2010 IFT Scientific Program Presentation on Import Food Safety

Neal Fortin, Director of the Institute for Food Laws & Regulations (IFLR), will be speaking at the Institute of Food Technologists’ (IFT) upcoming Scientific Program on July 20, 2010.  His 10:30 am session is titled “Managing challenges of import food safety in a global market.” 

The Scientific Program is a food-science focused continuing education forum offering more than 115 education sessions and more than 1,900 technical presentations, each led by experts in their respective fields. This program will be held as part of the 2010 IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo, July 17-20, in Chicago, Illinois. 

The IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo provides valuable opportunities to exchange ideas with colleagues from around the world, learn about the latest consumer trends and product innovations, and make new professional connections, all in one location. The Food Expo alone features more than 800 exhibiting companies and thousands of products. 

The Institute for Food Laws & Regulations, Online Master of Science in Food Safety Program, and Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Michigan State University will be sharing Booth #6219 at the IFT Food Expo. If you’re interested in learning more about the overall event, click here.

We hope to see you in Chicago.

IFPTI Courses

International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI) announced the following courses to be delivered in Battle Creek, Michigan, during July.  The application deadline for these courses is Friday, May 28, 2010.

FDA's Foodborne Illness Investigations, July 20-22, 2010
This course is being offered in collaboration with the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), and Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Division of Human Resource Development (DHRD).  This course primarily focuses on the foodborne illness investigation team role with insight to the other team members such as laboratory, environmental and epidemiology departments.  For more information or to apply, please visit http://www.ifpti.org/training/foodborne_illness_investigations.cfm. 

NCBRT's A Coordinated Response to Food Emergencies: Practice and Execution, July 27-28, 2010

This course is being offered in collaboration with the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), and National Center for Biomedical Research and Training (NCBRT).  This course will provide responders with training on all-hazards food emergency response procedures with an emphasis on enhancing communication to facilitate the response effort. For more information or to apply, please visit http://www.ifpti.org/training/NCBRT_Coordinated_Response.cfm.

For a complete list of upcoming courses, please visit www.ifpti.org.

Michigan’s agricultural exports

"Michigan's agricultural exports generated more than $1.68 billion in economic activity and supported 19,691 jobs in 2008.  Exports are critical to the expansion of Michigan's $71.3 billion agricultural industry with the state's reliance on agricultural exports at 26%." Donald Kovisto, Director, Michigan Department of Agriculture.

 

May is "World Trade Month," which is a good time to highlight the importance of agriculture exports to the Michigan economy. To learn more, visit the International Marketing Program website at www.michigan.gov/agexport.

Summer Academy in Global Food Law & Policy, Como Lake, Italy

The 2^nd EFFL Summer Academy in Global Food law & Policy will be held on July 26-30, 2010, at the beautiful Villa La Collina on the shores of the Como Lake, Italy. Building on the successful previous edition, the academy will offer scientific reflection and discourse on key legal and policy issues in European and World food law as well as information and updates on the latest developments. This will be achieved through a dynamic, informal and highly interactive five-day programme, which includes lectures, presentations, discussion groups and social activities. The faculty of the academy consists of food experts coming from relevant authorities, European and US institutions, academia, legal practice and the industry.

Speakers

Alberto ALEMANNO Associate Professor of Law HEC, Paris

David BYRNE S.C. Former EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection

Dirk DETKEN Head of the Units Legal & Policy, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

Marsha A. ECHOLS, Director of the World Food Law Institute, Washington D.C.

André EVERS, Food and Veterinary Office, European Commission

Andreas KADI, Chief Science Officer, Red Bull GmbH

Susanne KETTLER, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Director, Coca-Cola Company

Vittorio SILANO, Chair of the Scientific Committee, European Food Safety Authority

 

Topics

 The summer academy will cover main aspects of the law and policy of food regulation. Thereby, it will give a broad overview on the subject from a legal as well as a public policy point of view. In particular, it will discuss on the following:

- The global and international food regulation (WTO, SPS/Codex Alimentarius, WHO/FAO)

- The State of Play of WTO trade disputes (Hormones II, COOL, Australia Apples, EC-Poultry) and EU Food regulation (Food Supplements, enriched foodstuffs, novel food and Food Improvement Agents Package)

- The emergence of private standards
- Food quality and labelling issues

- The new challenges facing EFSA (Health Claims; Animal Cloning; Safety and claims of botanical) and its relationships with US FDA/USDA

- The risk analysis framework as applied in the food regulation sector

- The system of official controls
- Data sharing, protection and compensation in pre-market approval regimes

 

Please apply no later than May 30, 2010.

Further information, please visit: http://www.lexxion.de/2nd-effl-academy/ 

IFLR's New Search Story Video

Reminder: Food Labeling Workshop at MSU July 28-29

Institute for Food Laws & Regulations
	» Hurry, registration is limited Food Labeling Workshop   July 28-29, 2010   ·   Lansing, Michigan This workshop presents the FDA requirements for US food labeling.  The workshop format and materials are designed to provide a user-friendly approach for those new to food labeling and also provide a thorough system and reference for those experienced with food label design and review.  The workshop format allows time for questions. The focus is practical, and students are encouraged to bring problem labels for hands-on review.     For more information, click here. Early bird discount (by May 14, 2008):  $895 Register Online or Download a Registration Form (PDF)    Free Bonus Workshop participants will receive the Guide to U.S. Food Labeling Law (Vol. I) by Peter Barton Hutt, Esq. The Guide provides practical guidance and expert advice on FDA, FTC, and USDA labeling requirements in plain English. The Guide is an invaluable resource for regulatory officials, industry personnel, and anyone reviewing food labels.  The Instructors Neal Fortin, is Professor and Director of the Institute for Food Laws & Regulations, Michigan State University.  His law practice experience concentrated on food law, labeling, ingredient evaluation, advertising, legislation, and administrative law. Professor Fortin also has 20 years experience in food regulatory work with the state of Michigan, including being the primary drafter of Michigan Food Law of 2000.  He has trained more than 1,500 people on the labeling law.  Constance Henry, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  James E. Hoadley is a senior consultant with EAS Consultant Group. In Dr. Hoadley's 20-year FDA career he served ten years a Senior Regulatory Scientist in the Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling and Dietary Supplements (ONPLDS) with primary responsibilities in food label claim regulations. Dr. Hoadley has been directly involved in the scientific review and drafting of authorizing regulation, or denials, of nearly all health claim petitions received by CFSAN over the last decade. Dr. Hoadley has received the CFSAN Distinguished Career Service Award.  John Spink is the Director of the Packaging for Food and Product Protection Initiative at Michigan State University (MSU) and a faculty at the MSU School of Packaging. John developed and teaches the graduate classes “Packaging for Food Safety” and “Food Protection & Defense – Packaging Module”, and the “Future of Sustainability.” IFLR Internet Courses International Food Laws and Regulations Food Regulation in the United States Food Regulation in the European Union Food Regulation in Latin America Food Regulation in Canada Codex Alimentarius (The Food Code) IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention) Food Regulation in Asia New Summer Course Offering:  Animal Health, World Trade, and Food Safety (OIE)  Learn more about IFLR at: www.IFLR.msu.edu or call (517) 355-8295       Email: IFLR@msu.edu                       Telephone: (517) 355-8295 Fax: (517) 432-1492                        web: www.IFLR.msu.edu    Institute for Food Laws and Regulation Michigan State University, 140 G.M. Trout Building, East Lansing, MI 48824

 If you would like to be sure of receiving future IFLR announcements:
Subscribe to the IFLR mailing list

New IFLR Icon for Your iPhone

Add the Institute for Food Laws & Regulations (IFLR) icon to your iPhone or iPod screen!  It will look like this, only smaller. 

Just browse to our website: www.IFLR.msu.edu, tap the “plus” button at the bottom of your screen, tap “Add to Home Screen.”  You can edit the name to be shorter (for example, “IFLR”).

Hat tip to Dan Dickinson.

New Summer Course: Animal Heath, World Trade, and Food Safety

Animal Heath, World Trade, and Food Safety, a 3-credit hour online course at Michigan State University is offered this summer. This course is designed for anyone interested in the global animal health situation and its relationship to international trade in animals and animal products.  The course is offered at both the undergraduate and graduate level or can be taken as a workshop. The lead instructor for this course is Dr. Scott Haskell. He is joined by a number of distinguished guest instructors from the OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health), the World Trade Organization (WTO), The World Bank, former Chief Veterinary Officers and other highly qualified experts from government services and academia. 

More information is available here. This course is one in a series of Internet-based, food law courses comprising our International Food Law Certificate Program at Michigan State University.

Connecting with MSU through Social Networks

The Institute for Food Laws & Regulations (IFLR) has a page on Facebook.

You can follow IFLR on Twitter.

For more MSU social networks, visit the web page of MSU social networks.

Proposed Free Speech About Science Act of 2010

Peter M. Jaensch, in his blog post Proposed Food Labeling Changes May be Hard for Pharmaceuticals to Swallow,  provides a snapshot introduced H.R. 4913 – the Free Speech About Science Act of 2010, which would amend the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) to expand disease and health-related claims in the labeling of some foods and dietary supplements. The bill would also add a new subsection to FD&C Act to permit certain claims "to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure, or prevent a specific disease or class of diseases" in labeling for dietary supplements. These changes, Jaensch notes, "would permit food and dietary supplement manufacturers to make claims similar to those typically made for drug products, without subjecting them to the same degree of oversight or requiring the same depth of scientific analysis."

