Nine of 10 American adults are in the early, middle or late stages of a syndrome that leads to heart disease, a new report finds, and almost 10% have the disease already. “Poor cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health is widespread among the U.S. population,” concludes a team led by Dr. Muthiah Vaduganathan of Brigham and…  read on >  read on >

A Midwestern candy company has issued a massive recall due to the risk of salmonella tainting some of its products. Palmer Candy Company of Sioux City, Iowa, is recalling “white coated confectionary items” because they could be contaminated with salmonella, the company announced this week. The products are sold in bags, pouches, tubs and other…  read on >  read on >

Planters peanut products sold at Publix and Dollar Tree in five states are being recalled due to the risk of Listeria contamination, maker Hormel announced. The products are Planters Honey Roasted Peanuts (4 ounces) and Planters Deluxe Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts (8.75 ounces).   So far, there have been no reports of illness linked to…  read on >  read on >

After investigation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Wednesday that the nation’s ground beef supply is so far testing negative for the presence of H5N1 avian flu. In a statement, the agency said that its Food Safety and Inspection Service tested 30 samples of ground beef from retail outlets in “states with dairy cattle herds that…  read on >  read on >

Hormone replacement therapy can safely ease middle-aged women’s symptoms during early menopause, data from a major women’s health study show. Women younger than 60 can use hormone replacement to treat symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats without significantly increasing their risk of breast cancer or other health problems, according to long-term results from the…  read on >  read on >

Organic walnuts from a California grower that were distributed to health food and co-op stores in 19 states have been linked to serious cases of E. coli illness, federal officials reported Tuesday. So far, 12 people have been sickened; seven were so ill they required hospitalization, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Six…  read on >  read on >