And we're back. Happy New Year! Are you ready to take action in our democracy to keep our food safe?

If you answered "yes," then you're still in the right place. Throughout 2009, we'll keep you informed -- as always -- of the latest news and issues surrounding food safety, and we'll let you know you know the best ways you can take action.

In fact, we've prepared a special two-part "Chew on This" podcast series on how to get involved in your government. As the 111th US Congress is sworn in and returns to work in the Senate and House of Represenatives, who better to give us unique insight on effective democratic participation than outgoing US Senator Wayne Allard? Lucky for us, Senator Allard gave up his time to participate in these special podcasts.

Veterinarian Wayne Allard represented Colorado in the US Senate for the last 12 years and has dealt with many pressing issues impacting food safety. In Part One , Senator Allard, discusses how being a veterinarian prepared him for his role as a US Senator and the importance of being involved in legislative process. Part Two is coming up in just a couple of weeks, so make sure you listen in for more specifics on political action and food safety.

Listen to the podcast now.