Friday, October 31, 2014

10/31/2014 Health News: FTC sues Gerber over infant formula ♦ Cocoa flavanols reverse memory decline ♦ How staph infections elude the immune system ♦ Contaminated bananas


FTC sues Gerber over claims on infant formula
The Federal Trade Commission has charged Gerber Products Co., also doing business as Nestlé Nutrition, with deceptively advertising that feeding its Good Start Gentle formula to infants with a family history of allergies prevents or reduces the risk that they will develop allergies. Continue Reading
Dietary cocoa flavanols reverse age-related memory decline in mice
Dietary cocoa flavanols —- naturally occurring bioactives found in cocoa —- reversed age-related memory decline in healthy older adults, according to a new study. Flavanols are also found naturally in tea leaves and in certain fruits and vegetables.Continue Reading
How staph infections elude the immune system
By tricking the immune system into generating antibodies specific for only one bacterial protein, Staphylococcus aureus dodges the production of antibodies that might otherwise protect against infection. Vaccine approaches must be designed to side-step this bacterial subterfuge, experts say. Continue Reading
Contaminated bananas slip past Food Ministry
Contaminated bananas slip past Food Ministry Oct 31,2014 The national food regulator’s ability to guarantee food safety came into question after it was revealed earlier this week that the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety failed to detect imported bananas containing high levels of pesticides during a customs inspection. The authorities confirmed earlier this week that three local …Continue Reading

Canada: Rolling Acres Apple Cider Recalled Due to E,coli

Rolling Acres Cider Mill is recalling unpasteurized apple cider from the marketplace due to possible E.coli O157:H7 contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.
The following products have been sold by Rolling Acres Cider Mill at the St. Jacobs Farmers' Market located in Waterloo, Ontario on October 11, 2014 and from the company's own location in Waterloo, Ontario between October 10, 2014 and October 11, 2014.
Recalled products
Brand Name
Common Name
Size
Code(s) on Product
Rolling Acres
Pure apple cider
"Unpasteurized"
2 L
10-10
Rolling Acres
Pure apple cider
"Unpasteurized"
4 L
10-10
None
Unpasteurized apple cider
This product was sold in unlabeled plastic bags
None
What you should do
Check to see if you have the products in your home. If the products are in your home, do not consume them.
Food contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, mild to severe abdominal cramps and watery to bloody diarrhea. In severe cases of illness, some people may have seizures or strokes, need blood transfusions and kidney dialysis or live with permanent kidney damage. In severe cases of illness, people may die.


Boudin (sausage-like) Products Were Recalled

Carlton Foods, a New Braunfels, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 25,764 pounds of fresh Boudin products, which were produced with pre-cooked rice that may have experienced temperature abuse and may contain an emetic toxin produced by Bacillus cereus, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The Boudin (sausage-like) products were produced on Aug. 22, 2014, through Oct. 17, 2014. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF Only)]
  • 12-oz. vacuum-packed packages of “RICHARD’S HICKORY SMOKED BOUDIN”
  • 12-oz. vacuum-packed packages of “RICHARD’S PREMIUM BOUDIN”
  • 12-oz. vacuum-packed packages of “RICHARD’S ‘HOT’ PREMIUM BOUDIN”
  • 16-oz. vacuum-packed packages of “RICHARD’S PREMIUM BOUDIN”
  • 32-oz. vacuum-packed packages of “RICHARD’S CAJUN GRILLERS BOUDIN”
The products subject to recall bear the establishment number “EST. 1943” or “EST. 961” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Products with the EST. 961 inside the mark of inspection would also have NB printed on the label. “Sell By” dates for the recalled products range from Oct. 28, 2014, to Dec. 16, 2014. The products were shipped to retail locations in Louisiana and Texas.
The problem was discovered by FSIS personnel during a Food Safety Assessment. During production, FSIS personnel observed pre-cooked rice, a component of the Boudin, being held at unsafe temperatures which could result in the products containing an emetic toxin produced by Bacillus cereus.  
Bacillus cereus is a type of bacteria that can be found in a variety of foods, particularly rice that has been stored too long at room temperature. Emetic toxins produced by Bacillus cereus are characterized by nausea and vomiting occurring within 30 minutes to six hours after consumption of contaminated foods.
. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Thursday, October 30, 2014

The effect of phage on Cholera

Phage was first discovered because of the Cholera bacteria. It was in the eighteen nineties that it was noted that people who bathed in the Ganges River recovered from Cholera. the river was filled with phage which killed the bacteria  this was the first time people noted the effect of phage.

Recently Tufts University noted that Cholera bacteria that survived phage in an individual were unable to infect people  Here is a  Link to the tufts study.

10/30/14 Health News: CHILE PEPPER REMOVED - SALMONELLA ♦ DUNG BEETLES HELP ORGANIC FOOD SAFETY ♦ FISH SOURCE OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE

RETAIL OUTLETS REMOVE CHILE PEPPER VARIETIES FROM SALE DUE TO POTENTIAL SALMONELLA
Following last week’s recall of fresh Serrano chile peppers by Bailey Farms Inc., Giant Food Stores LLC and Martin’s Food Markets announced that they removed from sale Serrano, Anaheim, Red Cherry Hot and Finger Hot peppers sold in a variety case due to potential Salmonella contamination. The following product is included in this recall: Serrano, Anaheim, Red... Continue Reading
DUNG BEETLES: FUTURE HEROES OF ORGANIC FOOD SAFETY?
In 2011, an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in Oregon killed one person and sickened more than a dozen people. The outbreak was eventually traced back to organic strawberries grown at an Oregon farm, but how E. coli had managed to contaminate the strawberries remained a mystery for some time afterward. Eventually, state health officials... Continue Reading
STUDY: FARMED FISH COULD BE ANOTHER SOURCE OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE

The concern surrounding animal antibiotics focuses on meat and poultry production, but a new study suggests we should also be paying attention to fish. Researchers at Arizona State University investigated 47 antibiotics in U.S.-purchased shrimp, salmon, catfish, trout, tilapia and swai originating from 11 different countries. Their findings, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, identified... Continue Reading

Mammography: What You Need to Know

On this page:
Dr. David Lerner, FDA medical officer in the Division of Mammography Quality Standards, discusses the importance of mammography and encourages viewers to speak with their healthcare providers about a breast cancer screening schedule and tools most appropriate for them.
Woman getting a mammogram
Did you know that mammograms are still the best tool for breast cancer screening? It’s true, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certifies facilities that perform mammography —and clears and approves new mammography devices—to help keep you safe.
How Does the Test Work—and Is It Painful?
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray picture of the breast. Getting a mammogram is the best way to find breast cancer early, because it can show breast lumps when they are too small for you or your healthcare provider to feel them.
Thermograms and nipple aspirate tests are not substitutes for mammograms. You should ask your healthcare provider when and how often you should schedule a mammogram, says Helen J. Barr, M.D., director of the Division of Mammography Quality Standards in FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). ”Regular screening mammograms are important,” she adds.
To get a mammogram, you will need to take off your shirt and bra. While standing in front of the machine, a technologist will position your breast on a small platform. A clear plastic plate will press down on your breast while the mammogram is acquired.
If you’re worried about how the procedure feels, you should know that most women do not find it painful. Some women may find the pressure on the breast uncomfortable, but it lasts for only a few seconds. “Compression of the breast is important because it helps spread out the breast tissue so it doesn’t overlap, allowing better visualization,” explains Barr.
FDA regulations require that you (the patient) receive a summary of the mammography report within 30 days after your mammogram, and that reasonable attempts to communicate the results are made sooner if the results are suspicious or highly suggestive of malignancy. If you do not receive the mammography report summary, call your provider to get your results.
As a rule, you should also call your healthcare provider if you notice any change in either of your breasts. A lump, thickening or nipple leakage, or changes in how the nipple looks can signal a potential problem.
Why Is Facility Certification Important?
FDA, or an FDA-approved state certifying agency, certifies mammogram facilities in the United States under a law called the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA). The Act’s purpose is to ensure that facilities and their staff are producing quality mammograms.
“Certification is important because it indicates that a facility has met the MQSA requirements for practicing quality mammography. And a high-quality mammogram can help detect breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages,” says Barr.
Each mammography facility is inspected every year. During the inspection, a trained evaluator checks the facility’s equipment, staff training, and staff qualifications. Each facility also undergoes an in-depth accreditation process every three years.
To legally perform mammography, facilities must be certified. “There is a certificate that shows that the facility has been certified,” notes Barr. “Consumers should look for that certificate, which should be prominently displayed.”
What Is the Difference Between 3D and 2D Mammograms?
In recent years, FDA has approved advanced mammography devices that perform 3D digital breast tomosynthesis, a technology that creates cross-sectional (3D) images of the breast from X-rays taken from multiple angles. These devices provide informative images of the breast tissue and are helpful in evaluating dense breast tissue. “Dense breast tissue can make cancers more difficult to find on a mammogram,” says Barr.
After conducting premarket reviews, FDA determined that there was a reasonable assurance that the new 3D devices were safe and effective for their intended use. New breast-imaging equipment must receive an FDA approval or clearance before being marketed, says Robert Ochs, Ph.D., chief of FDA’s Mammography, Ultrasound, and Imaging Software Branch at CDRH.
“FDA’s approval of 3D mammography devices was based on a review of clinical studies involving multiple radiologists and hundreds of cases,” says Ochs. “FDA also sought input on the safety and effectiveness of the devices from a panel of non-FDA clinical and technical experts.
You can ask your doctor if 3D mammography or additional 3D imaging methods, such as ultrasound or MRI, are options for you. Ochs adds: “The results from multiple studies show that the combination of 3D and 2D imaging can improve breast cancer screening for all women.”
About 8,600 certified facilities are now in operation across the country. To find a mammography facility in your area, you can search the list on FDA’s website by your zip code. The list is updated weekly.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Saving Lives With Phage Therapy, THE VIDEO

