Food Consumer

Arthritis as a Potential Barrier to Physical Activity Among Adults with Diabetes --- United States, 2005 and 2007

Fri, 09 May 2008 07:03:46 PST

The American Diabetes Association and the American College of Sports Medicine agree that increasing physical activity among persons with diabetes is an important public health goal to 1) reduce blood glucose and risk factors for complications (e.g., obesity and hypertension) in persons with diabetes and 2) improve cardiovascular disease outcomes ( 1,2).

Patch contraceptive poses higher risk

Thu, 08 May 2008 16:13:51 PST

Public Citizen today submitted a petition to the Food and Drug Administration asking the agency to pull off Ortho-Evra Patch, a contraceptive made by Johnson and Johnson, from the market in six months.

HPV vaccine: What doctors do not tell you

Thu, 08 May 2008 13:59:54 PST

There is something about HPV vaccine parents can't learn from doctors. This article lists some facts to help parents think through.

MIT study: New anti-obesity drug not good for kids

Thu, 08 May 2008 08:30:47 PST

Anti-obesity drugs that work by blocking brain molecules similar to those in marijuana should not be used in children, a new animal study reported in the May 8 issue of Neuron suggests.

Noodles with Veggies, Chicken and Ginger

Wed, 07 May 2008 14:44:02 PST

For a filling and savory meal with a zesty kick, we’ve added fresh ginger and a touch of reduced-sodium soy sauce to a traditional pasta dish. AICR recommends using whole grains, like whole-wheat pasta, as a more healthful alternative to regular varieties. Whole grains are an important component of AICR’s award-winning New American Plate (NAP) program, which offers an easy approach to healthy eating and cancer prevention. To plan meals according to the NAP, fill your plate with 2/3 or more vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans and reserve 1/3 or less of your plate for lean meat or low fat dairy.

Outraged Parents and Environmental Health Advocates Demand Halt

Wed, 07 May 2008 14:38:45 PST

Today a petition signed by over 20,000 parents and concerned consumers who support greater health protections for infants was sent to the CEOs of Avent, Disney/First Years, Dr. Brown's, Evenflo, and Gerber – manufacturers of plastic baby bottles containing BPA, a sex hormone that interferes with the ways that genes are supposed to guide babies' healthy growth and development.

Consumers have little “appetite” for risk

Wed, 07 May 2008 10:12:19 PST

Bradenton, FL, United States, 04/01/2008 - The fresh melon industry in Honduras and Costa Rica was effectively shut down within 24 hours of word hitting the wire that Salmonella Litchfield – said to be as hard on the human digestive system as E. coli O157:H7 – had been detected by officials .

Nitrates in vegetables protect against gastric ulcers

Wed, 07 May 2008 09:34:39 PST

Fruits and vegetables that are rich in nitrates protect the stomach from damage. This takes place through conversion of nitrates into nitrites by the bacteria in the oral cavity and subsequent transformation into biologically active nitric oxide in the stomach. The Swedish researcher Joel Petersson has described the process, which also means that antibacterial mouthwashes can be harmful for the stomach.

Breastfed children smarter than formula-fed children

Tue, 06 May 2008 21:58:56 PST

Recent research showed children who were breastfed exclusively for at least the first three months in infantry were smarter than those who were not.

New Thinking on Flame Retardants

Tue, 06 May 2008 21:21:37 PST

No one wants their bed, couch, chair, computer, or TV to catch on fire. "If an ordinary upholstered chair in your home gets ignited, it can essentially take your whole house down," says Richard Gann, a senior research scientist at the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Building and Fire Research Laboratory. The most flammable part of a mattress or couch is its plastic polyurethane foam cushioning, he explains. Once a fire gets through a chair or mattress's fabric covering and into this cushioning, it can start a catastrophic reaction that quickly leads to "flashover," in which nearly everything combustible inside a room ignites simultaneously.

Healthy Recipes: Vidalia, the Versatile Onion

Mon, 05 May 2008 11:18:33 PST

Tell the truth: Haven’t you imagined customers grabbing up packages of the peanut butter cookies you bake – the one your friends say are the best ever? Has no one ever insisted that the vinaigrette dressing you make is so special that you should be bottling it?

Healthy Recipes: Island Cheesecake Bars

Mon, 05 May 2008 11:07:20 PST

Shhh. Don’t tell the kids: This week’s sweet and creamy dessert is made with tofu. Yes, you heard right. We’ve transformed bland, boring soy into a surprisingly decadent cheesecake bar flavored with banana, pineapple and a hint of coconut. These tasty treats offer all the flavor of a traditional dessert bar, for a fraction of the fat and calories.

Unwelcome Guest: PBDEs in Indoor Dust

Thu, 01 May 2008 12:25:09 PST

Researchers have known for years that house dust is a major exposure route for lead and certain pesticides. Now attention is turning to another class of dustborne chemicals—polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants. A growing body of research documents that PBDEs and other brominated flame retardants (BFRs) released from many different consumer products can accumulate in people's homes, cars, and workplaces. Moreover, certain segments of the population have extremely high concentrations of these substances in their bodies. However, hard data on the human health impact of these exposures are only just beginning to emerge, with many studies focusing on thyroid effects.

Carotene may protect against gastric cancer

Thu, 01 May 2008 01:28:11 PST

A new study published in the May 13, 2008 issue of Carcinogenesis suggests that high intake of carotene may reduce risk of gastric cancer.

Tips to Avoid GMOs

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:40:50 PST

This guide will help you determine which products are made from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) so you can make healthier non-GMO brand buying choices. GMOs are made by transferring genes from one species, such as bacteria, viruses, or animals, into the DNA of other species, such as corn.

Curcumin may helps fight diabetes

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:47:31 PST

Curcumin found in turmeric may help fight diabetes, according to a new study published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research.

Medical Product Safety Network Newsletter #24, May 2008

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:53:52 PST

Important Notice to Manufacturers and Initial Distributors of Medical Devices That May Contain Heparin Or Are Heparin-Coated ** FDA Makes Recommendations on Medical Devices That Treat Blocked Heart Arteries ** Preventing Accidents and Injuries in the MRI Suite ** Alarm Interventions during Medical Telemetry Monitoring: A Failure Mode & Effects Analysis ** Preventing the Retention of Foreign Objects during Interventional Radiology Procedures ** Low Frequency Magnetic Emissions and Resulting Induced Voltages in a Pacemaker by iPod Portable Music Players ** FDA's Office of In Vitro Diagnostics Has Approved the Following New Devices for Marketing.

Taking aspirin may cut breast cancer risk moderately

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:41:03 PST

The U.S. government has found a new potential medical application for aspirin. This time, the drug may be taken to prevent breast cancer, Reuters reported citing a study published in BioMed Central's open-access journal Breast Cancer Research.

Medicare pays $21.1 billion for 5-year cancer care

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:01:56 PST

Researchers at the National Cancer Institute Tuesday said a 5-year cancer care in the United States cost Medicare $21.1 billion, Reuters reported today.

FDA Approves Amitiza for IBS-C

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:01:47 PST

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Amitiza (lubiprostone) for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) in adult women aged 18 and over. There is currently no prescription drug therapy for IBS-C. With this approval, Amitiza becomes the only FDA-approved medical treatment for IBS-C available in the United States.

Actavis Totowa (formerly known as Amide Pharmaceutical, Inc.) recalls all lots of Bertek and UDL Laboratories Digitek�

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:57:59 PST

Actavis Totowa LLC notified healthcare professionals of a Class I nationwide recall of all strengths of Digitek, a drug used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. The products are distributed by Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., under a “Bertek” label and by UDL Laboratories, Inc. under a “UDL” label.

Eating tomato paste helps protect against UV rays

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:36:19 PST

Eating tomato products may help protect the skin from being damaged by harmful UV rays, according to a new study presented at the British Society for Investigative Dermatology.

Natural cosmetics contain cancer-causing agent

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:12:21 PST

A newly released study commissioned by the Organic Consumers Association (OCA), and overseen by environmental health consumer advocate David Steinman, analyzes leading "natural" and "organic" brand shampoos, body washes, lotions and other personal care products for the presence of the undisclosed carcinogenic contaminant 1,4-Dioxane. A reputable third-party laboratory known for rigorous testing and chain-of-custody protocols, performed all testing.

Mouse virus may cause breast cancer in humans

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:33:19 PST

One study published in the June 15, 2008 issue of International Journal of Cancer confirms that mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) is common in human breast cancer tissue.

McCain offers $5000 per family for health insurance

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:18:08 PST

The following a 60-second ad released in Iowa by 'John McCain's Campaign and cited by the Associate Press. I’d like to give some comment on the issues raised in the ad.

Healthy Recipes: Strawberry Kiwi Smoothie

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:36:48 PST

As the weather gets warmer, sipping on a chilled drink like this week’s strawberry-kiwi smoothie will keep you cool and wake up your senses. Strawberries and kiwi fruit provide a hearty dose of vitamin C and their vibrant colors are a sign that they are rich in disease-fighting phytochemicals. This simple recipe makes a great mid-day snack and will put you one-step closer to meeting the recommended goal of 5 to 9 servings of vegetables and fruits each day.

Low exposure to sunlight linked to higher risk of lung cancer

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:56:42 PST

A study published in the Jan, 2008 issue of the Journal of Epidemiology Community Health suggests that exposure to sunlight may help prevent lung cancer.

