Nationwide Recall of Nantucket Blend Trail Mix

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- MADISON, WI (March 25, 2009)

Back to Nature Foods Company announced today a voluntary recall in the United States of its Nantucket Blend trail mix containing pistachio nuts that may have the potential to be contaminated with the Salmonella organism. This possible contamination is not connected with the recent outbreak associated with peanuts or peanut butter.

The following products are being recalled and consumers should not eat them:

**Back to Nature Nantucket Blend trail mix, 28 oz. bag, UPC code 59283-00020 and a “best by” date between 08 20 09 and 12 12 09.

**Back to Nature Nantucket Blend trail mix, 10 oz. bag, UPC code 59283-31039 and a “best by” date between 11 04 09 and 12 12 09.

Consumers can find the “best by” date on the back of the package and should discard any product they have. Consumers can contact the company at 1-866-538-8280 with any questions.

There have been no cases of Salmonellosis reported to date in connection with these products and the company is issuing this recall as a precaution. These products were distributed to retail stores nationwide.

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.

FDA Alerts Consumers to Pistachio Recall

For Immediate Release by the FDA:

The FDA and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) are investigating Salmonella contamination in pistachio products sold by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc, Calif. The company has stopped all distribution of processed pistachios and will issue a voluntary recall involving approximately 1 million pounds of its products. Because the pistachios were used as ingredients in a variety of foods, it is likely this recall will impact many products. In addition, the investigation at the company is ongoing and may lead to additional pistachio product recalls.

The contamination involves multiple strains of Salmonella. Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Thus far, several illnesses have been reported by consumers that may be associated with the pistachios. It is not yet known whether any of the Salmonella strains found in the pistachio products are linked to an outbreak. The FDA is conducting genetic testing of the samples to pursue all links.

FDA is working closely with the pistachio industry and recommends that consumers avoid eating pistachio products until further information is available about the scope of affected products.

FDA will provide a searchable database of affected products at http://www.fda.gov/ and will continue to update the public.

FDA first learned of the problem on March 24, when it was informed by Kraft Foods that its Back To Nature Trail Mix was found to be contaminated with Salmonella. Kraft had identified the source of the contamination to be pistachios from Setton and conducted a recall.

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The original version of this press release can be found here.

Statement on GI Illnesses at Babson College

By: Tom Lyons, MA Department of Public Health

Staff from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health are assisting the Town of Wellesley Health Department, and officials from Babson College with a large outbreak of gastrointestinal illness on that campus. Since Wednesday, March 25, about 100 students and staff have experienced nausea and vomiting and diarrhea. We believe that these illnesses are likely caused by noroviruses -- a group of particularly strong viruses that can cause such signs and symptoms.
Because noroviruses are so easily spread person-to-person, congregate living facilities like college campuses are particularly vulnerable to outbreaks.

Babson College is taking all necessary steps to control this outbreak, including thorough environmental cleaning and providing prevention information to the campus community. Last month DPH issued a health advisory about a rise in gastrointestinal illnesses across the state.

Everyone can reduce their chances of coming in contact with noroviruses by following these simple tips:

Frequently wash your hands, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers and before eating or preparing food.

Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and steam oysters before eating them.

Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness by using bleach-based household cleaner.

Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with virus after an episode of illness (use hot water and soap).

Flush any vomit or stool down the toilet and make sure that the surrounding area is kept clean.

Persons who are infected with norovirus should not prepare food while they have symptoms and for 3 days after they recover from their illness.

For a fact sheet on norovirus and how to prevent infection click here.

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This blog post was originally posted on the MA DPH blog, Commonwealth Conversations, and is reproduced here with the kind permission of the MA DPH.

Including Public Health in National Health Care Reform

By: Commissioner John Auerbach, Department of Public Health

In the last two weeks I had the opportunity to interact with members of the Obama Administration and Congress - as both branches of government engage in preparations for a national plan for health reform.

Given the extraordinary success of Massachusetts in expanding health insurance coverage to almost 98% of the population, it is not surprising that there is a good deal of interest in how it was done here. The focus of my discussions was on a particular aspect of health reform - the role of public health.

Under Governor Patrick and Secretary Bigby, and with the strong support of the Legislature, public health has been an integral part of health reform and in a way that has been of particular interest to the federal officials. In this blog entry I will mention just one of the ways it is related.

The first and most obvious is the importance of prevention or, as it is sometimes characterized, the promotion of wellness. This is equally important to those who are healthy and those who have been diagnosed with a disease, such as diabetes. We know that most health care costs are focused on the treatment of chronic disease. Health care reform should be all about improving the health status of our residents. And for it to be sustainable, we have to pay attention to controlling costs. A significant percentage of all health care expenditures are a result of diabetes. And, we know that certain behaviors - namely eating poorly and not exercising - contribute significantly to the likelihood someone will develop diabetes or another chronic disease.

So in Massachusetts we are developing new approaches to creating conditions that decrease the likelihood of developing diabetes or exacerbating the symptoms if already diagnosed in order the complement the care given with the expanded insurance coverage. Our focus is mainly outside of the doctor's office - on improving meals in the schools, helping employers develop workplace wellness programs, supporting local elected officials in their efforts to encourage walking and biking and access to fresh fruits and vegetables in their cities and towns - just to name a few of the actions steps associated with Mass In Motion.

We also see the importance of linking with physicians and other health care providers who are relaying important messages to the patients. That is why we are working with the Massachusetts Medical Society, the American Academy of Pediatricians and a range of health care organizations and providers on our HealthyMass Diabetes Task Force.

These may all seem like obvious things to do. But the national officials have indicated to us that they need to see how public health complements health care reform in real and concrete ways - or public health's role may be overlooked as the focus intensifies on the doctor-patient interaction and the insurance card. So, I have been delighted to have the chance to make the statement that health care reform must I include a robust and active public health component, not just a focus on access to insurance. Such an approach is key to its ultimate success of improving health while controlling costs.

Let me know what you think. How can we make sure that public health’s role in health care reform is front and center during this historic and important moment?

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This blog post originally published on the MA Department of Public Health Blog, Commonwealth Conversations and is reproduced here with the kind permission of the MA DPH.

CDC Recommends Shingles Vaccine

People age 60 and older should be vaccinated against shingles, or herpes zoster, a condition often marked by debilitating chronic pain, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended today.

CDC recommends a single dose of the zoster vaccine, Zostavax, for adults 60 years of age and older even if they have had a prior episode of shingles. The new full recommendation replaces a provisional recommendation that the CDC made in 2006, after the vaccine was licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and recommended by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a committee of immunization experts who advise CDC on immunization policy.

The recommendation was published in an early release electronic edition of CDC’s Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report (MMWR) Recommendations and Reports. The ACIP recommendation becomes CDC policy once it is published in the MMWR.

Researchers found that, overall, in those ages 60 and above the vaccine reduced the occurrence of shingles by about 50 percent. For individuals ages 60-69 it reduced occurrence by 64 percent. The most common side effects in people who received Zostavax were redness, pain and tenderness, swelling at the site of injection, itching and headache.

Over 95 percent of people are infected by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), during their lifetime. The virus causes the common childhood disease chickenpox and then becomes dormant within the nerves. If it reactivates later in life, the result can be shingles. Shingles is characterized by clusters of blisters, which develop on one side of the body in a band-like pattern and can cause severe pain that may last for weeks, months or years. About one in three persons will develop shingles during their lifetimes, resulting in about one million cases of shingles per year.

Chickenpox (also called varicella) is usually mild, but it can be serious, especially in young infants and adults. Children who have never had chickenpox should get two doses of chickenpox vaccine starting at 12 months of age. The risk of contracting shingles increases with age starting at around 50, and is highest in the elderly. Half of people living to age 85 have had or will get shingles. The risk of experiencing chronic pain also increases with age.

Shingles Facts

• Anyone who has had chicken pox can get shingles. That means 95 percent of adults are at risk.
• Approximately one-third of the U.S. population will get shingles.
• More than half of older adults do not understand the seriousness of shingles and its complications.
• Among those who get shingles, more than one-third will develop serious complications. The risk of complications rises after 60 years of age.
• Appropriate and immediate treatment of herpes zoster can control acute symptoms and reduce the risk of longer term complications. Starting anti-viral medication within 72 hours of the onset of shingles can reduce the pain and the length of time the outbreak lasts.