I been very busy today. Didn't get a chance to write. Here is a video that covers the history of phage and shows pictures of phage attacking Bacteria CLICK  If You have a couple of bucks wearing a hole in your pocket, Stop by My Campaign and contribute  Link to Campaign

10/29/14 Transplants first circulatory death human heart ♦ Health News:Hand blenders can emit persistent chemicals ♦ Growing a blood vessel in a week

Hand blenders used for cooking can emit persistent chemicals
Eight out of twelve tested models of hand blenders are leaking chlorinated paraffins when used according to the suppliers’ instructions. Chlorinated paraffins are included in the subject group of persistent organic pollutants which humans and animals should be protected from Continue Reading

Australian doctors transplants first circulatory death human heart
The St Vincent's Hospital Heart Lung Transplant Unit has carried out the world's first distant procurement of hearts donated after circulatory death (DCD). These hearts were subsequently resuscitated and then successfully transplanted into patients with end-stage heart failure. Continue Reading
Growing a blood vessel in a week
The technology for creating new tissues from stem cells has taken a giant leap forward. Three tablespoons of blood are all that is needed to grow a brand new blood vessel in just seven days.Continue Reading

Great Britain: Milk Recalled is Contaminated With Cleaning Fluid

Dairy Crest Ltd has recalled certain date codes of Morrisons and Supervalu from Budgens Whole British Milk on a precautionary basis, because the products may have become contaminated with cleaning fluid during its production. If you have bought this product with the 'use by' dates shown below, do not consume it. The FSA has issued a Product Recall Product details
Pack size: 6 pints
‘Use by’ dates: 5 Nov 2014 and 7 Nov 2014
Dairy Crest Ltd is recalling the above products. Product recall notices will be displayed in Morrisons and Budgens stores, explaining to consumers why the recall is happening and what they can do if they have bought an affected product.
If you have bought any of the above products, do not consume them. Instead, return them to the Morrisons or Budgens store where you bought it for a full refund.

Giant Foods Recalls Cilantro

 Following a recall by Shenandoah Growers, Giant Food announced it removed from sale Giant brand packaged cilantro due to potential Salmonella contamination.
The following product is included in this recall:
  • Giant packaged cilantro, 2.5 oz., UPC 68826703077, purchased on or after October 9, 2014
Giant Food has received no reports of illnesses to date. Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. Salmonella infections can be life-threatening, especially to those with weak immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy. The most common manifestations of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within eight to 72 hours. Additional symptoms may be chills, headache, nausea and vomiting that can last up to seven days.
Customers who have purchased the product should discard any unused portions and bring their purchase receipt to Giant Food for a full refund. 
Consumers looking for additional information on the recall may call Shenandoah Growers at 844-524-3885. In addition customers may call Giant Food Customer Service at 888-469-4426 for more information. Customers can also visit the Giant website at www.giantfood.com.  

Warning: Raw Milk Contaminated with Listeria

Warning Raw Milk Contaminated with Listeria
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today warned consumers in Sullivan County and the surrounding area not to consume “unpasteurized” raw farm milk from the Richard Dirie Farm, due to possible Listeria contamination.  The Dirie Farm is located at 1345 Shandelee Road, Livingston Manor, New York. To date, no illnesses are known by the Department to be associated with this product.
A sample of the milk, collected by an inspector from the Division of Milk Control and Dairy Services on October 21, 2014, was subsequently tested by the Department’s Food Laboratory and discovered to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  On October 23, 2014, the producer was notified of a preliminary positive test result and he volunteered to suspend raw milk sales until the sample results were confirmed.  Further laboratory testing, completed on October 28, 2014, confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the raw milk sample.  The producer is now prohibited from selling raw milk until subsequent sampling indicates that the product is free of harmful bacteria.
Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, cancer patients, elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Although otherwise healthy persons may suffer only short-term, flu-like symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
It is important to note that raw milk does not provide the protection of pasteurization, which eliminates all pathogenic bacteria, including Listeria.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Saving Lives with Phage Therapy Four

We all have some bacteriophage(Phage for short) in our body. Our Digestive tract is lined with mucus. Sugar molecules are on the outer layer of the mucus. Bacteriophage attach themselves to these sugar molecules and wait for bacteria to come. Bacteriophage kill about 2/3 of the bacteria that go pass.  Bacteriophage is our first line of defence against foodborne illness.
The only problem they have is in the stomach.The acid that helps digest your food also digests the bacteriophage. To help them get through we need to eat food that is base or tums would help.

Phage Therapy works by giving a patient a lot of one type of phage that will kill the type of bacteria that is making you sick...The bacteriophage pictured attacks one type of E.Coli
So far my fundraising Campaign is going very slow. I expected some slowness because most people don;t know what phage therapy is..
If we were were trying to cure cancer it might go a bit faster. Later When we are working on a single disease such as MRSA or Listeriosis it should be easier.
I know some of my friends and relatives are out of work so they can' t give, but every one knows someone that has money for a good cause. I am seeing my doctor next I definitely talk him into giving.and hopefully get him to talk to his friends.
Here is the Link to the Campaign

10/28/14 Health News:How microbes build a powerful antibiotic ♦ AN ALMOST BAN ON MOST MARIJUANA EDIBLES ♦ Hidden truth about the health of homeless people


Team discovers how microbes build a powerful antibiotic
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how a powerful antibiotic agent is made in nature. Their discovery solves a decades-old mystery, and opens up new avenues of research into thousands of similar molecules, many of which are likely to be medically useful.Continue Reading
AN ALMOST BAN ON MOST MARIJUANA EDIBLES
When history is written about Colorado’s 10-month-old experiment with recreational marijuana, events of the past week should be good for at least a chapter. Dr. Larry Wolk, the state’s chief medical officer and the executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), came out for a ban on most marijuana-infused products... Continue Reading
Hidden truth about the health of homeless people

As many as 4 million Europeans and 3.5 million Americans experience homelessness every year, and the numbers are rising. Homeless people “are the sickest in our society”, but just treating ill health might not be enough to help get people off the streets, according to a new two-part Series on homelessness in high-income countries.Continue Reading

Roasted Organic Carob Powder Recalled Due to Salmonella

Z Natural Foods Lightly Roasted Organic Carob Powder, 1 lb Z Natural Foods of West Palm Beach, Florida is recalling 55 lbs of Lightly Roasted Organic Carob Powder because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
The recalled Lightly Roasted Organic Carob Powder was available for sale directly through Z Natural Foods website at www.ZNaturalFoods.com. It was not available in retail stores.
The Lightly Roasted Organic Carob Powder was available in a 1 lb and 5 lb stand up resealable foil pouches either bronze (1 lb) or silver in color (5 lb) and marked with Lot # ZNCARB39513 and a Best By Date of 12/5/2016 at the bottom of the label.
Consumers who have purchased a 1 lb or 5 lb Lightly Roasted Organic Carob Powder are urged to contact Z Natural Foods to arrange return of the product and for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-888-963-6637 between the hours of 9am - 6pm,Monday - Friday Eastern Standard Time.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Saving Lives with Phage Therapy Three

Bacteriophage (phage for short) use bacteria as a womb. They inject their DNA into the bacteria. They take energy from the bacteria and make 50 or more phages within the bacteria. Then they break open the bacteria and the phages go on there way.Depending on the type of phage this takes about twenty minutes.
There are two advantages to this One, the phages grow faster than the bacteria so they can over take them. Second, the phages end up in the same area as the infection.
One thing bacteria do is to form which are clumps of bacteria. The have small holes running through the film so that the bacteria in the middle can get food. It is 100 times harder for antibiotics to kill of a biofilm than it is to kill off individual bacteria.. Antibiotics kill of the outer layers of bacteria, but they grow back out from the middle.
Bacteriophage on the other hand can kill off the bacteria in the biofilm because there are more phages born every 20 minutes  Check out my campaign  to start a nonprofit to promote bacteriophage as a cure.

