Food Safety

Food Safety Reviews

Food Safety Resources Reviews

General Information

Title: The School Food Allergy Program

Producer/Publisher: The Food Allergy Network

Review Date: 8/1/2002

Format(s): CD-ROM, Videocassette, Text/Booklet/Pamphlet, Brochure

Audience(s):
Parents/Family/Consumer, Administration, Food Services, Health Services/School Nurses, Lower Elementary Students, Upper Elementary Students

Detailed Information

Overall Comments On Resource Reviewed:

Positive Points of the Reviewed Resource:

The information is easy to read and understand. It is very informative, has good references, such as a newsletter, books, and Web sites.

Negative Points of the Reviewed Resource:

An example plan would be a nice addition. There are no ideas for the teen population, since it was directed at the elementary student.

General Comments:

Overall, it is a very informative package.

Summary:

The information is easy to read and understand. It is very informative, has good references, such as a newsletter, books, and Web sites. Although an example plan would be a nice addition and information for teen-agers is not included, it is overall very informative.

Rating:

Recommended

PART I

All Materials

1. Content:

Purpose:

Purpose of resource is clearly stated in title or introduction

If not, please explain:

Organization:

Resource is well-organized and major points are presented clearly. Resource does not assume that reader has background information.

If not, please give specific examples:

Accuracy:

Information, technical or otherwise, is accurate and recommendations are current.

If not, please give specific examples:

Consistency with Current Food Code

The latest version of the Food Code is used and the information is consistent with that code.

If not, please give specific examples:

The Food Code is not applicable to this material.

Learning Activities, Questions, Projects, or Interactive Learning Tools:

Resource includes a variety of stimulating and interesting learning experiences, questions, projects, or suggestions for further action that will involve the audience (e.g., an activity where the participant rates their current food safety practices).

If not, pleae give specific examples:

The main point in this material is learning about food allergies and to make a plan of action for your school/students with allergies.

Special Interests:

Resource is geared toward special needs and interests of intended target audience(s).

If not, please explain:

Scope:

Scope of information is appropriate for target audience(s) and essential topics are discussed in appropriate detail.

Please explain:

This is a yes/no answer. There are two parts to this packet. One is directed at the family for information and a newsletter. The other is for the school to make a plan. The general information and family packet information is good, but could be improved by addressing a newsletter toward teens too. For the school planning a sample plan would have been good and to have a sample of the "How to Read a Label" card too. The video mentioned a food service section in the materials, but there isn't any.

Summary:

All major ideas are summarized or reviewed to reinforce key concepts; summaries are easily identified.

If not, please give specific examples:

Again, this is a yes/no answer, please see the above comments.

Objectivity/Sponsor Bias:

Subject matter is presented objectively and fairly. No brand name is mentioned or obvious sponsor bias.

2. Diversity:

Positive Role Models:

Positive role models are provided in text and illustrations. Role models are presented as having many roles, traits, and emotions.

If not, please explain

Multi-Cultural Representation:

Resource does not include any outright negative stereotypes concerning racial, religious, or ethnic groups.

If not, please give specific examples:

Instructional Aids:

If not needed, please explain:

It would be nice to have a few more food service materials mentioned in the video that are not available. A sample card of "How to Read a Label" would also be nice to include. A floppy disk is included in the packet, but it is damaged and is not able to be reviewed.

Availability of Aids:

If aids do not exist or are not necessary, please explain:

Instructor’s Guide:

Instructor’s guide is included with suggestions for enhancing audiovisual presentation, pre-, and post-showing. Suggestions or follow-up learning activities/discussion questions are included.

If instructor’s guide is not included, is one needed?

Please explain:

There is a guide for the video for the school and there is a floppy disk (damaged and not reviewed). A sample plan would also be nice to include. The material for the family is good, with good references for books and groups to join. The Web sites provided are also good sources of information.

Instructor Resources:

Instructor resources are included and reinforce the information provided in the curriculum.

If instructor resources are not included, should they be included to reinforce the information provided in the curriculum?

Please explain:

The materials provided are from a Food Allergy Awareness Week news release. It has very good information and could be used as an instructor fact sheet information for school personnel. There are also good Web sites provided.

Student Resources:

Student resources are included and reinforce the information provided in the curriculum.

If student resources are not included, should they be included to reinforce the information provided in the curriculum?

Please explain:

This is done with a newsletter by this organization, and it included good Web sites.

Credits, References, and Resources (including dates, publishers, etc.):

Complete credits, current references, date produced, and resources listed are up-to-date (credits may be on video package).

If not, please give specific examples:

The video does not have a date.

Part II

Print Resources Only
(if applicable)

Readability:
Vocabulary:

Vocabulary is appropriate for intended audience(s).Resource minimizes use of technical terms and if used, they are defined.

Yes

If not, please give specific examples:

Writing Style:

Main ideas are clear and flow smoothly.

Yes

If not, please give specific examples:

Writing Approach:

Writing approach is positive, personal and involves the reader. Active voice is used most of the time.

Yes

If not, please explain:

Supportive / Effective Illustration:

Illustrations contribute to the resource and are on the same page as their text references.Tables and graphs are simple, easy-to-read, and in a form requiring no further explanation.

Yes

If not, please give specific examples:

Illustrations contribute to the material and are on the same page as their text references.Active voice is used most of the time.

Yes

If not, please give specific examples:

Visual Quality:

Resource uses a heavy weight paper and print from one side cannot be seen on the other side. Text is written in a font size greater than 11 point type, is not difficult to read, and the main body of print is not written in capital letters.

Yes

Please comment:

Layout and Design:

Color, design, and layout of resource are attractive and stimulate interest without being too busy. A good balance between print and blank space is on the page.

Yes

Please comment:

Headings:

Clear headings are provided for each topic area.

Yes

If headings are not provided for each topic area, would they be helpful? Please explain:

Part III
Audiovisual Resources Only
(if applicable)

5. Audiovisual Presentation Format:

Quality:

Audiovisual resource is mutually supportive to the presentation of concepts.

If not, please explain:

Presentation:

Presentation progresses at a pace that permits comprehension. Pacing of dialogue is appropriate for absorbing concepts presented. Blank time is provided.

If not, please explain:

6. Technical Quality:

Auditory Quality:

Speaker, voice, and music are clear; sound is audible and has good quality.

If not, please explain:

Visual Quality:

Visuals are clear and properly framed; graphics and titles are clearly visible; and color, lighting, and editing enhance presentation content.

If not, please explain:

Continuity:

Continuity provides cohesiveness and smooth flow. Visuals are in a logical order and auditory portion is precisely matched with visual portion.

If not, please explain:

Disclaimer: The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit professional society. As such, the sole purpose and mission of the organization is the educational and scientific advancement of the environmental health profession. In keeping with this mission, this article is provided for informational purposes only. It is designed to better inform our members about topical and relevant food safety resource and training materials available to the environmental health professional. It in no way represents the views, opinions or policy statements of the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). Any opinions expressed about any food safety resource and training materials in this column (either expressly or implied) are solely and completely the responsibility of the author(s)and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the author(s) employer nor the views or opinions of the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).