Health - Latest Experts' Content

“Deadline Looms for Rules About School Vending, Snack Fare”

"Make it a temporary rule, says Jessica Donze Black, director of the Pew Health Group's Kids' Safe & Healthful Foods Project, but just make it by June 30 and adjust it after schools have a chance to see how things work out."

“Don’t let new school junk food rules get derailed”

"Imagine this: You are a 15 year-old standing in front of a school vending machine, getting ready to satisfy the snack craving you've had since first period. But lo and behold, instead of cookies and chips, every one of the slots behind the glass contains the same healthy stuff your mom and dad fill the cabinets with at home."

Letter from Pew to CMS Regarding Physician Payments Sunshine Act

Prescription project director Danny Carlat identifies issues with the Physician Payments Sunshine Act requiring further clarification and guidance. Addressing those would ensure that manufacturers can appropriately implement the final rule, and enable consumers to benefit from transparency reports published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Letter from Pew to FDA on Postmarket Surveillance Plan

FDA recently updated the national medical device postmarket surveillance plan – listing device identification and registries as the cornerstones for effective product monitoring. In this letter, medical devices director Josh Rising applauds the agency for making unique device identifiers and registries central to this plan.

''Senate Panel Approves Tighter Oversight of Compounding Pharmacies, but Bill is Under Fire''

Public health and consumer advocacy groups are attacking Senate legislation designed to tighten oversight of specialized pharmacies such as the one at the center of this past fall’s deadly meningitis outbreak, saying it does not adequately address health risks.

Bibliography on Antibiotic Resistance and Food Animal Production

This bibliography lists the latest published scientific and economic literature concerning the contribution of routine antibiotic use in food animals to the growing public health crisis of human antibiotic resistance. Research on how antibiotic use in food animal production contributes to the growing health crisis of antibiotic resistance dates back more than 30 years.

''Rep. Bob Latta's Plan to Thwart Fake Drugs Passes House of Representatives Committee''

An Ohio legislator’s plan to establish a nationwide prescription drug tracking system to protect patients from fake drugs was approved by the House Commerce Committee.

''Drug Manufacturer Agrees to $500 Million Penalty''

''A subsidiary of India's largest pharmaceutical company has agreed to pay a record $500 million in fines and penalties for selling adulterated drugs and lying to federal regulators in a case that is part of an ongoing crackdown on the quality of generic drugs flowing into the U.S."

''Community Pharmacies Will Now Back Supply Chain Legislation''

"As differing bills for securing the pharmaceutical supply chain wind their way through the US House and Senate, a key hurdle to passing legislation may have just been cleared. Earlier this week, the National Community Pharmacists Association – which is a member of an influential industry coalition that has been floating its own proposals – is now willing to back either bill."

Pew Testimony on the Safety of Compounding Pharmacies

The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions held a hearing on May 9 entitled "Pharmaceutical Compounding: Proposed Legislative Solution." Pew's Allan Coukell, a pharmacist and drug safety expert, testified on the need to strengthen oversight of the compounding industry.

''Budget Cuts Won't Reduce Food Safety Inspections''

"The Food and Drug Administration will not reduce food inspections because of budget cuts, despite warning earlier that it could be forced to eliminate thousands of inspections by Sept. 30."

''Bipartisan Bill Would Pay for School Kitchen Upgrades, Equipment''

Jessica Donze Black, director of the Pew Kids' Safe & Healthful Foods Project, speaks with Education Week about a bipartisan bill that would provide money for school kitchen upgrades.

''Pre-Ordering School Lunches Steer Kids To Healthier Meal Choices''

Jessica Donze Black, project director for Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project, is featured in Time magazine article about healthy school lunches.

''Latham Renews Quest to Upgrade School Kitchens''

"Recent changes to the federal school lunch program require more fresh fruits and vegetables to be served, but many schools in Iowa and across the country lack the fridge space needed to store large quantities of fresh produce, the Republican lawmaker said."

Pew Applauds Reps. Latham and McIntyre for Leadership to Make School Foods Healthier

Jessica Donze Black, Pew’s expert on childhood nutrition, issued the following statement on the School Food Modernization Act.

Pew Comments on Draft Recommendations for Meaningful Use, Stage 3

The Pew Charitable Trusts submitted comments on preliminary recommendations regarding Stage 3 meaningful use objectives and standards for electronic health records (EHRs) to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. These comments follow remarks at recent meetings of the Health Information Technology (HIT) Policy Committee and HIT Standards Committee.

''Health Impact Assessments Take on Broader Role in Cities and States''

Aaron Wernham, director of the Health Impact Project discusses the benefits of health impact assessments in this edition of Governing.

New Projects Bringing Health Considerations into Education, Energy Policy, and Other Decisions

The Health Impact Project announced eight new grant recipients that will receive funding to conduct health impact assessments, or HIAs. The projects will bring health considerations into upcoming decisions on topics including education, sanitation infrastructure, and energy. The grantees were selected based on their response to a national call for proposals.

The Rise of HIAs in the United States

The field of health impact assessments is growing quickly as more and more cities and states are finding HIAs to be a useful way to bring health ino the conversation. View the infographic for more information about the rise of HIAs in the United States.

''Need to Know: Medical Devices''

The PBS program "Need to Know" devoted a portion of their March 22 program to discuss medical devices. Joining host Jeff Greenfield on the program was Pew's Dr. Josh Rising, project director of the medical devices initiative at The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Mr. President: Make Imported Food Safe

The Obama administration has taken an important step by releasing the draft rules central to implementing the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), but it must do more. Important draft regulations focused on the safety of imported foods are still awaiting release. These rules are especially important since about two-thirds of fruits and vegetables and 80 percent of seafood consumed in the United States come from abroad.

Pew Commends Senators Gillibrand and Feinstein for Working to Shine Light on Antibiotics Practices

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee today adopted the Animal Drug User Fee Act, which failed to include provisions from Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) that would improve the Food and Drug Administration's annual reporting of antibiotic sales for use on industrial farms.

Funding Available in Minnesota to Identify Health Opportunities, Risks of Upcoming Decisions

The Health Impact Project announces a request for proposals (RFP) that will fund three grants of up to $100,000 each to identify and address potential health impacts of an upcoming decision in each of their communities or state through the use of health impact assessments (HIA).

''Construction That Focuses on Health of Residents''

The New York Times interviews Aaron Wernham, project director for the Health Impact Project, about the growing field of health impact assessments.

''The Loophole That Keeps Precarious Medical Devices in Use''

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced last month that it will classify metal-on-metal hip implants as high-risk devices. That comes after the artificial joints were found to have failed at high rates, causing disability and meaning additional surgery for thousands of people. But hundreds of other potentially high-risk medical devices remain in use without what many consider to be adequate testing

Pew Applauds New Antibiotics Legislation

The Pew Charitable Trusts today applauded Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.) for introducing the Delivering Antimicrobial Transparency in Animals (DATA) Act (H.R. 820) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill would authorize the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to collect and report data that would shed light on how antibiotics are being used on industrial farms.

Comments on the Health Information Technology Patient Safety Action and Surveillance Plan

In comments to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), the American College of Cardiology, Consumers Union, the National Women's Health Network, the National Research Center for Women and Families, the Trust for America's Health, and The Pew Charitable Trusts urge the ONC to promote adoption of the unique device identification (UDI) system for medical devices to improve the safety of medical care.

''Let The Sunshine In: CMS Releases Transparency Rule''

"After 15 months of delay, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has finally released the long-awaited Sunshine Act rule, which establishes procedures for gathering and publishing data containing financial ties between physicians, teaching hospitals and drug and device makers, as well as group purchasing organizations."

Pew Commends Strong Transparency Rule for Physician-Industry Relationships

Allan Coukell, director of medical programs for The Pew Charitable Trusts, issued the following statement in response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' final rule for implementing the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, which will bring transparency to the financial relationships between physicians and drug and medical device companies.

Comments on Stage 3 of the the Meaningful Use of Health Information Technology

In comments to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), the American College of Cardiology and The Pew Charitable Trusts urge the ONC to incorporate medical device identifiers developed under the FDA’s unique device identification (UDI) system into both electronic health record (EHR) certification criteria and Stage 3 meaningful use (MU) objectives.

Antibiotics in Food Animal Production: Pew’s Response to Raymond Op-Ed

In his attempt to clarify the issue of antibiotic use in meat and poultry production, Dr. Richard Raymond confuses matters. Most importantly, Dr. Raymond mischaracterizes the value of tetracyclines and the dangers of their overuse.

''After Year-Long Delay, FDA Proposes Major Regulations For Food Safety''

"For the first time in 70 years, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released two major requirements for improving food safety. On Friday, the FDA released two draft rule proposals for food safety that will allow the FDA to shift its focus on preventing, rather than simply reacting, to food borne illnesses."

''FDA Releases Rules to Strengthen Safety of Food Supply''

"Looking for a little weekend reading? The Food and Drug Administration has just the thing. On Friday, the agency released two proposed rules designed to boost the safety of the nation's food supply, encompassing hundreds of pages. One rule covers operations at fruit and vegetable farms, focusing on those foods that we eat raw and have been the subject of several recent recalls."

'''New Era' in Food-Safety Rules to be Dished Out''

"After two years of delay, the Food and Drug Administration announced Friday, Jan. 4 that rules putting the United States at the forefront of food safety worldwide are finally moving forward."

''FDA Begins Implementing Sweeping Food-Safety Law''

"The Obama administration moved ahead Friday with the first major overhaul of the nation’s food-safety system in more than 70 years, proposing tough new standards for fruit and vegetable producers and food manufacturers."

''FSMA Regulations On Produce, Manufactured Food Finally Released For Public Comment''

The Food and Drug Administration released two of the five major regulations tied to the Food Safety Modernization Act for public comment on Friday, the second anniversary of the bill's passage. The newly released rules, arguably the most important two of the five, span a whopping 1,236 pages and regulate food safety protocols for produce and manufactured foods, respectively.

Pew Thanks President Obama for Fulfilling Promise to Make Our Food Safe

Erik Olson, director of food programs at The Pew Charitable Trusts, issues the following statement on Jan. 4, 2013 release of major draft regulations to implement the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which President Barack Obama signed two years prior on Jan. 4, 2011.

A New Year's Resolution: Put Animals on an Antibiotics Diet

As Americans ring in the new year, many of us will resolve to get healthy. Meat and poultry producers can help -- by making a resolution to put their farm animals on an antibiotics diet.

''The One Issue Food Activists Should Focus On''

''Ask a dozen food activists what political change they want to see in 2013 and you’ll get a dozen different answers, maybe two dozen: Restrict sodium in packaged foods. Label genetically modified ingredients. End subsidies to big farms. All are critical. What did meet all the requirements was this: Get antibiotics off the farm and out of the food supply."

''Prevention Matters More Than Peanuts''

An opinion editorial by Sandra Eskin, director of the Food Safety Campaign at the Pew Health Group, about the Food Safety Modernization Act and prevention of foodborne illness.

''Drink Ingredient Gets a Look''

Sarah Kavanagh and her little brother were looking forward to the bottles of Gatorade they had put in the refrigerator after playing outdoors one hot, humid afternoon last month in Hattiesburg, Miss. But before she took a sip, Sarah, a dedicated vegetarian, did what she often does and checked the label to make sure no animal products were in the drink. One ingredient, brominated vegetable oil, caught her eye.

Kathleen Stratton

Kathleen Stratton directs an initiative that promotes the development of safe and effective medical treatments by fostering and supporting improvements in the FDA’s scientific staff, tools, and regulatory processes.

''Looking for More Food Regulation Success''

"All Americans, even those who rail about government’s regulatory overreach, would agree it’s critical to keep our food supply safe. That’s why it’s heartening that the Food and Drug Administration for the first time took action to shut down a peanut butter plant in New Mexico after it failed to clean up its act. At least 41 people nationwide have been sickened by the salmonella-tainted organic peanut butter."

''Generic Drug Maker Stops Making Cholesterol Pill''

Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals, the largest producer of the generic version of Lipitor, has halted all production of the drug until it can figure out why glass particles may have ended up in pills that were distributed to the public, the Food and Drug Administration announced Thursday.

''One-Stop Shopping Proposed For Conflict Disclosure''

"Harmonizing conflict-of-interest standards will depend on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services moving forward to implement the federal Sunshine law, which is now more than a year behind schedule. Industry, consumers and academic stakeholders are all waiting on CMS to issue a final rule."

