September 10, 2003

Members Present: Isabel Simard, Arlene Hoffman, Kari Davis, Ramlah Moussa,
Julie Mortimore, Julie Coleman, Mylene Paré

1. Mandates that these products include statements regarding content and warning statements about the use of the product.
2. Makes it a misdemeanor to sale these products to minors
3. Warning label includes FDA Med Watch phone number.
4. Exempts licensed health care practitioners.

The San Bernardino County NQP Task Force along with the California Dietetic Association supports SB 582, also by Speier, that would make it illegal to sell products with ephedrine group alkaloids in California. SB 582 passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee on September 8, 2003 with an amendment specifying that the licensed health care practitioners that are allowed to distribute these supplements cannot do so, “for the purpose of weight loss, body building, or athletic performance enhancement.” The bill was then sent to Senate unfinished business. The San Bernardino County NQP Task Force wrote a letter in support of the bill that can be received by contacting Julie Mortimore.

The California Dietetic Association Hotline message will end on September 30, 2003 due to financial restraints. New resources for announcements and information about bills involving nutrition issues are currently sought by CDA Public Policy Council members. Please forward this information to Julie Mortimore, RD, (909) 387-6331, jmortimore@dph.sbcounty.gov.


WEIGHT CONTROL PRESENTATION
By: Kari Davis, dietetic intern currently doing her public health rotation at San Bernardino Public Health Department.

Did a review on the new book Dr. Phil just published entitled “The Ultimate weight solution: the 7 keys to weight loss freedom. She read the book and mentioned Dr. Phil’s position:

It’s mostly psychological
Appears to have no gimmicks
No special food combinations
Recommends a balanced intake of nutrients
Recommends increase intake of nutrient dense foods such as fruits and vegetables and whole grains.
Says that most vitamins and minerals should come from the foods we eat, but if an individual takes a multivitamin, it should not exceed the RDA’s.

There is no new information, but it might be put in a way to motivate people. It focuses on changing beliefs and teaches people to eat healthy.

We might want to include this book in our reliable resource list.

Arlene mentioned the South Beach diet, which is very similar to Atkins. It has more carbohydrates and is extremely structured. They say that ketosis is related to the weight loss observed. Many of these high protein diets will work fast, but people tend to gain more weight back on a longer-term basis.


FAST FOOD INDUSTRY
By Kari Davis, dietetic intern currently doing her public health rotation at San Bernardino Public Health Department.

Why are almost all fast food restaurants now offering a healthy option? Is it to make more money or is it for public interest? Did the lawsuit (those who claimed they were fat because of McDonald) scare them?

Often, fast foods restaurants offer only salads, which is not a complete option. Many individuals are not ready to pay $4.00 for a plain salad. Especially low-income families.

Arlene says that seniors get vouchers for Wendy’s. They can choose from 4 menus options selected by a Registered Dietitian. These options will meet nutrition guidelines.


FDA UPDATES
By Ramlah Moussa

Talked about the FDA’s Implementation of “Qualified Health Claims”: Questions and Answers. This came out August 27, 2003 from CFSAN/Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements. Visit the following website for more details: www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/labqhcqa.html


USDA DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS RESOURCES
Julie provided us with Dietary supplement Resources for consumers and professionals:

For consumers:
www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/pubs/bibs/gen/dietsupp.html

For Professionals
www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/pubs/bibs/gen/dietsupp_prof.html 


DAIRY COUNCIL OF CALIFORNIA
Finally the Dairy Council of California announced their new logo. Visit their website to view the new logo and see the material they have to offer www.dairycouncilofca.org/

SPRING CONFERENCE
The FDA has agreed to host the dietary supplement conference on April 30th at the FDA facility in Irvine (new facility). Advance registration is a MUST for the conference due to security check and attendees’ names need to be given to security. We need to add a security remark on flyers to inform attendees to bring picture ID. FDA has limited parking space for guests. Might consider speaking with the Newport Building Management about parking over there. Parking fee would not be included in registration fee, since last year, some attendees were charged even if they should not have. The topic will focus on weight loss (from fad diets to supplements). We will need to offer healthier food for breakfast (possibly just fruits. Arlene will look into the possibility of having a Senior Center cater a full meal for $5 or less.


The next meeting will be November 12, 2003 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the New FDA building: 19701 Fairchild, Irvine, CA 92612. Please RSVP ahead of time as security is tight.