I will write something about phage therapy every day this month untill the campaign is over.

19/27/14 Health News:Researchers retract study supporting diet pill ♦ Herbal medicines can contain dangerous levels of toxic mold ♦ Brazilian Wandering spiders

Researchers retract study supporting diet pills promoted by Dr. Oz
Herbal medicines could contain dangerous levels of toxic mold
Herbal medicines such as licorice, Indian rennet and opium poppy, are at risk of contamination with toxic mold, according to a new study published in Fungal Biology. The authors of the study, from the University of Peshawar, Pakistan say it's time for regulators to control mold contamination.Continue Reading
Organic food means we're likely to see more Brazilian Wandering spiders in fruit orders

The Brazilian Wandering Spider was found nestled in bunch of bananas Fruit was part South London family's Waitrose delivery earlier this month In the past animals would be killed off by chemicals used in growing process It's thought pesticide-free food trend has been behind foreign spiders surge Two incidents involving potentially lethal spiders in past two months alone By … Continue Reading

RAW CASHEW PIECES RECALLED DUE TO SALMONELLA

Chetak New York L.L.C. of Edison, NJ is recalling its 5560 packages of 7oz., 3840 packages of 14oz., & 1920 packages of 28oz. "DEEP RAW CASHEW PIECES" because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
The recalled "Deep Raw Cashew Pieces" were distributed nationwide in retail stores from March 12, 2014 to October 21,2014. The product comes in a 7 oz., 14oz., & 28oz. clear plastic package marked with UPC number on the rear of the package.
  • UPC number for 7oz. is 011433133104
  • UPC number for 14oz. is 011433133111
  • UPC number for 28oz. is 011433133128
Consumers who have purchased 7 oz, 14 oz., & 28 oz. packages of "Deep Raw Cashew Pieces" are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-973-835-1906 from 9 am- 5 pm EST.

Baby Wiped Recalled

Nutek Disposables, Inc. of McElhattan, PA has initiated a nationwide voluntary product recall at the retail level of all lots of baby wipes that it manufactured under the brand names Cuties, Diapers.com, Femtex, Fred's, Kidgets, Member's Mark, Simply Right, Sunny Smiles, Tender Touch, and Well Beginnings, because some packages may contain bacteria. These wipes were distributed by Nutek prior to October 21, 2014 to the following retail stores: Walgreens, Sam's Club, Family Dollar, Fred's, and Diapers.com.
After receiving a small number of complaints of odor and discoloration, Nutek conducted microbial testing that showed the presence of a bacteria, called Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia), in some of these products. Soon after, on October 3, 2014 the company initiated a voluntary withdrawal of lots that had tested positive for the bacteria, as well as other baby wipes in the surrounding time frame. After some additional lots were tested, as a precautionary measure, Nutek believed it was a prudent decision to withdraw all its baby wipe products.
B. cepacia poses little medical risk to healthy people. However, people who have certain health problems like weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases, particularly cystic fibrosis, may be more susceptible to infections with B. cepacia. If you believe you have a weakened immune system or chronic lung disease and you have used one of the affected wipe products, you should call your doctor promptly for medical advice.
As of October 3, 2014, the date of the original withdrawal, the company had received only one report of irritation. Numerous reports of complaints have since been received by the company that include rash, irritation, infections, fever, gastro-intestinal issues, and respiratory issues, though these reports have not been confirmed to be related to the use of these products.
The company has not identified the cause of the problem, but is continuing to investigate. In the interim, Nutek has stopped shipping baby wipes manufactured at the facility.
Nutek takes the safety of consumers and the quality of its products very seriously and is taking all appropriate steps to address the issue and ensure this does not happen again.
Consumers who have purchased this product can return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-855-646-4351, Monday through Friday, 10 AM – 4 PM EDT.
Brand Name
Retailer
Lot Numbers of Product Manufactured by Nutek
Cuties
Internet and various retailers
All Lots
Diapers.com
Diapers.com
All Lots
Femtex
Family Dollar
All Lots
Fred's
Fred's
All Lots
Kidgets
Family Dollar
All Lots
Member's Mark
Sam's Club
All Lots
Simply Right
Sam's Club
All Lots
Sunny Smiles
Walgreens
All Lots
Tender Touch
Various retailers
All Lots
Well Beginnings*
Walgreens
Certain Lots±
*These lot numbers represent all lots manufactured by Nutek. There may be other lots that are made by manufacturers other than Nutek and that are not subject to this recall.