Public health extras: Menu labeling, ATV safety

Study exposes factors in youth ATV deaths

A substantial number of young children killed in all-terrain vehicle crashes are riding or operating vehicles made for adults, a recent study found.

Published in November in Pediatrics, the study analyzed Consumer Product Safety Commission fatality data between 1985 and 2009 to tease out the characteristics and determinants of fatal ATV crashes among children and adolescents. Researchers found that adult-sized ATVs were involved in 95 percent of fatalities among those younger than 16. In addition, more than half of all the pediatric ATV-related deaths during the 24-year study period were among 15-year-olds. Older teens accounted for 72 percent of ATV-related roadway fatalities and 63 percent of collisions, and 19 percent of ATV crashes among older teens involved alcohol.

The study also found that head injuries occurred among 63 percent of fatalities, and helmets reduced the likelihood of head injury among fatal crash victims by 58 percent. Head injuries were most common among ATV passengers.

The study researchers noted that while there are no motorized ATVs designed to be driven by children younger than 6, one in four victims in that age group were operating the vehicle.

“Reducing deaths and injuries in this age range will require targeted adult education regarding the hazards of carrying children on ATVs, engineering changes in seat design, and the passage (of or) stronger enforcement of ‘no passenger’ laws,” the study stated.

FDA finalizes new menu labeling rules

Consumers will soon have the opportunity to make better-informed food choices, thanks to two new federal labeling rules.

In November, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration finalized two rules that require calorie labeling on menus and menu boards in chain restaurants, similar retail food establishments and vending machines with multiple locations. The labeling rule applies to restaurants that are part of a chain of 20 or more locations that conduct business under the same name and offer nearly identical menu items. The vending machine labeling rule applies to businesses that own or operate 20 or more vending machines. Restaurants and similar retail food establishments will have one year to comply with the labeling rule, while vending machine operators will have two years. The new rules were enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act.

“Americans eat and drink about one-third of their calories away from home and people today expect clear information about the products they consume,” said FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg, MD. “Making calorie information available on chain restaurant menus and vending machines is an important step for public health that will help consumers make informed choices for themselves and their families.”

For more information, visit www.fda.gov.