''Editorial: White House Dallies on Food-Safety Law''

''The Obama administration continues to drag its feet on a landmark consumer-protection law that could have made this week's Thanksgiving feast, leftovers and snacks considerably safer to eat.''

''Report Says FDA Needs Workforce Improvements''

In 2007, an agency panel found that the FDA’s "scientific workforce does not have sufficient capacity and capability" and the agency is "not positioned to meet current or emerging regulatory responsibilities." The Pew Charitable Trusts wanted to know if that’s still the case, and asked the Partnership for Public Service to find out. "FDA has made progress," says the Partnership’s report, but the agency "continues to have significant workforce and management challenges in the scientific and medical arenas that need to be addressed."

Pew Comments on Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ''Antimicrobial Animal Drug Sales and Distribution Reporting''

The Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming submitted a letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, urging the FDA to strengthen regulations pertaining to record-keeping and public reporting of antibiotic use in food animal production.

Pew Comments on Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ''Antimicrobial Animal Drug Sales and Distribution Reporting''

America Gets Mixed Score on ''Antibiotics IQ'' Test

Nearly nine in 10 Americans recognize that antibiotics are effective treatments for fighting bacterial infections like strep throat, but more than a third mistakenly believe the drugs are also appropriate treatments for viral infections such as the common cold.

Pew Comments to the FDA Regarding the Unique Device Identification System

Pew’s Medical Device Initiative, along with the American Heart Association and Trust for America’s Health, submitted comments to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding its proposed rule for a unique device identification (UDI) system for medical devices. Once implemented by the FDA and utilized by healthcare providers, the UDI system will be the cornerstone for significant improvements in postmarketing surveillance of medical devices.

When It Comes to Healthy Snacks, Many Schools Do Not Make the Grade

A new report finds that in all but one state, fewer than half of secondary schools sold fruit or vegetables as snacks in 2010.

Toxicology: The learning curve

Researchers say that some chemicals have unexpected and potent effects at very low doses — but regulators aren't convinced.

Recent Outbreak Stresses Need for New Antibiotics

Following the deadly superbug outbreak in 2011, a recent report published by the NIH indicates new antibiotics could help fight antibiotic resistant bacteria. Senior Officer of Pew's Antibiotics and Innovation Project Nicole Mahoney discusses the new report and the need for a comprehensive strategy to prevent superbug outbreaks.

Pew Comments on Proposed Antibiotics Legislation

Laura Rogers, project director for the Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming, issued a statement in support of legislation proposed by Rep. Henry Waxman’s (D-CA) that would enable the FDA and the public to verify whether the agency's efforts toward providing guidance on limiting the overuse and misuse of antibiotics are actually working.

''Is Psychiatry Committing 'Professional Suicide'?''

During a session at the American Psychiatric Association's annual meeting on conflicts of interest, experts delved into the link between psychiatry and the pharmaceutical industry. While several speakers at the session pointed out that other specialties are similarly entangled with industry, "everyone does it" is generally not a valid defense where conflicts of interest are concerned.

''As Food Recalls Mount, White House Still Lingering Over New Safety Rules''

Families who've lost loved ones to foodborne illnesses have watched with alarm in recent months as producers have recalled mangoes, cantaloupe, ricotta cheese, dog food and peanut butter after people were sickened by the tainted goods. A landmark food safety law passed nearly two years ago was supposed to help curtail such outbreaks. But the Obama administration has yet to issue the final rules that will give the Food and Drug Administration more authority over food producers.

''Let Them Eat Veggies: School Lunch Gets a Makeover''

''School lunches are getting an extreme makeover. Gone are fried tater tots, chicken nuggets, chocolate milk, and pepperoni pizza. In their place are heaps of whole grains, veggies, fruits, and low-fat dairy products, along with baked versions of formerly fried favorites such as chicken nuggets or fish sticks."

New Federal Guidelines Impact School Cafeterias

"In school cafeterias across the country, students are seeing big changes on their lunch trays. Responding to the growing childhood obesity epidemic, the USDA approved new rules for the federal school lunch program, the first such changes to student lunches in more than a decade."

''FDA Stakeholders Worry About Sequestration''

"Representatives from the FDA and industry expressed serious concerns about the potential impact of sequestration Monday, saying it's not a good time to shortchange the agency when it's under so much pressure to help bring innovative new drugs to market."

Expert Profile: Kathleen Stratton

Kathleen Stratton, Project Director, Innovate FDA

Expert Profile: Gabrielle Cosel

Gabrielle Cosel, Project Manager, Drug Supply Safety

''Peanut Butter Recall Widens To Other Nut Butters After Salmonella Outbreak''

Late Friday, Trader Joe's announced a voluntary recall of its Salted Valencia Peanut Butter because it may have been contaminated with a rare strain of salmonella. These recalls remind us that much of our food chain is dependent on just a handful of suppliers. More consumers are affected when fewer companies supply a larger portion of the market says Sandra Eskin, project director of the food safety campaign at the Pew Health Group.

Expert Profile: Josh Rising

Josh Rising, Project Director, Medical Device Initiative

''Report: State Prescription Monitoring Programs Falling Short''

"Forty-nine states, including Maine, now operate a prescription monitoring program - or are putting one in place - to track the powerful pain medication dispensed by pharmacies. These databases have already helped in the fight to curtail diversion and abuse of prescribed opioids. But the way they operate - and how the data they collect gets used - varies widely from state to state."

''Foodborne Illness Victim Becomes a Poster Child For Change''

Since the 2006 death of two-year-old Kyle Allgood, his parents have become advocates for better food safety regulations. They are currently involved in a campaign to implement the Food Safety Modernization Act, a law signed by President Barack Obama in January 2011.

As Prescription Painkiller Overdoses Mount, Researchers Outline Effective Approaches to Curb Epidemic

Prescription painkillers are responsible for more fatal overdoses in the United States than heroin and cocaine combined. And while most states have programs to curb abuse and addiction, a new report shows that many states do not fully analyze the data they collect.

Expert Discusses Changes to School Lunch Programs

Jessica Donze Black of the Kids' Safe and Healthful Foods Project recently appeared on C-SPAN to talk about recent changes to the operating costs of school lunch programs. Topics included the history of the program, the role of the Agriculture Department, qualifications for participants, and nutritional requirements.

Written Statement of Record Regarding the Sunshine Act by Dr. Daniel J. Carlat of the Pew Health Group

Dr. Daniel Carlat, Director of the Pew Prescription Project, appeared before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging to testify about the importance of implementing the Physician Payments Sunshine Act as quickly as possible.

''Front & Center: Keeping an Eye on Food Supply''

The Orlando Sentinel asked Sandy Eskin, project director of the Food Safety Campaign with the Pew Health Group, about the latest foodborne illness outbreak and the legislation in limbo drafted to avert such tragedies.

''Don’t Forget Your (Kid’s!) Lunch''

"It’s back-to-school time! School supplies? Check! Medical forms completed? Check! Clothes for the first day? Check! School lunch?. . ."

Virtual Back to School Night: The School Day Just Got Healthier!

The Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project along with the National PTA will host a live webcast dialogue on September 13 at 8 p.m. EST examining changes to school lunches this year as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) updated nutrition standards for schools.

''Farm Use of Antibiotics Defies Scrutiny''

"Eighty percent of the antibiotics sold in the United States goes to chicken, pigs, cows and other animals that people eat, yet producers of meat and poultry are not required to report how they use the drugs — which ones, on what types of animal, and in what quantities. This dearth of information makes it difficult to document the precise relationship between routine antibiotic use in animals and antibiotic-resistant infections in people, scientists say."

''President Fumbles on Food-Safety Law''

"Twenty months after President Obama signed the Food Safety Modernization Act, the landmark legislation appears to have suffered the same fate as another important measure: the Physician Payment Sunshine Act. Both historic laws have yet to become a reality because the Obama administration hasn't completed the work of turning the laws' language into practical regulations, then issuing that guidance to the public."

''NIH Superbug Outbreak Highlights Lack of New Antibiotics''

"As doctors battled a deadly, drug-resistant superbug last year, they turned to an antibiotic of last resort. But colistin, as it’s called, was discovered in 1949. Between 1945 and 1968, drug companies invented 13 new categories of antibiotics, said Allan Coukell, director of medical programs at the Pew Health Group. Between 1968 and today, just two new categories of antibiotics have arrived."

''Who Determines Safety of New Food Ingredients?''

"Grocery shoppers examining colorful packages bearing long lists of hard-to-pronounce ingredients might take comfort in the belief that those substances were deemed safe by the government. But that's not the case. Over the past 15 years, the vast majority of new ingredients added to U.S. food never received a safety determination from the government."

''Food safety law is being delayed''

"In 2011, the president signed the Food Safety Modernization Act, the most ambitious overhaul of the nation’s food safety system since the 1930s, which passed Congress with broad bipartisan support and industry backing."

''Food safety law is being delayed''

Recent Outbreak Stresses Need for New Antibiotics

On August 22, researchers at the National Institute of Health released a scientific paper detailing the use of advanced genetic technology to trace a deadly infection, untreatable by nearly every antibiotic, that spread through the NIH’s Clinical Center last year.

Recent Outbreak Stresses Need for New Antibiotics

Pew's Erik Olson Discusses Delays in Implementation of Food Safety Modernization Act

Erik Olson, director of food programs at the Pew Health Group, appeared on both Federal News Radio and NPR to discuss the delay by the Office of Management and Budget in implementing draft rules for the key provisions of the Food Safety Modernization Act.

Nicole Mahoney

Nicole Mahoney is the senior officer for Pew Charitable Trusts’ Antibiotics and Innovation Project, which addresses the growing public health challenge of multidrug-resistant infections by supporting policies that stimulate and encourage the development of antibiotics to treat life-threatening illnesses.

Biomedical Science Programs Make a Positive Impact on Research

The Pew Scholars Program and The Pew Latin American Fellows Program support promising early-career scientists from North, South and Central America in the health sciences — particularly young researchers with innovative approaches and ideas. Anita Pepper, Director of the Pew Programs in the Biomedical Sciences, explains the benefits of the programs.

''Foodborne Illnesses Not Diminishing, CDC Finds''

"Little progress has been made in combating many types of food-borne illnesses in recent years, according to new federal data, an outcome that food safety advocates say underscores the need to put into place the landmark food-safety bill signed by President Obama more than a year ago."

''Report: Cutting School Junk Food Boosts Kids’ Health, Doesn’t Hurt School Budgets''

"A new report from the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation concludes that getting rid of junk food at school boosts kids’ health and doesn’t hurt schools financially. Even many snack food companies are on board."

''Report: Cutting School Junk Food Boosts Kids’ Health, Doesn’t Hurt School Budgets''

''Group recommends raising nutrition standards in schools''

"'The evidence is clear and compelling,' said Jessica Donze Black, director of the Kids’ Safe & Healthful Foods Project in a press release. 'Implementing strong national nutrition standards to make the snacks and beverages our children consume healthier is something that schools and districts can afford. The USDA should do all it can to finalize and help implement strong standards.'"

''Group recommends raising nutrition standards in schools''

''Self-Affirmed GRAS Under Fire Again As Pew Highlights 'Loophole That Appears to Have Swallowed the Law''

"There are serious weaknesses in a system that allows firms to self-affirm the safety of food ingredients without the approval or knowledge of regulators, according to researchers conducting a probe into the nation’s food additives law."

A Supermom Goes to Washington

Everly Macario lost her son Simon to a drug-resistant infection when he was only one-and-a-half years old. Since then, she’s been a strong voice in the fight to conserve antibiotics.

Testimony of Allan Coukell Before the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation

Pew's Allan Coukell submitted a statement of record to the Congressional Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation regarding concerns with the pharmaceutical supply chain. The focus of Coukell's testimony was the drug distribution system – the weaknesses in the system and the risks of counterfeit and stolen drugs.

Pew Biomedical Scholars Named Outstanding Early-Career Scientists by President Obama

Four Pew Scholars have been awarded Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. They are

''Taking Health Into Account''

Aaron Wernham, director of the Health Impact Project, explains how by systematically assessing the health risks of development decisions upfront, health impact assessments can prevent costly and harmful mistakes.

A Healthy Dose of Bipartisanship

Passed by Congress on June 26 and signed by President Obama on July 9, the FDA Safety and Innovation Act will increase inspections of foreign manufacturers that supply 80 percent of the ingredients in our pharmaceuticals, putting American companies on the same footing as their foreign competitors. In addition, it requires drug makers to hold their suppliers to high standards.

''Families, health advocates urge Obama to act on food safety''

"Families, public health advocates and consumer groups called on the White House on Tuesday to implement delayed provisions in a food safety law they say would help prevent some of the nearly 3,000 deaths caused by food-borne illnesses each year."

''White House under fire for delays on food safety rules''

"Dana Dziadul and her mother, Colette, are joining other food safety advocates in urging the White House to implement provisions of a federal law that President Barack Obama signed in January 2011."

''Groups Urge Action on Food Safety Law''

"Ten consumer groups that helped promote a landmark food safety law passed in 2010 say the Obama administration is holding up the rules that would put it into effect, a delay they say could cost money and lives this summer, the peak season for food contamination outbreaks."

''Fund the food safety law''

"About six years ago my mother-in-law and I were both sickened by E. coli in bagged spinach we had in our home. I survived a painful illness, but my mother-in-law perished eight days after eating the tainted food."

''Teen who nearly died after eating contaminated cantaloupe speaks out''

A Brevard County, FL, teenager who helped bring about the Food Safety Modernization Act told WFTV she wanted to know why the federal law isn't being fully implemented.

''Delays and Difficulties in Assessing Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants''

More than 500,000 U.S. patients have received metal-on-metal hip prostheses, most of which were implanted between 2003 and 2010. These prostheses entered the market through the 510(k) pathway at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), whereby manufacturers need only demonstrate substantial equivalence to a device already on the market to gain approval. Unfortunately, there is now compelling evidence that these implants fail at a higher rate than hip prostheses made of other materials.

''Dear F.D.A.: Stop Drugging Animals''

"The comment period for the F.D.A.’s ruling on antibiotic use in animals closed yesterday, and at least 200,000 people have told the agency that the routine use of drugs in animal rearing must be restricted. The agency, which has stalled on this for 30 years, has been ordered by two judges to act now."

Pew Applauds Enactment of User Fee Legislation, Urges Its Swift Implementation

President Barack Obama today signed into law the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act, which supports the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s drug and device reviews and includes other measures to benefit patients.

Funding Available to Bring Health Into Decision in Non-Health Sectors

The Health Impact Project, a collaboration of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts, announced a call for proposals for grants to conduct health impact assessments (HIAs). HIAs identify and address the health impacts of decisions in other sectors, such as planning roads, passing agriculture legislation, or siting schools.

Collaboration Examines Impact of Updated USDA Standards

Pew and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation collaborate to examine impact of updated USDA standards for snack and a la carte foods and beverages sold in schools.

Collaboration Examines Impact of Updated USDA Standards

Pew and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation collaborate to examine impact of updated USDA standards for snack and a la carte foods and beverages sold in schools.

''New school nutrition standards on horizon''

"A recent study has reaffirmed what local school officials already knew: Student health and school budgets can both benefit from higher nutrition standards."

''New school nutrition standards on horizon''

"A recent study has reaffirmed what local school officials already knew: Student health and school budgets can both benefit from higher nutrition standards."

''Health assessment calls for USDA nutrition standards in schools''

"The Health Impact Project, released Tuesday by the Kids’ Safe & Healthful Foods Project, was conducted to examine how the agency’s new policies will affect student nutrition and how new dietary standards would affect school revenues."

''Health assessment calls for USDA nutrition standards in schools''

''FDA Probing Safety of Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants''

"While thousands of Americans have benefited from hip replacements over the years, problems with metal-on-metal implants can lead to troubles requiring surgery to replace defective devices, experts say. Writing earlier this month in the New England Journal of Medicine, Pew's Joshua Rising and colleagues said that "there is now compelling evidence that these implants fail at a higher rate than hip prostheses made of other materials."

''Better School Nutrition Good for Students and Budgets''

"The Health Impact Project released an assessment making the case that “strong nutrition standards could have a significant positive impact on the health of students” and that such standards implemented by the Agriculture Department 'can be made with little to no negative financial impact and in fact may even result in improved financial outcomes for schools and districts.'"

''Better School Nutrition Good for Students and Budgets''

''Report: School Nutrition Standards Could Improve Health and Finances''

"Stronger school nutrition standards from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) could improve student health and provide a financial boon for school districts, according to a new health impact assessment (HIA) released Tuesday by the Health Impact Project and the Kids' Safe and Healthful Food Project."

''Report: School Nutrition Standards Could Improve Health and Finances''

''Study: Higher nutrition standard for snacks a win-win for schools''

"Replacing a candy bar with an apple could have a big effect, according to the 172-page health assessment released by the Kids’ Safe & Healthful Foods Project and the Health Impact Project"

''Study: Higher nutrition standard for snacks a win-win for schools''

"Replacing a candy bar with an apple could have a big effect, according to the 172-page health assessment released by the Kids’ Safe & Healthful Foods Project and the Health Impact Project"

''FDA user fee bill gives agency new powers to inspect overseas prescription drug plants''

"A Food and Drug Administration bill designed to increase inspections of foreign drug factories, while also speeding approvals of new drugs at home, is headed to the president’s desk after an overwhelming approval in the U.S. Senate."

''Nutrition, finances win with healthful school snacks, report says''

"An assessment of what those new rules might do for kids’ health and the schools’ bottom line was released Tuesday by two projects from the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation."

''Nutrition, finances win with healthful school snacks, report says''

''Report: Healthy Vending, A La Carte Foods Won't Hurt School Revenue''

"The Kids' Safe & Healthful Foods Project and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation teamed up to analyze the effects of changing the makeup of so-called 'competitive foods' sold at school."

''Report: Healthy Vending, A La Carte Foods Won't Hurt School Revenue''

"The Kids' Safe & Healthful Foods Project and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation teamed up to analyze the effects of changing the makeup of so-called 'competitive foods' sold at school."

''National Nutrition Standards Will Benefit Student Health, School Budgets: Study''

"The report, by the Kids’ Safe & Healthful Foods Project and the Health Impact Project, found that improved nutritional standards for snack foods and beverages would reduce consumption of these products during the school day."

''National Nutrition Standards Will Benefit Student Health, School Budgets: Study''

''Disclosure can address doctors' conflicts of interest''

Pew Prescription Project Director Daniel Carlat opines in the Philadelphia Inquirer: "Monetary relationships among doctors and drug and device companies are not inherently bad; in fact, they are crucial for advancing medical research and patient care. Yet they can also skew prescribing practices and research results. That's why transparency and education are such an elegant solution: They allow these often important relationships to exist, but only on the condition that other professionals and patients are fully informed about them."

Health Impact Assessment: National Nutrition Standards for Snack and a la Carte Foods and Beverages Sold in Schools

Updating national nutrition standards for snack foods and beverages sold in schools could help students maintain a healthy weight and increase food service revenue, according to a health impact assessment by the Kids’ Safe & Healthful Foods Project and the Health Impact Project.

Watch a video examining the impact of updated USDA standards for snack and a la carte foods and beverages.

School Budgets, Student Health to Benefit From Higher Nutrition Standards

Updating national nutrition standards for snack foods and beverages sold in schools could help students maintain a healthy weight and increase food service revenue, according to a health impact assessment (HIA) released today by the Kids’ Safe & Healthful Foods Project and the Health Impact Project.

Health Impact Assessment: National Nutrition Standards for Snack and a la Carte Foods and Beverages Sold in Schools

Watch a video examining the impact of updated USDA standards for snack and a la carte foods and beverages.

School Budgets, Student Health to Benefit From Higher Nutrition Standards

Updating national nutrition standards for snack foods and beverages sold in schools could help students maintain a healthy weight and increase food service revenue, according to a health impact assessment (HIA) released today by the Kids’ Safe & Healthful Foods Project and the Health Impact Project.

Facilitating Medical Device Innovation: De Novo Reform

The de novo process as it exists now is not achieving its purpose of streamlining the path to move new devices onto the marketplace and has instead added unnecessary and time-consuming requirements.

Facilitating Medical Device Innovation: De Novo Reform

The de novo process as it exists now is not achieving its purpose of streamlining the path to move new devices onto the marketplace and has instead added unnecessary and time-consuming requirements.

Improving Medical Device Safety Through Better Surveillance

In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched the Sentinel Initiative, a national electronic system designed to “track the safety of drugs, biologics, and medical devices once they reach the market.” By proactively monitoring data from electronic health records and other sources rather than relying on spontaneous reporting from manufacturers and health care providers, the Sentinel system can more quickly identify safety issues.

Improving Medical Device Safety Through Better Surveillance

Pew Applauds U.S. House Passage of FDA User Fee Legislation

WASHINGTON—The U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday passed the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act, a bill to support the FDA’s drug and device reviews. “We commend the House for passing the bipartisan Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act," said Allan Coukell, director of medical programs at the Pew Health Group.

''Congress poised to pass safety-focused FDA bill''

"A bill designed to beef up the safety of the nation's prescription drug supply is poised to pass Congress, but without a tracking system that public health advocates say is critical to weeding out counterfeit pharmaceuticals."

''ENG’s Xue Han Named Pew Scholar''

"A notoriously shrinking nationwide research funding market is making it increasingly difficult to secure grants for innovative research. But for the third time in two years, the efforts of a College of Engineering assistant professor of biomedical engineering to make better tools to study the brain have been rewarded."

''Infection cases stir debate on antiobiotic use''

"Food safety activists and some medical professionals argue that overuse of antibiotics in people and food animals is causing drug resistance, and they want regulations to curb their use. Anytime antibiotics are used, whether in humans or animals, resistance can build, said Dr. Gail Hansen, a veterinary public health officer with the Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming in Washington, D.C."

Pew's Allan Coukell Discusses FDA Reform Act of 2012

Allan Coukell, deputy director of the Medical Safety Project of the Pew Health Group, talked about drug safety on C-SPAN.

Pew Applauds Passage of Bipartisan User Fee Legislation by U.S. House of Representatives

The U.S. House of Representatives today passed bipartisan legislation to ensure that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has the funds it needs to approve products that improve health and protect consumers from unnecessary risks.

''Senate bill aims to increase drug import safety''

"U.S. regulators would inspect more drug manufacturing facilities in China, India and other foreign countries as part of legislation approved Thursday that aims to step up oversight of the nation's imported pharmaceutical supply."

Supermoms Take on Washington to Protect Life-Saving Antibiotics

A special thank you message from the Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming

''Eric J. Greene: Landmark food law in political limbo?''

"When President Barack Obama last year signed a bill hailed as a milestone in food safety, he stood at an exceedingly rare intersection where persuasive majorities of businesses, policymakers and consumers wanted the same thing."

''Study: FDA reviews new drugs faster than Europe, Canada''

"Researchers say the U.S. approved more new medicines in less time than Europe and Canada in the last decade, challenging long-standing criticisms that the Food and Drug Administration lags behind its peers in clearing important new drugs."

Heparin: A Wake-Up Call on Risks to the U.S. Drug Supply

While the vast majority of drugs in American pharmacies and medicine cabinets are safe, globalization and reliance on outsourced manufacturing creates new risks, including deliberate tampering with ingredients and inadequate quality controls in plants that operate largely outside the scrutiny of the FDA.

Heparin: A Wake-Up Call on Risks to the U.S. Drug Supply

Case Studies: How Unsafe Drugs Can Reach Patients

The following case studies illustrate breaches to the pharmaceutical supply chain—the route a drug travels from its raw material origins to the delivery of a finished medicine. These examples, all of which are discussed in Pew Health Group’s report After Heparin: Protecting Consumers from the Risks of Substandard and Counterfeit Drugs, demonstrate the different ways in which contaminated, fake, or otherwise unsafe medicine can reach patients, and underscore the need for reform.

Case Studies: How Unsafe Drugs Can Reach Patients

''User Fees Clear E&C, But Waxman, Consumer Advocates Still Seek GAIN Changes''

"As FDA user fee legislation heads to the House floor, a key Democratic lawmaker called for antibiotic incentive to be focused on serious and life-threatening infections and an HHS directive to work on stewardship programs while the lead sponsor of antibiotic incentives pushed back against attempts to change the incentive structure outlined in the Generating Antibiotic Incentives Now section of the bill."

''Lawmakers to Tweak Antibiotic Incentives, Online Pharmacy Measures Prior to Full E&C Markup''

"House lawmakers said they will continue efforts to narrowly tailor antibiotic incentives and clarify an online pharmacy measure before the full Energy and Commerce Committee takes up FDA user fee legislation that gained bipartisan subcommittee backing Tuesday morning."

“Supermoms Against Superbugs” Take Washington by Storm

Moms from Maine to Hawaii have come to Washington, D.C., today to press the Obama Administration and Congress to do more to rein in the overuse of antibiotics on America’s industrial farms, a practice that breeds antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

“Supermoms Against Superbugs” Take Washington by Storm

A Mother Fights Against Antibiotic Resistance

Chicago-based mother Everly Macario describes her drive to curb overuse of antibiotics after losing her son to an antibiotic-resistant infection.

''Government urged to fight fat at school''

"A coalition of health advocacy groups on Wednesday urged the government to put more resources into school-based efforts to improve health and fight obesity among youth.

The recommendations by the Healthy Schools Campaign and Trust for America's Health were backed by more than 70 groups including the American Cancer Society and the National Education Association."

''Rules 'holdup' puzzles food industry and food-safety advocates''

"Most of the provisions in a landmark food safety law which passed 16 months ago still haven't gone into effect and are stuck in a rule-making process at the White House, four months overdue."

''Food-safety rules in limbo at Office of Management and Budget''

"More than a year after President Obama signed a landmark food-safety bill, the key provisions are hung up at a unit of the White House that is in charge of reviewing proposed policy changes."

''FDA Fee Reauthorization a Prescription for Debate''

"Every five years, lawmakers, lobbyists, patient groups and agency regulators line up to take their shot at changing how things get done at the Food and Drug Administration."

Daniel Carlat

Dr. Daniel Carlat oversees the Pew Prescription Project, which seeks to ensure transparency in physician-industry relationships and promotes policies to reduce or manage conflicts of interest that could affect patient care.

''FDA Alerts Doctors on Fakes''

"The Food and Drug Administration warned more than 50 doctors and medical practices in the U.S. that they may have bought a fake version of the cancer drug Avastin ... "

''Think carrots, not candy as school snack, group suggests''

"Junk food may soon be hard to buy at American public schools as the U.S. government readies new rules requiring healthier foods to be sold beyond the cafeteria - a move most parents support, according to a poll released on Thursday."

Testimony before the Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health

U.S. House of Representatives PDF Download Since 1992, user fee agreements have given FDA significant and sustained resources that allow the agency to review new products quickly. In fact, preliminary findings of a study that Pew has funded show that FDA reviews new drugs faster than its cou

Reviving the Pipeline of Life-Saving Antibiotics

Antibiotic-resistant infections are a growing public health threat. At the same time, antibiotic innovation is waning. Pew, the IIDSA and PhRMA hosted a one-day conference, Reviving the Pipeline of Life-Saving Antibiotics: Exploring Solutions to Spur Innovation on September 22, 2011, exploring ways to overcome the challenges that hinder the development of new antibiotics.

Expert Profile: Maricel Maffini

Maricel Maffini, Senior Officer, Food Additives Project

Expert Profile: Gail Hansen

Gail Hansen, Senior Officer, Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming

Testimony before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions

Allan Coukell, Director of Medical Programs, Pew Health Group: Chairman Harkin, Ranking Member Enzi, and members of this committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify about the importance of the user fee agreement legislation to patients.

''Editorial: Crack down on counterfeit drugs''

Strong, national 'track and trace' system is overdue.

''Study: Imported Food Increasingly Causing US Illness''

"Imported food is making Americans sick more frequently than ever, according to new research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC."

''Food imports blamed for disease outbreaks''

"Nearly half of all food borne disease outbreaks in 2009 and 2010 were caused by imported food according to new numbers from the Centers for Disease Control."

''Fake Avastin shows very little protects drug supply''

"As drug counterfeiters step up their sales of bogus medicines, global health regulators have few protections in place to prevent them from reaching patients, and new laws aimed at addressing the problem could be years away ... "

''Industry Alliance Floats Lot-Level Drug Tracing System in Legislative Proposal''

"An industry coalition forming consensus around drug track and trace systems is floating a legislative proposal that would trace drugs on the lot level while also requiring product level identification ... "

Testimony of Allan Coukell on the Lack of a National Pharmaceutical Tracking System

On March 8, 2012, Pew Health Group’s Director of Medical Programs Allan Coukell testified before the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health regarding the drug distribution system – the risks of counterfeit and stolen drugs, and the pragmatic steps Congress can take to reduce those risks.

Testimony before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health

Allan Coukell, Director of Medical Programs, and Sharon Ladin, Director of the Antibiotics and Innovation Project, testify before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health on stimulating the development of new antibiotics urgently needed to fight serious and life-threatening bacterial infections.

Expert Profile: Laura Rogers

Laura Rogers, Project Director, Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming

Expert Profile: Sandra Eskin

Sandra Eskin, Project Director, Food Safety Campaign

Grants Awarded to Help Build Health into Decisions on Energy, Housing, Agriculture, and Other Areas

"The Health Impact Project, a collaboration of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts, announced the awardees of 15 new grants today. Selected following a nationwide call for proposals, the grantees will conduct health impact assessments (HIAs), a type of study that looks at potential health impacts of policies and projects in other sectors."

Moms for Antibiotic Awareness March Newsletter (2012)

Below is your March 2012 newsletter from Moms for Antibiotic Awarness. In this edition: "Supermoms Against Superbugs" Take Washington By Storm Contest!; FDA Finds Rise in Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria on Meat and Poultry

Moms for Antibiotic Awareness March Newsletter (2012)

Save Antibiotics March Newsletter (2012)

Below is your March 2012 newsletter from the Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming. In this edition: "Supermoms Against Superbugs" Take Washington By Storm Contest!, FDA Finds Rise in Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria on Meat and Poultry

Save Antibiotics March Newsletter (2012)

Expert Profile: Aaron Wernham

Aaron Wernham, Project Director, Health Impact Project

A Step Forward for Food Safety in School Meals

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) took a step toward improving school food safety and reducing students’ risk of foodborne illness when top officials signed a new agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Moms for Antibiotic Awareness February Newsletter (2012)

In this edition: Urgent Action Opportunity: Sign "We The People" Petition, FDA Takes Measures to Preserve Effectiveness of Cephalosporins, and HHIF Staff Visits the CDC.

Moms for Antibiotic Awareness February Newsletter (2012)

In this edition: Urgent Action Opportunity: Sign "We The People" Petition, FDA Takes Measures to Preserve Effectiveness of Cephalosporins, and HHIF Staff Visits the CDC.

Save Antibiotics February Newsletter (2012)

In this edition: Urgent Action Opportunity: Sign "We The People" Petition, FDA Takes Measures to Preserve Effectiveness of Cephalosporins, and HHIF Staff Visits the CDC.

Save Antibiotics February Newsletter (2012)

In this edition: Urgent Action Opportunity: Sign "We The People" Petition, FDA Takes Measures to Preserve Effectiveness of Cephalosporins, and HHIF Staff Visits the CDC.

Joint Comments with Medtronic to CMS on Sunshine Implementation

The Pew Charitable Trusts “Pew” and Medtronic, Inc. are pleased to jointly comment on the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposed rule implementing Section 6002 of the Affordable Care Act.

Comments to CMS on Sunshine Implementation

Pew’s main goals in commenting on the proposed rule are to ensure timely implementation and to promote the interest of full transparency by ensuring that data is collected, reported, and published in the most complete, consistent and accurate manner possible.

Expert Profile: Tom Neltner

Tom Neltner, Project Director, Food Additives Project

Expert Profile: Allan Coukell

Allan Coukell, Deputy Director, Medical Programs

Pew Health Group comments on the implementation of Section 6002 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

"The Pew Health Group of The Pew Charitable Trusts welcomes the opportunity to submit comments regarding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' ("CMS") proposed rule for Medicare, Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Programs; Transparency Reports and Reporting of Physician Ownership or Interests."

''Fakes Infiltrate Injectable Drugs''

"News that a counterfeit version of the cancer drug Avastin was found in the U.S. highlights a rising threat: fakes of costly injectable therapies, rather than simple pills, such as Viagra."

''System to catch fake drugs has idled for years''

"The news this week that a fake version of the cancer medicine Avastin has made its way into the United States highlights a longtime concern: There are few safeguards to make sure fake drugs can be spotted before they make it to your doctor’s office."

Pew Urges Congress to Pass Medical Device User Fee Act and Improve Marketplace Monitoring

We applaud the FDA and the medical device industry for reaching an agreement that will spur the innovation of new therapies for improving health and saving lives.

Expert Profile: Erik Olson

Erik Olson, Director, Food Programs

Expert Profile: Jessica Donze Black

Jessica Donze Black, Project Director, Kids' Safe and Healthful Foods Project

Testimony of Allan Coukell before the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health, United States House of Representatives

"Pew has been working to identify the risks to the drug supply and advance pragmatic solutions. In July of 2011, we released a report entitled “After Heparin: Protecting Consumers from the Risks of Substandard and Counterfeit Drugs."

USDA Finalizes Healthy School Meal Standards

“We applaud the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for issuing final guidance to help schools across the country serve healthier meals to students. The updated nutrition standards for school meals are now in line with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the federal government’s evidence-based guidance to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases and decrease the prevalence of obesity."

''New Rules for School Meals Aim at Reducing Obesity''

"'We applaud the U.S. Department of Agriculture for issuing final guidance to help schools across the country serve healthier meals to students,' said Jessica Donze Black, project director for the Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project, a joint project of the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. 'The updated nutrition standards for school meals are now in line with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans.'"

''Food safety auditors too tied to industry''

"The first hints of trouble came last Sept. 2. Trackers who watch for outbreaks of dangerous diseases noticed that seven people in Colorado had come down with listeriosis, a potentially fatal food-borne illness. Within two weeks, federal authorities had tracked the culprit — contaminated cantaloupe — to Jensen Farms, a small Colorado grower."

''Food safety auditors too tied to industry''

''FDA and drug industry agree on user-fee proposal for generics''

"The Food and Drug Administration would collect hundreds of millions of dollars in new fees from pharmaceutical companies to help speed up the review of generic drugs, under an agreement with the industry released by the agency on Friday."

Biomedical Scholars Profile: Benjamin R. tenOever

On his way out of high school, Benjamin tenOever had his sights set on becoming a doctor and, in his words, “making the world a better place.” But, when he started learning about the complex structure of viruses in his basic biology courses at McGill University in Montreal, he began “to find viruses much more intriguing.”

''U.S. to Force Drug Firms to Report Money Paid to Doctors''

To head off medical conflicts of interest, the Obama administration is poised to require drug companies to disclose the payments they make to doctors for research, consulting, speaking, travel and entertainment.

''FDA unveils user fee program for generic drugs''

"The Food and Drug Administration would collect hundreds of millions of dollars in new fees from pharmaceutical companies to help speed up the review of generic drugs ... "

Pew Commends Pharmaceutical User Fee Agreements, Urges Swift Action by FDA and Medical Device Industry

We commend the FDA and the pharmaceutical industry for working together on agreements that support the agency’s review activities. Under PDUFA, the FDA has reduced the time it takes to approve new drugs.

''FDA: Fungicide In Orange Juice Is Not A Health Risk''

"The Food and Drug Administration is stepping up testing of orange juice after finding traces of a chemical fungicide that is not approved for use in the United States."

''FDA changing course on antibiotics in livestock''

"The debate over the drug use in food animals continues as federal regulators tackle the issues of drug-resistance and shorter supplies."

Twin Cities Light Rail Project Presents Both Opportunities And Risks, According To Health Impact Assessment

The rezoning around a planned light rail line in the Twin Cities would create both opportunities and potential risks for the health of the people in the communities it would pass through, according to a health impact assessment (HIA) released today by PolicyLink, TakeAction Minnesota, and ISAIAH, a nonprofit coalition of 90 congregations of various faiths in the Minneapolis, St. Paul and St. Cloud region. The HIA was made possible through a grant by the Health Impact Project, which is a collaboration of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Pew Applauds FDA Measure to Preserve Effectiveness of Critical Antibiotics

The Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming today praised the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for limiting the use of cephalosporins in food animal production.

''FDA curbs use of certain antibiotics in animals''

"After long delays, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an order today prohibiting certain uses of the cephalosporin class of antimicrobial drugs in cattle, swine, chickens and turkeys."

''Citing Drug Resistance, U.S. Restricts More Antibiotics for Livestock''

Federal drug regulators announced on Wednesday that farmers and ranchers must restrict their use of a critical class of antibiotics in cattle, pigs, chickens, and turkeys because such practices may have contributed to the growing threat in people of bacterial infections that are resistant to treatment.

''FDA limits some antibiotics in livestock''

"The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday ordered farmers to limit the use of a type of antibiotics they give livestock because it could make people more resistant to a key antibiotic that can save lives, encouraging news for public health advocates who say such animal antibiotics are overused."

''Speed up work on payment disclosure''

"Two-and-a-half months after blowing a congressional deadline, federal officials have finally gotten around to rolling out the Physician Payments Sunshine Act -- a historic new law requiring medical device and pharmaceutical industries to disclose payments to doctors."

''Advocate favors new disclosure rules for payments to doctors''

"Proposed federal regulations requiring disclosure of payments by pharmaceutical companies to doctors for such activities as speaking, consulting and research were called a "good start" by an advocate for more accountability."

''New law will boost food safety controls''

"Consumer groups are hoping a new federal law will help shield the food chain from contaminants like the recent E. coli outbreak that sickened 60 people, including 23 in St. Louis County, and prompted a lawsuit."

''Implementing Health Reform: The Physician Payments Sunshine Act''

Allan Coukell, director of medical programs at The Pew Charitable Trusts in Washington, explains how the Physician Payments Sunshine Act might work and its likely impact on physicians and patient care.

Tom Neltner

Tom Neltner is the project director for the Food Additives Project, which examines current U.S. federal regulations regarding chemicals added to our food.

Allan Coukell

Allan Coukell oversees medical programs, including the Pew Prescription Project, the Drug Safety Project, the Antibiotics and Innovation Project, the Medical Device Safety project and the FDA Modernization Initiative, as well as other activities related to medical products and services.

Anita Pepper

Anita Pepper is the project director for both the Pew Latin American Fellows and Pew Biomedical Scholars Programs in the Biomedical Sciences.

Erik Olson

Erik Olson is director of food programs, overseeing work aimed at food safety, the quality of school food, and the food additives policy.

Gabrielle Cosel

As project manager of the Drug Safety Project, Gabrielle Cosel works on federal initiatives to ensure the safety and oversight of the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain.

Gail Hansen

Dr. Gail Hansen serves as a senior officer for the Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming, a project aimed at phasing out overuse of antibiotics in food production.

Jessica Donze Black

Jessica Donze Black is project director for the Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project, leading research and policy efforts aimed at improving school nutrition.

Josh Rising

Dr. Josh Rising oversees the Medical Device Initiative, which seeks to facilitate innovation of certain new medical devices and to strengthen medical devices by improving the tracking of their safety once they are on the market.

Maricel Maffini

Maricel V. Maffini is a senior officer for the Food Additives Project, which studies the possible risks posed by chemicals included in food production.

Sandra Eskin

Sandra Eskin is the director of the Food Safety Campaign. The campaign seeks to reduce health risks from foodborne pathogens by strengthening federal government authority and the enforcement of food safety laws.

Sonia Chessen

Sonia Chessen helps administrative efforts to improve Americans’ health and well-being by reducing the hidden risks in our food, medical and consumer products.

Aaron Wernham

Dr. Aaron Wernham is the director of the Health Impact Project, a collaboration of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts, established to promote and support the use of Health Impact Assessment (HIA) in the United States.

Laura Rogers

Laura Rogers serves as the project director for the Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming, phasing out overuse of antibiotics in food production.

''FDA funding boosted through lobbying effort''

"An unusual alliance of consumer advocates and industry groups won a victory this month when they helped persuade Congress to boost funding for the Food and Drug Administration, while most other programs paid for by a newly passed agriculture spending bill had their money slashed."

Health Impact Project Receives Funding From The California Endowment To Help Build Healthier Communities

WASHINGTON - The Health Impact Project, a collaboration of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts, today announced that The California Endowment will support up to two health impact assessment (HIA) demonstrations in California.

Pew School Foods Project Statement on Department of Agriculture Funding Bill

“We are disappointed that the final Agriculture Appropriations bill now includes provisions that could undermine the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) proposal to establish science-based nutrition standards for school meals," said Jessica Donze Black, project director for the Pew Health Group’s School Foods Project, in a statement.

Pew Food Safety Campaign Statement on FDA Funding Legislation

Congress’ decision to increase appropriations for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by $39 million provides an important down payment toward the implementation of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which was enacted in January. This law, adopted with strong bipartisan support, will strengthen how the federal government oversees the safety of 80 percent of the food supply.

Health Impact Project Receives Funding From The Kresge Foundation to Make Health a Factor in Housing-Sector Decisions

The Health Impact Project, a collaboration of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts, announced today that The Kresge Foundation will support two health impact assessments (HIAs) to inform decisions in the housing sector.

Health Impact Project Receives Funding From The Kresge Foundation to Make Health a Factor in Housing-Related Decisions

WASHINGTON— The Health Impact Project, a collaboration of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts, announced today that The Kresge Foundation will support two health impact assessments (HIAs) to inform decisions in the housing sector.

''Amish-raised chicken on CPS lunch menu''

"Drumsticks from chickens raised on Amish farms without the use of antibiotics will be served at the 473 schools catered by Chartwells-Thompson. The company plans to buy about 1.2 million pounds of unprocessed Amish chicken this year for CPS, the largest district in the nation to make such a commitment."

Chicago Public Schools Largest District to Serve Chicken Raised without Antibiotics

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) today began serving local chicken raised without antibiotics to students in 473 schools. This development comes on the heels of a fresh chicken purchase direct from the USDA earlier this fall.

''Meat industry unhappy over limiting the use of antibiotics''

"For decades, factory farms have used antibiotics even in healthy animals to promote faster growth and prevent diseases that could sicken livestock held in confined quarters. But a firestorm has erupted over a federal proposal recommending antibiotics only when animals are actually sick."

''Rising antibiotic use on farms prompts renewed push for federal restrictions''

"Public health advocates are renewing their push for stronger restrictions on antibiotics in food production after a Pew Health Group analysis of federal data found that their use was up 6.7 percent in 2010."

Navigating the U.S. Food Additive Regulatory Program

The Food Additives Amendment of 1958 is the foundation for the U.S. food additive regulatory program, which oversees most substances added to food. This article is a comprehensive review of the program, and includes original analysis of pre- and postmarket safety standards for various categories and subcategories of substances and their uses.

Navigating the U.S. Food Additive Regulatory Program

''Report: Industry decides food ingredient safety''

Thousands of ingredients that go into food have been classified as safe by private industry alone, without any government oversight, according to a new report published Wednesday...The peer-reviewed report published in the Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety journal draws on research funded by the Pew Health Group, the health and consumer safety arm of the nonprofit Pew Charitable Trusts.

Food Chemical Regulations Rely Heavily on Industry Self-Policing and Lack Transparency

Safety decisions concerning one-third of the more than 10,000 substances that may be added to human food were made by food manufacturers and a trade association without review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to an analysis spearheaded by the Pew Health Group.

Joint Letter to HHS on Sunshine Implementation

Dear Secretary Sebelius: We are writing to urge you to fully implement Section 1128G of the Social Security Act, the Physician Payments Sunshine Provision, which was added as Section 6002 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

Aaron Wernham to Lead HIA Training, Sessions at Upcoming American Public Health Association Meeting

Health Impact Project director Aaron Wernham will lead a training and two sessions at the upcoming Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Association (APHA). Read more about HIA at this year’s APHA meeting.

''Thinking outside the doctor’s office to build a strong, healthy nation''

"The most urgent health problems facing our nation — such as obesity, asthma, diabetes, heart disease and injuries — are shaped more by where we live and work than by what happens in the doctor’s office or hospital."

''FDA Probe Points To Cantaloupe Packing Plant As Source Of Listeria''

A report by NPR's All Things Considered on a Listeria outbreak traced to a Colorado cantaloupe farm features a quote from Erik Olson, director of food programs at Pew Health Group. He specifically addressed the risk that proposed budget cuts will affect food safety prevention efforts.

Health Impact Project Receives Funding from the California Endowment to Help Build Healthier Communities

The Health Impact Project, a collaboration of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts, today announced that The California Endowment will support up to two health impact assessment (HIA) demonstrations in California. The Health Impact Project’s work to promote the use of HIAs around the country closely aligns with the Endowment’s efforts to improve community health in California.

''Safer drug supply requires update to our regulation''

"Americans might expect their prescription drugs to be “Made in the U.S.A.,” but just like clothing or electronics, their medicine is increasingly produced in developing nations. In fact, according to a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, at least 80 percent of the ingredients in U.S. drugs now originate overseas. This could be real cause for concern."

''Safety of Foreign-Made Prescription Drugs''

"Allan Coukell talked about the Governmental Accountability Office (GAO) report on the make-up of prescription drugs, and he responded to telephone calls and electronic communications."

Testimony of Allan Coukell before the Committee on Health Education Labor and Pensions, United States Senate

"A major focus of the Pew Health Group is identifying ways to improve the safety of the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain. In July of this year, we released a report entitled 'After Heparin: Protecting Consumers from the Risks of Substandard and Counterfeit Drugs.'"

''Senate panel wants quick FDA action on drug-resistant diseases''

"The agriculture spending bill that Senate appropriators unanimously approved Wednesday directs regulators to hurry up with their recommendations for limiting the use of antibiotics in farm animals."

''Making the Case for Health Impact Assessments''

"In 2007, developers of a planned senior-housing project in Oakland, California, decided to move the entrance from adjacent to a busy highway to a quiet courtyard. The change would make it safer for residents as they walked to and from home. The idea, from an Oakland-based group called Human Impact Partners, addressed a small but nonetheless important health concern that might otherwise have been ignored."

New Ad: The Facts are Clear

Hundreds of scientific studies conducted over four decades have shown that feeding low doses of antibiotics to healthy food animals leads to drug-resistant infections in people. In fact, America’s leading medical, scientific and public health organizations have been warning of the danger for years.

Health Impact Project Director Comments on National Research Council Report

The National Research Council released a report, "Improving Health in the United States: The Role of Health Impact Assessment." The publication states that “good health is determined by more than money spent on the healthcare system.

National Research Council Report

The National Research Council report offers guidance to officials in the public and private sectors on conducting health impact assessment (HIA) to evaluate public health consequences of proposed decisions.

Joint letter on State of the Science Regarding Antibiotic Use in Food Animals

The undersigned medical and public health organizations wish to clarify misinformation and confusion about the state of scientific knowledge concerning the contribution of animal agriculture to human antibiotic resistance.

Aaron Wernham to participate in the public release of a National Research Council report that assesses the potential value of conducting HIA

The National Research Council will release the report “Improving Health in the United States The Role of Health Impact Assessment.” The report assesses the potential value of conducting health impact assessments of proposed policies, programs, and projects in topics such as transportation, land use, housing, agriculture.

''As Production Goes Global, Drug Supply Faces Greater Risks to Safety, Quality''

"The adulteration, estimated to have netted the individuals responsible for adding the chemical between $1 million and $3 million, led to hundreds of adverse events, including at least 3 deaths, according to a recent report from the Pew Health Group."

Distribution System OK, But it Can be Exploited

Drug distribution may involve many trading partners, which can make it difficult to determine the products’ sources or authenticity. Medicines are often bought and sold across state lines; moved in whole or partial lots; and repackaged or relabeled. These practices may be appropriate, but bad actors also may exploit vulnerabilities in this system.

''The Drug Supply Chain''

Allan Coukell, director of Medical Programs at Pew Health Group, appears on the Kojo Nnamdi Show as they explore the globalization of the drug industry and what it means for the quality and safety of our prescription drugs.

Helping School Meals Make the Grade

The National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs provide meals to tens of millions of children each day, accounting for up to one-half of those students’ daily calories. However, more than 90 percent of schools serve meals that do not even meet the minimum national school meal standards.

''Nanoscale Encryption: The Solution to Counterfeit Drugs?''

