healthful food choices.

“The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) funded in the Farm Bill and provided in community settings have been shown to improve healthful eating behaviors to help reduce chronic disease,” said registered dietitian and Academy President Sylvia A. Escott-Stump.

“In addition, the Academy commends efforts to maintain the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program for students to help develop life-long healthful eating habits,” Escott-Stump said.

The Academy thanks Sens. Debbie Stabenow (Mich.) and Pat Roberts (Kan.) for their bipartisan leadership in developing a draft bill that will help improve the health of Americans through good nutrition.

“We realize we are in tough economic times, but the Academy urges the committee not to cut access for many Americans who rely on SNAP to feed their families,” Escott-Stump said. “Often overlooked is the fact that SNAP reduced the poverty rate by nearly 8 percent in 2009, a significant factor for families and communities.”

SNAP also helps stimulate the local economy at a time when it is most needed. For every $5 in new SNAP benefits $9.20 is generated in total economic activity.

“It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that systematic and sustained action is needed to achieve food and nutrition security for all in the United States. Therefore, the Academy will continue to work with these Congressional leaders to make sure all Americans have access to healthy and safe foods. We will also work to make sure there is funding for nutrition research in the bill, so future decisions are made based on evidence, with solid science to back them up,” Escott-Stump said.

The Academy will continue its efforts with other key partners in the public health, anti-hunger and agriculture communities to help assure passage of an effective Farm Bill.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org.

New Survey by Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Shows Grocery Totes may Increase Risk of Food Poisoning

FOR RELEASE APRIL 3, 2012

SURVEY: LESS THAN 1 IN 6 AMERICANS FREQUENTLY WASHES GROCERY TOTES INCREASING RISK FOR FOOD POISONING

New survey by Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics/ConAgra Foods’ Home Food Safety program finds few Americans properly separating foods

CHICAGO – Reusable grocery totes are a popular, eco-friendly choice to transport groceries, but only 15 percent of Americans regularly wash their bags, creating a breeding zone for harmful bacteria, according to a survey by the Home Food Safety program, a collaboration between the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) and ConAgra Foods.

“Cross-contamination occurs when juices from raw meats or germs from unclean objects come in contact with cooked or ready-to-eat foods like breads or produce,” says registered dietitian and Academy spokesperson Ruth Frechman. “Unwashed grocery bags are lingering with bacteria which can easily contaminate your foods.”

Each year, 48 million Americans are affected by food poisoning caused by foodborne pathogens such as salmonella, listeria and E. coli.

“Food poisoning can easily be prevented with practical steps, such as cleaning grocery totes and separating raw meats from ready-to-eat foods when shopping, cooking, serving and storing foods,” Frechman says.

According to Frechman, bacteria can be eliminated by:

·        Frequently washing your grocery tote, either in the washing machine or by hand with hot, soapy water;

·        Cleaning all areas where you place your totes, such as the kitchen counter;

·        Storing totes in a clean, dry location; and

·        Avoiding leaving empty totes in the trunk of a vehicle.

“When grocery shopping, wrap meat, poultry and fish in plastic bags before placing in the tote, and use two different easy to identify totes; one for raw meats and one for ready-to-eat foods,” Frechman says.

It’s also important to separate raw meats from ready-to-eat foods when preparing food, she says. To stay safe in the kitchen, use two cutting boards: one strictly to cut raw meat, poultry and seafood; the other for ready-to-eat foods, like breads and vegetables.

“Don’t confuse them, and always wash boards thoroughly in hot, soapy water or in the dishwasher after each use,” she says. “Discard old cutting boards that have cracks, crevices and excessive knife scars.”

Visit www.homefoodsafety.org for additional safety tips on how to avoid cross-contamination and food poisoning.