Former U.S. Food and Drug Administration commissioner Robert Califf is under strong consideration by the White House to once again lead the agency. The FDA hasn’t had a permanent head for more than eight months and is being overseen by acting commissioner Janet Woodcock. Under federal law, President Joe Biden has until mid-November to pick… read on > read on >
All Food:
Climate Change Could Bring Rising Obesity Rates
You can add obesity and its related health risks to the long list of threats posed by climate change, researchers report. In a new review, researchers from Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia outlined the association between climate change and obesity. As global temperatures increase, people may become less physically active and less able to… read on > read on >
FDA Questions Strength of Johnson & Johnson’s Booster Shot Data
In a development that could mean Johnson & Johnson might encounter resistance over its application for authorization of a booster shot of its coronavirus vaccine, a new analysis filed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday suggests the company’s evidence may not be strong enough for approval. A key test used by the… read on > read on >
Another Study Suggests Too Much Fish Oil Could Trigger A-Fib
A new study confirms that fish oil supplements may raise the risk of a common heart-rhythm disorder — particularly when doses top 1 gram per day. At issue are medications and supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids, which are naturally found in fish oil. Fish is considered a generally heart-healthy food, but some studies have linked… read on > read on >
FDA Reduces Recommended Salt Levels in Americans’ Food
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday that it is lowering the recommended levels of sodium in processed, packaged and prepared foods. The goal of the new, voluntary guideline is to help reduce Americans’ average sodium intake from 3,400 milligrams (mg) to 3,000 mg per day — roughly a 12% reduction — over the… read on > read on >
Baby Cereal Sold at Walmart Recalled for Elevated Levels of Arsenic
Maple Island Inc. announced Friday that it has recalled three lots of Parent’s Choice Rice Baby Cereal because of elevated levels of arsenic in the products. A sample from the three lots, which were sold only at Walmart, tested above the guidance for naturally occurring inorganic arsenic, according to a company announcement on the recall… read on > read on >
FDA Expert Panel to Weigh Approval of Moderna, Johnson & Johnson Booster Shots
Millions of Americans who got the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccines have had to watch those who received the Pfizer vaccine roll up their sleeves for a booster shot, wondering when they will get the same chance at extra protection. This Thursday and Friday, an advisory panel to the U.S. Food and Drug… read on > read on >
FDA Authorizes First E-Cigarette
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday announced its first authorization of an electronic cigarette. The permission to sell was granted to R.J. Reynolds for three of its Vuse tobacco-flavored vaping products. “Today’s authorizations are an important step toward ensuring all new tobacco products undergo the FDA’s robust, scientific premarket evaluation. The manufacturer’s data… read on > read on >
As COVID Cases Drop, Fauci Tells Families to Enjoy Halloween
It’s okay for American children to go trick-or-treating this Halloween, Dr. Anthony Fauci says. During an appearance on CNN‘s State of the Union on Sunday, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert said trick-or-treating is an outdoor activity where there’s less risk of coronavirus infection, CBS News reported. “This is a time that children love. It’s… read on > read on >
Bystanders Can Make the Difference for a Drowning Child
A drowning child has a much lower risk of severe disability or death if a bystander steps in, even without cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), new research finds. “Bystanders play a critical role in preventing poor outcomes in childhood drowning by instituting safe, early and effective rescue and resuscitation of pediatric drowning victims,” said author Dr. Rohit… read on > read on >