FDA Webinar on FDA's Inspection Process

On Thursday, March 25, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. ET, FDA experts will host a 30-minute online session and invite questions from the public on how FDA conducts inspections. For more information: Upcoming Webinar on FDA's Inspection Process

Workshop: Taking Charge - Strategies for Success in Academia

This free workshop from the Graduate School is presented by Dr. Greg Lambeth from the University of Illinois. For graduate students, postdocs and new faculty interested in developing strategies to become more effective in managing multiple projects.  Friday, April 16, 2010, 9:00am to Noon, Room 6 Student Services Building.  Registration is required. To register e-mail gradwrsp@msu.edu with your name, department, e-mail address, and the name/date of the workshop.  Space is limited.  Participants should bring a pencil or pen to the workshops.

Public Health Consequences of Climate Change Funding Opportunity

CDC’s Global Climate Change Program in the National Center for Environmental Health has announced a funding opportunity to build the capacity of state health departments, U.S. Territories, and Native American Tribal Health agencies to address the public health consequences of climate change and its implications on human health. The award is entitled “Developing Public Health Capacity and Adaptations to Reduce Human Health Effects of Climate Change” (CDC-RFA-EH10-1006); applications must be received by April 19, 2010. For more information, please visit here.

 

 

Soda Tax and Health

The March issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine features "Food Price and Diet and Health Outcomes: 20 Years of the CARDIA Study" by Kiyah J. Duffey and others. The authors’ findings suggest that policies which increase the price of sugary drinks, like a soda tax, may influence Americans to eat a healthier diet. To download the article, please visit here.

 

Public Health Law Seminars

In partnership with the American Society of Law, Medicine and Ethics (ASMLE), the Public Health Law Association (PHLA) is offering a series of “Virtual Seminars” beginning March 16.  These free, brief seminars, conducted via teleconference and lasting no more than 30 minutes, will provide public health lawyers, practitioners, students, and others an opportunity to learn about and discuss emerging public health law issues with select experts in the field. For more information, please visit here.

 

 

Michael Pollan at Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University

Michael Pollan at Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University April 12.

Seminar : "Feeding the People and Maintaining the Planet" April 22

 “Feeding the People and Maintaining the Planet:  Meeting the Challenges by 2050.”

Jason Clay, Senior Vice President, World Wildlife Fund

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Reception @ 5:00 pm; Seminar from 5:30 – 6:45 pm

147 Communication Arts Building, Michigan State University

RSVP, Jennifer Patterson at patter34@anr.msu.edu by THURSDAY April 15.

We live on a finite planet. WWF’s Living Planet Index suggests that we are currently at 1.3 planets, exceeding the Earth’s carrying capacity. By almost any measure, producing food has the largest impact of any human activity. Most estimates suggest that we will need to produce twice as many calories on the same amount of land we use today if we want to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem functions. We know that what may be sustainable with 6.7 billion people will not be sustainable with 9 billion people, and that no single strategy will be sufficient to address this issue. WWF is implementing a strategy with the 100 global companies that are the most important in changing the way we produce 15 key commodities. We help companies and producers align incentives throughout supply chains to ensure long-term partnerships. WWF has identified 10 “food wedges” that will allow us to produce enough food for all and still have a living planet. These strategies focus on genetics, target crops, better practices, rehabilitation of degraded land, technology, property rights, waste and post harvest losses, overconsumption, and carbon. These strategies will allow us to increase food production while simultaneously reducing its footprint.

Seminar: Conversation about our food future, Monday March 29

Why Animal Agriculture Needs Technology

 Mr. Jeffrey N. Simmons

 Monday, March 29, 2010,

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

 1240 Anthony Hall (H. Allen Tucker Seminar Room)

Note: Seating is limited to 90 individuals.
Please RSVP with Faye Watson (cotton@msu.edu or call 517-353-3174).

To learn more about the seminar topic, see Mr. Simmons’ white paper on the importance of technology to feed the world @ http://www.dairycast.com/food-economics-and-consumer-choice. Mr. Simmons is President of Elanco Animal Health.  Elanco is a global, innovation-driven company that develops and markets products to improve animal health and protein production in more than 75 countries. Elanco employs more than 2,300 people worldwide, with offices in more than 40 countries, and is a division of Eli Lilly and Company, a leading global pharmaceutical corporation.

Seminar: A conversation about our food future, Tuesday April 6

Size Matters: Why We Love to Hate  “Big Food” 

Charlie Arnot, Founder, CMA

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

 Reception @ 5:00 pm

Seminar from 5:30 – 6:45 pm

 1345 Engineering Building, Michigan State University

 RSVP, Jennifer Patterson at patter34@anr.msu.edu by Thursday April 1.

 Consumers and food system critics are raising important questions about whether today’s food system is worthy of their trust.  A public generationally and geographically removed from farming is no longer confident that those involved in food production share their values.  The voices questioning food system practices are growing in number, volume, and impact.  In this session, Charlie Arnot will explore why we love to hate “big food” and provide a unique perspective on creating support for a food system that is the ethical choice for people, animals, and the planet.

Conference on consumer and regulatory acceptance of functional foods

An US and EU Conference entitled "Consumer and Regulatory Acceptance of Functional Foods: Implications for Innovation" will be held in Fermoy Co. Cork, Ireland on March 12th 2010. The schedule for the event is available here.  Registration details are available here.

Lifelong education enrollment status allows students to pursue an education at any time, in any place

This article from The State News on the MSU Lifelong Education Program features an Institute for Food Laws & Regulations (IFLR)  student.

Seminar: Molecular studies on the transmission of the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes

Martin Wiedmann, Associate Professor in the Department of Food Science at Cornell University, will be presenting a talk entitled "Molecular studies on the transmission of the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes: from environmental persistence to human outbreaks" on Wednesday, March 3rd  at 4 pm in room 1135 S. Anthony Hall, Michigan State University.  Dr. Wiedmann is an internationally renowned authority on Listeria monocytogenes.  He serves as co-coordinator of the Cornell Food and Water Safety Program, and he participates in the Infection and Pathobiology Program and the Cornell Genomics Initiative.  His research focuses on the molecular pathogenesis, ecology, epidemiology, evolution, and transmission of bacterial and foodborne diseases with a particular focus on Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella.  Please see his biosketch at
http://foodscience.cornell.edu/cals/foodsci/research/labs/wiedmann/m-wiedmann-bio.cfm

Seminar: Bacteriophages: New Indicators of Microbial Food and Water Quality

Lawrence Goodridge, Associate Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University, will present a talk entitled "Bacteriophages: New Indicators of Microbial Food and Water Quality" on Wednesday, February 24th at 4 pm in room 1135 S. Anthony Hall.  Dr. Goodridge is a well-known and well-respected food microbiologist whose research interests include the genetic determinants of antibiotic and sanitizer resistance in bacteria isolated from food production animals, novel diagnostics and methods for minimizing foodborne pathogen contamination, with a specific focus on the development of detection methods and prophylaxis for Escherichia coli O157:H7.  Please see his biosketch at http://ansci.colostate.edu/content/view/137/66/

Seminar on Global Opportunities for Michigan Food Industries

On Thursday, February 18, 2010, from 8:00 - 11:30 a.m. at the Van Andel Global Trade Center at Grand Valley State University: Global Opportunities for Michigan Food Industries

Michigan is an important producer and exporter of agricultural products and machinery. From 2006 to 2009, Michigan agricultural products exports’ average growth is 29%. Measured as exports divided by farm cash receipts, the State’s reliance on agricultural exports is around 20%. World demand for our agricultural products is increasing, but so is competition among suppliers. This program will provide tools and resources for companies tapping into foreign markets.

More information here.

Jorge Cham Event for graduate students, professional students, post-docs, and faculty

Piled Higher and Deeper at Michigan State
Jorge Cham, Author of PhD Comics
Friday, February 19, 2010
6:00-7:30pm
College of Business - N13

Jorge Cham, author of PhD Comics is presenting his incredibly popular and entertaining lecture about "life or the lack thereof" in graduate school. It's happening at 6:00pm in the College of Business' large auditorium (N130). Afterwards dinner is on us, along with the opportunity to meet Jorge and some of the amazing organizations and resources available to graduate students, professional students, and post-docs at Michigan State. Mark your calendar and we will see you there!

For more information visit http://www.grad.msu.edu/wellness

MEHA Annual Education Conference

The Michigan Environmental Health Association is hosting the 66th Annual Educational Conference in Bay City, March 24, 25 & 26, 2010.

 

"The Omnivores' Trifecta": Bawden Seminar Announcement

“The Omnivores’ Trifecta”:

Agriculture, Food and Health

and the Systemic Relationships between them

 

Dr. Richard Bawden

Systemic Development Institute, Australia

 

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

 

Reception @ 5:00 pm

Seminar from 5:30 – 6:45 pm

 

338 Natural Resources Building

 

 

RSVP, Jennifer Patterson at patter34@anr.msu.edu by Tuesday noon.

