Laboratory-developed tests, or LDTs, differ from conventionally manufactured tests in that they are developed and used in one laboratory. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has the clear authority to review these tests for safety and effectiveness, it has chosen not to do so to date.
Government AccountabilityStephanie Rogus, PhD, RDN, Peter Lurie, MD, MPH
This petition was filed by CSPI, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, Center for Food Safety, Children’s Advocacy Institute, Consumer Federation of America, Environmental Working Group, Life Time Foundation, Public Health Institute, Linda S. Birnbaum, and Lisa Y. Lefferts.
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a color additive currently approved for use in the U.S. in human food, drugs, cosmetics (e.g., sunscreens), and medical devices (e.g., contact lenses). Based on evidence that TiO2 nanoparticles present in food-grade titanium dioxide can accumulate in the body and cause DNA damage, CSPI rates titanium dioxide as “Avoid”.
It adds a bright white color to coffee creamers, baked goods, chewing gums, hard-shell candies, puddings, frostings, dressings, and sauces. But the nanoparticles found in “food-grade” titanium dioxide may accumulate in the body and cause DNA damage—which is one way chemicals cause cancer and other health problems.
A coalition of consumer groups today announced an important victory for the American public: the Treasury Department’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has agreed to issue proposed rules requiring standardized alcohol content, calorie, and allergen labeling on all beer, wine and distilled spirts products.
The Treasury Department's Alcohol Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) sent this response to CSPI, the Consumer Federation of America, and the National Consumers League in response to the organizations' petition asking TTB to amend its regulations to require an “Alcohol Facts” panel on alcohol beverage labels, similar to the “Nutrition Facts” panel on labels of foods.
Planning your Thanksgiving menu? Try some of The Healthy Cook's sides to round out your meal, or go with a vegetarian main event: Mushroom Lentil Dressing.
Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a proposed rule that will make widespread improvements to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) food package.
A typical 6 oz. glass of wine or 12 oz. beer has as many calories as a can of Coke (140). Some beers have twice that much.
But you’d never know the calories in alcoholic drinks from many of their labels and non-chain-restaurant menus. (Chain restaurants must disclose calories for drinks on their menus, and some beer brewers and other alcohol companies label calories voluntarily.)
Insulin acts as a key that allows blood sugar (glucose) to enter the body’s cells, where it can be burned for fuel or stored. But in some people, the key can’t open the lock.
