Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, August 26, 1994                   TAG: 9408270039
SECTION: NATL/INTL                    PAGE: A4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                 LENGTH: Short

TEST CAN DETECT MEAT, FOWL BACTERIA

While the government urged companies to adopt the test, it was vague on just how they should use it. The department also said it will have to study the best way to incorporate the test in new meat safety regulations and legislation being developed.

Bacteria testing is widely practiced in the meat industry but it is not required.

Down syndrome higher in Hispanics

ATLANTA - The rate of U.S. infants born with Down syndrome is highest among Hispanics and lowest among blacks, federal health officials said Thursday.

The researchers were surprised by the racial disparities because previous studies didn't indicate such differences for the congenital condition, said Joe Lary, an epidemiologist for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The agency looked at 7.8 million births in 17 states from 1983 through 1990. The prevalence over seven years was 9.2 cases per 10,000 infants. For Hispanics, it was 11.8, for whites 9.2 and for blacks 7.3.

Associated Press