 

More than a dozen years have slipped by since Ernest Boyer called for the academy to become ‘a more vigorous partner in the search for answers to our most pressing social, civic, economic and moral problems.’ A major reason for the enduring reluctance of universities to heed that call lies with the inherent messiness, complexity, uncertainty and inter-connectedness of the ‘pressing problems’ of the day. The academic tradition is to reduce issues down to their component parts in ways that reflect disciplinary focuses that ignore systemic investigations into crucial inter-connections between those parts. There are few better examples here than the messy complexity and multi-dimensionality of the inter-relationships between agriculture, food and human health: ‘The Omnivores’ Trifecta.’ There are many issues here that demand urgent and critical attention in all of their systemic messiness. So what to do?

 

Dr. Richard Bawden is a Founding Director and Fellow of the Systemic Development Institute in Australia. He is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Western Sydney and currently an adjunct professor at Michigan State University. Between 2000 and 2007 he was a Visiting Distinguished University Professor at Michigan State University. Prior to that appointment he spent 20 years at Hawkesbury Agricultural College, which was incorporated into the University of Western Sydney (UWS) in 1989. From 1978 to 1993 he was Dean of Agriculture and Rural Development and was appointed Professor of Systemic Development in 1989 at the establishment of UWS.

 

This “conversation about our food future” is co-sponsored by

 

Sustainable Michigan Endowed Project

W.K. Kellogg Endowed Chair in Food, Agriculture and Community Ethics

Collage of Agriculture & Natural Resources

 

Food Systems and Public Health

In December 2009, the Journal of Hunger and Environmental Nutrition released a
special issue, "Food Systems and Public Health: Linkages to Achieve Healthier
Diets and Healthier Communities." The publication presents papers from the
April 2009 conference of the same name, and includes policy-relevant research
and actionable recommendations. The objectives of the conference were to
convene a multidisciplinary team of experts interested in food systems and
public health, identify research opportunities and foster interdisciplinary
research collaborations. More than 100 leading researchers and practitioners
nationwide from the health, nutrition, obesity and health policy arenas-along
with those from the sustainable agriculture, economics and agriculture policy
sectors-participated in the discussion.

The issue was co-edited by Mary Story, PhD, RD, director of Healthy Eating
Research; Michael Hamm, PhD, Michigan State University; and David Wallinga, MD,
Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy.

The 289-page publication is available free online here.

Learning the Lingo: MSU Workshop Series for Academic Writing

Take part in The Michigan State University Writing Center's workshop series! The fall line-up includes:

MSU, the Writing Center, and You: An Introduction to Using the Writing Center (9/24) -Do you want to know more about the Writing Center before you decide to make an appointment? This session will tell you all you need to know about being a Writing Center client and how to be most successful in your sessions.

Grappling with the GRE: Preparing for the Writing Component of the GRE (10/8) - The GRE is stressful, but if you want to get into graduate school, you usually have to take it. This workshop will help you prepare for the written portion of the GRE by showing you what to expect and some strategies on how to excel (or at least survive).

Plan, Research, Write, Repeat: A Workshop on Writing Processes (11/5) - Knowledge of yourself as a writer is essential to successful academic writing. In this interactive workshop, contemplate and share your own writing processes and receive new ideas for ways to approach writing.
The Joys of Citation: An MLA/APA Workshop (11/12) - Learning how to use a citation style can be very confusing.The manuals can be difficult to read and websites can be hard to navigate. This session will help you learn how to decipher these citation styles.

All workshops are scheduled to take place on Thursdays from 4:00-6:00PM in The Writing Center, 300 Bessey Hall. To sign up for one or all of our workshops or if you have questions, please email Elena Adkins at adkinse1@msu.edu. To register for a workshop, please include the subject line "Workshop Series" and include your name as well as the name of the workshop in your message.

More information here: http://bit.ly/7rp1Q1

Seminar: Why Food Laws Matter (Jan. 19)

Professor Neal Fortin will be presenting a seminar, "Why Food Laws Matter," in room 206 Trout FSHN building, Michigan State University, Tuesday, January 19 at 12:40-1:30 PM.

IFT and FDA New Report on Food Product Tracing

A report summarizing the findings of a mock trace-back/trace forward exercise commissioned by the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition was released by IFT. “The mock trace-back/trace forward exercise was able to show there is potential to expedite trace-backs by visualizing supply chains to find points of commonality based on data availability, capture, and readiness.  The exercise also showed the value of collaboration to reach a shared goal and the need for standardization of data elements and interoperability necessary for trace-back/trace forward investigations.” The report and additional materials are accessible at www.ift.org/traceability.