Osteoporosis drug doubles risk of atrial fibrillation

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:35:04 PST

Fosamax, a drug used to treat osteoporosis doubles a woman's chance of developing atrial fibrillation, according to a study released Monday in Archives of Internal Medicine.

Coronary Artery Plaque Imaging Device Cleared by FDA

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:33:25 PST

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared for marketing a device that a doctor can use to see inside a blood vessel to assess the fat content of the plaque which builds up on the wall of the coronary arteries.

Commercial Fishing Fatalities --- California, Oregon, and Washington, 2000--2006

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:20:57 PST

During 2000--2006, commercial fishing was one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States, with an average annual fatality rate of 115 deaths per 100,000 fishermen.

Outbreak of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella enterica serotype Newport Infections Associated with Consumption of Unpasteurized Mexican-Style Aged Cheese

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:18:57 PST

During March 2006--April 2007, an outbreak of Salmonella enterica serotype Newport infections occurred predominantly among Hispanics in northeastern Illinois. Samples from 85 patients, one sample of Mexican-style aged cheese (cotija) from a local Hispanic grocery store (grocery store A), and milk from a bulk tank on a local dairy farm tested positive for S. Newport and had indistinguishable pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns. This report summarizes the investigation into S. Newport infections associated with this outbreak. The findings emphasize the need for regulatory authorities to ensure that dairy products, including Mexican-style cheese, are manufactured and distributed by inspected sources and highlight the need for culturally targeted education of consumers and grocery-store operators regarding risks associated with consuming unpasteurized dairy products.

FDA criticized for allowing trials of risky blood substitutes

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:53:50 PST

A study report says the Food and Drug Administration ignored the fact that experimental blood substitutes raised risk of heart attack and death and forged ahead to allow the products to be tested in humans, ABC News reported today.

Scientists want to see if chocolate helps diabetes patients

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:06:19 PST

British scientists want chocolate lovers to join a trial to investigate the possible beneficial effect of flavonoids in diabetes patients, Reuters reported Monday.

Drinking cola bad for bone health

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 14:53:47 PST

Drinking cola may not be good for bone health, according to a study published recently in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Study: Apple polyphenols may prevent colon cancer

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 17:26:38 PST

Apple extracts full of polyphenols may protect cells against some toxicological insults that would otherwise potentially lead to development of colon cancer, according to a study scheduled to be published in the June 15, 2008 issue of International Journal of Cancer.

Viruses may play a role in lung cancer development

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:21:29 PST

Papers presented at the 1st European Lung Cancer Conference, jointly organized by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) in Geneva, Switzerland highlight emerging evidence that common viruses may contribute to the development of lung cancer.

Plastic compound may affect breast cancer aggressiveness

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:06:58 PST

Bisphenol A may affect aggressiveness of breast cancer, according to a new study published in the April 1, 2008 issue of Cancer Research.

Contaminant in heparin identified scientifically

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:49:28 PST

Now there is some scientific evidence to prove that the contaminant found in heparin associated with hundreds of allergic reasons and up to 81 deaths is a man-made chemical known as oversulfated chondroitin sulfate, according to a new study.

Learning about LASIK

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:55:42 PST

LASIK is a surgical procedure intended to reduce a person's dependency on glasses or contact lenses. The goal of this Web site is to provide objective information to the public about LASIK surgery. See other sections of this site to learn about what you should know before surgery, what will happen during the surgery, and what you should expect after surgery. There is a glossary of terms and a checklist of issues for you to consider, practices to follow, and questions to ask your doctor before undergoing LASIK surgery.

Perchlorate Questions and Answers

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:37:17 PST

Perchlorate is a naturally occurring and manmade chemical. Naturally occurring perchlorate, for example, is found in arid states in southwestern United States (U.S.), as well as in nitrate fertilizer deposits in Chile and potash ore found in U.S. and Canada. Perchlorate can also form naturally in the atmosphere, leading to trace levels of perchlorate in precipitation. Perchlorate is also an industrial chemical that is used as an oxidizing agent in rocket propellant, in fireworks and flares, and for other purposes. It has been detected in a variety of foods and in drinking water from some locations in the U.S.

New way to fight Alzheimer's disease

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:57:10 PST

German scientists published a paper in the April 25, 2008 issue of Science saying that Alzheimer's disease may be treated by targeting discrete sub-compartments in the cell membrane (RAFTS).

FDA expands feed ban to reduce mad cow disease risk

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:53:07 PST

To further reduce the risk of mad cow disease in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration on WEDNESDAY released a new rule to prohibit certain cattle materials from use in all animal food including pet food, which will appear on Friday April 28 in Federal Register.

