Some Parents Predict Substantial Financial Impacts
For immediate release: July 16, 2009
Boston, MA--As part of a series about Americans' response to the H1N1 flu outbreak, the Harvard Opinion Research Program at the Harvard School of Public Health is releasing a national poll that focuses on Americans' views and concerns about the potential for a more severe outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1) in the fall or winter. The polling was done June 22-28, 2009.
Click here for the complete survey.
Click here for the charts.
Likelihood of Serious Outbreak
Approximately six in ten Americans (59%) believe it is very or somewhat likely that there will be widespread cases of Influenza A (H1N1) with people getting very sick this coming fall or winter. Parents are more likely than people without children to believe this will occur, with roughly two thirds of parents (65%) saying it is very or somewhat likely compared to 56% of people without children.
"These results suggest Americans are likely to support public health officials in prioritizing preparations for the possibility of a serious H1N1 outbreak in the fall or winter," said Robert J. Blendon, Professor of Health Policy and Political Analysis at the Harvard School of Public Health.
Public Concern About Risk of Getting Ill Personally
Despite a majority believing that a serious outbreak is likely, more than half of Americans (61%) are not concerned about their personal risk-that is, that they or their family members will get sick from influenza A (H1N1) in the next year. This level is unchanged since the previous poll conducted May 5-6, 2009. The current survey further suggests that the World Health Organization (WHO)'s decision to raise the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 did not dramatically impact Americans' level of concern about their personal risk. Only 22% of Americans knew that the WHO had raised the level, and only 8% of Americans said it made them more concerned that they or their family would get Influenza A (H1N1) in the next 12 months.
Problems for Parents
One approach that has been used in the recent outbreak as a means to slow the spread of Influenza A (H1N1) is the closing of schools. In this survey, substantial numbers of parents who have children in school or daycare report that two-week closings in the fall would present serious financial problems for them. About half (51%) of these parents report that if schools/daycares closed for two weeks, they or someone else in their household would likely have to miss work in order to care for the children. Forty-three percent of these parents report that they or someone in their household would likely lose pay or income and have money problems; 26% of these parents report that they or someone in their household would likely lose their job or business as a result of having to stay home in order to care for the children.
The situation is likely to be worse for minority parents. More African American and Hispanic parents of children in school/daycare indicate that they are likely to lose pay or income and have money problems (56% and 64% respectively), as compared to whites (34%). And, more African American and Hispanic parents of children in school/daycare report that they or someone in their household would likely lose their job or business (40% and 49% respectively), as compared to whites (14%).
Problems Overall
If the outbreak in the fall or winter is serious and leads to large-scale workforce absenteeism, the survey suggests the possibility of substantial difficulties for many people and the economy as a whole. If people had to stay home for 7-10 days because they were sick or because they had to care for a family member who was sick, 44% indicate that they would be likely to lose pay or income and have money problems, and 25% reported that they would be likely to lose their job or business.
"The findings highlight the important role that employers would play during a future outbreak. Flexibility in their employee policies may help minimize some of the problems identified in this survey," said Blendon.
Recent Experience with H1N1
At the time of this survey, 27% of Americans reported that there had been cases of influenza A (H1N1) among people in their community, and 18% reported that schools in their community had closed due to influenza A (H1N1). Since the beginning of the outbreak, roughly two-thirds of people report that they or someone in their household has washed their hands or used sanitizer more frequently (62%).
"Handwashing was a major focus of public health education during the recent outbreak. The results of this survey show that these efforts helped people protect themselves," said Blendon.
This is the third in a series of polls about Americans' response to the H1N1 flu outbreak.
The first survey was released May 1, 2009.
The second survey was released May 8, 2009.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Update on Recalled Nestlé Toll House Cookie Dough
On June 19, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned consumers not to eat any varieties of prepackaged Nestlé Toll House refrigerated cookie dough due to risk of contamination with E. coli O157:H7 (a bacterium that causes foodborne illness).
FDA had found E. coli in a sample of the cookie dough, following reports that people had become sick after eating the product. Although DNA tests showed that the type of E. coli found in the sample was not the same type of E. coli found in the people who became ill, FDA’s and CDC’s advice remains the same: consumers should not eat the recalled Nestlé Toll House refrigerated cookie dough.
