Consumer information-education

In the case of agricultural biotechnology, these concerns include the scientific imderpinning of regulations, technology transfer, intellectual property protection, training/career development, consumer information/education, and research funding. 

For both opponents and proponents, continuous education is critical even if it appears that many consumers are not interested in the issue. While a person can be uninterested in a topic, there are different times in their life or different windows of opportunity when they are open to learning about new ideas. Continuous education keeps informed consumers informed and offers disinterested consumers the opportunity. The more effort that is invested into consumer education, the less risk there is that consumers will overreact on the basis of emotion, fear, memorable phrases, or unfounded benefits. 

There are also potential complications that can occur because of proactive consumer information. In these cases, information that is intended to educate the public may also have unintended signal value, suggesting the existence of previously undisclosed or underestimated hazards. Indeed, information that is intended to restore consumer trust may actually raise... 

The best way to reach this nutritional goal is to give the consumer information and education about which foods are the best... 

Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, Chicago, Illinois The association develops voluntary appliance performance standards and makes safety recommendations to Underwriters Laboratories and the American Gas Association, represents the industry in consumer and government relations, compiles statistics, sponsors certification programs, and provides consumer appliance information, educational materials, and technical aids, www.aham.org... 

A semiconductor microcircuit is a series of electrically intercoimected films that are laid down by chemical reactions. The successful growth and manipulation of these films depend heavily on proper design of the chemical reactors in which they are laid down, the choice of chemical reagents, separation and purification steps, and the design and operation of sophisticated control systems. Microelectronics based on microcircuits are commonly used in such consumer items as calculators, digital watches, personal computers, and microwave ovens and in information processing units that are used in communication, defense, space exploration, medicine, and education. 

A well planned public health program is needed for the safe exploitation of agricultural chemicals. This should embody research on toxicity, cooperation of public and private agencies for exchange of information and promulgation of control measures, labeling of economic poisons, adequate inspection, and education in occupational and consumer health. 

The area of biotechnology or genetically modified foods is an excellent context in which to examine how consumers form perceptions and attitudes toward a new technology (or even toward older technologies such as irradiation) related to food. Both proponents and opponents of biotechnology argue that their goal is to educate consumers so that they can make informed... 

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) sets standards for food safety and inspects meat, poultry, and egg products produced domestically and imported. The Service inspects animals and birds at slaughter and processed products at various stages of the production process, and analyzes products for microbiological and chemical adulterants. FSIS also informs the public about meat, poultry, and egg product food safety issues. FSIS works with the Research, Education and Economics mission area on food safety research issues and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service on instances where animal diseases impact food safety. FSIS also facilitates the management of US activities pertaining to the Codex Alimentarius Commission, an international organization created by the United Nations, to promote the health and economic interests of consumers while encouraging fair international trade in food. 

This fact has a number of practical implications for reducing the unnecessary hazards of chemical externalities. First, although some academics insist that most evil is due to a lack of awareness of the consequences of our actions, lawn chemicals are used disproportionately by well-informed consumers, despite many of the effects of chemical use in turf care being acknowledged and pernicious. Providing yet more education to individuals so they can do fifty simple... 

IFIC s mission is to communicate science-based information on food safety and nutrition to health and nutrition professionals, educators, journalists, government officials and others providing information to consumers. IFIC is supported primarily by the broad-based food, beverage, and agricultural industries. 

III.b.1.9. Public education about medicines. Without sufficient knowledge about the risks and benefits of using medicines and when and how to use them, people will often not get the expected clinical outcomes and may suffer adverse effects. This is true for prescribed medicines, as well as medicines used without the advice of health professionals. Governments have a responsibility to ensure both the quality of medicines and the quality of the information about medicines available to consumers. This will require ... 

Drug labeling Consumers tend to overlook important label information on OTC drugs, according to a Harris Interactive Market Research Poll conducted for the National Council on Patient Information and Education and released in January 2002. In May 2002, an FDA regulation went into effect that aims to help consumers use OTC drugs more wisely. 

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