Health News:.FDA Alert: Potential contamination of drug shipments from explosions in Tianjin City ♦ Tooth fillings of the future may incorporate bioactive glass

.FDA Alert: Potential contamination of drug shipments from explosions in Tianjin City . The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an alert December 22 to drug compounders and manufacturers claiming that drug shipments from Tianjin, China, may be contaminated with chemicals following two large explosions at Tianjin Dongjiang Port Ruihai International Logistics Co., chemical warehouse in August. The alert was issued after regulators detected hydrogen cyanide in two shipments of drugs from Tianjin Tianyao Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. which is located 18 miles from the explosion site

Tooth fillings of the future may incorporate bioactive glass A few years from now millions of people around the world might be walking around with an unusual kind of glass in their mouth, and using it every time they eat. Engineers have made some promising findings about the ability of 'bioactive' glass to help reduce the ability of bacteria to attack composite tooth fillings -- and perhaps even provide some of the minerals needed to replace those lost to tooth decay

Even before ACA, cancer survivors in non-expansion states had less health-care access

Even in the healthcare landscape as it existed before the ACA, cancer survivors in states without expanded Medicaid were less likely to have a personal doctor and more likely to report inability to see a doctor due to cost.

By asking, ;what's the worst part of this?' physicians can ease suffering When patients suffer, doctors tend to want to fix things and if they cannot many doctors then withdraw emotionally. But by turning toward the suffering, physicians can better help their patients and find more meaning in their work, write authors of a new report

NIH produces product with fungal contamination

NIH suspends operations in its Clinical Center Pharmaceutical Development Section

June 7, 2015

Correction: On June 4, NIH stated that operations at the Pharmaceutical Development Section (PDS) at the NIH Clinical Center had been suspended. All production of sterile materials in the PDS has indeed been suspended. However, production of other materials, which were not the focus of concern and do not require sterile manufacturing practices, will continue.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center has suspended operations of its Pharmaceutical Development Section (PDS) due to the discovery of serious manufacturing problems and lack of compliance with standard operating procedures. Upon receipt of a complaint, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) representatives inspected the PDS between May 19 and May 29, and found a series of deficiencies that will require the NIH Clinical Center to take a number of corrective actions.

The facility makes products for certain clinical research studies conducted in the hospital and collaborating facilities. In April, two vials of albumin, used for the administration of the drug interleukin in experimental studies, were found to have fungal contamination. Vials made from the same batch were administered to six patients, although it is unknown whether those or other vials were contaminated. The six patients have been notified and are being followed closely for any signs of infection. At this time, none has developed signs of infection or illness.

“This is a distressing and unacceptable situation,” said NIH Director Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D. “The fact that patients may have been put in harm’s way because of a failure to follow standard operating procedures in the NIH Clinical Center’s Pharmaceutical Development Section is deeply troubling. I will personally oversee the steps to protect the safety of patients and remedy the situation as swiftly as possible.”

Among the problems the FDA identified in their inspection were deficiencies in the physical facility, including flaws in the air handling system, and operational failures including inadequate quality control, insufficient employee training, and lack of compliance with standard operating procedures. Deficiencies of lesser significance were identified in the Clinical Center Pharmacy. The FDA inspection reports are available here: http://www.cc.nih.gov/phar/pdfs/483.pdf (PDF - 1.31KB).

The following steps are being taken immediately to protect patients:

1. Operations of The Pharmaceutical Development Section have been suspended and no products will be made or distributed until all problems are fully understood and corrected. Materials produced by the Section are being systematically tested for contamination.
2. Of the participants in the 46 studies that are potentially affected, approximately 250 are currently scheduled to receive products manufactured by the PDS. NIH has notified the individual principal scientists responsible for each of those protocols, and is in the process of notifying the participants in these protocols. The vast majority of these patients are not immediately due for treatment and NIH is working to secure alternative sources for the products.
3. An external group of experts in microbiology and sterile manufacturing practices will be appointed to conduct a thorough review, including an assessment of all standard operating procedures, policies, staffing, and training, and make recommendations to the NIH director on the corrective actions required.
4. In addition to the immediate steps NIH is taking, it will provide an interim corrective action plan to the FDA by Friday, June 19, 2015.

“Our first responsibility is the safety and care of our patients,” said Dr. Collins. “NIH leadership is determined to identify and correct all of the deficiencies that have led to this situation.”

Beef Products recalled Due To E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination

Skyline Provisions, Inc., a Harvey, Ill., establishment, is recalling 1,029 pounds of beef products contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Produced between April 15-25, 2015, the following products are subject to recall:

• 17 ½ boxes of Aurora Packers Intact Beef Round Flats

On April 15, 2015, Skyline sold the product under their D&S label (Establishment number: 19300), ground and tested one and a half cases of the product. On April 21, 2015, these products were found positive for E. coli O157:H7. The remaining intact, products were sold to Jack & Pat's Old Fashioned Market in Chicago Ridge, Ill., where the product was ground and sold in various amounts of ground chuck patties, ground chuck, ground round, sirloin patties and porter house patties.

FSIS and the company are concerned that some product may have been sold and stored in consumers' freezers.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2–8 days (3–4 days, on average) after exposure the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160 °F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature, http://1.usa.gov/1cDxcDQ.

Herbal Medicine:Herbal Products -- Contamination Is Common ♦ Herbal Products Missing Key Safety Info ♦ Herbal Medicines Can Be Lethal + more

Rising Demand for Herbal Medicine Can Increase Cultivation of Medicinal Trees Formalizing trade in herbal medicinal products has the potential to increase the demand for on-farm grown raw material and raise the level of cultivation of medicinal tree species in smallholder Continue Reading

Analysis of Herbal Products Shows Contamination Is Common Most herbal products, available to buy as alternative medicines, may be contaminated. Researchers demonstrate the presence of contamination and substitution of plant species in a selection of herbal  Continue Reading

Buyer Beware: Herbal Products Missing Key Safety Information  Many herbal remedies available over-the-counter in pharmacies and health food shops are still lacking important information needed for safe use, according to Continue Reading

Herbal Medicines Can Be Lethal, Pathologist Warns A forensic pathologist has sounded a worldwide warning of the potential lethal dangers of herbal medicines if taken in large quantities, injected, or combined with prescription.  Continue reading

Protein powder in chocolate and vanilla blends recalled Due to Staphylococcus contamination

Project Healthy Living, Inc. of New York, New York (d/b/a Aloha, Inc.) is voluntarily recalling all packages of Premium Protein powder in chocolate and vanilla blends because it has the potential to be contaminated with Staphylococcus enterotoxin.

The presence of Staphylococcus enterotoxins may be injurious to health and may result in staphylococcal food poisoning. Nausea, vomiting, retching, abdominal cramping, and prostration may occur. In more severe cases there may be headache, muscle cramping, and transient changes in blood pressure and pulse.

The Aloha Premium Protein products were distributed nationwide from November 2014 through January 2015 directly to consumers through online sales and in New York through a very limited number of retail stores. All sizes of Aloha's Vanilla and Chocolate Premium Protein blends are being voluntarily recalled. This product is packaged and sold in both 14-serving sized steel tins and single-serving sized pouches. The single serving pouches may be in kits that contain other products not affected by the voluntary recall.

To date, Aloha has received 17 complaints from customers who have reported transient gastrointestinal symptoms consistent with staphylococcal food poisoning. This voluntary recall is a result of an extensive testing program, which Aloha began immediately following individual customer complaints of gastrointestinal issues. Aloha is working closely with its manufacturer, co-packers, ingredient suppliers and distribution partners to determine the source and cause of the contamination.

Aloha has temporarily ceased production and distribution of the Premium Protein products until further analytical testing can confirm the specific source of the contamination. Aloha has already notified customers via direct e-mail correspondence and created a dedicated website regarding the voluntary recall. In addition, Aloha is offering 24/7 customer support through Monday, February 2nd and then will resume regular customer support hours (Monday - Friday 10am-9pm EST).

All customers who have purchased Aloha's Premium Protein products are instructed to discontinue use and complete the refund form found online at Aloharecall.com. Customers with product remaining are also asked to return the product and its original packaging for further examination.

Customers who have purchased Aloha's Premium Protein products will receive a refund and a store credit. In addition, Aloha will cover 100% of the cost of return shipping. For more information on the recall, please visit www.aloharecall.com. No other Aloha products are affected by this recall.

1/9/15 Health News: Baby food with cricket contamination ♦ Avocados Reduce Bad Cholesterol ♦ 43 states hit with ‘widespread’ flu ♦ Food poisoning scare at farmers' markets

An avocado a day may help keep bad cholesterol at bay

Individuals on a moderate-fat diet who ate an avocado every day had lower bad cholesterol than those on a similar diet without an avocado a day or on a lower-fat diet, researchers report  Continue Reading

43 states hit with ‘widespread’ flu

activity, CDC reports. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 43 States experienced “widespread” flu activity and 6 others reported “regional” flu activity due to influenza viruses that caused 8,893 deaths in 2014. Continue Reading

Food poisoning scare from farmers' markets

Farmers’ markets are becoming increasingly popular, providing opportunities for people to purchase fresh produce as opposed to pre-packaged supermarket fare. A study in the U.S. warns about the presence of pathogens. The new research has looked for the presence of bacterial pathogens like Salmonella and Escherichia coli on herbs sold at farmers' markets. The study sampled 133 …Continue Reading

Japan recalls baby food over cricket contamination in latest food scare

A Japanese firm said Thursday it was recalling tens of thousands of pouches of baby food after an insect was discovered in one package, the latest food scare to rock consumers. Asahi Holdings said its subsidiary would be calling back an estimated 120,000 bags of the meat-and-potatoes mix after one was found to contain a cricket, a small grasshopper-like insect. Baby brand Wakodo … Continue Reading

12/30/14 Health News: Diseased meat on sale ♦ Oyster Contamination ♦ Technique Quickly Identifies Bacteria For Food Safety ♦ Fast-food consumption linked to lower test score

Unanswered Questions Over Oyster Contamination

THE reason and source of cadmium contamination of Namibian oysters, which resulted in Hong Kong stopping all live oyster imports from Namibia on 23 December till further notice, still has to be identified, according to the chairman of the Namibian Mariculture Association, Gonçalo Murta. "We know of the ban but none of us have received the official test results from Hong Kong. … Continue Reading

Diseased meat on sale

BEIJING: China has dismissed eight officials after pork from pigs infected with a "highly contagious virus" was found to have entered the market, state media said Monday. The country's latest food scandal was revealed in an investigation by state broadcaster China Central Television which said the annual revenue of the tainted pork was more than 20 million yuan ($3.2 …Continue Reading

Technique Quickly Identifies Bacteria For Food Safety, Healthcare And Homeland Security

Researchers at Purdue University have used a new technique to rapidly detect and precisely identify bacteria, including dangerous E. coli, without time-consuming treatments usually required. The technique, called desorption electrospray ionization, or DESI, could be used to create a new class of fast, accurate detectors for applications ranging from food safety to homeland …Continue Reading

Fast-food consumption linked to lower test score gains in 8th graders

The amount of fast food children eat may be linked to how well they do in school, a new America-wide study suggests. This study can't say why fast-food consumption is linked to lower grades, but other studies have shown that fast food lacks certain nutrients, especially iron, that help cognitive development. In addition, diets high in fat and sugar -- similar to fast-food meals -- have been shown to hurt immediate memory and learning processes. Continue Reading

Raw Milk Cheddar Recalled Due to Listeria Contamination

Farm Country Cheese House of, Lakeview Michigan is recalling 1136.53 pounds of Raw Milk Cheddar, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Raw Milk Cheddar was distributed in the state of Michigan. More specific in the Grand Rapids metro area and, Detroit metro area through retail stores and specialty shops.

