Federal agencies exercise caution with Japanese food imports

If you're worrying about whether fish or produce you buy in the store might be dangerous because of the nuclear crisis in Japan, the message from federal agencies that monitor food in the U.S. is don't be.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) outlined efforts earlier this week that will protect Americans from tainted food.

While less than 4 percent of all food imports come from Japan, the FDA banned dairy and produce from the provinces surrounding the damaged nuclear plants in Japan.  Levels of radionuclides haven't raised any red flags in shipments reaching U.S. shores, but the FDA plans to keep its finger on the pulse of the situation.

Learn more from Roger Meissen's report: CLICK HERE

For updates from the FDA: CLICK HERE

For podcast with MU Extension nutrition specialist Ellen Schuster, click play button:

Try Some New Varieties When Starting Tomatoes This Year

Yellow, green and black, oh my!

While most people envision beautiful red, juicy tomatoes as seed planting time rolls around this year might be time to consider alternative varieties offered in a spectrum of colors and flavors guaranteed to tantalize your tongue.

The end of March and beginning of April is the perfect time to plant seeds inside to start your garden, whether it be in containers on your porch or a plot in your backyard. Tim Reinbott, superintendent for the University of Missouri Bradford Research and Extension Center near Columbia, offers suggestions to get your garden started.

Read more at: University of Missouri Extension News

Tips for starting tomatoes:

How many sit-ups does it take to reduce belly fat? Answer: zero

Photo by: Geo Cristian

COLUMBIA, Mo. – With all the gadgets and gizmos available that promise six-pack abs, we should be a nation of strapping Adonises.  Instead, the current U-S obesity epidemic would indicate otherwise.

Kids need to cut back on screen time to stay fit and healthy

NEW LONDON, Mo. – Today’s kids are spending too much time staring at computer and video screens, and parents need to encourage their children to get physical, said a University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health specialist.

Paying to borrow your own money - refund anticipation loans

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The ball at Times Square had barely touched bottom before the ads for tax-refund loans began broadcasting across the country.

How small businesses can draw 21st-century shoppers

Photo: Claudio Geoffroy

LAMAR, Mo. - Shopping is shopping, right? Well, it depends on your generation. For baby boomers, shopping typically means driving to a store to buy what they want. A 20- or 30- something might boot up a computer rather than start a car.