FDA Consumer Magazine -- April 1993
Table of Contents

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Protecting Patients and Professionals from Blood-Borne Disease
FDA, along with other government agencies and professional organizations has taken steps to help ensure that the AIDS virus and other blood-borne infections will not be transmitted among health professionals and patients.

Ingredient Labeling: What's In a Food?
Ingredients for all standardized foods must be listed on the label of the product, according to a final rule FDA published last January. The regulation affects the listing of flavorings, colorings, spices, and other substances.

Lead Threat Lessens, But Mugs Pose Problem
Pregnant women should avoid the daily use of ceramic mugs to drink hot acidic beverages such as coffee and tea. FDA scientists came to this conclusion after analyzing risks from dietary lead exposure, which generally are lower than they were previously.

Using Smart Drugs and Drink May Not Be Smart
Young professionals in some parts of the country are turning to so- called "smart" drugs and drinks in an effort to be hip or get ahead. But there's no evidence that they work, and they may be harmful.

Just What Is a Biologic, Anyway?
It used to be that most common biological products were vaccines and blood products. But today, the emergence of biologics with drug-like actions and other uses have made the answer to this question more complicated.

Hair Dye Dilemmas
Nearly 40 percent of American women, and a lesser number of men, color their hair--and the practice may increase with the graying of baby boomers. Knowledge about about the possible dangers of some dyes is necessary for the safe use of these products.