FDA News Digest for October 27, 2003

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FDA News Digest

October 27, 2003

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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

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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

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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

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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

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RECENT SPEECHES

FDA Commissioner Mark B. McClellan, M.D., at the Fifth Annual 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

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RECENT TESTIMONY

FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Acting Director 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

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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.

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