211 Swine Flu Information Line Operational In MA

As of April 29th, a 24-hour Swine Flu Information Line is now operational throughout Massachusetts. Provided by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the 211 line is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Trained staff will answer your questions about swine flu or refer you to other resources if necessary.

To reach the information line, simply dial 211 from any telephone in Massachusetts. Translators are available for dozens of languages.

As always, please feel free to call the Amherst Public Health Department at 413-259-3007 with questions, comments or concerns. The Health Department is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Swine Flu: Late Update, 4/29/09

BOSTON — The Patrick Administration today announced the first confirmed cases of swine influenza in Massachusetts. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), the patients, two school-age residents of Middlesex County, are considered to have a mild case of the disease and are expected to make a complete recovery. Neither child attended school at any point during their illness, and their parents did not go to work during that time. Massachusetts is the sixth state to have confirmed cases of swine flu; there are now a total of 66 confirmed cases in the United States.

“Fortunately, the patients are not hospitalized and are expected to fully recover,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “We will continue to monitor the situation and work closely with our health officials and others to limit exposure.”

DPH officials continue to take steps to increase surveillance of influenza-like illness in Massachusetts, asking health care providers and hospital emergency departments to be on the lookout for flu-like symptoms — especially in people who have recently traveled to Mexico or any other area which has confirmed cases. If a provider suspects a patient may be infected with swine flu, DPH requests that they perform and submit a swab test for laboratory testing.

“We continue to work closely with partners at the local, state and federal level to monitor the spread of swine flu and act quickly to slow its spread,” said DPH Commissioner John Auerbach. “All Massachusetts residents can play an absolutely vital role in our efforts by taking simple, common-sense precautions to keep from getting and spreading the flu.”

These precautions include:

1) wash your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;

2) cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow instead of into your hands;

3) if you’re sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them

At the federal level, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have begun shipment of significant quantities of materials to help states including Massachusetts prepare and respond
to the spread of swine flu. These materials include antiviral medications for treatment of individuals who are sick, along with other medical equipment and supplies if needed.

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Most commonly, human cases of swine flu happen in people who are around pigs but it’s possible for swine flu viruses to spread from person to person as well. Swine flu is not transmitted by food and you cannot get swine flu by eating pork products.

For general information on swine flu and the status of the nationwide outbreak, visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu. For more information on the Massachusetts response, and how to care for someone at home who has the flu, please visit www.mass.gov/dph/swineflu.

Swine Flu Update, 4/29/09

From the MA Department of Public Health:

State health officials continue to work closely with partners at the federal, state and local level to respond to the swine flu outbreak in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has declared the outbreak of swine flu a public health emergency.

As part of that declaration, federal officials have begun shipment of significant quantities of materials to help states prepare and respond to the spread of swine flu. These materials include antiviral medications for treatment of individuals who are sick, along with other medical equipment and supplies that may be needed if the current situation changes. Massachusetts will begin receiving initial quantities of these materials in the coming days.

“This is understandably a concerning time for Massachusetts residents who have heard so much about swine flu over the past couple of days,” said DPH Commissioner John Auerbach. “However, I want to assure everyone that our team is working overtime on this matter and I am confident that we are taking all necessary precautions to protect the people of the Commonwealth.”

DPH officials continue to take steps to increase surveillance of influenza-like illness in Massachusetts, asking health care providers and hospital emergency departments to be on the lookout for flu-like symptoms -- especially in people who have recently traveled to Mexico or any of the U.S. states which have confirmed cases. If a provider suspects a patient may be infected with swine flu, DPH requests that they perform and submit a swab test for laboratory testing.

Even though no cases have been identified in Massachusetts, there are steps that everyone can take to prevent getting or spreading any type of influenza: wash your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow instead of into your hands; and if you’re sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Most commonly, human cases of swine flu happen in people who are around pigs but it’s possible for swine flu viruses to spread from person to person as well. Swine flu is not transmitted by food and you cannot get swine flu by eating pork products.

For general information on swine flu and the status of the nationwide outbreak, visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu. For more information on the Massachusetts response, and how to care for someone at home who has the flu, please visit www.mass.gov/dph.

Swine Flu and the Safety of Pork Products

Update By Secretary Of Agriculture Vilsack Regarding USDA Outreach Efforts Regarding Swine Influenza A (H1N1)

April 27, 2009

"As promised, I wanted to keep you up to date on our outreach efforts.

First, let me say again to consumers, there is no evidence at this time that U.S. swine have been infected with this virus.

Second, I want to reiterate the same message to our trading partners - our pork and pork products are safe. The discovery of this virus in humans is not a basis for restricting imports of commercially produced U.S. pork and pork products. Any trade restrictions would be inconsistent with World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) guidelines. USDA is working closely with the U.S. Trade Representative's office on these issues.

And third, I am reminding the pork industry as well as owners of pigs about being consistent and thorough in their practices to prevent the introduction or spread of disease.

USDA already has in place, and did so before the last week's events, a surveillance system to monitor animal health. I asked USDA to reach out to agriculture officials in every state to affirm that they have no signs of this virus type in their state's swine herd. As of this morning, no cases have been reported.

It is important to remember that not only have there been no reports of this virus in swine, according to scientists at USDA, swine flu viruses are not transmitted by food so a person cannot get swine flu from eating pork or pork products. In fact, cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills all viruses and other foodborne pathogens. Eating properly handled and cooked pork or pork products is safe.

USDA will continue to work with other government agencies to monitor the situation and keep the public informed."

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This statement was originally published on the USDA website. Please click here to access the original version.

Swine Flu Update

The Amherst Public Health Department would like residents, business owners, and town employees to know that we are monitoring the current swine flu outbreak very closely and will keep the public informed of changes and new alerts as they happen.

Yesterday, Health Department staff participated in a conference call with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in which we were given updates on the current situation, as well as the response being mounted by the state. We are confident that DPH, the CDC, and other players in the public health arena are responding appropriately and swiftly, and we are in frequent contact with state officials as they disseminate new information to local boards of health, schools, and municipal governments.

While this is not a time for panic, it is indeed a time for vigilance and circumspectful caution, and we encourage residents, visitors and business owners to practice the same precautions that would be in place during the regular flu season. Avoid holding, hugging, kissing, or shaking hands with anyone who has a cold or the flu. Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes without first washing your hands. Also avoid touching things like doorknobs, door handles, faucets and telephones that infected individuals might also use. Remember, when coughing or sneezing, do so into your sleeve, elbow or a tissue, and wash your hands regularly with warm soap and water. Antibacterial soap is not necessary---simple hand soap, warm water and friction are best.

If you or someone you know exhibits signs of flu (fever, shortness of breath, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches, or other symptoms), do not go to work, school or public recreational activities. Call your health care provider, describe your symptoms, and stay home for at least 7 days to rest and keep hydrated. If your fever rises or symptoms worsen, cover your nose and mouth with a mask and seek attention at a doctor's office or emergency room.

Children, the elderly and the chronically ill can be especially vulnerable to flu-like illnesses, so take extra precautions with these family members. If any ill person develops chest pain, purple or blue discoloration of the lips, vomiting, signs of dehydration (like dizziness, absence of urination, or lack of tears in infants), or seizures, seek medical attention immediately.

For more information about swine flu, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's swine flu website at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/, or call the Health Department at 259-3077.

Swine Flu Update From MA DPH

The following is a copy of the most recent press release from the MA Department of Public Health regarding recent outbreaks of swine flu. Please call the Health Department at 259-3077 for more information, or stay tuned to this blog for updates.

BOSTON – State health officials continue to work closely with partners at the federal, state and local level to respond to the swine flu outbreak in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has declared the outbreak of swine flu a public health emergency.
As part of that declaration, federal officials have begun shipment of significant quantities of materials to help states prepare and respond to the spread of swine flu. These materials include antiviral medications for treatment of individuals who are sick, along with other medical equipment and supplies that may be needed if the current situation changes. Massachusetts will begin receiving initial quantities of these materials in the coming days.

“This is understandably a concerning time for Massachusetts residents who have heard so much about swine flu over the past couple of days,” said DPH Commissioner John Auerbach. “However, I want to assure everyone that our team is working overtime on this matter and I am confident that we are taking all necessary precautions to protect the people of the Commonwealth.”

DPH officials continue to take steps to increase surveillance of influenza-like illness in Massachusetts, asking health care providers and hospital emergency departments to be on the lookout for flu-like symptoms -- especially in people who have recently traveled to Mexico or any of the U.S. states which have confirmed cases. If a provider suspects a patient may be infected with swine flu, DPH requests that they perform and submit a swab test for laboratory testing.

Even though no cases have been identified in Massachusetts, there are steps that everyone can take to prevent getting or spreading any type of influenza: wash your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow instead of into your hands; and if you’re sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Most commonly, human cases of swine flu happen in people who are around pigs but it’s possible for swine flu viruses to spread from person to person as well. Swine flu is not transmitted by food and you cannot get swine flu by eating pork products.

For general information on swine flu and the status of the nationwide outbreak, visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu. For more information on the Massachusetts response, and how to care for someone at home who has the flu, please visit www.mass.gov/dph.

Prediabetes: A Window of Opportunity

By: Terri Mendoza, Director of the Diabetes Prevention and Control Program, MA Department of Public Health

A touch of sugar? Borderline diabetes? Has your doctor told you that you have either of these? If so, you most likely have prediabetes. But there’s good news-- by making just a few changes now, you can delay or even prevent yourself from getting diabetes in the future.

Here’s what you need to know:

What is prediabetes?
It is when the level of sugar in your blood is high, but not high enough to be considered diabetes.

Why should I worry about prediabetes?
People with prediabetes are more likely to develop diabetes within 10 years and are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke.

How do I know if I have prediabetes?
People with prediabetes usually have no symptoms. The only way to tell if you have prediabetes is by a blood test. If you are 45 years or older, you should be tested for prediabetes. If you are under age 45, are overweight or obese AND you have one of the following risk factors, ask your doctor to check for prediabetes:

Are physically active less than three times a week

Have high blood pressure

Have abnormal cholesterol levels (an HDL or “good” cholesterol <35>250 mg/dL)

Are Latino, African-American, Native American, Asian or Pacific Islander

Have a parent, brother or sister with diabetes

Gave birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds or had gestational diabetes (diabetes that first appeared during pregnancy but may have gone away after your baby was born)

Have had high blood sugars in the past

Have certain health conditions, like blood vessel problems, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), or acanthosis nigricans

Here’s What You Can Do About It:

Watch your weight:
If you are overweight, losing just 5 to 7% of your current body weight can help. That means that if you weigh 200 pounds, losing just 10 to 14 pounds can help prevent diabetes. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains will help you lose those pounds safely.

Get moving:
Being physically active for 150 minutes a week, or 30 minutes a day 5 days of the week, can also help you lose weight and keep you healthy. Now that milder spring weather is coming our way, it will feel great to go for a walk, ride a bike, play ball, swim, roller skate…you name it!

Keep checking:
It’s important to keep tabs on your blood sugar levels. If you have prediabetes, ask your doctor to check your blood sugar every year to make sure it’s not going up.

For more information on how to prevent diabetes, visit Small Steps, Big Rewards. And for free educational materials, visit the Massachusetts Health Promotion Clearinghouse or call 1-800-952-6637.

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This article was originally published on the MA Department of Public Health blog, Commonwealth Conversations.

Protect Yourself & the People You Love from Common STDs

There are a lot of things you can get out of an intimate relationship – human connection, understanding, love. But one thing you don’t want to get is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). STDs are caused by infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact and can be passed through oral, vaginal or anal sex. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 19 million new STD infections occur each year in the United States – almost half of them among young people 15-24 years of age. In addition to youth, women and minorities are also severely affected. STDs are the most commonly reported infectious diseases in the United States. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most common reportable STDs and can result in infertility in women.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria, Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia is known as a "silent" disease because about three quarters of infected women and about half of infected men have no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they usually appear within 1 to 3 weeks after exposure. Women who have symptoms might have an abnormal vaginal discharge or a burning sensation when urinating. Men with signs or symptoms might have a discharge from their penis or a burning sensation when urinating. If untreated, chlamydial infections can progress to serious reproductive and other health problems with both short-term and long-term consequences. In women, untreated infection can spread into the uterus or fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which happens in up to 40 percent of women with untreated chlamydia. Complications among men are rare. Chlamydia can be easily treated and cured with antibiotics. A single dose of azithromycin or a week of doxycycline (twice daily) are the most commonly used treatments.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a bacteria that can grow and multiply easily in the warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract, including the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes in women, and in the urethra in women and men. The bacterium can also grow in the mouth, throat, eyes, and anus. Ejaculation does not have to occur for gonorrhea to be transmitted or acquired. Symptoms and signs, which can take anywhere from two to 30 days to appear, include a burning sensation when urinating, or a white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis. Sometimes men with gonorrhea get painful or swollen testicles. In women, the symptoms of gonorrhea are often mild, but most women who are infected have no symptoms. Several antibiotics can successfully cure gonorrhea in adolescents and adults. However, drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea are increasing in many areas of the world, including the United States, and successful treatment of gonorrhea is becoming more difficult. Because many people with gonorrhea also have chlamydia, antibiotics for both infections are usually given together.

Preventing STD Infections

STD Screening

CDC recommends annual Chlamydia screening for all sexually active women under age 26, as well as older women with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners

CDC also supports U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations to screen high risk, sexually active women for gonorrhea

Immunization

Vaccines are available for the prevention of two commonly sexually transmitted viral infections: hepatitis B and several common strains of human papillomavirus (HPV)

Abstinence and Reduction of Number of Sex Partners

The most reliable ways to avoid infection with an STD are to abstain from sex (i.e. oral, vaginal or anal sex) or to be in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.

Correct and Consistent Use of Condoms

Consistent and correct use of the male latex condom reduces the risk of STD infection.

For more information on STDs, please visit the web site at www.cdc.gov/std or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.

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

Breastfeeding--Anywhere, Anytime

By: Rachel Colchamiro, Acting Director of Nutrition Services and the Breast Feeding Coordinator for the Masscausetts WIC Program, MA Department of Public Health

When it comes to feeding babies…breast is best! Doctors say breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition AND protection against illness for the vast majority of babies and their mothers. It’s no wonder more and more moms are choosing to breastfeed their babies.

Breastfeeding is a normal way of feeding babies…but we’re not always used to seeing moms feeding their babies when they’re out and about—whether at the park, a restaurant or at the mall. Some people even think that it’s illegal to breastfeed in public.

So IS it legal in Massachusetts to breastfeed in public?

Finally we can say yes! A mother is allowed to breastfeed her baby in any location (as long as it’s a place she’s allowed to be anyway). This month, Massachusetts became the 48th state to enact a law confirming a mother's right to breastfeed in public—and protecting her from being prosecuted for indecent exposure or lewd conduct.

So, Massachusetts nursing moms, you no longer have to hide in the shadows of public restrooms to breastfeed your infant. It is your right to feed your baby anywhere, anytime. If you are a new mom…and are feeling a little self-conscious about nursing public, these tips might help:

• Practice makes perfect! Before you start to breastfeed in a public area, you may want to practice in front of a mirror to see what others will see.
• Sitting near a wall, corner, or at a booth in restaurants will provide more privacy for you and your infant.
• Bring along a shawl or small blanket if you feel more comfortable with a little extra coverage.
• Learn to recognize your baby’s pre-nursing cues. It’s easier to get a baby latched on discreetly when he or she is not crying and calling attention to you.

For those of you who have friends or family members who breastfeed…support them in exercising their right to feed their babies and congratulate them on a job well done!
For more information or support, check out the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition, click on ZipMilk, or visit ProMoM.

If you have tips for new moms on how to breastfeed with ease in public, we would love to hear from you!

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This post has been republished with the kind permission of the MA Department of Public Health, and was originally published on their public health blog, Commonwealth Conversations.

Food Stamp Benefits Are Increasing

Due to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (otherwise known as the Economic Stimulus Package), the amount of money being dispersed to those citizens who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits---formerly known as Food Stamps---will increase beginning this month.

The minimum benefit will be increased from $14 to $16 per month, although some households will receive more based on their income status. For example, a household with 3 people who now receive $250 per month will see their monthly amount increased to $313. Due to this increase, no cost of living adjustments will be made in the immediate future.

To find out how much money is in your account, please call 1-800-997-2555.

Making Your Home Cleaner, Greener and Safer

We would like to share with you an excellent article entitled "The 10 Easiest Ways to Make Your Home Greener, Cleaner and Safer." The article reviews ways to accomplish this goal, including:

• Stopping dirt at the door
• Reducing, reusing and recycling
• Cleaning early and often
• Becoming a savvy consumer
• Going fragrance-free
• Making your own cleaning products
• Using natural ventilation
• Keeping drains clean and clear
• Hosting a "green cleaning" party
• Hiring a professional

The article is well worth reading and sharing with friends and family. Please feel free to pass on a link to anyone who might be interested.

Here's to healthy homes!

The Healthiest Nation in One Generation

We would like to take this opportunity to share a link to a site created by the American Public Health Association which is encouraging Americans to make our country the healthiest in the world within one generation. Contrary to popular belief, the United States lags far behind most other industrialized nations in numerous measurements of health and well-being, and it will take concerted effort to turn those numbers around.

Were you aware that the U.S. ranks 46th in terms of life expectancy in the world---far behind Europe, Japan, Jordan, and South Korea?

How is it that a baby born in the United States is more likely to die before his or her first birthday than a child in any other industrialized nation in the world?

Why is almost 1 out of every 20 adults in Washington, DC---the nation's capital---HIV-positive?
Why do more than 10 million American children lack health insurance?

How does one American under the age of 29 contract HIV every minute?

These are questions of enormous import and gravity, and even as I write this post, the city of Worcester is planning to lay off most of its public health nurses, dismantling the public health infrastructure of the second largest city in Massachusetts.

The Amherst Public Health Department's mission is to to promote the health and well-being of our community with special emphasis on eliminating health disparities. We fulfill this mission through our core functions: assessment, assurance, promotion, and policy development, and we will continue to do so, no matter the economic climate. Please let us know how we can be of service to you, and thank you for continuing to visit our blog.

Pistachio Recall Expanded

PRESS RELEASE: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) continue to investigate Salmonella contamination in pistachios and
pistachio products. On April 6, 2009, Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc., Terra Bella, Calif., voluntarily expanded its recall.

FDA encourages consumers to visit the agency's Web page on Pistachio Product Recalls at www.fda.gov/pistachios/. This Web page provides the latest consumer advice, questions and answers about Salmonella, a listing of product recalls, and a searchable database of affected products.

The contamination in pistachio products involves multiple strains of Salmonella, a type of bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Food Insecurity in Amherst

Do you know someone who is hungry, who does not have enough money for food? "Food insecurity" is real, even here in Amherst, and there are resources for those in need.

The Amherst Survival Center is an excellent resource, offering a free hot lunch every weekday from noon to 1:00, and the food pantry is open during lunch hours.

Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline is one way for those in need of assistance to access food resources, including:

Food Stamps
Summer meal sites
School breakfast and lunch programs
Emergency food programs
Low-cost food resources

Please call Project Bread at 1-800-645-8333 or visit their website, http://gettingfoodstamps.org/

Please Stay Tuned

Keith Carlson, the Public Health Nurse for the Amherst Health Department, will be attending an Emergency Preparedness Summit in Dallas, Texas from April 3rd through April 8th in order to better assist the town in being prepared for public health emergencies and other disasters. This blog will most likely not be updated until Keith's return. Thank you for your patience and please check the blog again after April 8th!

If you need immediate assistance, please call the Amherst Health Department at 413-259-3077.

For questions related to the pistachio recall, please visit the FDA's Pistachio Recall Website by clicking here.

Walgreens to Provide Free Medical Care to the Unemployed

Walgreens Pharmacy will soon begin offering free medical care to individuals who can show proof of unemployment and lack of health insurance. Those eligible for free care through the new program will need to present an unemployment pay stub or other official proof of a recent job loss. Spouses and children will also be eligible for the same services.

The Walgreens program will run through the end of 2009, and will be available in 35 markets around the U.S., most likely in major cities. The clinics are seen as a place for the unemployed and their families to receive routine walk-in care for minor ailments such as colds, minor injuries, allergies, etc.

It is uncertain if there will be a free Walgreens clinic within driving distance of Amherst. The Health Department will research this issue and post the details here on our blog. Any Amherst residents in need of free health care can always call the Health Department at 259-3077 for referrals to local free clinics, or call the Amherst Survival Center at 549-3968.

Kraft Foods Recalls Pistachio Products

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --Northfield, IL

Kraft Foods announced today a voluntary recall in the United States of Planters and Back to
Nature products containing pistachio nuts that have the potential to be contaminated with the Salmonella organism. This possible contamination is not connected with the recent outbreak associated with peanuts.

The company is recalling all products containing pistachios supplied by Setton Farms after September 1, 2008. Setton Farms issued a recall late yesterday. A list of affected products and code dates is available on kraftfoodscompany.com. Consumers should not eat these products and discard any products they may 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.

Pistachio Recall Update

By now, most Americans have heard the news that pistachios tainted with Salmonella have been traced to a wholesale processor (Setton Pistachio) in California. Like the recent peanut butter recall (also related to Salmonella contamination), the recall began with a single processing plant that distributed peanut products nationwide.

While hundreds of Americans were sickened by contaminated peanut products over the last several months, there have so far been no reported cases of pistachio-related Salmonella poisoning in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration is acting swiftly to contain the situation before it expands in a manner similar to the recent peanut butter scare, and there is little doubt that the California legislature may act to tighten food safety regulations.

To read how the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is responding to the situation, please click here. The Amherst Health Department will be monitoring this situation closely, and pertinent updates or recall information will be posted promptly on this blog.

Since the manufacturer in question distributes its products nationwide, it is fairly certain that a significant recall process will begin soon. In the meantime, the FDA is recommending that consumers avoid pistachio products until further details come to light, and their newly-created Pistachio Product Recall Website can be found by clicking here. For those consumers who use Twitter, FDA Recalls can be followed by clicking here.

Please visit these sites often, return to this blog, or call the Health Department at 259-3077 for more information.