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The Notebook: a potpourri of items of interest gathered from FDA news releases, other news sources, and the Federal Register (designated FR, with date of publication). The Federal Register is available in many public libraries.
Wine bottle necks can no longer be covered with tin-coated lead foil capsules, according to an FDA final rule effective last Feb. 8. During use, the lead in the capsules may become a component in the wine and be consumed, exposing the drinker to lead. (FR Feb. 8)
Color additive certification fees have been increased to cover the cost of FDA's color certification program, according to an FDA final rule effective last March 4. The new fee is 30 cents per pound, a 5-cent increase. (FR Feb. 1)
Computerized information is now available from the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "CDC WONDER for the PC" provides menu-driven access to more than 25 public health databases, including data on diseases, deaths, hospitalizations, and CDC health policies. Users need a computer, modem, CDC software, and user identification. "CDC WONDER on the Web" provides free access to much of the same information as CDC WONDER for the PC. It can be accessed at http://wonder.cdc.gov/. "The CDC Prevention Guidelines on CD-ROM" provides more than 400 documents on public health topics. For more information on access and costs, which vary, contact Dianne Wylie, Public Health Information Systems Branch, CDC, 4770 Buford Highway, N.E., Mailstop F-51, Atlanta, GA 30341-3724; telephone (770) 488-7510; E-mail mdw1@opsirm8.em.cdc.gov. (FR Feb. 14)
Food Chemicals Codex, an 880-page reference, is now available. It provides standards for the identity, strength and purity of more than 900 food-grade ingredients. Copies may be purchased for $195, plus $4 for shipping and handling, from the National Academy Press, 2101 Constitution Ave., N.W., Lockbox 285, Washington, DC 20055; telephone (202) 334-3313 or (1-800) 624-6242; Internet address: http://www.nas.edu/nap/bookstore/.
A seafood safety arrangement was signed by FDA and New Zealand last Dec. 20. The countries arranged to acknowledge one another as competent authorities and recognize that each has systems to ensure safe, wholesome, and truthfully labeled fish and fishery products. (FR Feb. 26)
A battery charger for computer notebooks was recalled by the manufacturer and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Texas Instruments' battery charger for TravelMate 4000M notebook computers was recalled because some chargers may have a defect in a small electronic component that could cause fire if consumers cover or insulate the external charger during use. The chargers, sold from November 1994 through January 1996, are labeled "Texas Instruments ... P/N 9792543-0001 ... Type BTC 01 ..." Owners of the chargers should call (1-800) 730-4235 or send an E-mail with their name, address, and telephone number to ticharger@select.com. Texas Instruments will replace the charger or refund the purchase price.
Biotechnology product quality is the topic of a final guideline prepared by FDA for the International Conference on Harmonization. "Analysis of the Expression Construct in Cells Used for Production of r-DNA Derived Protein Products" describes the information needed to assess the structure of cells used to make recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (r-DNA) derived proteins. For a free copy, write to Division of Communications Management (HFD-210), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Rockville, MD 20855; telephone (301) 594-1012. An electronic version of the guideline is available on FDA's Website. (FR Feb. 23)
FDA Consumer magazine (May 1996)