The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

5029.0: Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 8:30 AM

Abstract #47054

Update on national food safety program

Eileen Parish, MD, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835, (301) 436-2126, eparish@cfsan.fda.gov

Millions of Americans become ill each year and may die from foodborne pathogens. The United States has one of the safest food supplies in the world although estimates of foodborne illness and the impact on public health demonstrate opportunities for further improvement. Vulnerable populations, e.g., the elderly and immunocompromised individuals are increasing. Changes in the ways food is produced, distributed, and consumed continue to be challenges for the safety of our food. The vision for food safety in the United States is that all people can be confident that the food is safe. The public health is protected through a seamless food safety system that uses farm-to-table science based strategies integrating research, surveillance, inspection, enforcement, and education. These strategies also include being vigilant to new and emerging threats. This is an update that will focus on key national food safety issues. For the continued and effective implementation of food safety strategies it is essential to educate all stakeholders, e.g., health care providers, public health workforce, and consumers, on their public health significance.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation the participants should be able to

Keywords: Food Safety, Public Health

Related Web page: www.foodsafety.gov

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Food and Nutrition Policy

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA