Colorado State University Extension
SafeFood Rapid Response Network


SAFEFOOD NEWS - Winter 2002 - Vol 6, No. 2

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How Can We Know If Our Food Is Safe

As parents talk with their children and continue their own exploration of terrorism's impact on our society, the question of food safety may emerge. Throughout Colorado, some county Extension faculty and local public officials have been receiving inquiries regarding the safety of water supplies and food from production through processing, sale, and preparation in restaurants and homes. These are legitimate questions in a society with an open market of food products. We need to remember that Americans continue to enjoy one of the safest food supplies in the world. Many agencies work together nationally and locally to ensure that we continue to have safe food and water. They can provide the most up-to-date information regarding steps taken to protect our food and water supply now and in the future.

Water quality is regulated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Strict state and federal regulations govern sampling and testing processes. Locally, Departments of Health are responsible for well and public water system testing. At Colorado State University (CSU), there are faculty in 20 different departments engaged in research on the quality, access, and legal issues surrounding water in Colorado. The Water Center at CSU encourages appropriate ongoing research on water issues, including work at Colorado School of Mines, CU Boulder, and Colorado State University. Robert Ward, Water Center Director, is a good source of additional information, as is Reagan Waskom, the Extension Water Quality outreach specialist who coordinates education and scholarly activities to ensure citizen understanding of water quality and access.

Representatives from the Colorado departments of Agriculture and Public Health and Environment have been meeting with faculty and administrators from CSU to discuss systems for the protection of our food supply. The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture has been in close communication with the Rocky Mountain Plant Food and Agricultural Chemicals Organization and the Agriculture Aviation State organization to reinforce appropriate regulations regarding access to pesticides utilized in agriculture production. A system of increased surveillance and reporting of suspicious activity is under development. Questions can be directed to Jim Miller or Lyhn Sing at the Department of Agriculture, or to Dell Rae Moellenberg at Colorado State University.

Food Science and Human Nutrition faculty at CSU have extensive information on the appropriate preparation and storage of food and water. Information for individuals and their families can be obtained by calling Melissa Bardsley at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition.

The state's systems of regulation and surveillance of our food supply are being enhanced, and professionals from those systems are actively building more effective communication systems. In addition, information for your own family, and decisions about the safety and storage of food in your household, is available through Colorado State University and Extension. For specific questions, contact your county Extension faculty members, your local Emergency Preparedness Committee, and the resources cited below.

Dr. Robert Ward Director, Colo. Water Resources Research Institute, 970-491-6308 robert.ward@research.colostate.edu

Dr. Reagan Waskom CSU Coop. Ext. Water Quality Outreach Specialist 970-491-2947 rwaskom@lamar.colostate

Jim Miller State of Colorado Department of Agriculture 303-239-4100 Jim.Miller@ag.state.co.us

Lyhn Sing State of Colorado Department of Agriculture 303-239-4100 Lyhn.Sing@ag.state.co.us

Dell Rae Moellenberg CSU Extension Specialist 970-491-6009 or dellraem@coop.ext.colostate.edu

Melissa Bardsley CSU Department of Food Science and Nutrition 970-491-7334 or mmbardsl@lamar.colostate.edu

CSU Extension 970-491-6281 or http://www.ext.colostate.edu/

Colorado Office of Emergency Management 303 273-1622 or http://www.dlg.oem2.state.co.us/oem/oemindex.htm

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Updated Monday, August 29, 2011