AICR Calls on Americans to Slash Red Meat Consumption

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 03:24:48 PST

Experts at the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) say Americans can’t afford to wait any longer to make a cancer-protective shift in their eating habits. The evidence linking red meat to colon cancer is now so strong it should prompt a nationwide reduction in red meat consumption, they said.

FDA Strengthens Safeguards for Consumers of Beef

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:24:08 PST

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued a final regulation barring certain cattle materials from all animal feed, including pet food. The final rule further protects animals and consumers against bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, also known as "mad cow disease").

Vitamin E boosts survival of Alzheimer's patients

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:19:35 PST

Taking vitamin E supplements reduces risk of premature death from Alzheimer's disease, according to a study presented at the American Academy of Neurology 60th Anniversary Annual Meeting in Chicago.

How can I prevent foodborne Illness?

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:55:41 PST

The idea that the food on the dinner table can make someone sick may be disturbing, but there are many steps you can take to protect your families and dinner guests. It's just a matter of following basic rules of food safety.

EAFUS: A Food Additive Database

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:42:53 PST

The EAFUS list of substances contains ingredients added directly to food that FDA has either approved as food additives or listed or affirmed as GRAS. Nevertheless, it contains only a partial list of all food ingredients that may in fact be lawfully added to food, because under federal law some ingredients may be added to food under a GRAS determination made independently from the FDA. The list contains many, but not all, of the substances subject to independent GRAS determinations.

DPH Issues Consumer Warning For Chang Farm Soy Sprouts Because Of Bacteria Contamination

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:39:40 PST

The Department of Public Health (DPH) is issuing a warning to the public not to consume any soy sprouts produced from Chang Farms in Whatley Massachusetts because of the presence of bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes ( L. monocytogenes ).

FDA Clears Glove Made from New Type of Latex

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:36:38 PST

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared for marketing the first device made from a new form of natural rubber latex, guayule latex. The product, the Yulex Patient Examination Glove, is derived from the guayule bush, a desert plant native to the Southwestern United States.

Women's diet affects their odds of having a boy

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:27:32 PST

It has been known for a long time that what a woman eats at the time of conception may determine the gender of her baby. A new UK study confirmed that women who eat more mineral and vitamins may have better odds of having a boy.

Life expectancy falls in poorer counties

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:03:35 PST

The overall life expectancy in the U.S. increased more than seven years for men and more than six years for women in the United States between 1960 and 2000, according to a new study released on April 21.

FDA Okays Cimzia to Treat Crohn's Disease

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:41:39 PST

The Food and Drug Administration today announced its approval of Cimzia or (certolizumab pegol) for treatment of patients with Crohn's disease. The drug is manufactured by UCB, Inc., Smyrna, GA.

Healthy Recipes: Santa Fe Sunset Dip

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:13:32 PST

Forgo the usual cheese and crackers and surprise guests with this zesty dip at your next gathering. Leagues above a store-bought snack, this homemade treat brings fresh taste and sensible nutrition to any table. Unlike traditional cheese-based spreads, which pack in the saturated fat and calories, this week’s dip relies on reduced-fat cream cheese and an assortment of spices. It delivers taste that you – and your waistline – can appreciate.

Children with ADHD should get heart tests before given stimulant drugs

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:42:44 PST

The American Heart Association on April 21 issued a statement to recommend that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) should get careful assessment for their cardiac condition using an electrocardiogram (ECG) before treatment with stimulant drugs.

Melanoma: What you need to know

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 07:53:43 PST

Melanoma is a most serious type of skin cancer. The cancer starts in melanocytes - cells that make the pigment melanin, but can also begin in a mole or other pigmented tissues such as in the eye or in the intestines. 53,600 Americans are diagnosed with this disease each year and 8,420 are expected to die.

Melanomas on the scalp and neck more deadly

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 07:48:55 PST

Two studies were released last week. One published on April 16 in the April issue of the journal Archives of Dermatology shows that people with scalp or neck melanomas are twice as likely as people with melanomas elsewhere on the body to die from the disease.

FDA: High fructose corn syrup not natural

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 07:44:46 PST

The Food and Drug Administration had said that products containing high fructose corn syrup cannot be considered “natural”, foodnavigator-USA.com reported early this month.

Update on heparin contamination

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:54:20 PST

The Food and Drug Administration has early told the Chinese Manufacturer of a key heparin ingredient that it does not adequate means to ensure the ingredient is made free of impurities, The Associated Press reported today.

Study: Dogs, cats polluted with high levels of toxic industrial chemicals

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:34:21 PST

Cats and dogs are more polluted with toxic synthetic industrial chemicals than humans, according to a new study released on April 17 by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which has early found a range of toxic chemicals in newborns.

Vitamin D helps brain development

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 23:21:54 PST

Vitamin D plays an important role in brain development and functions although its exact effects on behavior remain unclear, according to researchers from Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute.