FRUIT, VEGGIE CONSUMPTION COULD CONTRIBUTE TO LUNG HEALTH

A study released May 15 concludes that in men, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fish may reduce risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), whereas a diet rich in refined grains, cured and red meats, desserts and French fries may increase risk of COPD.

The study, conducted by Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital, looked into dietary patterns of men between 1986 and 1998. All participants filled out food frequency questionnaires, which were ranked by how closely the individual followed a “prudent” diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, or how much they stuck to a “Western” diet dominated by refined grains, cured and red meats, sweets and French fries. The researchers found that the more strictly a person followed the prudent diet, the lower the risk of COPD, which includes diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

-Source:http://thorax.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/thx.2006.074534v1

FLORIDA TOMATO INDUSTRY IS A FOOD SAFETY LEADER, HOUSE PANEL TOLD

Food safety expert Dr. Martha Roberts told a House subcommittee May 15 that the Florida tomato industry is at the forefront of food safety initiatives.

“While we strongly support federal efforts to mandate regulation, in Florida we are not waiting for these to develop but are actively enhancing the food safety of the tomatoes we produce,” she said, citing industry efforts such as the backing of recent legislation requiring state inspection of tomatoes.

Dr. Roberts testified before the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture at a hearing to review industry response to food safety concerns over fresh and fresh-cut produce.

Others offering remarks included David Acheson, FDA assistant commissioner for food protection; Lloyd Day of USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service; Lorna Christie, vice president, Produce Marketing Association; and Caroline Smith DeWaal of the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Witness testimony is available at http://agriculture.house.gov/hearings/index.html.

METHYL BROMIDE INVENTORY CONTINUES DOWNWARD TREND

The methyl bromide inventory held by U.S. companies at the end of 2006 continues to shrink, according to data released by EPA on May 16. The data show a steady decline in inventory since 2003, when the agency began collecting such information.

EPA’s data indicated that about 16,422 metric tons of methyl bromide existed in 2003, followed by 12,994 metric tons in 2004, 9,974 metric tons in 2005, and 7,671 metric tons in 2006. EPA said in a news release that the trend shows the United States continues to manage its domestic inventory appropriately.

A popular fumigant, methyl bromide is being phased out of use due to its potential for damaging the ozone layer.

MORE MATTERS CONTEST NEEDS YOUR FAMILY RECIPE

You have less than two weeks to enter your best recipe or tip that includes fruits and vegetables in the Fruits & Veggies—More Matters™ Challenge and win a weekend with the chefs from The Culinary Institute of America (CIA).

In 800 words or less, talk about your most original, practical and creative way of including more fruits and veggies, and your family could enjoy a "Parents and Kids in the Kitchen" Class and other great events at The CIA in St. Helena, California, or Hyde Park, New York.

The contest ends May 31, 2007. Go to www.morematters.com for details and an entry form.