Provide names of other journalists involved.
No other journalists involved.
List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Dec. 10, 2012
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
I analyzed FDA data to find that more than 400 food items had been recalled because of undeclared allergens since March 2009. This is a problem because food allergies have increased significantly in this country over the last 10 years, according to the CDC. Although a 2004 law mandated clear labeling for the top eight allergens, companies aren’t required to note potential cross-contamination. And those foods — candies, cakes, etc. — often aren’t recalled until someone gets sick.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
I analyzed FDA recall data (an xml file) in Microsoft Access. Although I initially asked the FDA to send the data to me, I found an xml file online and wound up telling an interested pio how to it could be used in Excel or Access. I also gathered extra legal documents from the quoted lawyer to color a few more narratives. No FOIA requests necessary because I only had a 2-3 days to get the story up.
Explain types of human sources used.
Denise Vanech, the mother in the story’s opening, gave me the idea for the story and described her regular calls to food manufacturers to keep her food-allergic son safe from fatal allergic reactions. The fact that she knows the order in which Ben and Jerry’s makes ice cream is, I think, a great detail. I also spoke to her teen son about his experience for the narrative. I spoke to a food safety lawyer about food allergen cases he’s had and how they’ve only been cross-contamination cases. He provided a few documents mentioned above. I also spoke with two allergists about how this is a problem for their patients.
Results:
None yet!
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.
No.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Don’t be afraid of small data sets, and always look for data and documents online and/or with lawyers before you FOIA. It might be right under your nose for a story that’s quick but still packed with information.