 

Human health and climate change (1/14/2010)

On January 14, the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station is sponsoring a seminar by Dr. Howard Frumkin, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, titled “Human health and climate change.” The talk is on Thursday, January 14, 2010, from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. at the Union Building, Michigan State University.  A networking reception will follow the talk.

Howard Frumkin, MD, DrPH, is Director of the National Center for Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He is an internist, environmental and occupational medicine specialist, and epidemiologist. Dr. Frumkin's interests include: building healthy communities, the health consequences of global climate change, and the mitigation of health disparities.

Please register for this talk at http://www.espp.msu.edu/reg/speakers.php or e-mail RSVPESPP@msu.edu.

Research-Based Effectiveness in Online Education (12/16)

Dr. Catherine Cavanaugh, College of Education, University of Florida, will present the seminar, “Research-Based Effectiveness in Online Education: Meta-Analyses and Implications for Practice,” on Wednesday, December 16^th, 10:00-11:30 am, in 133F Erickson Hall, Michigan State University.

Dr. Cavanaugh has been a national leader in research on online learning and has published influential meta-analyses on the determinants of quality in online education in K-12 and higher education. In this presentation she will discuss what her research has revealed about predictors of quality outcomes and discuss designs for research on quality in online learning. More information about her research and teaching is available at her website:

http://education.ufl.edu/faculty/cathycavanaugh/  and http://education.ufl.edu/faculty/cathycavanaugh/research.htm

Larry Busch presents: Standard & Society: Recipe for Reality (12/11)

Reminder…   Tomorrow, December 11, is Dr. Lawrence Busch’s, ‘Standards & Society: Recipe for Reality’ workshop at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center in Conference Room 102. The morning will begin at 8:30 with coffee & tea then at 9:00, Dr. Busch will present an overview of his recent work on standards, along with an opportunity for discussion & a more in-depth engagement with a number of IFAS researchers.

Meeting the Demand for Biofuels: Implications for Land Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Seminar Dec. 3

The Michigan State University Department of Agricultural, Food, And Resource Economics is sponsoring a seminar by Madhu Khanna, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, "Meeting the Demand for Biofuels: Implications for Land Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions".

When:  Thursday, December 3, 2009, 3:30-5:00 pm.

Where:  Room 75 Agriculture Hall

Speaker:  Madhu Khanna, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

A presentation abstract can be found at:  http://aec.msu.edu/seminars/seminar_list09_10.htm

M. Khanna's CV can be found at:  http://www.ace.illinois.edu/viewfaculty.aspx?netid=khanna1

Talking to F. Xavier Medina
(Click here for interview in Spanish)

Academic and program director of the Food Systems, Culture and Society program, International Institute of Graduate Studies of the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC).
Click here for English translation

Lawrence Busch, "Standards and Society: Recipes for Reality"

The Institute for Food & Agricultural Standards (IFAS) at Michigan State University presents Dr. Lawrence Busch giving a seminar titled, “Standards & Society: Recipes for Reality.”  This event will be held Friday morning, December 11 from 9:00-12:00 in the Kellogg Center, Room 102.  Coffee at 8:30.  Dr. Lawrence Busch is the Professor of Standards and Society, Lancaster University, United Kingdom, and University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University.

What do apples, laptops, climate change, banking, surgeons, universities, automobiles, information technologies, and health care have in common?  They all involve the design, implementation, and enforcement of standards.  At first glance these standards appear to be technical details that, while essential, are of concern only to specialists.  But standards are also a form of power – the power to set the rules we must follow, or options among which we must choose.  Until a century ago, most standards were used to standardize, to make things the same.  Today, partly in response to the shift to neoliberal, market-based governance, standards are used strategically by nations, companies, and private voluntary organizations.  They are used in conflicting ways to differentiate among products, processes, and people. 

This workshop will provide an overview of Dr. Lawrence Busch’s recent work on standards, along with opportunities for discussion and more in-depth engagement with a number of IFAS researchers. Larry’s forthcoming book “shows us how standards are recipes for reality that may lead us down another road to serfdom or enhance democracy and social justice.”  The workshop will begin with a presentation from Dr. Busch, summarizing some key elements of the book. After the break, short reaction presentations on the manuscript’s development of links to ethics and to social justice will kick off an additional hour of discussion and exploration of key themes. 

Dr. Busch has promised that he will not sing.

Funds for this workshop have been provided by the W. K. Chair in Agricultural, Food and Community Ethics at Michigan State University. There is no fee for attendance, but space is limited. Please RSVP to Mrs. Amy Rusnell, Institute for Food and Agricultural Standards, MSU: rusnell@msu.edu

Inside the FDA: Q&A With David Acheson

Conversations with Dr. David Acheson, former Associate Commissioner of Foods at the FDA by Helena Bottemiller (Nov 23-24, 2009).

PART I: On agency turf battles, the shift between the Bush and Obama administrations, and the politics of regulating the food supply.

PART II: On the pending food safety legislation, the impact on small farmers, and the agency's capacity to inspect the food supply.

 

Sustainability, Discounting and Cooperation: The Need for New Institutions

Simon A. Levin will present the Rachel Carson Distinguished Lecture on Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 3:30 pm. The seminar is titled, "Sustainability, Discounting and Cooperation: The Need for New Institutions," and is located in the Michigan State University, Packaging School Building, PAC 100 (Auditorium). Reception follows.

Dr. Levin is an ecologist and environmental scientist. He is the George M. Moffett Professor of Biology in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University. Dr. Levin has received numerous highly prestigious honors and awards, such as membership of the National Academy of Sciences, Kyoto Prize in Basic Sciences, Dr A. H. Heineken Prize for Environmental Sciences, first Okubo Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Distinguished Scientist Award from the American Institute of Biological Sciences. He is also receiving an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science from Michigan State University on December 11th.

The Rachel Carson Distinguished Lecture Series is organized by the Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability (www.csis.msu.edu), Department of Fisheries and Wildlife with support from the National Science Foundation; Office of the President; Office of the Provost; Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies; Graduate School; Environ-mental Science and Policy Program; College of Agricultural and Natural Resources; Michigan Agricultural Experimental Station; Center for Water Sciences; Sustainable Michigan Endowed Project; Science, Technology, Environment, and Public Policy Specialization; and Elton R. Smith Endowment.

Trade and the Environment

John Hoehn will present the seminar at the Agricultural, Food, & Resource Economics (AFRE) Brown Bag at Michigan State University, Tuesday, December 1st, Noon - 1:00pm, 75 Agriculture Hall.  The seminar is titled, “Trade and the Environment.”

Google legal research is free!

Google launched a free online case law search system available through Google Scholar (select scholar as search option, then legal cases). Of course, it's not LEXIS or Westlaw, but it is surprisingly comprehensive and robust. Every citation is hyperlinked to the full text of the opinion cited. It looks like a great tool for preliminary research. One announcement is here.

Food Safety, Security and Sources

A Consumer Issues Conference was held September 24 & 25, 2009, titled, “Food Safety, Security and Sources: A Recipe for Tough Times” at the

University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming. Audio recordings from Conference sessions are available here and on the University of Wyoming’s iTunes U section (reached by going here > public access > Cooperative Extension Service).

Are Cows Comfortable Being Milked by Robots?

Jackie Jacobs will present a seminar titled "Automatic Milking Systems Could be the Future of Milking for North American Dairy Farms:  But are Cows Comfortable Being Milked by Robots?" in 1310 Anthony Hall, Michigan State University, at 12:40 pm on Thursday, November 19. Come early (12:30) as snacks will be provided.  All are welcome.

Ensuring Global Food Safety

Ensuring Global Food Safety: Exploring Global Harmonization, edited by Christine E. Boisrobert et al., is now published. Professor Fortin, Director of the Institute for Food Laws & Regulations (IFLR), wrote a chapter in the book. You can find out more here.

Using Loopholes to Reveal the Marginal Cost of Regulation

Soren Anderson will present the seminar at the Agricultural, Food, & Resource Economics (AFRE) Brown Bag at Michigan State University, Tuesday, November 17th, Noon - 1:00pm, 75 Agriculture Hall.  The seminar is titled, “Using Loopholes to Reveal the Marginal Cost of Regulation: The Case of Fuel-Economy Standards”

Researchers in economics sought for "Fiscal Federalism" and "Cities and Innovation"

At IEB (Institut d’Economia de Barcelona), the research programs “Fiscal Federalism” (Heads: Albert Solé-Ollé & Núria Bosch-Roca) and “Cities and Innovation” (Heads: Prof. Elisabet Viladecans-Marsal & Prof. José García-Quevedo) at the IEB, we are seeking 3 junior researchers in economics.  The concrete tasks associated to the positions are: (i) Writing and publishing her own research papers; (ii) Support in the management of the IEB’s events and publications; (iii) A limited amount of teaching. Web Site:  http://www.ieb.ub.edu

Obama in Asia: The First Pacific President Attends APEC Summit

From Obama Foodorama, a nice report on President Obama’s arrival last night in Singapore and attendance at the Gala Dinner at the APEC Summit. “Last night, President ending leaders were given traditional garb for the dinner, and had a choice between red shirts and blue. President Obama, of course, chose blue. APEC is the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, and has 21 member countries. One of the primary goals of this week's meeting is the development of a region-wide free trade area, which would account for half the world's imports and exports if it becomes a reality. During meetings over the past few days, leaders have been discussing ending all restrictions on food trade, which is a huge percentage of the economic pie. It's also something that is problematic, in part due to food safety problems . . .”

