Abstract: A handbook for policy makers and program analysts describes a prototype inventory of US federal food, agriculture, and nutrition programs, and how this prototype inventory can be used to analyze data across program, functional, and organizational lines. This handbook does not represent an all-inclusive inventory of all food, agriculture, and nutrition programs, but is rather intended as an example for executive branch agencies to use in building similar program inventories in their areas and for building a government-wide program inventory. The inventory contains data on 359 federal programs in 28 different US departments and agencies. This handbook describes the inventory and what information it contains, some related information systems, and identifies future opportunities for further developing this and other program inventories.
Over the past 20 years, public concerns have grown in response to the apparent rising prevalence of food allergy and related atopic conditions, such as eczema. Although evidence on the true prevalence of food allergy is complicated by insufficient or inconsistent data and studies with variable methodologies, many health care experts who care for patients agree that a real increase in food allergy has occurred and that it is unlikely to be due simply to an increase in awareness and better tools for diagnosis. Many stakeholders are concerned about these increases, including the general public, policy makers, regulatory agencies, the food industry, scientists, clinicians, and especially families of children and young people suffering from food allergy. At the present time, however, despite a mounting body of data on the prevalence, health consequences, and associated costs of food allergy, this chronic disease has not garnered the level of societal attention that it warrants. Moreover, for patients and families at risk, recommendations and guidelines have not been clear about preventing exposure or the onset of reactions or for managing this disease. Finding a Path to Safety in Food Allergy examines critical issues related to food allergy, including the prevalence and severity of food allergy and its impact on affected individuals, families, and communities; and current understanding of food allergy as a disease, and in diagnostics, treatments, prevention, and public policy. This report seeks to: clarify the nature of the disease, its causes, and its current management; highlight gaps in knowledge; encourage the implementation of management tools at many levels and among many stakeholders; and delineate a roadmap to safety for those who have, or are at risk of developing, food allergy, as well as for others in society who are responsible for public health.
Approximately 600 references arranged by accession numbers. Each entry gives bibliographical information, contact, unit, agency concerned, authority, and abstract. Subject, agency/organization, Congressional indexes.
