While Americans can get the occasional news story about a breakthrough in food science or a controversy, like irradiation, from newspapers and TV, there isn't one mainstream news source for regular updates and commentary. Consumers can, however, dig up their own information online at a number of Web sites sponsored by both commercial and governmental bodies. Some are geared towards educators or focus on a specific area, like weight management, but others offer more general health factoids. Look around, and you're sure to find one or two sights with plenty that you want to learn about. If nothing else, you'll collect a wad of new recipes and meet a few new animated vegetable friends.
Does eating a banana sound too boring? How about skateboarding with one? On the Dole- sponsored nutritional Web site, those punky bananas are joined by dancing veggies, lesson plans for teachers, games, healthy recipes, cartoons, and the Reference Center, which is an encyclopedia of fruits and veggies. Find out nutritional content, from vitamins to fiber. www.dole5aday.com
The FDA Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition is much more serious, but you can't fault the site's wealth of knowledge for much besides its less user-friendly outlook. It's easy to start looking up one piece of information, but then find yourself reading about a wholly different topic. Stay focused, and you'll be OK. Learn about nutritional information, but also government reports and testimony, recalls, updates on food safety, and more. There is an area on women's health and one on food labeling. Start your search at www.fda.gov/Food .
Free stuff. The Federal Citizen Information Center is a government Web site that helps you get cases of brochures and pamphlets, most for free, or for a small charge. There's a chance to preview them, and decide if they are what you really want. Read about lowering cholesterol, food preservatives, and distasteful medical problems. www.pueblo.gsa.gov
MayoClinic.com is the Web version of this healthy living medical center. It's notable for its less intimidating approach. The site is definitely more user friendly than some, and includes a current events area for up to date info. You can discover cookbooks written specifically for those with dietary needs, read about yummy meat substitutes, and dig up a ton of low-fat recipes. www.mayoclinic.com
Any food scientists out there? The Institute of Food Science and Technology has a site best suited for those in the nutrition business. Professionals can update their skills, and learn about the latest in food science news. The topics here a bit less useful to the consumer on their way out to the grocery store, but that doesn't mean the articles won't be of interest. Topics include genetic modification of foods, food allergies, and those evil trans fatty acids. There's an FAQ section, which is a nice feature, but there isn't a whole lot to look at, except for lots of text. Also, keep in mind that this site is based out of the United Kingdom, so some rules and regulations won't be the same here in the U.S., but most of the info is still on target. www.ifst.org
Worriers hoping to lose weight should be sure to check out the Food Safety Project. Here, you can learn all about your friend, the pathogen. Read the directory that outlines germs that could contaminate your food (there's a lot of them!), and then read up on how you can make your food and kitchen a safer place. There are also some themed publications available, and an animated visit to a safe kitchen. See the Web site at www.extension.iastate.edu/foodsafety/
The Children's Nutrition Research Center is connected to Baylor College of Medicine, and offers advice from scientists on exactly what you should be feeding the little ones. There are plenty of FAQs, along with nutrition information geared directly to kids. The site offers simple and sound advice, with an easy to navigate design. www.bcm.tmc.edu/cnrc/index.htm
Along the same lines is the Food Safety Web site, which details ways in which to keep your dinner plate germ free. You can also find links to various publications and certification programs for those interested in becoming food safety professionals. Read about surefire appetite suppressants, like pesticides, irradiation, and food additives. See Web site www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/foodsci/agentinfo
Eat Well, Live Well. That's the motto of Dietitians of Canada, where the Eat Well, Live Well section of their Web site allows consumers to investigate dietary info in both French and English. The Virtual Kitchen is a fun way to blow a few minutes online. Just click on any part of the kitchen, and get stats on the foods stored there. You can also learn about more specific topics, like sports nutrition, meals on the go, and budgeting for your meals. Organize your life with the interactive Meal Planner, and add a few years to your life by learning about what you're eating and how those foods will change Your Nutrition Profile. www.dietitians.ca