Brewing Chemistry Lecture Series "What Happened to the FDA?" April 21, 2009

In the latest in a series of informal and entertaining lectures on current chemistry topics, practices in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will be analyzed. Felix Schneider, a retired FDA chemist, will share some of his insight with us.

This event is the sixth in a series of accessible chemistry lectures organized under the banner “Brewing Chemistry” by the Young Chemists Committee of the Detroit Local Section of the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society.

During the last five years, this country has experienced a number of recalls of food and drug products both domestic and imported. Leading up to these recalls there have been a large number of illnesses and deaths associated with the products. What has happened in the FDA during the past 8 years that has key Congressional leaders calling for an over-haul of the agency? Mr. Schneider will discuss a number of these incidents and why the FDA failed to protect the public health and some current initiatives that should lead to improvement.

Mr. Schneider is retired after a 42-year career with FDA. He held positions as Analytical Chemist, Supervisory Chemist, Research Coordinator and Laboratory Director with FDA. He served in the Cincinnati, Chicago and Detroit FDA Laboratories. He received a BS Degree in Chemistry and Mathematics from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY. Felix has given numerous lectures on food and drug safety. The question we want him to answer is:

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE FDA?

The evening of libations, edible delights and science inquiry begins at 7:00 p.m. at Traffic Jam & Snug, 511 West Canfield Street on the corner of Second Avenue, Detroit, just south of Wayne State University. There is no admission charge, and free parking is available. For directions, visit http://www.trafficjamdetroit.com/location.php

“We chose the name for this series, ‘Brewing Chemistry,’ to emphasize the lighthearted nature of these get-togethers of curious people who aren’t intimidated by chemistry – and of course in recognition of the restaurant where we meet: one of our local treasures, known for its microbrewery,” said Meghann Mouyianis, ACS Younger Chemists Committee Chair.

The informal lecture series schedules speakers at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month. Scientists and non-scientists alike are welcome to attend.

Official Website: http://www.brewingchemistry.com