Edited by author 02-27-2001 11:12 AM
IF YOU ARE VISITING THIS DISCUSSION FOR THE FIRST TIME:

The discussion postings are in order of most recent at the top. BEST STRATEGY is to scroll all the way down to the first message and read each posting in reverse order. This will help you follow the discussion. Also, the Teacher's posting is first and thus you will know what the the focus of the discussion is.

If you cannot see the first posting (check the numbers on the left column to see the posting number)
At the very bottom of the page, there is a small blue link "Show all postings"
Click this and your page will be adjusted to show all by scrolling.

OR you can click on the page numbers link to the right to go back a page at a time.

Edited by author 02-27-2001 11:04 AM
EVERYONE:
Go to the article Student 1 posted.
Read the sections listed below:
>>Urine Clues to PKU
>>Sickle Cell Confusion
>>Tay Sachs Success

Sickle Cell Confusion makes a point that relates DIRECTLY to this discussion. (Reminder: we are discussing WHY various people/organizations need to know about genetic disorders.)

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/CONSUMER/CON00025.html

Genetic Screening Fetal Signs on a Journey of Discovery
by Ricki Lewis, Ph.D.

Lobbyists are paid by companies or organizations to talk to legislators in the House or Congress..
They try to convince each legislator to vote a certain way on some bill.

According to the FDA website, they have advisory committees and make regulations, they don't have to have legislation unless they want something to be law or have a legal consequence for not following FDA rules.

Thanks, T. I read it off a Diet Pepsi can.

What was the URL for that document?

And great spelling, 1.

Did anyone draw any conclusions about the FDA's role?

Also, what people/organizations are affected by Genetic Screening? (other than of course, parents, expectant parents and patients)

I found an article all about Genetic Screening. Phenylketonurics and Sickle Cell Anemia tests were described.

I found a great article on the FDA website. I clicked on search the FDA site and typed in genetic disorder. This one article was on New Food Labels and Special Diets.
the page is http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fdspdiet.html

Evveryone can visit http://www.fda.gov
Is student 6 right?

Also Student 4 - elaborate so we know what it is you're saying about lobbyists. Who are they? What do they do? (avoid single-word responses to eliminate confusion for the rest of us, please.)

Doesn't the Food and Drug Administration do more than just enforce Federal laws?

Scientists who are doing research will contact legislators. Mostly to get funding to do more research.

Lobbyists.

Stuff gets in the media, you know, newspapers, TV. Celebrities will make a big deal about something that affects them or their families. Like Michael J Fox and Jim Kelly.

Student 2, you're onto something. Usually legislators act on information that is presented to them. Who might present information regarding the need for labeling food products? How else is this information sent to legislators?

(Anyone can respond.)

Hey, Student 1, I think the FDA just enforces rulings made by legislators. They're the ones who make the laws on required labeling.