Organizations and Societies

Organizations and SocietiesThe sites included in this section cover organizations and societies that focus on food safety and security. Consult Chapter 12 for specific documents developed by some of these organizations, societies, and other entities. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry <https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HAC/PHA/>;

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) focuses on protecting Americans from exposure to toxic substances and situations by identifying and cleaning up hazardous waste sites. ATSDR’s public health assessments refer to evaluations of hazardous exposures. These assessments are searchable by keyword and browsable by state. The relevance to food safety includes information about dioxins, toxic substances in fish and shellfish, and other information. American Dietetic Association (ADA) <https://www.eatright.org/Public/>;

The ADA’s membership includes food scientists, dietitians, and nutritionists. The organization focuses on five major areas of concern: obesity, aging, dietary supplements, safe and nutritious food supply, and genetics. The site includes position papers on food and nutrition topics, nutrition fact sheets, information about dietary public policy, career information, conferences, and more (see Figure 10.1). American Society for Microbiology (ASM) <https://www.asm.org/>;

Established in 1899, ASM’s “mission is to advance microbiological sciences through the pursuit of scientific knowledge and dissemi-

nation of the results of research.” The ASM site includes information publications, education, policy, and other information. Center for Consumer Research (CCR) <https://ccr.ucdavis.edu/>;

CCR is part of the University of California at Davis, and its information on food safety focuses on “consumer attitudes toward food safety and quality.” Biotechnology information includes general information, news, hazards, benefits, safety, regulations, and message board. Food irradiation information features general information, what’s new, myths, safety issues, regulation, consumer acceptance, and message boards. Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) <https://www.cspinet.org/>;

CSPI is a Washington, DC-based nonprofit organization devoted to consumer advocacy in several areas of public health. Areas of focus include biotechnology, antibiotic resistance, food safety, nutrition and health, alcohol policy, and integrity in science. Site features include newsroom, reports, finding elected officials by ZIP code, press releases, and more. Community Food Security Coalition (CFSC) <https://www.foodsecurity.org/>;

CFSC is headquartered in Venice, California. This nonprofit organization focuses on creating “a system of growing, manufacturing, processing, making available, and selling food that is regionally based and grounded in the principles of justice, democracy, and sustainability.” Site features include what’s new, programs, events, publications, and views. Members can access the coalition newspaper and receive discounts on publications. Ecological and Toxicological Association of Dyes and Organic

Pigments Manufacturers (ETAD) <https://www.etad.com/>;

ETAD is an international organization of more than forty-five dye manufacturers in fifteen countries. “Formed in 1974 to represent the interests of these industries on matters relating to health and environ-

ment,” the organization adverse health effects of dyes and pigments. Site code of ethics, objectives, annual reports, literature database, upcoming events, and external links. Some site features are restricted to organization members. Environmental Health Center <https://www.nsc.org/ehc.htm>;

The National Safety Council’s Environmental Health Center concerns itself with air quality, environmental health for children, climate change, disaster recovery, hazardous chemicals, radiation, radioactive wastes, solid wastes, water, and coasts. Information related to food safety includes unintentional poisonings, hazardous chemicals, and recalls. Food Standards Agency <https://www.food.gov.uk/>;

The United Kingdom’s Food Standards Agency was established by Parliament in 2000 “to protect the public’s health and consumer interests in relation to food.” Site features include news, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease), food labeling, genetically modified foods, research, and interactive tools. GRACE Factory Farm Project (GFFP) <https://www.factoryfarm.org/>;

GFFP “works to create a sustainable food production system which is healthful and humane, economically viable and environmentally sound.” In this case, sustainable refers to organic farming, and there is a bias against factory farms-otherwise described as concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO). Site features include resources by topic and region; solutions (quick facts, reports, organizations); news and news archive; activism; and more. Highlights include a guide to salmon shopping; Eat Well Guide; an animated video clip about Meatrix, a defender of family farms; photographs of factory farms; and more. Health Physics Society <https://www.hps.org/>;

Health physics is the field of knowledge related to ionizing radiation hazards. The Health Physics Society is a professional organization that focuses on educational and research activities related to this

subject, particularly as and occupational risks. Site features include facts; position papers, including ones on food irradiation; and an “ask the experts” section. IFDA Online <https://www.ifdaonline.org/>;

IFDA is the International Foodservice Distributors Association, an organization that focuses on research, education, and communication for persons employed by food service industries. Food safety resources include IFDA publications about hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP), role of bar codes in food safety, and more; links to articles from external sites; and industry links. International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) <https://www.foodprotection.org/>;

IAFP is a nonprofit organization of food safety professionals, including educators, government employees, industry professionals, and equipment manufacturers. The IAFP site features tables of contents and abstracts for Journal of Food Protection, Food Protection Trends, and other publications; news; workshops; audiovisual library; conferences; and more. International Food Information Council (IFIC) <https://ific.org/food/>;

IFIC is a Washington, DC-based organization whose mission is “to communicate science-based information on food safety and nutrition to health and nutrition professionals, educators, journalists, government officials and others providing information to consumers.” IFIC activities are “supported primarily by the broad-based food, beverage and agricultural industries.” Site features include news, newsletters, fact sheets, posters, and more. Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (JIFSAN) <https://www.jifsan.umd.edu/whatjifsan.htm>;

JIFSAN is a joint effort between the University of Maryland and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). JIFSAN’s mission is to “provide the scientific basis for ensuring a safe, wholesome food supply as well as provide the infrastructure for contributions to national food safety programs and international food standards.” Site

features include a good (GAPs) manual, information about educational internships, and upcoming events.