Fw: FDA News Digest for July 21, 2003

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FDA News Digest

July 21, 2003

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New Blood Test Can Help Predict Coronary Heart Disease Risk

FDA has cleared for marketing a blood test that can help predict the risk of

coronary heart disease by measuring the level of an enzyme that is higher in

persons with the disease. The test is intended to augment other tests and

clinical evaluation. About 7 million Americans have coronary heart disease,

caused by a narrowing of the coronary arteries that feed the heart.

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2003/ANS01239.html

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FDA Initiative Aims to Protect Consumers from Counterfeit Drugs

Prompted by an increase in counterfeit drugs, FDA has launched an initiative

to protect consumers from these potentially unsafe products. The initiative

is designed to improve identification of risks and threats from counterfeit

drugs; establish a public and private coalition to fight drug counterfeiting

and distribution; and develop new tools to identify, deter, and combat

counterfeiting.

Press release: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2003/NEW00926.html

More information: http://www.fda.gov/oc/initiatives/counterfeit/

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FDA Reviews Ways to Reduce Contamination Risk in Food Processing

FDA has contracted with the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) to review

preventive measures food processors can take to reduce the risk of an

intentional act of terrorism or accidental contamination. IFT will provide

information about temperature, technology, chemical treatments, and other

methods that may reduce contamination risk. The review is expected to be

completed by June 2004.

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2003/NEW00925.html

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RECALLS

The following product is being recalled for the reason shown. Go to the

linked page for more information.

Duck Delivery Produce Cut Honeydew and Cut Cantaloupe (possible Listeria

monocytogenes contamination)

http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/duck07_03.html

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RECENT TESTIMONY

FDA Deputy Commissioner Lester M. Crawford, D.V.M., before the Senate

Committee on Environment and Public Works; topic: " FDA's Role in the

National Response to an Emerging Zoonotic or Secondarily Transmitted

Infectious Disease " (July 17)

http://www.fda.gov/ola/2003/monkeypox0717.html

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