The industry intends to cooperate with the FDA's 'phase-down' of antibiotics and consumers are advised to cook poultry to 165 degrees F (~74 C) to kill bacteria and take precautions such as using separate cutting boards and taking extra care to keep a clean sink.
Consumer Reports wrote a great piece on the "High Cost of Cheap Chicken" with a nod to sustainability as it relates to safety.
For more details, see FoodSafetyNews' in depth follow up...
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
At $12 and $30 Billion Dollars Respectively, the Vitamin and Supplements Industry May have Big Reasons to Worry...
Especially when the Time Magazine leads with the headline "Docs Say Stop Taking Multivitamins"!
Most of the current panic in the industry is based on more than 25 studies in the past 8 years where the US Preventative Services Task Force has concluded that not only is there not enough evidence to determine whether A, C, E, or antioxidant combinations could lower the risk of heart disease or cancer, but in some cases, such as with beta-carotene and cigarette-smokers, may actually prove an increase in risk.
The Week has chimed in with a one-two punch coining the phrase "Vitamin Industrial Complex" and noting their 'swindling' of America.
The final blow may very well be the determination and statement by the Annals of Internal Medicine that "supplementing the diet of well-nourished adults with mineral of vitamin supplements has no clear benefit and might even be harmful - These vitamins should not be used for chronic disease prevention. Enough is enough"
The mainstreaming of this message has hit the airwaves on the nightly news, the best of which has been this report by CBS News.
Most of the current panic in the industry is based on more than 25 studies in the past 8 years where the US Preventative Services Task Force has concluded that not only is there not enough evidence to determine whether A, C, E, or antioxidant combinations could lower the risk of heart disease or cancer, but in some cases, such as with beta-carotene and cigarette-smokers, may actually prove an increase in risk.
The Week has chimed in with a one-two punch coining the phrase "Vitamin Industrial Complex" and noting their 'swindling' of America.
The final blow may very well be the determination and statement by the Annals of Internal Medicine that "supplementing the diet of well-nourished adults with mineral of vitamin supplements has no clear benefit and might even be harmful - These vitamins should not be used for chronic disease prevention. Enough is enough"
The mainstreaming of this message has hit the airwaves on the nightly news, the best of which has been this report by CBS News.
Documentary Video - Organic Farmers are Using Bitcoins
The following video is a short documentary showing the intersection between organic farming and the curious currency "Bitcoin"
Farmers are known for their wisdom; Though this is interesting and exciting, many believe slow and steady will win the race, and always beware of flashes in the pan...
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Does WiFi Prevent Plants from Growing? Video - "How to measure and deal with WiFi radiation"
Natural News calls the results undeniable after a 9th grade science project shows that when identical plants are grown in two rooms, one with WiFi and one without, the plants in the room with the WiFi routers simply will not grow.
The experiment began after students noted that sleeping next to their wireless devices affected their performance and concentration.
Ten News (Australia) had put together a phenomenal piece on the dangers of WiFi
And the great folks at EMF Safety Zone show how to measure and protect yourself from WiFi in your own home:
While it's exciting to see young people express concern and curiosity about their own environmental safety, scientists at large also seem to hint to certain dangers in WiFi -
(as published in Nature)
Fetal Radiofrequency Radiation Exposure From 800-1900 Mhz-Rated Cellular Telephones Affects Neurodevelopment and Behavior in Mice.
“Here we demonstrate that fetal exposure to 800–1900 Mhz-rated radiofrequency radiation from cellular telephones leads to behavioral and neurophysiological alterations that persist into adulthood...The significant trend between the groups treated for 0, 9, 15, and 24 hours/day demonstrates that the effects are directly proportional to usage time... ”
The experiment began after students noted that sleeping next to their wireless devices affected their performance and concentration.
Ten News (Australia) had put together a phenomenal piece on the dangers of WiFi
And the great folks at EMF Safety Zone show how to measure and protect yourself from WiFi in your own home:
While it's exciting to see young people express concern and curiosity about their own environmental safety, scientists at large also seem to hint to certain dangers in WiFi -
(as published in Nature)
Fetal Radiofrequency Radiation Exposure From 800-1900 Mhz-Rated Cellular Telephones Affects Neurodevelopment and Behavior in Mice.
“Here we demonstrate that fetal exposure to 800–1900 Mhz-rated radiofrequency radiation from cellular telephones leads to behavioral and neurophysiological alterations that persist into adulthood...The significant trend between the groups treated for 0, 9, 15, and 24 hours/day demonstrates that the effects are directly proportional to usage time... ”
Saturday, December 14, 2013
What does the USDA Organic label really mean?
What is organic?
Organic
is a labeling term that indicates that the food or other agricultural
product has been produced through approved methods that integrate
cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of
resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.
Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic
engineering may not be used.One important distinction, and one not covered in this video, is that there are two 'types' of organic labels:
"Organic" -
Something that is 95% organic may use the term.
VS
"100% Organic" -
These products must be completely organic including every used ingredient.
If you are making decisions about which foods' USDA certification is important to you, it helps to think about the fact that almost half of your pesticide exposure comes from just 12 foods:
• Apples
• Bell Peppers
• Celery
• Cherries
• Imported Grapes
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Pears
• Potatoes
• Red Raspberries
• Spinach
• Strawberries
Non-organic foods with a reputation for cleanliness are as follows:
• Asparagus
• Avocados
• Bananas
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Kiwi
• Mangos
• Onions
• Papaya
• Pineapples
• Peas (sweet)
Where's the corn? Purposely left off the list!
Although corn may be on the safer side regarding pesticides, there's a high probability that it's GMO.
Whenever folks like Good Housekeeping put together "Dirty Dozen Food" lists I can't help but think of the lunch-break economy and the countless folks who unwittingly find themselves purchasing the most mysteriously-sourced vegetables in an attempt to 'diet'... Apples, peppers, celery, and spinach seem to always make it to the dieter's short-list.
The University of Maine has actually produced a video on how to wash produce: