FDA prenatal nutrition survey

FDA intends to survey healthcare professionals to determine "what information, advice and recommendations they are offering to pregnant women" about nutrition and food safety, according to a notice published in the Federal Register June 2. Specifically, the agency is interested in learning about the following topics: methyl mercury and seafood consumption, listeriosis prevention, weight control and nutrition, dietary supplement usage, food allergies, toxoplasmosis prevention and infant feeding practices. FDA will use the information to determine whether advice issued by the agency is reaching relevant healthcare providers and whether the providers are then using this information to educate their patients. "FDA will also use the survey to get a better understanding of what resources health care professionals use to stay abreast of current practices for caring for pregnant women," the agency says. That information will help "FDA provide timely recommendations to health care professionals that will reach the largest audience"...