“One-Stop Shopping” For Food Safety Info

A major criticism of how our government oversees the safety of our food supply is that different regulatory agencies are responsible for different arenas. The FDA, for example, oversees produce and most packaged foods, while the USDA oversees meat and dairy; meanwhile, it’s the CDC that tracks food-borne illnesses. There are no imminent plans to overhaul the system as many health experts would like to see happen, but there is a new website (www.foodsafety.gov) that, for the first time, fuses critical food safety information from all these agencies.

It provides free information on a range of topics, from how to select fish low in mercury and how to store your eggs safely, to the latest food recalls and who to contact if you think you’ve become ill from tainted food. Though it would be nice to see the government put more resources into preventing food recalls and food-borne illnesses in the first place, this web site at least offers resources, all in one place, that can help keep you and your family safe at the dinner table.

Source: Health Insider

Do’s and Don’ts for Dealing With a Picky Eater Part I

Do: Respect your child’s hunger or lack thereof. Young children tend to eat only when they’re hungry. Don’t force food on them when they’re not ready for it.

Don’t: Be patient when introducing new foods. Young children often touch or smell new foods, and may even put tiny bits in their mouths and then take them back out again. They may need repeated exposure to a new food before they take their first real bite.

Do: Make it fun. Serve veggies with a favorite dip or sauce. Cut foods into various shapes with cookie cutters to increase their appeal.

Don’t: Expect too much. After age 2, slower growth often reduces a child’s appetite. A few bites may be all it takes to feel full.

Do: Stay calm. If your child senses you’re unhappy with their eating habits, it may turn into a battle of wills. Threats and punishments only reinforce the power struggle.

Don’t: Mandate the “clean-plate club.” Don’t force your child to finish all the food on their plate. Again, this may facilitate a power struggle. Allow your child to stop eating when they’re full.

Eight Ways To Healthier Cooking

1. Use sea salt, herbs and spices to dress up your meals.

2. Use lots of green leafy vegetables.

3. Make large healthy meals, and freeze leftovers for future use.

4. Grill, broil or bake your food. No frying!

5. Use virgin olive oil for cooking.

6. Cooking sprays are great for skillets and baking pans.

7. Steam all vegetables.

8. Plan out your meals on a weekly basis.