Above, at dinner: President Obama with, from left, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Japan's Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, China's President Hu Jintao, New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key, Mexico's President Felipe Calderon

Making it in Michigan conference

The third annual Making It in Michigan Conference, hosted by the Michigan State University Product Center, will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 11 at the Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing.

 

Founded in 2003, the MSU Product Center helps Michigan entrepreneurs develop and commercialize high-value, consumer-responsive products and businesses in the agriculture, natural resources and bioeconomy sectors. The center’s statewide network of innovation counselors provides business counseling support to Michigan residents interested in starting or expanding a business or product line

This is how Europe operates when it comes to food safety

The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has published an EU Food Safety Almanac, which briefly describes the state structures of food and feed safety in 30 European states. "Smooth cooperation between the state players in Europe strengthens food safety. If the stakeholders and structures in the European countries are known to all those concerned, then we will be able to work together even more effectively and avoid the duplication of work", says Professor Dr. Dr. Andreas Hensel.

The EU Food Safety Almanac (German and English) can be downloaded free-of-charge here on the BfR website.

Seminar: "The Partnership Solution to the Common Property Problem: An Experimental Test of the Theory"

Stephen Salant, Professor of Economics, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, will be speaking on Friday, November 6, 2009, 3:30-5:00 pm, in the Koo Room, Marshall-Adams Hall, Michigan State University. The title of his talk is  "The Partnership Solution to the Common Property Problem: An Experimental Test of the Theory”.

 

 

Thesis Defense: "The acute effects of nutrition and exercise on cognitive function and brain activation in an aging population"

On Tuesday, November 3rd, Natalie Stein will present her thesis defense entitled, “The acute effects of nutrition and exercise on cognitive function and brain activation in an aging population,” at 12:40 pm in room 206 Trout Food Science and Human Nutrition.

Seminar: Competency-Based Training Programs for Global Food Safety Professionals, October 27

The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Michigan State University is sponsoring a seminar by Les Bourquin, "Competency-Based Training Programs for Global Food Safety Professionals,” in room 206 Trout Building, Michigan State University, on Tuesday, 12:40-1:30 PM, October 27.

Other upcoming talks in this series include the following:

·         November : 3    Natalie Stein, “The acute effects of nutrition and exercise on cognitive function and brain activation in an aging population." (Thesis Defense)

·         November:  17  Kate Claycombe, "Obesity-associated adipose tissue inflammation: Role of anti-inflammatory nutrients"

·         November: 24   Norm Hord, “Nitrates and nitrites in plant foods:  physiological rationale for potential health benefits”

"Biofuels and OPEC"

A seminar by David Zilberman, Professor, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California at Berkeley, Biofuels and OPEC, will be presented Friday, October 16, 2009, 12:00 noon - 1:00 pm., Room 75 Agriculture Hall, Michigan State University. Dr. Zilberman's bio information can be found at:  http://www.professorzilberman.com/. Sponsored by the Michigan State University Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics.

Seminar: Gregory Jaffe, “Who's Watching What You Eat? Domestic and International Challenges to Regulating Genetically Engineered Foods”

Gregory Jaffe

Director, Biotechnology Project

Center for Science in the Public Interest

Washington, DC

“Who's Watching What You Eat? Domestic and International Challenges to Regulating Genetically Engineered Foods”

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Castle Board Room
MSU Law College Building

3:00 – 4:00 P.M.

Faculty, Staff, Students, and Guests

Welcomed to Attend – No Charge

Sponsored by the

Michigan State University

Journal of Medicine and Law and

Institute for Food Laws & Regulations

Symposium: Navigating the Global Food System in a New Era

June 19 - 22, 2010, in Boston USA, will be the 20th Annual World Forum and Symposium of the International Agribusiness Management Association, “Navigating the Global Food System in a New Era."  More information is available here.

MSU's new Michigan Export Growth Program helping companies go global

Michigan Export Growth Program Kick-Off
October 13, 2009 - Michigan State University

Local companies are invited to a breakfast meeting to learn more about the Michigan Export Growth Program (MEGP), and how they can benefit from this innovative new program.

Location: Henry Center
Cost: Free
Contact: Sarah Singer, singersm@msu.edu

MSU’s new Michigan Export Growth Program helping companies go global

New International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI) Website

IFPTI has launched a new website at www.ifpti.org to provide information about IFPTI, training information and course announcements, a calendar of events, links to our partner organizations, and a blog which features the latest news featuring the Institute.