"Counterfeit and stolen drugs endanger patients, undermine public health and cost billions. Are encrypted pills the answer?"

New Program Will Make HIA More Routine Part of Local Health Departments' Work

The Health Impact Project and the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) announced today a request for applications from local health departments to participate in the Health Impact Assessment (HIA) Mentorship Project.

''Salmonella Strain In Turkey Recall Resists Antibiotics''

Gail Hansen, senior officer at Pew Health Group, is interviewed in an NPR segment about the debate on the practice of dosing farm animals with antibiotics.

''PEW Recommends Steps to Secure the Supply Chain''

"The pharmaceutical industry and US regulatory bodies have not responded adequately to the increasing level of outsourced manufacturing in countries such as China and India, according to a new white paper by the PEW Health Group."

''How Safe Are the Drugs in Your Medicine Cabinet?''

"Do you want your new prescription drugs to be made under last century's oversight? Like it or not, that's likely what you're getting -- or worse -- according to recent research from the Pew Health Group. Increasingly, Americans' medicines are made overseas in place where the oversight isn't up to U.S. standards, according to the white paper, After Heparin: Protecting Consumers from the Risks of Substandard and Counterfeit Drugs."

''Pew track-trace call highlights congressional dallying''

"The FDA should have the power to mandate recalls, subpoena witnesses and documents, and destroy at the border any products that pose a public safety risk. So says Pew Health Group in a just published report, After Heparin: Protecting Consumers from the Risks of Substandard and Counterfeit Drugs."

''Report Identifies Serious Gaps in Drug Safety Oversight''

"Americans' medicines are increasingly manufactured in developing countries, where oversight is lower than in the United States, according to a new white paper by the Pew Health Group."

''FDA calls for more congressional oversight on global drug economy''

"The Food and Drug Administration called on Congress Tuesday to make the laws that govern the global prescription drug economy stronger. In a report released Tuesday by the Pew Health Group, researchers looked at the globalization of pharmaceutical production and the domestic distribution of prescription drug, with an eye on how the FDA can more effectively regulate both."

''Pew Study Finds Gaps in FDA Oversight of Imported Drugs''

"The Food and Drug Administration needs much more power to protect the U.S. supply of drugs as more and more are made in other countries, the Pew Health Group reported on Tuesday."

''Globalised supply chains threaten drug safety''

"The globalisation of manufacturing and use of increasingly complex supply chains in the drugs and chemicals industries leaves millions at risk of counterfeit, adulterated and substandard pharmaceuticals, a new report has claimed."

After Heparin

This report provides an overview of the complex pharmaceutical supply chain from manufacturing through distribution of the finished drug, and advances proposed policy solutions to help reduce the risks of counterfeit, adulterated and substandard drugs.

Read two fact sheets describing the heparin adulteration and other examples of breaches to the U.S. drug supply.

View an interactive graphic presenting an overview of today's globalized pharmaceutical supply chain and its vulnerabilities.

After Heparin

Read two fact sheets describing the heparin adulteration and other examples of breaches to the U.S. drug supply.

View an interactive graphic presenting an overview of today's globalized pharmaceutical supply chain and its vulnerabilities.

Pew Finds Serious Gaps in Oversight of U.S. Drug Safety

Americans’ medicines are increasingly manufactured in developing countries, where oversight is lower than in the U.S., according to a new white paper by the Pew Health Group. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates 40 percent of finished drugs and 80 percent of active ingredients and bulk chemicals used in U.S. drugs come from overseas.

''The Doctor Is Out (In the Community)''

"Many of the most urgent health problems facing the nation—like diabetes, asthma, obesity and injuries—are shaped by conditions in the places where we live, work and play. The United States spends more money on health care per person than any other country—$2.5 trillion in 2009, yet our health statistics consistently lag behind other developed nations."

New Collaboration Supports Growth in the Field of Health Impact Assessment

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Health Impact Project and the National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI) announced a collaboration and a call for proposals to increase the number of health impact assessment (HIA) training opportunities offered in the United States.

''China Illustrates Challenges for ‘Global’ FDA''

"Faced with a chronic shortage of staff around the world and a lack of enforcement authority in foreign countries, the FDA has come up with a plan to transform itself into a “truly global agency,” according to a report (pdf) on product safety and quality it released on Monday."

''FDA Lays Out Global Strategy to Monitor for Dangerous Foods, Drugs''

"In an unusual special report Monday, the Food and Drug Administration laid out a strategy it hopes will help it do a better job of policing America's food and drug supply. Called the Pathway to Global Product Safety and Quality, the 36-page document outlines a plan to work globally to track the international movement of food and drugs."

Pew Applauds Introduction of Bipartisan Bill in Senate to Preserve Effectiveness of Antibiotics

The Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming (HHIF) today applauded U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) for introducing S. 1211, the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2011 (PAMTA). The bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to withdraw seven classes of antibiotics critical for treating infections in humans from use on industrial farms unless animals or herds are sick with disease.

Joint letter on pending FDA rule to ban the extra-label use of cephalosporins in food animal production

We, the undersigned groups, are writing to ask you to quickly move forward with issuing a revised order of prohibition on extra-label use of cephalosporin drugs in food-producing animals as stated in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Strategic Priorities for 2011-2015.

Replacing Deep Fat Fryers

The Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project conducted a pilot survey among food service directors in three states (Georgia, Kentucky and Wisconsin), finding that schools lack the resources and equipment to provide healthy school food to students.

Changing the Menu in Chicago

In an effort to improve the quality of foods served in its schools, CPS debuted new breakfast and lunch menus in the 2010-2011 school year which are now among the healthiest in the country.

Poll Finds Most Americans Favor Increased Funding for Stronger Food Safety Oversight

Among likely voters surveyed across the nation, 66 percent support additional funding for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to carry out new responsibilities related to food safety, according to a Pew-commissioned poll released today by the bipartisan team of Hart Research and American Viewpoint.

''Shock To The System''

"In the wake of the heparin scandal, FDA admitted that rampant globalization in drug manufacturing has outstripped the agency’s resources for inspecting foreign facilities."

Oregon Farm to School Bill Would Benefit Health Through Job Creation, Study Finds

A bill in Oregon that would provide incentives to deliver fresh local food to schools would improve the health of the state’s residents and, at the same time, create hundreds of new farm-industry jobs over a five- to 10-year period, according to a study released by Upstream Public Health in Portland.

What Moms Need to Know About Antibiotic Resistance and Food Animal Production

The antibiotics our families depend on to treat dangerous infections are rapidly losing their effectiveness, posing a particular threat to our children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases. Part of the problem has been the misuse of these drugs in humans, but another key contributor is
antibiotic overuse in food animal production.

Did You Know? Get the Facts on Antibiotic Resistance

Up to 70 percent of all antibiotics sold in the U.S. are used on industrial farms in healthy food animals, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists. This makes the U.S. one of the biggest users of antibiotics in food animal production in the world.

What Moms Need to Know About Antibiotic Resistance and Food Animal Production

Moms Across America Uniting to Preserve Effectiveness of Antibiotics

The Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming today launched "Moms for Antibiotic Awareness," a grassroots movement of moms working to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for their children and families.

''Health Impact Assessments Are Needed In Decision Making About Environmental And Land-Use Policy''

"The importance to public health of environmental decisions—including those about land use, transportation, power generation, agriculture, and environmental regulation—is increasingly well documented. Yet many decision makers in fields not traditionally focused on health continue to pay little if any attention to the important health effects of their work."

''New study adds to concerns about animal-to-human resistance to antibiotics''

"On April 15, scientists reported that the meat bought at supermarkets is often contaminated with Staphylococcus aureas bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics used to fight human disease."

''FDA Opened 72 New Counterfeit Cases in 2010--a New Record''

"During a presentation at a meeting organized by the Pew Prescription Project (Washington, DC., March 7-8), deputy administrator Dr. Ilisa Bernstein noted that 72 cases had been opened by FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations in FY 2010 (which ended Sept. 30). That’s up nearly 11% from the year before, which was also an up year."

Testimony before the Committee on Energy on Commerce, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, United States House of Representatives

"Chairman Stearns, Ranking Member DeGette, and members of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony about the essential steps Congress must take to protect Americans and ensure the integrity of our drug supply..."

Voters Overwhelmingly Support Stronger School Food Standards, New Poll Finds

More than three out of four American voters—78 percent—believe that schools should be required to meet higher nutrition standards for all foods they serve or sell to students, and 61 percent support providing schools with more funding to meet those standards, according to a new poll conducted by the bipartisan team of Hart Research and American Viewpoint and commissioned by the Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project.

Tools to Improve School Meals

The meals schools serve to students are an important source of nutrients kids need to grow, learn and succeed. Yet many schools don’t have the necessary tools to prepare safe and healthy meals.

Serving Up School Meals that Make the Grade

The nutrition standards for school meals have not been updated for more than 15 years. In 2009, the Institute of Medicine, the health arm of the National Academy of Sciences set forth recommendations for making school meals healthier.

Consumer and Drug Industry Representatives Back New Fees to Cover Inspections

Allan Coukell, director of the Medical Safety Division of the Pew Health Group, issued the following statement today, commenting on a March 14-15 conference, "After Heparin: A Roundtable on Ensuring the Safety of the U.S. Drug Supply," in which industry and consumer experts called for changes to address the risk of counterfeit and substandard medicine

Grants Available to Build Healthier Communities Through Informed Decision Making

Today, the Health Impact Project, a collaboration of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts, announced a call for proposals for grants to conduct health impact assessments (HIA).

After Heparin: A Roundtable on Ensuring the Safety of the U.S. Drug Supply

The Pew Charitable Trusts hosted a roundtable discussion addressing the safety of the U.S. drug supply. Expert presentations were part of a larger conversation on the issues and solutions raised in a draft white paper entitled, After Heparin: Protecting Consumers from the Risks of Substandard and Counterfeit Drugs.

''FDA: Another tainted drug crisis seems inevitable''

"A senior Food and Drug Administration regulator warned that another public health crisis may be inevitable because the agency can't guarantee the safety of many drugs and food products manufactured overseas."

Pew Applauds Introduction of Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2011

The Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming (HHIF) today applauded U.S. Representative Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.) for introducing H.R. 965, the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2011 (PAMTA). The bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to withdraw seven classes of antibiotics critical for treating infections in humans from use on industrial farms unless animals or herds are sick with disease.

''House Investigates Heparin Crisis''

"The House Energy and Commerce Committee is conducting a formal investigation into the contaminated-heparin crisis of 2008, saying it wants regulators to figure out who was responsible for adulteration linked to 81 U.S. deaths."

''Area doctors receiving speaking fees from drug companies''

"Over the last two years, seven of the biggest drug companies in the nation paid more than $770,000 in speaking and consulting fees to 52 area doctors and other medical professionals whose specialities range from cardiology to urology."

''Drug money- Is your doc receiving payments from the pharmaceutical industry?''

"A dozen UC Davis Medical Center doctors and many more in the greater Sacramento area received some $1.1 million from pharmaceutical companies in 2009 and the first half of 2010. Physicians and employers say the relationship is a necessity to marry scientific expertise to corporate innovation. But watchdogs, and even the federal government, are taking a close look at the uncertain relationship between medicine and business."

''Potential for 'Super Bugs' in Meat, Dairy Products Alarms Regulators''

"At a one-day conference in Washington, D.C., co-sponsored by the nonprofit consumer group Center for Science in the Public Interest and The Pew Charitable Trusts, food safety experts and officials agreed that decades-long misuse of antibiotics on the nation's farms has been largely responsible for the steady increase in e.coli, salmonella and other food-related outbreaks in recent years."

Health Care and the Antibiotic Resistance Crisis

Many public health officials and medical organizations are increasingly concerned about the rising incidence of antibiotic-resistant infections in the United States. According to the Interagency Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance, unless antibiotic resistance ―problems are detected as they emerge—and actions are taken quickly to contain them—the world may soon be faced with previously treatable diseases that have again become untreatable, as in the pre-antibiotic era.

''Consumer 10.0: Food safety finally gets its due''

The incredible, edible egg - or at least those coming from two rodent-infested Iowa egg farms - caused 1,937 traceable illnesses from Salmonella enteritidis last year, which means the contaminated eggs probably sickened nearly 60,000 people nationwide.