For more information about the shingles vaccine, please visit our Website at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/shingles/default.htm

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This press release was originally published by the CDC in May of 2008.

Amherst Health Department Rabies Clinic

All Dogs, Cats and Ferrets living in Massachusetts are required by law to be vaccinated against rabies.

The Rabies Clinic will take place:

DATE: SATURDAY: APRIL 11, 2009
TIME: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
PLACE: HAMPSHIRE VETERINARY HOSPITAL
260 SNELL STREET, AMHERST
COST: $20.00 per Pet

Carol Hepburn, Amherst Animal Welfare officer, will be available for dog licensing. The fee for licensing is payable by check or money order to the Town of Amherst.

For further information and/or questions call:
AMHERST HEALTH DEPARTMENT
259-3077

FDA Uncovers Additional Tainted Weight Loss Products

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expanding, for the second time, its nationwide alert to consumers about tainted weight loss products containing undeclared, active pharmaceutical ingredients.

The FDA has identified additional weight loss products (Herbal Xenicol, Slimbionic, and Xsvelten) and new undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients (fenproporex, fluoxetine, furosemide, and cetilistat). The current list now includes the following 72 products:

2 Day DietFatloss SlimmingSlim 3 in 1 M18 Royal Diet
2 Day Diet Slim AdvanceGMPSlim 3 in 1 Slim Formula
2x Powerful SlimmingHerbal XenicolSlim Burn
3 Day DietImelda Fat ReducerSlim Express 4 in 1
3 Days FitImelda Perfect SlimSlim Express 360
3x Slimming PowerJM Fat ReducerSlim Fast*
5x Imelda Perfect SlimmingLida DaiDaihuaSlim Tech
7 Day Herbal SlimMeiliSlim Up
7 Days DietMeizitangSlim Waist Formula
7 DietMiaozi MeiMaoQianZiJiaoNangSlim Waistline
7 Diet Day/Night FormulaMiaozi Slim CapsulesSlimbionic
8 Factor DietNatural ModelSliminate
Eight Factor DietPerfect SlimSlimming Formula
21 Double SlimPerfect Slim 5xSomotrim
24 Hours DietPerfect Slim UpStarcaps
999 Fitness EssencePhyto ShapeSuper Fat Burner
BioEmagrecimPowerful SlimSuperslim
Body CreatorProSlim PlusSuper Slimming
Body ShapingReduce WeihgtTrim 2 Plus
Body SlimmingRoyal Slimming FormulaTriple Slim
Cosmo SlimSana PlusVenom Hyperdrive 3.0
Extrim PlusSlim 3 in 1Waist Strength Formula
Extrim Plus 24 Hour ReburnSlim 3 in 1 Extra Slim FormulaXsvelten
Fasting DietSlim 3 in 1 Extra Slim Waist FormulaZhen de Shou

* This product should not be confused with the line of meal replacement and related products that are marketed as conventional foods under the brand name “Slim-Fast®”. The manufacturer of Slim-Fast®, Unilever United States, Inc., maintains that the Slim Fast product which appears on this list is not in any way associated with, sponsored or approved by, or otherwise related in any way to the Slim-Fast® brand of meal replacement and related products.

“These tainted weight loss products pose a great risk to public health because they contain undeclared ingredients and, in some cases, contain prescription drugs in amounts that greatly exceed maximum recommended dosages,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Consumers have no way of knowing that these products contain dangerous drugs that could cause serious consequences to their health.”

On Dec. 22, 2008, the FDA warned consumers not to purchase or consume 28 different products marketed for weight loss. On Jan. 8, 2009, the FDA expanded the list of tainted weight loss products to include 41 additional tainted products. The FDA will continue to update this list as warranted.

The products listed above, some of which are marketed as dietary supplements, are promoted and sold on various Web sites and in some retail stores and beauty salons. Some of the products claim to be “natural” or to contain only “herbal” ingredients, but actually contain potentially harmful ingredients not listed on the products' labels or in promotional advertisements. These products have not been approved by the FDA, are illegal, and include the following undeclared
active pharmaceutical ingredients:

fenproporex – a controlled substance not approved for marketing in the United States;
fluoxetine – an antidepressant available by prescription only;
bumetanide – a potent diuretic available by prescription only;
furosemide – a potent diuretic available by prescription only;
rimonabant – a drug not approved for marketing in the United States;
cetilistat – an experimental obesity drug not approved for marketing in the United States;
phenytoin – an anti-seizure medication available by prescription only; and
phenolphthalein – a solution used in chemical experiments and a suspected cancer-causing agent that is not approved for marketing in the United States.

The FDA has inspected a number of companies associated with the sale of these illegal products and is currently seeking product recalls. Based on the FDA’s inspections and the companies’ inadequate responses to recall requests, the FDA may take additional enforcement steps, such as issuing warning letters or initiating seizures, injunctions, or criminal charges.

The FDA advises consumers who have used any products containing these ingredients to stop taking them and consult their health care professional immediately. The FDA also encourages consumers to seek guidance from a health care professional before purchasing weight loss products.

The health risks posed by these products can be very serious and include high blood pressure, seizures, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), palpitations, heart attack, and stroke. Sibutramine, a controlled substance, was found in many of these products at levels much higher than the maximum daily dosage for Meridia, the only FDA-approved drug product containing sibutramine. These higher levels of sibutramine can increase the incidence and severity of these health risks. Fenproporex, another controlled substance, can cause arrhythmia and possible
sudden death.

Health care professionals and consumers should report serious adverse events (side effects) or product quality problems to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail, fax or phone.

Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
Regular Mail: use postage-paid FDA form 3500 available at: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm and mail to MedWatch, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787
Fax: 800- FDA-0178
Phone: 800- FDA-1088

Information on these products for consumers and health care professionals can be found at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/consumerinfo/weight_loss_products.htm

To learn more about the FDA’s initiative against unapproved drugs see the FDA’s Compliance Policy Guide at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/Guidance/6911fnl.htm.

Collecting Your Family's Medical History Could Save your Child's Life

You might not realize that your father’s diabetes or your cousin’s sickle cell disease could affect your child, but this family history information could help save your child’s life.

According to a Pediatrics supplement, “Use of Family History Information in Pediatric Primary Care and Public Health,” that’s not the only family history information that can affect your child’s health or be important to their health care. Along with genes, your family often has similar behaviors, such as exercise habits, and a common culture, such as the foods you eat. You may live in the same area and come into contact with similar environmental factors. Family history includes these factors, which can all affect health.

In addition, a family history can help your child’s doctor make a diagnosis if your child shows signs of a disorder. It can reveal whether your child has an increased risk for a disease and, if so, can help your doctor suggest screening tests. Many genetic disorders first become obvious in childhood, and knowing about a history of a genetic condition can help find and treat the condition early.

You might not think that chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes affect children, but children with a strong family history of these diseases can show signs in childhood.

Having a family history of a disease does not mean that your child will get that disease. However, some children with a family history of chronic diseases can benefit from starting good lifestyle habits, such as exercising and eating healthy, right away.

Ways to Collect Your Child’s Family History

Record the names of your child’s close relatives from both sides of the family. Include conditions each relative has or had and at what age the conditions were first diagnosed.

Use the U.S. Surgeon General’s online tool for collecting family histories, called “My Family Health Portrait.” It is available at https://familyhistory.hhs.gov/.

Discuss family history concerns with your child’s doctor. Gather family history information before seeing the doctor, using “My Family Health Portrait.” Fill out family history forms carefully.

Update your family history regularly and share new information with your child’s doctor. Remember that relatives can be newly diagnosed with conditions between doctor’s visits. This information can help the doctor to determine which tests and screenings are recommended to help you know your child’s health risk.

The best way to learn about your family history is to ask questions. Talk at family gatherings and record your family’s health information—it could make a difference in your child’s life. More information is available at: www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/bd/family_history.htm and www.cdc.gov/genomics/public/famhist.htm.

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This article has been republished with the kind permission of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Flu Activity Continuing to Decline

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, influenza activity continues to decline statewide. As of the week ending March 7th, there were 10,640 lab-confirmed cases of influenza - approximately 3,400 (25%) fewer than at this time last season.

Nationally, during the week of March 1 - 7, influenza activity in the United States remained high, but is at approximately the same level as in the previous week. National Influenza Activity for the preceding week can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/fluactivity.htm.

