Past Contest Entries

Food Sleuth Radio

List date(s) this work was published or aired.

8-9-12
9-6-12
9-13-12
11-1-12

Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.

1. Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, Ph.D., author: “I’m Like, So Fat! Helping Your Teen Make Healthy Choices about Eating and Exercise in a Weight-Obsessed World.” Children and teens face the challenge of living in a weight-conscious world where they’re encouraged to eat foods that contribute to weight gain. Neumark-Sztainer takes a compassionate view of feeding children well and warns about the harmful effects of dieting. 2. Mary Ellen Sanders, Ph.D., Food Scientist, Microbiologist, expert in dairy probiotics and food cultures, explains the benefits of probiotics and tips for consumers when choosing the right gut bacteria to promote health and treat illness. Sanders identifies emerging research on the mechanisms behind the benefits of probiotics. 3. Maryn McKenna, Association of Health Care Journalist reports on the connections between antibiotic-resistant bacteria in chicken, difficult-to-treat bladder infections, and routine antibiotic use in the livestock industry. 4. Michael Hansen, Ph.D., Consumers Union, reveals safety concerns of GMO crops and foods, including potential allergens, and increased use of pesticides. He explains why he supports national food labeling.

Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?

Peer-reviewed scientific journal articles; authors’ books and websites, when applicable, websites including Union of Concerned Scientists, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy.

Explain types of human sources used.

Experts in subject matter from Universities, professional health organizations and association meetings and webinars (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Public Health Association, AHCJ, Institute of Agriculture and Trade Policy.)

Results:

Better informed public.

Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.

n/a

Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.

Be familiar with your subject matter so you can make the most of your limited time with your guests. Listen carefully.

Place:

No Award

Year:

  • 2012

Category:

  • Beat Reporting

Affiliation:

KOPN Radio

Reporter:

Melinda Hemmelgarn, M.S., R.D.; Dan Hemmelgarn; David Owens

Links: