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Contemporary Diet and Nutrition Resources

Amanda Fife

Purdue University
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Foodborne Illness and Food Safety

Foodborne Illnesses are considered a major and growing problem across the globe,

including the United States. Each year nearly 76 million illnesses occur because of foodborne

disease. The following resources provide accurate and up-to-date information on reported

outbreaks and possible contaminated food recalls. The resources also provide information on

symptoms and treatment for if you feel you have contracted a foodborne illness.

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (August 24, 2017). Food Safety. Retrieved from

https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has developed a section of their website

specifically to Food Safety information to prevent foodborne illness. This includes details

on how to prepare, cook, and store food safely as well as information on various forms of

foodborne illnesses. The Food Safety section will also allow the reader to learn about

recent outbreaks that could impact them or others in the community. Lastly, the website

provides a detailed list of symptoms related to foodborne illness and what you should for

care and treatment.

2. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (January 12, 2018). Foodborne Illnesses: What You Need

to Know. Retrieved from

https://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodborneIllnessContaminants/FoodborneIllnessesNeedToKn

ow/default.htm

The U.S Food & Drug Administration’s website provides a detailed chart with names of

organisms, common names, onset of symptoms after ingesting, signs & symptoms,

duration, and food sources. This is helpful for anyone who may believe that they have a
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foodborne illness as they can use this chart to help identify what type of illness they could

have.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are organisms produced through

genetic modification. Many of the health risks and concerns related to GMOs on the

ecosystem and our health are difficult to foresee. Although there are government agencies

in place to evaluate the risks and safety of GMOs, time is the only way to truly determine

the impact that they will have on our planet, including people. The following resources

provides information that is easy to understand so consumers can make informed

decisions regarding GMOs.

1. U.S. Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Biotechnology Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS).

Retrieved from https://www.usda.gov/topics/biotechnology/biotechnology-frequently-

asked-questions-faqs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has created a section on their website dedicated to

answering some frequent questions related to this area of concern. The questions are

helpful in understanding the purpose, use, and safety precautions of using agricultural

biotechnology to genetically modify organisms.

2. Non-GMO Project. (2016). About Us. Retrieved from

https://www.nongmoproject.org/about/mission/

The Non-GMO project began in 2007 to raise awareness about GMOs to consumers. The

Non-GMO organization strives to build and protect our Non-GMO food supply through

consumer education and outreach programs. The website provides essential information

regarding what GMOs are, their safety risks, and how to determine whether your food has
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GMOs or not. There is also a useful tool that can allow you to find Non-GMO products

and how companies can receive the Non-GMO verification label on their products.

Food Lobbying

“Lobby is any legal attempt by individuals or groups to influence government policy or

action, a definition that explicitly excludes bribery (Nestle, pg. 95)”. Lobbyist have three

main functions 1. Promote the views of special-interest groups 2. Make an effort to

influence government laws in the best interest of those groups and 3. Communicate with

government officials about laws, rules, or policies of interest (Nestle, 2013). Farmers and

food companies hire lobbyist to influence government officials and policy makers of

dietary recommendations to ensure that their products are adequately represented,

regardless of whether their product is healthy or harmful. The following resources

provide detailed information on the impact food lobbying has on the dietary

recommendations and the food choices we make.

1. Nestle, M. (2013). Food Politics: How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition and Health

(10th ed.) University of California Press: Los Angeles, CA

This book was written from a first-hand experience with U.S. dietary recommendations

and food lobbying. It is a great resource for people who are wishing to learn more about

the impact food lobbying has on the government as well as in the grocery store. Food

Politics has been said to be the influence for the revolution for changing how we view

and respond to food industry marketing.

2. Heid, M. (January 8, 2016). Experts Say Lobbying Skewed the U.S. Dietary Guidelines.

Retrieved from http://time.com/4130043/lobbying-politics-dietary-guidelines/

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An article from the TIME magazine goes behind the scenes to get the story and truth

regarding food politics and their role in dietary recommendations and the food choices

that are available to consumers. The article contains interviews with various officials and

nutrition professionals.