''Health Impact Assessment: A Tool That Can Build A Healthier America''

"In December, the Department of Health and Human Services released “Healthy People 2020” — a 10-year blueprint aimed at improving the health of the nation. The plan comes amidst rising rates of many diseases – such as asthma and diabetes — and skyrocketing health care costs."

Health Impact Assessment

Preventable health problems, including many cases of heart disease, diabetes, asthma and injuries, are taking a huge toll on American families. For the first time in U.S. history, data suggest that today’s children may live shorter lives than their parents. These problems also threaten our nation’s economic vitality.

Historic U.S. Senate Food Safety Vote will Greatly Improve Protections from Foodborne Illness

Erik D. Olson, director of the Pew Health Group food programs, issued the following statement commending the U.S. Senate for passing the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (S.510).

Families Call for Senate Passage of Food Safety Legislation

As the U.S. Senate considers a landmark food safety bill, the Make Our Food Safe Coalition joins families of victims of foodborne illness in calling for swift action to improve the safety of our nation's food supply.

''Top-name drug recalls a bitter pill for consumers''

"Industry officials and experts say the rise of well-known product names on major recalls is partly due to enhanced regulatory scrutiny."

''Drugs, Supplements come to U.S. from China largely unregulated''

"Federal regulators have inspected only a fraction of the hundreds of Chinese factories making prescription drugs for the U.S. market, a new report from the Government Accountability Office says."

Avoiding Antibiotic Resistance: Denmark's Ban on Growth Promoting Antibiotics in Food Animals

Recognizing the potential for a health crisis, Denmark began restricting the administration of antibiotics used for growth promotion (i.e., non-medical uses) in cattle, broiler chickens and swine in 1998. The World Health Organization found that the ban reduced human health risk without significantly harming animal health or farmers' incomes.

The U.S. Needs More Weapons in the Fight Against Superbugs

Director of Pew Health Group Medical Safety, Allan Coukell, discusses antibiotic resistance and U.S. policy after a Washington Post health piece on resistant superbugs.

Landmark Studies on Transit, Energy and Nutrition Policies are Focus of New Grants

The Health Impact Project, a collaboration of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts, today announced nearly $400,000 in grants to four organizations to conduct health impact assessments (HIAs). The assessments will identify and address potential and often overlooked health implications of policy proposals including farm-to-school food legislation, energy development, smart-metering technology for electric utilities and urban transportation plans.

Food Safety Expert Calls for Legislation to Protect Consumers

In light of the latest salmonella outbreak, Pew Health Group Deputy Director Erik Olson urges Congressional action to improve the safety of our nation's food supply.

''Second Farm Recalls Ten Million Eggs''

''A second Iowa farm, which ships to stores in 14 states, is recalling at least 10 million eggs that are possibly tainted with salmonella.''

''Voters trust drugs made in USA, but few are''

"More than three out of four voters are confident that prescription drugs made in the USA are free from contamination, while fewer than one in 10 feel confident about medications made in India or China, according to a poll released today by the Pew Charitable Trust's Prescription Project."

Consumer and Manufacturing Groups Back Bill to Protect U.S. Drug Supply after a Year of Record Recalls

The Pew Prescription Project, joined by major consumer, physician and chemical manufacturer groups, today announced support for a new bill that would give the FDA much-needed authorities to better protect pharmaceutical supply chains.

''U.S. Regulators Lack Data on Health Risks of Most Chemicals''

"This summer, when Kellogg recalled 28 million boxes of Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Corn Pops and Honey Smacks, the company blamed elevated levels of a chemical in the packaging."

Effects of Banning the Use of Antibiotics as Growth Promoters in Denmark and Scandinavia

A listing of major reports and journal articles regarding the effects of banning the use of antibiotics as food animal growth promoters in Denmark and Scandinavia.

''China Never Investigated Tainted Heparin, Says Probe''

"The Chinese government didn't pursue an investigation into contaminated heparin sent to the U.S. in 2007 and 2008, despite repeated requests from the U.S. for help, according to a congressional probe."

Testimony: Gail R. Hansen before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health

Antibiotics are overused in industrial farming to the detriment of human health. Antibiotic overuse has spurred generations of bacteria that are causing life threatening illnesses that were once easily treatable with antibiotics. Effective alternatives are available to agribusiness. Congress has the opportunity to enact legislation that will curtail the use of antibiotics in industrial food animal production without having significant economic impact on the industry.

Official Text: Hearing on Antibiotic Resistance and the use of Antibiotics in Animal Agriculture

The CDC lists control over infectious disease as one of its top 10 great public health achievements of the last century, and antimicrobials are crucial to that accomplishment. And yet we must collectively be alarmed that we are undermining the power of antibiotics by failing to use them judiciously.

Supporting Materials: Hearing on Antibiotic Resistance and the use of Antibiotics in Animal Agriculture

On July 14, 2010, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a hearing to examine the use of antibiotics in animal agriculture. View PDF files of some of the materials entered into the hearing record by organizations and health and agricultural professionals.

Pew and Health Care Without Harm Hold Audio News Conference Calling for an End to the Overuse of Antibiotics in Food Animals

On the eve of a July 14 hearing conducted by the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health to examine the use of antibiotics in animal agriculture, the Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming, in collaboration with Health Care Without Harm, held an audio news conference on the need to end the overuse of these drugs in meat production.

Pew and Health Care Without Harm Hold Audio News Conference Calling for an End to the Overuse of Antibiotics in Food Animals

Pew Calls FDA Announcement a Small, Overdue Step Towards Ending the Overuse of Antibiotics in Food Animal Production

Laura Rogers, project director of the Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming, issued the following statement today on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) draft guidance on "The Judicious Use of Medically Important Antimicrobial Drugs in Food-Producing Animals."

''Inside Washington: After years of outbreaks, FDA steps up oversight of produce safety''

A field worker has unwashed hands. An animal squeezes through a small tear in a fence. Manure from a nearby hog farm trickles into an irrigation system.

Small mistakes like these are often difficult to identify as the sources of food-borne illnesses, a situation that has frustrated health authorities for years. The Food and Drug Administration and other agencies gather information about a contamination outbreak after people have already been sickened, and their investigations into what went wrong come well after the crucial evidence is gone.

''Food Safety Update — Report Underscores Need for Enhanced Legislation to Protect Americans''

Governing bodies aim to improve more than just the safety of produce as they take steps toward instituting stricter regulations. From bags of spinach to products containing peanuts and hydrolyzed vegetable protein, numerous food recalls have made news in the last four years. At times, it seems as though a biblical plague has been set upon our daily bread. And with food recalls continuing to grab headlines, the finding of a report issued on March 3 by the Produce Safety Project at Georgetown University should come as no surprise: The cost of food-borne illness is higher than previously estimated.

RWJF and Pew Award Six Grants to Examine the Impact of Policy on People’s Health

The Health Impact Project, a collaboration of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts, today announced more than $1 million in grants to six projects that will conduct health impact assessments at the state and local levels.

''FDA Recommends New Limits on Livestock Drugs''

To prevent development of drug-resistant bacteria that could infect people, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommended on Monday that livestock farmers use the drugs solely to cure or prevent disease in animals, phasing out their use to promote growth.

''Maker of children's drugs accused of hiding Motrin recall from public''

"The company at the center of a massive recall of children's Tylenol and other popular over-the-counter products tried to perform a "phantom recall" of defective Motrin by sending contractors around the country to buy up the medicine from stores without alerting regulators or the public, according to the chairman of a Congressional committee investigating the company."

''Working to Save Lives With Safe Food''

"At age 2, Kyle Allgood of Chubbuck, Idaho, became sickened by a deadly strain of E. coli O157:H7, from contaminated spinach. When Kyle's abdominal pains would not subside, he was flown to a Salt Lake City hospital, where his downward spiral ended in kidney failure, a heart attack and, ultimately, death.

The tragedy the Allgood family endured is far from rare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that each year, food-borne illness strikes tens of millions of Americans, hospitalizes hundreds of thousands and kills several thousand—mostly young children like Kyle, the elderly or others who are especially vulnerable."

Capitol Hill Briefing: Reducing Antibiotic Resistance

On May 5, 2010, Pew hosted a briefing on Capitol Hill in collaboration with Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Rep. Louise Slaughter, and Rep. Howard Berman. Panelists included an official from the World Health Organization, a veterinarian from Denmark's Technical University, the proprietor of a Danish hog farm and a scientist from Denmark's State Serum Institute.

Pew Statement on Congressional Hearing Regarding Antibiotic Resistance and the Threat to Public Health

Laura Rogers, project director of the Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming, issued the following statement today, commenting on a hearing of the U.S. House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Health, where representatives of the Obama administration are expected to present testimony regarding the need to protect Americans from the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

''Pfizer Gives Details on Payments to Doctors''

"Pfizer, the world’s largest drug maker, said Wednesday that it paid about $20 million to 4,500 doctors and other medical professionals for consulting and speaking on its behalf in the last six months of 2009, its first public accounting of payments to the people who decide which drugs to recommend."

''Top psychiatrist calls for ethics cleanup around 'Big Pharma'''

"American psychiatrists need to break away from a "culture of influence" created by their financial dealings with the drug industry, the head of the National Institute of Mental Health said in a leading medical journal."

Pew Prescription Project Statement on the Physician Payments Sunshine Act

Allan Coukell, director of the Pew Prescription Project, issued the following statement today, commending Congress for including provisions from the Physician Payments Sunshine Act in health care reform legislation. The provisions would require drug and device companies to publicly report the gifts and payments they make to doctors.

Testimony: House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies

Antibiotic-resistant infections have been identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as one of the top public health challenges in the United States. Massive use of medically important antibiotics like penicillin and tetracycline in food animal production is a significant contributor to this problem.

Pew Statement on Energy and Commerce Drug Safety Hearing

"Two years after dozens of Americans lost their lives to contaminated heparin, we are still unable to protect U.S. consumers from many of the risks of pharmaceuticals manufactured in foreign factories. It is time for Congress to take action to better protect health."

Pew Statement On House Hearing Regarding FDA Drug Safety Reforms

Allan Coukell, director of the Pew Prescription Project, issued the following statement today, commenting on a hearing at the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, where Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Principal Deputy Commissioner Joshua M. Sharfstein is expected to present testimony regarding the agency’s ability to protect Americans from unsafe drugs made overseas.

Statement on Congressional Hearing Regarding FDA Drug Safety Reforms

Allan Coukell, director of the Pew Prescription Project, issued the following statement today, commenting on a hearing at the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, where Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Principal Deputy Commissioner Joshua M. Sharfstein is expected to present testimony regarding the agency's ability to protect Americans from unsafe drugs made overseas.

Health-Related Costs from Foodborne Illness in the United States

The report ranks states according to their total costs related to foodborne illness and cost per case for an individual, which is $1,850 on average nationwide. The ten states with the highest costs per case are: Hawaii, Florida, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, the District of Columbia, Mississippi, New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey.

Health-Related Costs from Foodborne Illness in the United States

Capitol Hill Briefing: Alternatives to Routine Antibiotic Use in Food Animals

On March 2, 2010, Pew hosted a briefing on Capitol Hill with Bill Niman, founder of Niman Ranch; Steve Ells, co-CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill; and other successful livestock producers and businesspeople who discussed how they sustain profitable ventures based on antibiotic-free meat production.

Antibiotic-Free Food Animal Production

As a result of increasing consumer demand, organic products have become more mainstream, appearing now in an estimated 73 percent of grocery stores.As availability of organic products has grown, consumption patterns have shifted to reflect this availability. Where consumption of organic goods used to be the lifestyle choice of a small group of consumers, today more than two-thirds of Americans admit to purchasing organic products occasionally.

How Antibiotic Resistance Happens

Frequent, low doses of antibiotics that are not strong enough to kill all bacteria encourage some bacteria to develop means of survival, or to become “resistant.”

Comprehensive Fact Sheet: Denmark’s Ban on Growth Promoting Antibiotics in Food Animals

In human medicine, antibiotic use is generally confined to treatment of illness. In contrast, antibiotics and other antimicrobials (drugs that kill microorganisms like bacteria) often are routinely given to food animals in the U.S. in order to grow animals faster and to compensate for unsanitary conditions on many industrial farms.

Industrial Farms and Antibiotic Resistance

Basic information on antibiotics, their use on industrial animal farms, and the problem of antibiotic resistance from the Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming.

Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in Animals and Unnecessary Human Health Risks

In the United States, many food animals—poultry, swine and cattle—are routinely treated with antibiotics in order to grow animals faster and to compensate for unsanitary conditions on many industrial farms. Recently, major increases in antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections in human populations have led to public health concerns regarding antibiotic use for non-therapeutic purposes (i.e., not used to treat disease) in animals destined for food production.

Antibiotic Resistance and the Industrial Animal Farm

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed drugs that kill bacteria or suppress their ability to grow, allowing the human immune system to respond and heal from illness. Antibiotic resistance is a dangerous bacterial trait which enables bacteria to survive and continue to grow instead of being inhibited or destroyed by therapeutic doses of the drug. As a result, antibiotic-resistant bacteria can evade the effects of the antibiotic and multiply, with severe consequences for human health.

Food Safety and the Antibiotic Resistance Crisis

According to a first-ever study by professors at the University of Regina in the United Kingdom, U.S. food safety ranks seventh or “average” among 17 other industrialized nations. At least 76 million cases of food-borne disease occur each year in the U.S. While many health problems caused by contaminated food are not serious, some food-borne infections are much more dangerous, leading to convulsions, premature delivery and miscarriage, sepsis, or even death.

Important Human Medicines Used on Industrial Farms

Industrial animal farms commonly administer low doses of antibiotics and other antimicrobials (drugs that fight microorganisms like bacteria and viruses) to pigs, cows, chickens, sheep, and other food animal species for the purpose of growth promotion or weight gain. Typically, these sub-therapeutic doses, which are generally not high enough to fight active diseases or infections, are given directly to animals in their feed or water.

Charts Displaying Denmark's Decline in Antibiotic Resistance

These charts summarize Denmark's decline in antibiotic usage and antibiotic resistance, as well as the increase of livestock and poultry production after a ban on the nontheraputic use of antibiotics and antimicrobial drugs in food production animals.

''FDA Weighs Limits for Online Ads''

This week, JAMA highlights the risks the Pew Prescription Project and other consumer safety advocates raised at a recent FDA hearing on the use and conduct of pharmaceutical companies online.

''Protection of Food Supply Faces Problems''

''Erik Olson, director of food and consumer product safety programs for the Pew Health Group, appeared on the "CBS Evening News" in the series 'Where America Stands.'"

Capitol Hill Briefing: Industrial Animal Farms and Worker Health and Safety

On December 17, 2009, Pew hosted a briefing on Capitol Hill in collaboration with Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva, Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Leading experts discussed the public health and sociological effects of industrial farm animal production for farm workers and rural communities.

Letter from Danish Chief Veterinarian to Congress

In Denmark the termination of non-therapeutic use of antimicrobials for growth promotion has not caused any negative impact on the animal production. The Danish animal food industry has continued to improve its productivity and to increase its output.

''Foodborne Illness and Its Impact on the U.S.''

''Erik Olson, director of food and consumer product safety programs for the Pew Health Group, appeared on C-SPAN’s 'Washington Journal' to discuss the Food Safety Modernization Act and its potential impact.''

Make Our Food Safe for the Holidays

Over the next several weeks, the U.S. Senate has an historic opportunity to take a major step toward improving food safety for all Americans.

Majority of Voters Support New Government Oversight of Food, Pew Commissioned Poll Finds

New polls of voters in selected states – Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio and Wyoming – show overwhelming support for measures that would give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) new authority to ensure the food Americans eat does not make them sick, according to a new poll commissioned by the Pew Health Group and conducted by a respected bipartisan team of pollsters at Hart Research (Democratic) and Public Opinion Strategies (Republican).

Majority of Voters Support New Government Oversight of Food, Pew Commissioned Poll Finds

''3 Years After E. Coli Outbreak, Is Spinach Safer?''

''Three years after an E. coli outbreak, thought to be linked to spinach, took three lives and left 205 people sick, ABC's "Good Morning America" discovered that while the industry instituted new safety standards to prevent bacterial contamination, there are no requirements to test salad products before they get to market.''

Meet the Project Director and Learn More about the Health Impact Project

Dr. Aaron Wernham answers five questions on video about the Health Impact Project and HIAs.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, The Pew Charitable Trusts Launch National Initiative to Advance Policies that Promote Health

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and The Pew Charitable Trusts (Pew) today announced the launch of the Health Impact Project, a national initiative designed to promote the use of health impact assessments (HIAs) as a decision-making tool for policy makers.

''What Can Danish Hogs Teach Us About Antibiotics?''

"Beautiful Denmark is known throughout the world for its pastries, furniture design and ham. Yes, ham. Denmark is the largest exporter of pork in the world. The country, not much larger than Massachusetts, produces more than 26 million hogs

Letter from Danish Technical University Professor to Speaker Nancy Pelosi

We have just had the pleasure of meeting with a delegation consisting of four members of the House of Representatives, where we presented our data on the effects of the stop for nontherapeutic use of antimicrobials for food animals in Denmark.We know that various rumours and sometimes “creative” interpretations of what has taken place in Denmark have been circulated to members of the US Congress, and we are grateful for having been given this opportunity to correct some of these stories.

''Drug company paid MN doctors $754,127''

"Minnesota doctors were paid thousands of dollars in speaker fees and other payments last year by a pharmaceutical company now implicated in a congressional investigation for its aggressive promotion of a popular antidepression drug, according to documents filed with the state and analyzed by a nonprofit group."

Pew-Commissioned Poll Finds Large Majority of Americans Want Stronger Food Safety Rules

Among likely voters surveyed across the nation, about 9 in 10 support the federal government adopting additional food safety measures, and 64 percent believe that imported foods are often or sometimes unsafe, according to a new Pew-commissioned poll by the bipartisan team of Hart Research and Public Opinion Strategies.

''Debating How Much Weed Killer Is Safe in Your Water Glass''

"Now, new research suggests that atrazine may be dangerous at lower concentrations than previously thought. Recent studies suggest that, even at concentrations meeting current federal standards, the chemical may be associated with birth defects, low birth weights and menstrual problems."

''Activists Focus on Conflicts of Interest Among Doctors With Ties to Industry''

"94 percent of physicians have 'a relationship' with the pharmaceutical, medical device or other related industries, according to a national survey of physicians published two years ago in the New England Journal of Medicine."

Pew Statement on House Passage of Food Safety Legislation

Erik D. Olson, Director of Food and Consumer Product Safety at The Pew Charitable Trusts, issued the following statement.

Letter to the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy

Our combined memberships include the country’s foremost scientific and medical experts and represent more than eleven million concerned Americans and health professionals. Our position is based on objective health interests and concerns that dangerous drug resistant infections are rapidly increasing in hospitals and community settings adding to the economic burden of the U.S. healthcare costs.

Pew letter to the FDA in response to their public recognition of animal agriculture's contribution to antimicrobial resistance

The Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming (Pew) would like to extend our sincere thanks to you both for taking the time to meet with us on June 23 to discuss the contribution of animal agriculture to the growing public health crisis of antimicrobial resistance. We are deeply appreciative not only of your consideration of our viewpoints, but also the expertise and dedication that you bring to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Testimony: Robert P. Martin Before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Rules

Testimony from Robert P. Martin, Senior Officer, Pew Environment Group, before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Rules regarding the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act (PAMTA).

Pew Calls FDA Testimony on Use of Antibiotics on Industrial Farms a Key First Step, More is Needed

Laura Rogers, director of the Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming issued the following statement today, commenting on the testimony of FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner Joshua M. Sharfstein, in which he said that antibiotics used on industrial farms should be phased out for growth promotion and feed efficacy, and should be more rigorously overseen for disease control and prevention.

''Two States Restrict Firms' Gifts to Doctors''

"Under laws taking effect Wednesday in Massachusetts and Vermont, pharmaceutical companies and medical-device makers will be banned from giving doctors such gifts as resort trips or even coffee mugs."

Medical Students, Pew Find Improvement in Medical School Pharmaceutical Conflict-of-Interest Policies, But Many Lag

Over one-fifth of U.S. medical schools improved their conflict-of-interest rules in the past year, yet dozens of others lag behind according to the 2009 American Medical Student Association (AMSA) PharmFree Scorecard, released today.

Dueling Produce Safety Standards Highlight Void Left by Lack of FDA Regulation

A side-by-side analysis of a variety of produce safety standards shows significant variations in guidance given fruit and vegetable growers in what steps they need to take to minimize microbial contamination in light of the lack of federal rules.

Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its voluntary produce safety guidance 11 years ago, a number of organizations and one state have stepped into the regulatory void and adopted their own standards for the growing and harvesting of fresh produce (fruits and vegetables intended to be consumed raw). Some standards are general in nature, and others are commodity specific.

Testimony of Allan Coukell, Director of the Pew Prescription Project, on Protecting Consumers from Adulterated Drugs

Protecting consumers against the risk of adulterated products is, of course, the original mission of the FDA. Today, the vast majority of pharmaceutical products sold in the United States today are not adulterated, but an increasingly complex supply chain creates new challenges and new risks – as recent events demonstrate.

No Economic Advantage to Industrialized Pork Production

In October 2008, a panel formed to conduct a comprehensive, fact-based examination of key aspects of the farm animal industry. The report found that the current industrial method of raising pigs for food carries no economic advantage over more natural pig farming. The researchers determined that when the costs to society and communities are taken into account – particularly the costs of waste treatment - industrial animal production actually carries a higher price tag.

''Taking a Page, and a Pen, From Makers of Medicines''

"Free pens — bearing the names of drugs like Viagra and Januvia rather than the letters NYC — litter doctors’ offices all across New York, part of an often-criticized strategy by drug company sales representatives known as detailers, who traditionally go from waiting room to waiting room giving gifts to entice doctors to prescribe their products."

Pew Applauds Introduction of Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act

Nearly one year after the Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production released its landmark recommendations on how America should reform the way food animals are raised, U.S. Representative Louise Slaughter today introduced the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2009 (PAMTA).

Teleconference on Legislation to Help Curtail Overuse of Antibiotics on Factory Farms

Chipotle restaurant CEO joins Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and leading antibiotic expert to discuss the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2009.

Improving the Food Safety System

Erik Olson, director of chemical and food safety programs with Pew Health & Human Services Policy, issued the following statement at today’s House Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Hearing on the recent peanut-related salmonella outbreak.

''End misuse of antibiotics''

"While your editorial ('Delmarva travel warning,' Tuesday) made light of the dangers of driving behind trucks transporting intensively raised chickens..."

Statement from The Pew Charitable Trusts on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's reversal on antibiotics safeguards in animal farming

Laura Rogers, project director for the Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming, today issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's decision to reverse its plan to ban off-label usage of certain antibiotics in animal agriculture.

Disclosure of Industry Payments to Physicians

This Prescription Project survey shows Americans are eager to understand financial ties between physicians and pharmaceutical industry.

Putting Meat on the Table

The current industrial farm animal production system often poses unacceptable risks to public health, the environment and the welfare of the animals themselves, according to an extensive two and a half year examination conducted by the Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production.

Putting Meat on the Table

''Drugmakers asked to reveal educational grants to doctors''

"Eli Lilly & Co. thinks you deserve to know and lists its grants on its website. Pfizer plans to post similar details soon. Despite Pfizer's move, it is among the 15 companies getting a letter today from Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, asking what they're doing to 'meet the public's demand for transparency."

E. John Wherry's Flu-Vaccine Research

Smithsonian Magazine recently featured young innovators in the arts and sciences, and one of the up-and-comers was E. John Wherry, Ph.D., an immunologist at the Wistar Institute.

Time For Change

Academic medical centers (AMCs) form the intellectual core of medicine, training future doctors and researchers, and establishing standards that guide practicing physicians in the wider community. Where pharmaceutical industry marketing conflicts with the goals of patient care and professionalism, AMCs can provide leadership and guidance by establishing new standards on physician-industry relationships.

A Community of Beautiful Minds

More than 200 Pew Biomedical Scholars gathered earlier this year for the 20th anniversary reunion of the Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences. It’s fair to say that they were excited.

Pew Biomedical Scholars Win Top Awards

Two Pew Biomedical Scholars have won top science awards this fall.

New Ad Campaign Asks D.C. Commuters ''Who's Hogging Our Antibiotics?''

Who's hogging our antibiotics? That's the question a new advertising campaign is posing to area commuters and people visiting Capitol Hill.