regarding over-fortified corn soy blend

USDA AND USAID INFORMATION ON OVER-FORTIFIED CORN SOY BLEND FOOD AID

WASHINGTON, May 27, 2005- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) today issued the following information regarding over-fortified corn soy blend food aid:

Each year the U.S. government through the USDA and the USAID contributes over 3 million metric tons of food to help feed the undernourished people of the developing world. This assistance includes emergency programs aimed at meeting the most immediate needs of food-insecure populations.

One of these products, a vitamin and mineral fortified mixture of corn and soy, known as Corn Soy Blend (CSB), has proven especially effective in saving the lives of some of the most vulnerable and malnourished populations, particularly children. The U.S. provides over 250,000 metric tons of CSB as food aid annually.

Recently, USDA and USAID learned that a small percentage of CSB from one supplier (approximately 1,100 metric tons) was over-fortified with iron during the production process.

Although experts advise that there is no serious health impact from consuming mineral over-fortified CSB, USAID and USDA have previously notified and instructed all partners in the field to immediately suspend distribution of the product until further testing is completed. The State Department notified embassies of the action being taken and advised them to inform foreign governments of the suspension.

The U.S. government has suspended all further purchases of CSB from the single supplier of the affected product until a thorough review of their production process can be completed. All CSB from this supplier within the U.S. is being held and tested.

The small amount of product from this supplier currently in transport has been diverted for further testing. Stocks already in country have been identified and set aside.

USDA anticipates initial testing results will be completed within the next 10 days. Once testing results are analyzed the U.S. government will continue to act decisively to ensure the health and safety of the beneficiaries of U.S. food aid.

SOURCE: USDA Release No. 0190.05 Contact: Office of Communication (202)720-4623

Fleet Week 2005

America Supports You: Fleet Week Starts With Reflection, Thanks in NYC
By Samantha L. Quigley, American Forces Press Service

NEW YORK, May 28, 2005 – Sailors and Marines on May 27 participated in a variety of events tied to Fleet Week 2005 here. The week sees New York open its doors to servicemembers.

Marine Staff Sgt. Johnny Riera hands an American flag to Joao Paulo, of Portugal, during Fleet Week 2005. Paulo and his family were in New York on vacation. Photo by Samantha L. Quigley (Click photo for screen-resolution image); high-resolution image available.

The morning included a World Trade Center memorial run and wreath laying. Runners included sailors, Marines and members of the Coast Guard.

An hour later, Rev. Bill Minson led a group of sailors, Marines and family members of those lost in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in a prayer event. "We can ask for God's protection each and every day," he said.

The emotional event, marked with singing and thanks from the family members to the servicemembers present, ended in a prayer circle on site where the buildings once stood.

In the afternoon, Marines and sailors took to the streets of New York -- Broadway to be exact. At every corner along the storied street from Battery Park to Harlem, troops handed out small American flags and stickers highlighting the Defense Department's America Supports You program.

Many Marines were surprised by the reaction they received from the American people.

"They come up and thank you before we can even give them a flag," Marine Staff Sgt. Johnny Riera said. "We just want to thank them for their support."

The flags were a huge hit with the throngs walking the streets and could be seen sticking up from pockets, purses and even ponytails. Likewise, the stickers were being proudly worn.

"My dad was a Marine. It's a big thing in my family," Bridgett Gordon said. She added that she believes America should support our troops every day.

"We need to support our troops," she said. "I think it's a shame that it takes holidays for people to support our troops."

Even visitors from other countries got caught up in the spirit of the day. Carla Smale was visiting from London, England, but took part in thanking the U.S. servicemembers. Smale has family in Chicago and calls the U.S. "a second home."

"They're doing a great job," she said of the troops. "I couldn't do it."

The day wrapped up with the official United Service Organizations Fleet Week Kickoff at a Midtown Manhattan club. Approximately 500 servicemembers and their guests let loose. Food, beverages, music and karaoke got the party started and kept it going until nearly midnight.

For some, the kickoff party was a chance to come back to a city they hadn't seen for a while. Though things have changed in the past 20 years since, Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Gregg Bentz has visited the city last, he said he still finds it loud.

Bentz, an aviation warfare systems operator aboard the USS John F. Kennedy, and fellow sailor, Petty Officer 1st Class Moncrieff Antone, an operations specialist, participated in a ceremony at Ground Zero. "I'd been there when it was the World Trade Center," Bentz said.

Antone heaped praise on the USO for being so supportive and accommodating and said that New York and the people on the streets have made them feel right at home.

"The USO, I can't thank them enough. They'll do anything they can to help us out," he said describing the assistance he's received with transportation and the options the organization presented them.

"When you feel appreciated for the job you're doing ... you just have that desire to do that job to the best of your ability," Antone said.

Marine Staff Sgt. Carlos Vaquero said the people of New York have been appreciative and curious. "They keep coming up to us and asking for pictures," he said.

Servicemembers will enjoy Fleet Week events daily through May 30, Memorial Day. Those events, including an America Supports You concert tonight, are designed to express the appreciation of New York and the American people.

Related Site: America Supports You

Marines, sailors and Coast Guardsmen let loose at the Fleet Week kickoff party hosted by the United Service Organizations May 27 in Midtown Manhattan. Photo by Samantha L. Quigley Download screen-resolution - Download high-resolution

Bridgett Gordon sports an "America Supports You" sticker, which sailors and Marines handed out along Broadway May 27. Photo by Samantha L. Quigley Download screen-resolution - Download high-resolution