Play It Safe When It Comes To Concussions

More than 38 million boys and girls, ages 5-18, participate in organized youth sports across the country. And while sports can be a fun way to socialize and instill values such as teamwork, physical activity can also mean potential injuries. We need our coaches, parents and athletes to recognize and manage injuries – especially concussions – if we want our kids to be part of a safe, winning team.

Concussions are one of the most commonly reported injuries in children and adolescents who participate in sports and recreation activities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that as many as 3.8 million sports- and recreation-related concussions occur in the United States each year. A concussion is caused by a blow to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.

Concussions can occur in any organized or unorganized sport or recreational activity and can result from a fall or from players colliding with each other or with obstacles, such as a goalpost.

In response, CDC has developed the Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports campaign. The purpose of the campaign is to increase awareness and knowledge among youth sports coaches and administrators about concussion and the need to manage concussions appropriately.

As part of the campaign, CDC developed practical, easy-to-use information for coaches as well as sports administrators, athletes, and parents, including: fact sheets, a clipboard, magnets, and posters available at no cost.

It’s important for coaches to become familiar with the signs and symptoms of a concussion so that they can respond appropriately. To help recognize a concussion, coaches should be alert for any athletes who experience a forceful blow to the head or body that results in rapid movement of the head and any demonstrated changes in an athlete’s behavior, thinking or physical functioning. The “Heads Up” materials provide a comprehensive list of signs and symptoms of concussion as well as important steps to take when a concussion is suspected.

To learn more and order the Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports materials at no cost, visit: www.cdc.gov/ConcussionInYouthSports.

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This article has been republished with the kind permission of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Know the Truth about MRSA Skin Infections

The truth about methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) may surprise you. MRSA is a type of bacteria that causes skin and other kinds of infections. Sometimes called “the superbug,” MRSA is resistant to certain antibiotics, but several antibiotics still work. And many times, antibiotics aren’t even needed -- doctors are often able to treat MRSA skin infections by simply draining them.

Because skin infections caused by MRSA are increasing, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched a new campaign to educate families about MRSA. Although most of these skin infections are mild, some infections may become life-threatening. There are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from MRSA skin infections.

Step 1: Know the signs and symptoms of MRSA and get treatment early

A staph skin infection, including one caused by MRSA, usually appears as a bump or infected area on the skin that may be red, swollen, painful, warm to the touch or full of pus or other drainage. It is especially important to contact your health care provider if these signs and symptoms are accompanied by a fever.

Step 2: Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered

Keeping cuts and scrapes covered will help prevent spreading bacteria to others. If you think the area is infected, contact your healthcare provider and follow their instructions about proper care of the infection. Be sure to discard used bandages in the trash.

Step3: Encourage good hygiene such as cleaning hands regularly

Bacteria and other germs are often spread from person to person by direct contact – mostly by our hands. Clean your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub, especially after changing a bandage or touching infected skin.

Step 4: Discourage sharing of personal items such as towels and razors

Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, washcloths, razors, or clothing that may have had contact with infected skin or soiled bandages. Wash sheets, towels, and clothes with water and laundry detergent. Water temperatures for household laundry depend on the type of fiber or fabric of the clothing. In general, wash and dry in the warmest temperatures recommended on the clothing label. Use a clothes dryer to dry clothes completely.

For more information on the CDC’s campaign, please visit www.cdc.gov/MRSA.

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This article has been reproduced with the kind permission of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Amherst Public Health Department: Using Science to Protect People

Public Health is what we do as a society to create the conditions for people to be healthy. Unlike medical or health care, our work is focused on groups or the entire population of a town, state or nation.

Applying proven, cost-effective methods, we prevent disease and avoid unnecessary medical expenditures. Here are some examples of how we do that:

We guard and protect against threats: Investigating disease outbreaks spread through the Town’s water supply, hotels, homes and businesses; inspecting restaurants for safety and cleanliness; responding swiftly to health threats from natural disasters and terrorist attacks; managing protection against West Nile virus, SARS, pandemic flu and Lyme disease.

We provide leadership: Defending against emerging infections; assuring that scarce flu vaccines reach people most at risk; promoting health and disease prevention strategies; advocating for better health through public policy; empowering people and providing necessary preventive care.

We improve health and safety: Responding first when outbreaks occur; preventing substance abuse; examining wild animals for disease; exterminating mosquitoes, rats and other disease-carrying threats, checking seniors’ blood pressure; enforcing health and safety regulations; providing life-saving vaccines to children.

We share our knowledge: Teaching people about nutrition and exercise; cooperating with physicians, emergency personnel and hospitals; training new professionals; evaluating programs,; educating communities to help prevent diseases like HIV.

Our local health departments are as necessary as police, firefighters and medical personnel to respond to emergencies and protect community health and safety. They’re an essential and cost-effective public investment.

FDA Issues Guidance for Food Manufacturers on Use of Peanut-Derived Product

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that manufacturers obtain any peanut-derived ingredient only from suppliers who use production processes that have been demonstrated to adequately reduce the presence of Salmonella species (Salmonella spp.), or that they ensure that their own manufacturing process would adequately reduce the presence of Salmonella species.

The recommendations are in FDA’s "Guidance for Industry: Measures to Address the Risk for Contamination by Salmonella Species in Food Containing a Peanut-Derived Product As An Ingredient."

This guidance is intended for manufacturers who use a peanut-derived product as an ingredient in a food product. Peanut-derived products include peanuts, peanut butter, peanut paste, peanut meal, and peanut granules. Recent Salmonellosis outbreaks such as the outbreak associated with Salmonella Typhimurium involving the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) demonstrate the potential for foodborne illness from the consumption of foods containing peanut-derived products if those products are contaminated with Salmonella.

According to CDC, illnesses are still being reported among people who have eaten recalled peanut-derived products contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. The Agency is concerned that illnesses will continue to occur if people eat these peanut products that may still be on their shelves at home.

Both the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officials urge consumers to check the FDA’s Web resource on the peanut-derived product recall or call CDC’s 24-hour information hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) before eating any peanut-derived products. Product recalls also include some pet food products made by PCA.

To search for recalled peanut products, visit: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm

Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

Influenza Activity Declining in Massachusetts

According to current reports from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, flu activity in Massachusetts peaked in the 2nd and 3rd weeks of February and is now in decline.

To date, 9 pediatric deaths from influenza have been identified by the Centers for Disease Control for the 2008-2009 flu season, 6 of those deaths reported between February 8th and 14th. These deaths occurred in Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Comparatively, there were 78 pediatric deaths during the 2006-2007 flu season.

The CDC strongly recommends vaccination for all children aged 6 months to 18 years, as well as any household contacts of children in that age group. Children between the ages of 6 months and 8 years should receive two doses of vaccine if they have never been previously vaccinated. Otherwise, studies have shown little to no efficacy or protection for this population if only one dose is received.

As always, public health officials would like to remind the public that although flu season does indeed begin to taper off in March, it is still possible to be infected with influenza throughout the year. While immunization does peak in November and December, it is still not too late to be vaccinated. The Amherst Health Department has approximately 8 doses of vaccine for children and adults over the age of 4 years, so please contact Keith Carlson at 259-3161 if you are interested.

We wish you a safe and healthy Spring!

Whole Foods Recalls Pancake and Waffle Mix

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- March 5, 2008 – Whole Foods Market announced the recall of its 365 Everyday Value Brand Organic Whole Wheat Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix, which may have potential salmonella contamination. No other Whole Foods Market, 365 or 365 Organic products are affected.

The product, sold in two pound bags with Best Before dates of Nov 1 2009 and Nov 2 2009 stamped on the top, displays the following UPC code: 99482-42453: 365 Everyday value Brand Organic Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix, 100% Whole Wheat.

Salmonella is a food-borne illness that 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, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
No illnesses have been reported in connection with this issue to date. There is very low risk of illness when preparation directions on the bag are followed and the product is not consumed raw or undercooked. Salmonella bacteria is killed at a temperature of 160° F.

If consumers have this product with the indicated UPC codes and Best Before dates, they may return it to the store for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company by calling 512-542-0656.

Whole Foods Market has removed the affected lot codes from all store shelves. Product was distributed to 19 states including Florida, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Utah, California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.

Prostate Cancer and African Americans

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States.While it isn’t known why African-American men have higher rates of getting and dying from prostate cancer, CDC believes that what you know can help you. African-American men should know the facts about prostate cancer.

Some medical experts believe all men should be offered regular screening tests for prostate cancer. Other medical experts do not. Given the uncertainty about the benefit of screening, CDC supports informed decision making about screening. When a man understands the nature and risks of prostate cancer and the risks, benefits, and alternatives to screening, he can make a decision consistent with his preferences and values.

Is prostate cancer screening right for you? The decision is yours. To help African-American men understand both sides of the issue, CDC has developed a helpful guide specific for African-American men.

For further information about prostate cancer, please visit the CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Website at www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate. You can also subscribe to be alerted by e-mail when our website offers new information on a cancer topic of interest to you.

Prostate Cancer Screening: A Decision Guide for African Americans www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/publications/aadecisionguide

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This article reproduced with the kind permission of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Campaign Helps Hispanics With Diabetes Enjoy Healthy, Traditional Foods

A press release from the wesbite of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

New tools are available to help Hispanics enjoy healthy versions of their favorite recipes and control portion sizes, all designed to reduce their risk of developing diabetes. The recipes and other materials are part of a campaign called Más que comida, es vida, which means “It′s more than food. It′s life.”

The campaign was developed by the National Diabetes Education Program, a joint program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health.

Más que comida, es vida provides new tools to Hispanics to prepare traditional foods in a more healthy way. “A few simple adjustments can make these dishes healthier and lower in fat and calories,” said Betsy Rodríguez, public health advisor of the National Diabetes Education Program′s Hispanic/Latino Work Group.

"Más que comida, es vida" features materials written in English and Spanish, including a recipe booklet called Ricas recetas para personas con diabetes y sus familiares(Tasty Recipes for People with Diabetes and Their Families), that offers food ideas specifically designed for the Hispanic palate. Among the delicious and healthy recipes now included in the booklet are: Spanish omelet (tortilla Espanñola), beef or turkey stew (carne guisada de res o pavo), Caribbean red snapper (pargo rojo caribeño), two cheese pizza (pizza de dos quesos), and avocado tacos (tacos de aguacate).

Compared to whites, Hispanics are disproportionately affected by diabetes. More than 10 percent of Hispanics aged 20 years and older have diagnosed diabetes. Among Hispanics, rates of diabetes are 8.2 percent for Cubans, 11.9 percent for Mexican-Americans, and 12.6 percent for Puerto Ricans.

“Meal preparation is a critical component of diabetes control. Studies show that overweight or obese individuals can prevent or delay diabetes by losing just 5 percent to 7 percent of their total weight,” Rodriquez said.

CDC′s Division of Diabetes Translation and the NIH jointly sponsor the National Diabetes Education Program, which provides diabetes education to improve treatment and outcomes for people with diabetes, promote early diagnosis and prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.
Más que comida, es vida campaign materials and the recipe booklet are available at http://www.ndep.nih.gov/ or by calling 1-888-693-NDEP (6337).

For the original source of this press release, please click here.

Antiviral Resistance and Flu Vaccine

With the flu season not quite at its seasonal peak, public health officials across the country are still urging the public to seek vaccination against influenza. Even though this year's vaccine is not 100% protective against every strain of influenza currently circulating, it can still offer considerable protection within two weeks of vaccination.

Recent reports demonstrate that common strains of influenza are becoming increasingly resistant to Tamiflu, previously the most effective antiviral medication used to combat acute cases of influenza. And according to numerous public health and medical officials, that resistance to antiviral drugs is yet another reason for the majority of susceptible Americans to seek vaccination if at all possible.

While deaths from influenza are not excessively high this year, the recent deaths of two otherwise healthy Maryland teenagers from acute influenza infection underscore the need for more vigilance, surveillance, and prevention.

Whether or not you have already been vaccinated against influenza, frequent handwashing is a very important means to staying healthy. Encourage children, friends, colleagues and family members to practice good hygiene, including sneezing and coughing into a sleeve rather than into one's hand. And if you are not feeling well, staying home and avoiding exposure to others who might be ill is advisable if at all possible.

The Amherst Health Department still has some doses of free flu vaccine available for the public. Please refer any resident in need of vaccination to Keith Carlson, Amherst's Public Health Nurse, at 259-3161.