Several powdered infant formula products have been recalled by Abbott Inc., following reports of four infants developing bacterial infections after consuming the products, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday. “As this is a product used as the sole source of nutrition for many of our nation’s newborns and infants, the FDA is deeply…  read on >  read on >

Six Brut and Sure aerosol antiperspirant and deodorant sprays sold in the United States and Canada have been recalled by their maker due to the presence of the chemical benzene. “Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen. Exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally, and through the skin and it can result in cancers…  read on >  read on >

Fracking has already raised the ire of environmentalists for its effects on the planet, but new research sends up another red flag: The wastewater produced by the complicated oil and gas drilling process is loaded with toxic and cancer-causing contaminants that threaten both people and wildlife. In fracking, water that contains a number of additives…  read on >  read on >

Sesame isn’t declared on more than half of food products that contain it, which could put some people at risk for an allergic reaction, researchers warn. A serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can be deadly. By 2023, sesame will have to be listed on labels of food products sold in the United States, but the new…  read on >  read on >

In a tight vote, the U.S. Senate on Tuesday confirmed Dr. Robert Califf to once again head the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, ending the agency’s year-long stretch without a permanent leader. Six Republicans crossed over to support Califf in the Senate’s 50-46 vote, while five Democrats opposed him. One senator voted present. Califf, a…  read on >  read on >

Once they’re pregnant, women have a lot of checkups to make sure they stay healthy. But a mom’s health preconception is vitally important, too, and a growing cause for concern. Increasingly, moms in the United States are starting their pregnancies already having heart risks like high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes and obesity. A new study…  read on >  read on >

Giving dark chocolate to your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day may be a win-win emotionally and physically, an expert suggests. But it’s important to keep any potential health benefits in perspective, noted Lizzy Davis, an assistant professor of nutrition sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “What is healthy for one person may not be…  read on >  read on >

February is American Heart Month — the perfect time to remind women of three things they need to know about heart disease. It’s the leading cause of death among U.S. women, accounting for one in three deaths, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). While progress to reduce that rate has been made in the…  read on >  read on >