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Obama Administration Rolls Out New Food-Safety Website
President Obama's attempting to follow through on his promise to strengthen the country's food-safety system. At the Consumer Federation of America's national food policy conference this week, the Obama Administration premiered the new foodsafety.gov, a streamlined food site that gives consumers information regarding contamination issues and more access to food-safety resources. The user-friendly site aims to help consumers, who are concerned about recalls, keep tabs on food issues in their state, report problems immediately, and learn how to keep food safe, among other things.
Dead Frog Discovered in Diet Pepsi Can
How did a dead frog find its way into a Pepsi can? That's the seminal question at the center of the latest food safety gross-out. Fred and Amy DeNegri, a retired couple from Florida claim they discovered a dead frog in a Pepsi can, and have plans to take legal action.
FDA Takes a Closer Look at Tylenol
I've never been able to get a clear answer on whether Tylenol plus alcohol can harm your liver. Though acetaminophen can lead to liver damage when taken in large doses, many questions remain about its short-term dangers, particularly when combined with recreational drinking. Now, the FDA wants some answers.
Zicam Cold Medicine Pulled From Shelves
Earlier today, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning for consumers to stop using Zicam Cold Remedy nasal gel, as well as adult and kid-size Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs.
The over-the-counter, homeopathic cold medicine contains zinc and can cause long-lasting or permanent loss of smell. Since 1999, the FDA has received 130 reports of loss of smell associated with these Zicam products.
FDA: Packaged Foods' Health Claims Make Them Drugs
Could the breakfast staple, Cheerios, be classified as a drug? That's what the Food and Drug Administration is claiming, based on the product's labeling that it's "clinically proven to help lower cholesterol." On May 5, the FDA sent a warning letter to General Mills, the maker of Cheerios, charging that the cereal's cholesterol-lowering health claims violate federal law.
Do You Use New Generation Birth Control?
I came across an eye-opening article recently about "third-generation" birth control, which includes products like the NuvaRing (approved by the FDA in 2001) and the birth control patch. According to the piece, new forms of birth control most likely come with a higher risk of blood clots and strokes, risks that the FDA has somehow not given much weight to.
The Mother Jones article told the scary story of 32-year-old mother of two, Jackie Bozicev.
Women Over 17 Can Now Buy Plan B Over-the-Counter
On Wednesday, the FDA announced that Plan B, the morning-after pill, will be available without a prescription to women 17 and older. Plan B is essentially a high dose of birth control pills that both stops ovulation and decreases the chance a fertilized egg will attach to the uterus. When used within 72 hours after unprotected sex, it can lower the risk of pregnancy by almost 90 percent.
Obama: "We Are Strengthening Our Food Safety System"
Since taking office, President Obama has wasted no time addressing the food safety concerns that have been on the minds of many American consumers. Not only does the long-awaited COOL food labeling law finally take effect today, but over the weekend the president vowed to improve public health under his administration. In addition to introducing two new FDA commissioners, he also announced a plan of action to drastically improve food safety in America.
Front Page: FDA Makes Way For Human Stem Cell Therapy
- The FDA has authorized the world's first tests of human embryonic stem cell therapy, marking a political shift. A California biotechnology company will begin a clinical trial using stem cells to regrow nerve tissue in patients with spinal cord injury.— Reuters
- Two-term Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand will be the next senator from New York, as multiple sources say Gov. David Paterson has chosen her to replace Hillary Clinton.
Labeling Won't Be Required For Genetically Engineered Animals
Last Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration issued its long-awaited regulations on genetically engineered animals. Its conclusion, after considering genetically altered animals? Consumer labeling will not be required for genetically engineered food.Currently, genetically engineered animals are being developed for the market, but so far none of the animals have been approved by the agency for marketing.
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