However, after a plant shutdown, an investigation, and a cleanup, Nestlé is now using main ingredients from new suppliers and is making the cookie dough again. These newly made products are not part of the ongoing recall and are not associated with any illness outbreaks or known contamination.
Consumers can identify the newly made products by looking for labels with shields that say “new batch” on them; these batches are not part of the current recall.
FDA and CDC also continue to warn consumers against eating any raw dough for cookies or other baked goods, at any time, because of potential contamination with Salmonella or E. coli bacteria.
As of July 10, 2009, CDC reported that 76 people from 31 states have been infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7. As of that date, 35 people had been hospitalized, including 11 with a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome. No one has died.
Which Products Can Consumers Eat?
Consumers can eat baked cookies made from Nestlé Toll House cookie dough that has not been recalled. Products that carry new labeling with a shield that says "new batch" are not part of the current recall.
Which Products Should Not Be Eaten?
FDA and CDC continue to warn consumers not to eat any varieties of the recalled Nestlé Toll House cookie dough. This includes Nestlé Toll House cookie dough that does not say "new batch" on the labeling. These products should be thrown away. Contact your health care professional immediately if you or your family have recently eaten recalled cookie dough and have had stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea, with or without bloody stools.
Follow Safe Food-Handling Practices
FDA had found E. coli in a sample of the cookie dough, following reports that people had become sick after eating the product. Although DNA tests showed that the type of E. coli found in the sample was not the same type of E. coli found in the people who became ill, FDA’s and CDC’s advice remains the same: consumers should not eat the recalled Nestlé Toll House refrigerated cookie dough.
However, after a plant shutdown, an investigation, and a cleanup, Nestlé is now using main ingredients from new suppliers and is making the cookie dough again. These newly made products are not part of the ongoing recall and are not associated with any illness outbreaks or known contamination.
Consumers can identify the newly made products by looking for labels with shields that say “new batch” on them; these batches are not part of the current recall.
FDA and CDC also continue to warn consumers against eating any raw dough for cookies or other baked goods, at any time, because of potential contamination with Salmonella or E. coli bacteria.
As of July 10, 2009, CDC reported that 76 people from 31 states have been infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7. As of that date, 35 people had been hospitalized, including 11 with a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome. No one has died.
Which Products Can Consumers Eat?
Consumers can eat baked cookies made from Nestlé Toll House cookie dough that has not been recalled. Products that carry new labeling with a shield that says "new batch" are not part of the current recall.
Which Products Should Not Be Eaten?
FDA and CDC continue to warn consumers not to eat any varieties of the recalled Nestlé Toll House cookie dough. This includes Nestlé Toll House cookie dough that does not say "new batch" on the labeling. These products should be thrown away. Contact your health care professional immediately if you or your family have recently eaten recalled cookie dough and have had stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea, with or without bloody stools.
Follow Safe Food-Handling Practices
- Do not eat any raw cookie dough or any raw food product that’s supposed to be cooked or baked.
- Follow package directions for cooking at proper temperatures and for specified times.
- Wash hands, work surfaces, and utensils thoroughly after contact with raw products.
- Keep raw foods separate from other foods while preparing them to prevent any contamination that might be present from spreading.
- Chill products promptly after purchase and after using them, if they require refrigeration.
About E. coli O157:H7
The bacteria cause stomach cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea, often with bloody stools.
E. coli O157:H7 can cause serious illness or death in anyone, of any age, but most healthy adults recover completely within a week.
Young children and the elderly are at highest risk for developing hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to serious kidney damage and death.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Chang Farm Recalls Soy Bean Sprouts Because of Possible Health Risk
Chang Farm, River Road, Whatley, MA is issuing a voluntary recall of Soy Bean Sprouts produced by Chang Farms, with the specific sell-by date of July 17, 2009 because of the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes (L. Monocytogenes) contamination. 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 headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
The affected product is packaged in 10 lb bags (bulk) and 12 oz plastic bags (retail), labeled under the Chang Farm Brand as Soy Sprouts and have a “Sell By” date of July 17, 2009.
The product has been distributed to retail stores and wholesalers throughout MA, CT, NY and NJ.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
Sample analysis by US FDA confirmed Listeria Monocytogenes.
All retail stores and wholesalers who have this lot in MA, CT, NY and NJ should remove this product from their shelves. Consumers should discard this product or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers should contact their healthcare provider with any illness concerns. Consumers with questions about the warning may contact Chang Farm at 413-665-3341 or 413-222-5519.
The affected product is packaged in 10 lb bags (bulk) and 12 oz plastic bags (retail), labeled under the Chang Farm Brand as Soy Sprouts and have a “Sell By” date of July 17, 2009.
The product has been distributed to retail stores and wholesalers throughout MA, CT, NY and NJ.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
Sample analysis by US FDA confirmed Listeria Monocytogenes.
All retail stores and wholesalers who have this lot in MA, CT, NY and NJ should remove this product from their shelves. Consumers should discard this product or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers should contact their healthcare provider with any illness concerns. Consumers with questions about the warning may contact Chang Farm at 413-665-3341 or 413-222-5519.
Monday, July 13, 2009
General Mills Announces Voluntary Recall of Limited Quantity of ‘Nut Lovers’ flavor of Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters Product
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 8, 2009 - Minneapolis, MN - General Mills announced today a voluntary recall of a limited quantity of “Nut Lovers” flavor Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters product containing pecans.
No illnesses have been reported in connection with the “Nut Lovers” Granola Nut Clusters product, and no other types, varieties or flavors of Nature Valley products are being recalled.
This action is being taken as a precaution because pecans received from a supplier and used in the product may be tainted with salmonella. No other types of nuts are impacted, and no other flavors or varieties of Granola Nut Clusters products are involved.
This product is a new bite-size cluster sold in a stand-up bag in grocery stores, convenience stores and vending outlets nationally.
Nature Valley granola bar products are NOT involved, and no other General Mills products are impacted.
Only specific Nut Lovers flavor products with five specific “best if used by dates” are being recalled. The five “best if used by dates” are:
07MAR2010 10MAR2010
08MAR2010 11MAR2010
09MAR2010
Consumers who have products covered by this recall are urged to dispose of the product and to contact General Mills for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact General Mills toll-free at 1-800-231-0308.
Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. Healthy people infected with salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and/or abdominal pain. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/.
No illnesses have been reported in connection with the “Nut Lovers” Granola Nut Clusters product, and no other types, varieties or flavors of Nature Valley products are being recalled.
This action is being taken as a precaution because pecans received from a supplier and used in the product may be tainted with salmonella. No other types of nuts are impacted, and no other flavors or varieties of Granola Nut Clusters products are involved.
This product is a new bite-size cluster sold in a stand-up bag in grocery stores, convenience stores and vending outlets nationally.
Nature Valley granola bar products are NOT involved, and no other General Mills products are impacted.
Only specific Nut Lovers flavor products with five specific “best if used by dates” are being recalled. The five “best if used by dates” are:
07MAR2010 10MAR2010
08MAR2010 11MAR2010
09MAR2010
Consumers who have products covered by this recall are urged to dispose of the product and to contact General Mills for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact General Mills toll-free at 1-800-231-0308.
Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. Healthy people infected with salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and/or abdominal pain. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Traditions Meal Solutions Recalls Non-Fat Dry Milk Packets Because of Possible Health Risk
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 7, 2009
Traditions Meal Solutions is recalling approximately 104,500 packets of 25 gram non fat dry milk packets because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which 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.
The non-fat dry milk packets are components of Traditions Meal Solutions shelf stable meal kits distributed to food distributors and regional nutrition service providers located in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. These meal kits were distributed between January 8, 2008 and June 15, 2009. The meal kits are packaged in small white boxes that have no identifying information and contain single serve food items. These shelf stable meal kits were not available for individual consumer purchase. The only component of the shelf stable meal kit that represents a potential hazard is the non-fat dried milk. The non-fat dried milk packets are white and are approximately 5” by 4” and labeled with lot numbers from 19047 to 21203.
The packet of non-fat dried milk should not be used or consumed. Consumers who have any of the non-fat dry milk packets are urged to destroy them. Traditions Meal Solutions has not received any notification of consumer illness associated with the consumption of its product.
The recall was initiated when Traditions Meal Solutions was notified by its Non fat dry milk supplier, Blendco, Inc., that the non fat dried milk packets included in the shelf stable meal kits contained product supplied by Plainview Milk Products Cooperative, which has issued a voluntary recall because the nonfat dried milk has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Traditions Meal Solutions has isolated all recalled non-fat dried milk packets located in its facility and ceased the distribution of any shelf stable meal kits containing the recalled non fat dried milk.
Consumers with questions regarding the recall should contact Traditions Meal Solutions Quality Assurance Manager, Marcia Guymon at 601-420-8806 between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm CST. Media inquiries should be directed to Elmer McInnis, Executive Vice President of Procurement at 601-664-3138.
Traditions Meal Solutions is recalling approximately 104,500 packets of 25 gram non fat dry milk packets because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which 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.
The non-fat dry milk packets are components of Traditions Meal Solutions shelf stable meal kits distributed to food distributors and regional nutrition service providers located in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. These meal kits were distributed between January 8, 2008 and June 15, 2009. The meal kits are packaged in small white boxes that have no identifying information and contain single serve food items. These shelf stable meal kits were not available for individual consumer purchase. The only component of the shelf stable meal kit that represents a potential hazard is the non-fat dried milk. The non-fat dried milk packets are white and are approximately 5” by 4” and labeled with lot numbers from 19047 to 21203.
The packet of non-fat dried milk should not be used or consumed. Consumers who have any of the non-fat dry milk packets are urged to destroy them. Traditions Meal Solutions has not received any notification of consumer illness associated with the consumption of its product.
The recall was initiated when Traditions Meal Solutions was notified by its Non fat dry milk supplier, Blendco, Inc., that the non fat dried milk packets included in the shelf stable meal kits contained product supplied by Plainview Milk Products Cooperative, which has issued a voluntary recall because the nonfat dried milk has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Traditions Meal Solutions has isolated all recalled non-fat dried milk packets located in its facility and ceased the distribution of any shelf stable meal kits containing the recalled non fat dried milk.
Consumers with questions regarding the recall should contact Traditions Meal Solutions Quality Assurance Manager, Marcia Guymon at 601-420-8806 between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm CST. Media inquiries should be directed to Elmer McInnis, Executive Vice President of Procurement at 601-664-3138.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Nestle Voluntarily Recalls all Varieties of Prepackaged, Refrigerated Toll House Cookie Dough
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are warning consumers not to eat any varieties of prepackaged Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough due to the risk of contamination with E. coli O157:H7 (a bacterium that causes food borne illness).
The FDA advises that if consumers have any prepackaged, refrigerated Nestle Toll House cookie dough products in their home that they throw them away. Cooking the dough is not recommended because consumers might get the bacteria on their hands and on other cooking surfaces.
Retailers, restaurateurs, and personnel at other food-service operations should not sell or serve any Nestle Toll House prepackaged, refrigerated cookie dough products subject to the recall.
Nestle USA, which manufactures and markets the Toll House cookie dough, is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation by the FDA and CDC. The warning is based on an ongoing epidemiological study conducted by the CDC and several state and local health departments. Since March 2009 there have been 66 reports of illness across 28 states. Twenty-five persons were hospitalized; 7 with A form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). No one has died.
E. coli O157:H7 causes a diarrheal illness often with bloody stools. Most healthy adults can recover completely within a week. Young children and the elderly are at highest risk for developing HUS, which can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.
Individuals who have recently eaten prepackaged, refrigerated Toll House cookie dough and have experienced any of these symptoms should contact their doctor or health care provider immediately. Any such illnesses should be reported to state or local health authorities.
FDA reminds consumers they should not eat raw food products that are intended for cooking or baking before consumption. Consumers should use safe food-handling practices when preparing such products, including following package directions for cooking at proper temperatures; washing hands, surfaces, and utensils after contact with these types of products; avoiding cross contamination; and refrigerating products properly. For more information on safe food handling practices, go to http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm109899.htm.
Consumers who have additional questions about these products should contact Nestle consumer services at 1-800-559-5025 and/or visit their website at www.verybestbaking.com .
For a complete listing of the recalled products go to: http://www.nestleusa.com/PubNews/PressReleaseLibraryDetails.aspx?id=133CC131-A79F-4E84-9C43-C9F99FE5BC99.
The FDA advises that if consumers have any prepackaged, refrigerated Nestle Toll House cookie dough products in their home that they throw them away. Cooking the dough is not recommended because consumers might get the bacteria on their hands and on other cooking surfaces.
Retailers, restaurateurs, and personnel at other food-service operations should not sell or serve any Nestle Toll House prepackaged, refrigerated cookie dough products subject to the recall.
Nestle USA, which manufactures and markets the Toll House cookie dough, is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation by the FDA and CDC. The warning is based on an ongoing epidemiological study conducted by the CDC and several state and local health departments. Since March 2009 there have been 66 reports of illness across 28 states. Twenty-five persons were hospitalized; 7 with A form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). No one has died.
E. coli O157:H7 causes a diarrheal illness often with bloody stools. Most healthy adults can recover completely within a week. Young children and the elderly are at highest risk for developing HUS, which can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.
Individuals who have recently eaten prepackaged, refrigerated Toll House cookie dough and have experienced any of these symptoms should contact their doctor or health care provider immediately. Any such illnesses should be reported to state or local health authorities.
FDA reminds consumers they should not eat raw food products that are intended for cooking or baking before consumption. Consumers should use safe food-handling practices when preparing such products, including following package directions for cooking at proper temperatures; washing hands, surfaces, and utensils after contact with these types of products; avoiding cross contamination; and refrigerating products properly. For more information on safe food handling practices, go to http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm109899.htm.
Consumers who have additional questions about these products should contact Nestle consumer services at 1-800-559-5025 and/or visit their website at www.verybestbaking.com .
For a complete listing of the recalled products go to: http://www.nestleusa.com/PubNews/PressReleaseLibraryDetails.aspx?id=133CC131-A79F-4E84-9C43-C9F99FE5BC99.
North Coast Seafood Recalls Tuna Steaks
Boston, MA, June 30, 2009 – North Coast Seafood has voluntarily removed from sale Fresh Tuna Steaks that were sold at Shaw’s, Star Market and Big Y Stores in New England
The recalled product was sold between June 20th thru June 24th to retail stores throughout New England and was removed from sale on June 24, The product was recalled because of possible elevated levels of histamine that may result in symptoms that generally appear within minutes to an hour after eating the affected fish. The following are the most common symptoms of scombroid poisoning. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: tingling or burning sensation in the mouth, rash on the face and upper body, hives and itching of skin, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. There have been three reported incidents by consumers.
North Coast Seafood feels that while these were isolated incidents, every precautionary measure should be taken when it comes to consumer safety. This recall does not impact any other fish or seafood sold by Northcoast. Customers who purchased this tuna and may have frozen it, are urged to bring the product back to the store for a full refund or replacement. Customers who have questions or concerns about this issue can speak with Northcoast Seafood at 617-345-4410…ext 260
The recalled product was sold between June 20th thru June 24th to retail stores throughout New England and was removed from sale on June 24, The product was recalled because of possible elevated levels of histamine that may result in symptoms that generally appear within minutes to an hour after eating the affected fish. The following are the most common symptoms of scombroid poisoning. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: tingling or burning sensation in the mouth, rash on the face and upper body, hives and itching of skin, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. There have been three reported incidents by consumers.
North Coast Seafood feels that while these were isolated incidents, every precautionary measure should be taken when it comes to consumer safety. This recall does not impact any other fish or seafood sold by Northcoast. Customers who purchased this tuna and may have frozen it, are urged to bring the product back to the store for a full refund or replacement. Customers who have questions or concerns about this issue can speak with Northcoast Seafood at 617-345-4410…ext 260
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