Oral

This session threads together themes of food and environment, from the local to global, from community food environments to food safety threats and related environmental hazards. The first presentation shares a case study of the first year in a low income urban community’s effort to bring in healthy food options to improve its food environment. The second presentation describes the risk that imported foods may contain pesticides that are not approved for use on produce in the U.S., and examines the gap in information and oversight. Building on the theme of violative residues on imported food, the third presentation examines veterinary drug residues in seafood imported to four countries. Finally, the fourth presentation describes the environmental and food safety hazard from a food preparation method common in developing countries: using scrap tires to smoke meats. All four presentations reflect the systemic nature of food production, preparation and distribution, with multiple ramifications for human health. All four also center on food and movement, whether into a community or around the globe; or, when the truck tires themselves become the subject of investigation. This session will be structured to enable a lively discussion at the end, regarding the issues raised and future directions in advancing community food access and preventing food-related hazardous exposures.

Session Objectives: Describe at least 3 beneficial directions for improving community food environments. List at least 3 reasons for concern about pesticide residues in imported foods. List at least 3 reasons for concern about veterinary drug residues in imported foods Discuss the hazard of using tires for smoking meats.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)