All articles tagged with #health safety
A report by Consumer Reports found that over a dozen protein powders contain unsafe or concerning levels of lead, with levels worsening compared to previous years, raising health safety concerns.
A comprehensive 14.5-year study found no link between calcium supplements and increased dementia risk in older women, easing previous concerns about brain health impacts.
Wildfire smoke from Canadian wildfires is affecting parts of the US, containing hazardous pollutants that can harm health both indoors and outdoors. It's important to take protective measures to reduce exposure to these dangerous particles and gases.
Trader Joe’s has recalled its organic basil due to a salmonella outbreak, affecting 29 states and Washington, D.C. The product, sold between Feb. 1 and April 6, has been removed from shelves, and customers are advised to discard it. The FDA has linked the outbreak to Infinite Herbs, LLC, and there have been 12 reported cases of salmonella across seven states, with one person hospitalized. Symptoms of salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain.
Sketchy cosmetic injections of potentially counterfeit Botox have caused a multistate outbreak of botulism-like illnesses, with at least six people falling ill in Tennessee and Illinois. Four of the six required hospitalization. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is planning a nationwide alert to notify clinicians of the potentially counterfeit Botox and advise them to be on the lookout for botulism-like illnesses. Health officials urge caution and recommend seeking cosmetic services only from licensed professionals using FDA-approved products to avoid serious health risks.
Japanese authorities raided a drug factory in Osaka after a health supplement, Benikoji Choleste Help, was linked to at least five deaths and 114 hospitalizations. The supplement, containing benikoji, a type of red mold, is said to lower cholesterol levels. The company, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., has recalled the pills and is cooperating with the government's investigation into the illnesses, which include kidney failure. Japan's Health Ministry has warned that the number of affected individuals could increase.
The recall of red yeast products linked to five deaths in Japan has raised concerns about the safety of dietary supplements containing the ingredient, which are readily available in the U.S. While no products containing benikoji have been recalled in the U.S., experts warn that the issue in Japan may also affect products in other markets. The FDA does not verify supplements' listed ingredients, and regulations for supplements are less stringent than those for pharmaceuticals. Consumers are advised to exercise caution when purchasing supplements and consider consulting a doctor for prescription cholesterol-lowering medications.
Five people have died and over 100 have been hospitalized after taking a Japanese health supplement containing an ingredient called benikoji, a red species of mold. The pharmaceutical company, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., faced criticism for not disclosing internal problems earlier and has issued a recall for the products. The company's president apologized for the situation and expressed remorse to the affected individuals and their families. Japan's health ministry has warned that the number of deaths could increase, and the recalled products include various items containing benikoji. The incident has raised concerns about the deregulation initiatives that simplified approval for health products in Japan.
A nationwide recall of a dietary supplement containing red yeast rice has been issued in Japan after two deaths and over 100 hospitalizations raised concerns about potential health risks. The recalled product, "beni koji choleste help," is marketed for lowering cholesterol. The manufacturer, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, has apologized and is conducting investigations, while health authorities are conducting emergency checks on similar products. The company has suspended online sales in China and removed the products from circulation in Taiwan, and the health ministry is cooperating to investigate the cause and prevent further health issues.
The FDA has issued warning letters to six companies for marketing unapproved and misbranded topical pain relief products containing high concentrations of lidocaine, which pose serious health risks when used before or during certain cosmetic procedures. Consumers are advised not to use over-the-counter pain relief products with more than 4% lidocaine, apply them heavily over large areas of skin, or wrap treated skin with plastic wrap. The FDA urges consumers and healthcare professionals to report any adverse events related to these products and has placed some companies on import alert to prevent their products from reaching consumers.
A recent CDC report highlights 214 intestine-related disease outbreaks associated with drinking water in the U.S. between 2015 and 2020, resulting in at least 2,140 cases of illness, 563 hospitalizations, and 88 deaths. Biofilms, particularly Legionella bacteria, were identified as common contributing factors. The report underscores the need for better water surveillance, prevention, and outbreak response programs. To ensure safer drinking water, the CDC recommends boiling water, using certified water filters, purchasing distilled or sterile water for specific uses, and regularly cleaning and maintaining water-related appliances.
Vaping, once considered a safer alternative to smoking, is now under scrutiny as studies reveal potential health risks, including cell changes linked to cancer, toxic metal exposure, respiratory inflammation, and cardiovascular effects. Concerns are heightened by the increasing popularity of vaping among teens and children, leading to hospitalizations and prompting legislation to restrict availability and curb underage usage. Despite being touted as a smoking cessation aid, the addictive nature of nicotine in vapes has led to a booming industry with potential long-term health consequences yet to be fully understood.
After an 89-year-old man died from vitamin D toxicity, a U.K. coroner is urging the country’s Food Standards Agency to improve supplement labeling. The man had been taking vitamin D supplements for nine months before his death, and the coroner's report alleges inadequate warnings about supplement overdose on the packaging. Experts recommend daily vitamin D intakes of 600 IU for adults ages 19 to 70, and 800 IU for those 71 and older, with a maximum safe daily intake of 4,000 IU. Vitamin D toxicity can lead to hypercalcemia, causing symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, and bone pain. It's important to monitor vitamin D intake and consult a doctor before taking supplements, as excessive levels can be dangerous.
Eight children and one adult died on Pemba Island, Africa, after consuming sea turtle meat, a local delicacy known for its food poisoning dangers. Dozens more were hospitalized, with lab tests confirming the link between their illness and the consumption of sea turtle meat. This incident echoes a similar one in November 2021. Sea turtle meat can cause chelonitoxism, a deadly form of food poisoning, particularly affecting children and nursing babies. Authorities have urged people not to eat sea turtle meat in the wake of these tragic poisonings.
The FDA has issued a warning about ground cinnamon sold at discount retailers, including Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, due to high levels of lead contamination, which could be unsafe for people, especially children, with prolonged exposure. The agency urged suppliers to voluntarily recall the products, and Dollar Tree and Family Dollar have already removed the affected cinnamon from their shelves. Consumers are advised to discard any of the mentioned cinnamon products they have at home. The FDA's targeted survey was prompted by a previous recall of lead-tainted cinnamon applesauce pouches, and while no illnesses have been reported in connection with the contaminated cinnamon, long-term lead exposure can cause serious health issues, particularly in children.