The Raw Milk Cheddar in question is packaged under two different labels. The first label will have Farm Country Cheese House logo on the far left hand side, and the product name (Raw Milk Cheddar) will be written on top of the label. This product is sold as an 8 oz block. This product has “Use By Date” on the back of the cheese. The dates are between October 28th 2015 and December 5th 2015. This label will also have a Julian Date in the lower right hand corner. These Julian dates are as follows: 14301, 14302, 14308, 14309, 14324, 14325, 14332, 14336, and 14339.

The second label will have Farm Country Cheese House logo on the far left hand side, and the product name (Raw Milk Cheddar) written in white over a light blue banner this label will have the “Use By Date” on the back, it will not have a Julian Date. The “Use By Date” dates are between October 28th 2015 and December 5th 2015. This will be packaged in 8oz blocks and 5 lb. loafs.

Consumers who have purchased Farm Country Cheese House Raw Milk Cheddar are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 989-352-7779, or info@farmcountrycheesehouse. Monday thru Friday from 9:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M EST.

Gel-E Donut gel pillow and Squishon 2 gel cushion recalled due to potential mold contamination

Andover, MA — Children’s Medical Ventures, a Philips Healthcare business, today announced that the company has issued a recall of all Gel-E Donut gel pillow and Squishon 2 gel cushion products due to potential mold contamination of the products. This action follows a previous recall for these products announced in May 2014. Refer to the table below for a listing of recalled model numbers and quantities, which were manufactured and distributed between July 2012 and August 2014. The model number is printed directly on the product.

Model Number	Quantity Affected
92025-A	96,311
92025-B	109,732
92025-C	50,456
91033-2	80,196
Grand Total	336,695

Customers are being asked to discontinue use and dispose of all Gel-E Donut gel pillow and Squishon 2 gel cushion products in their facility, even if mold is not visible. Following these actions, customers will be asked to return a reply form indicating that these actions have been completed. Customers will be given credit for all products scrapped.

In May 2014, Children’s Medical Ventures initiated a recall due to mold contamination of some products, which occurred during the manufacturing process. The mold types detected on the products have been identified as types which are commonly found in indoor and outdoor environments. There is potential for the mold to be transferred to patient environments once the outer pack is opened. There is the possibility of fungal infection should patients come in contact with the mold, which could be superficial or invasive and life threatening.

At the time of the initial recall, Children’s Medical Ventures implemented a process intended to reduce the presence of viable mold on the products prior to shipment. Since then, Philips has received one new report of the presence of mold on product. Because the process to eliminate the potential for mold growth has not been fully effective, the company is announcing this new recall.

The Children’s Medical Ventures Gel-E Donut gel pillow and Squishon 2 gel cushions are intended to help support an infant’s head or body in a hospital environment. The products are intended to be used in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU), and neonatal care centers.

Countries where affected devices have been shipped include the United States, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Reunion, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand and United Kingdom.

Customers who have questions about the recall or require further information or support concerning this issue, may contact their local Philips representative at (770) 510-4681 or (770) 510-4684. Distributors outside of the U.S. should contact their local Philips representative.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

• Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
• Regular Mail or Fax: Download form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.

Is it Safe to Eat Raw Bean Sprouts ?

The CDC just announced that one person died and two were hospitalized from bean sprouts infected with listeria. The worse bean sprout outbreak was from Germany were 53 died and almost 4,000 people were infected.

Bean Sprouts are recalled for bacterial contamination more than most all fresh produce. Sense they are grown in water it is easy for bacteria to spread. Many things can go wrong at the bean sprout factory. in the case of Germany the seeds used to make the sprouts were infected with E.coli. Someone in charge of disinfecting the could make a mistake. Verman could get in the plant.

The US Government  suggest that people over 65 should not eat raw sprouts. Their defences against bacterial breakdown with age. At that age they are more likely to get things like Kidney Failure from bacteria. I personally would suggest that children under six should not eat raw sprouts.. There immune system is not fully developed. I would also suggest that pregnant woman should avoid them. If a woman has to take an antibiotic during pregnancy their child is more likely to develop allergy or asthma later in life. Also if the sprouts are infected with listeria  it can infect the fetus..

Bean Sprouts do have a lot of vitamins in them. If you are healthy and not under 6 or over 65 your body is able to handle infections. If you do get a contaminated batch you would probably be sick a few days but with no long term consequences.

Pan Fried Anchovies Recalled Due to Listeria

HAR Maspeth Corp is recalling its 2 ounce and 4 ounce packages of Jinga “Pan Fried Anchovies” due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy persons may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recalled Jinga “Pan Fried Anchovies” were distributed nationwide in retail stores and through mail orders. The product comes in a 2 ounce and 4 ounce, clear plastic packages marked with an expiration date of “9/28/2014” stamped on the top.

An alleged illness has been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The recall was initiated after routine sampling by The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis of the product by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

Customers who have purchased 2 ounce and 4 ounce packages of Jinga “Pan Fried Anchovies” are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-718-706-9300.

Ground Beef Recalled Due to Contamination

Sam Kane Beef Processors is recalling approximately 90,987 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s FSIS announced today.

The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels ]

• 3 lb. packages of “HEB Ground Chuck”, bearing the establishment number “337”, a production date of “09/12/14” and a use by date of “10/02/14”.
• 5 lb. packages of “HEB Ground Beef”, “73% LEAN 27% FAT”, bearing the establishment number “337”, a production date of “09/15/14” and a use by date of “10/05/14”.
• 10 lb. packages of “HEB Ground Beef”, “73% LEAN 27% FAT”, bearing the establishment number “337”, a production date of “09/18/14” and a use by date of “10/08/14”.
• 10 lb. clear film packages of formed patties made from Sam Kane Beef Processors “Ground Chuck”, bearing the establishment number “337”, a production date of “9/09/14” and a use by date of “9/29/14”.

The products were produced on the above dates (between Sept. 9, 2014 and Sept. 18, 2014, with a sell by dates between Sept. 29, 2014 and Oct. 8, 2014) and bear the establishment number “337” inside the USDA Mark of Inspection. The products were shipped to retail outlets in Texas.

The problem was discovered after a retail location received consumer complaints involving ground beef and pieces of metal, approximately 3 mm in size. Four separate consumer complaints were received with one consumer reporting a chipped tooth. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness from consumption of these products should contact a healthcare provider.

7/28/14 Health News: Halliburton Fracking Spill Mystery ♦ EUROPEANS DON’T REFRIGERATE RAW SHELL EGGS ♦ China probes food businesses ♦ Claims of chicken contamination

WHY MOST AMERICANS REFRIGERATE RAW SHELL EGGS AND EUROPEANS OFTEN DON’T

American travelers to Europe may have noticed that people “across the pond” often store raw shell eggs at room temperature. They can safely do that because of the way eggs are produced in Europe, but it can’t be safely done in the U.S. because of Salmonella. Salmonella bacteria, discovered in 1885 and named for the... Continue Reading

China probes food businesses, HK bans imports

Shanghai, China (Reuters) - China's food regulator has visited close to 600 restaurants, businesses and food distributors as it investigates a fast-spreading food safety scare that has dragged in a number of global brands and hit food outlets as far away as Japan. Hong Kong said on Thursday it suspended, with immediate effect, all imports from the US-owned Chinese supplier at …continue reading

UK supermarkets investigate after claims of chicken contamination

Chicken farm. Credit: Chris Radburn/PA Comments (1) Supermarkets in the UK are investigating following claims that chicken being sold on Britain's high street is contaminated. UK Poultry processors 2 Sisters Food Group and Faccenda, who are at the centre of the the claims, are denying the allegations which is forcing Tesco, Sainsbury's and Marks & Spencers to … continue reading

Halliburton Fracking Spill Mystery: What Chemicals Polluted an Ohio Waterway?

A recent accident highlights how state fracking laws protect corporate trade secrets over public safety.

On the morning of June 28, a fire broke out at a Halliburton fracking site in Monroe County, Ohio. As flames engulfed the area, trucks began exploding and thousands of gallons of toxic chemicals spilled into a tributary of the Ohio River, which supplies drinking water for millions of residents. More than 70,000 fish died. Nevertheless, it took five days for the Environmental Protection Agency and its Ohio counterpart to get a full list of the chemicals polluting the waterway. "We knew there was something toxic in the water," says an environmental official who was on the scene. "But we had no way of assessing whether it was a threat to human health or how best to protect the public."Continue Reading

7/27/14 Health News: Chinese Food Safety Scandal ♦ Kale’s popularity leading to worldwide shortage ♦ CYCLOSPORA SURGE:IN 13 STATES ♦ EU Food Safety Regulators Turn “A Blind Eye”

Meat Plant Previously Passing USDA Audits Now Implicated in Chinese Food Safety Scandal

For Immediate Release Friday, July 25, 2014 Meat Plant Previously Passing USDA Audits Now Implicated in Chinese Food Safety Scandal Advocacy organization urges USDA to stop equivalency process for Chinese poultry imports Washington, D.C. – In light of the recent scandal in China involving Shanghai Husi Foods Company consumer advocacy organization Food & Water Watch has sent a … continue reading

Kale’s popularity leading to worldwide shortage

Yes, that’s right – one of the top global kale seed suppliers has run out of stock. Tony Hubbard, head of the Bejo Seeds company in Australia, said, “you could describe it as embarrassing to us, but it’s just one of those things that’s happened on a global basis… It’s caught us out well and truly, we put our hands up to that.”continue reading

CYCLOSPORA SURGE: 125 CASES IN 13 STATES

Federal officials from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are now stepping in to assist health officials in 13 states in investigating a spike in cases of Cyclosporiasis, according to CIDRAP. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the parasite Cyclospora. In total, 125... Continue Reading

GMO Contamination of the Food Chain. Devastating Health Impacts. EU Food Safety Regulators Turn “A Blind Eye”

“Corporations as the dominant institution shaped by capitalist patriarchy thrive on eco-apartheid. They thrive on the Cartesian legacy of dualism which puts nature against humans. It defines nature as female and passively subjugated. Corporatocentrism is thus also androcentric – a patriarchal construction. The false universalism of man as conqueror and owner of the Earth has led …continue reading

Japan: Recalls Frozen Foods Due to Malathion Contamination.

Reports vary from at least 890 to more than 1,000 people sick. About 300 employees of Maruha Nichiro Holdings Inc., the company that produced the tainted food, have been questioned by police as the investigation has been launched into mass poisoning.

Maruha Nichiro Holdings is recalling about 6.4 million bags of frozen foods, including croquettes, frozen pizza and chicken nuggets, after 2.6 million times the permitted levels of pesticide were found in the products.1.2 million packages have been recovered, another 5.2 million are still unaccounted for.

“Maruha Nichiro Holdings test products several times a day for evidence of spoilage but we had no reason to believe pesticides would be present, so we did not test for that,” Ichiro Gohara, a spokesman for the company told Bloomberg News.

Symptoms of the poisoning include vomiting and diarrhea, and customers complained of a strong odor from the foods. According to Maruha Nichiro, none of the contaminated products has been shipped to other countries.

Malathion is registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use on crops and is also an ingredient in head lice treatments.

In western Osaka Prefecture, a nine-month-old baby was hospitalized on Monday after eating a product called ‘creamy corn croquettes’, according to AFP. Consumers complained about having food poisoning symptoms, like diarrhea, vomiting and stomach aches after eating

Police suspect that the malathion, which is usually used to fight bug influxes in corn and rice fields, was mixed into the products at the plant run by Aqli Foods, a company owned by Maruha Nichiro.

None of the tainted products have been shipped to other countries.

A May 2010 study found that in a representative sample of US children, those with higher levels of pesticide metabolites in their urine were more likely to have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, but no causal relationship was established. Each 10-fold increase in urinary concentration of the metabolites was associated with a 55% to 72% increase in the odds of ADHD..