Is the FDA underprepared to protect the American public from the overwhelming growth in processed food products and other products that seem to clutter food retailer's shelves these days?

According to come congressional critics and consumer advocates, the FDA is incapable of adequately protecting the safety of the food supply. The FDA almost echoes that fact as well, stating that the agency's system needs to be overhauled to meet today's demands.

Sounds fine to me -- things change rapidly over time, and agencies that regulate certain industries need to grow along with the changes. But getting any federal agency to react to the level of private enterprise is wishful thinking way (way) beyond reality.

The solution is that private consumers have to look out for themselves. This means being familiar with what you eat and drink all the time and making healthy choices when possible. A challenge I give to friends and family: type in the ingredients of a standard processed food package into your favorite search engine and read about every single ingredient. Be prepared for some shock, though -- because you'll get it.

Some of my favorite research words for shock effect?

• Aspartame
• Sodium Nitrite
• High Fructose Corn Syrup
• Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils