Latest news with #healthrisk
New York Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
F.D.A. Updates Recall of Tomatoes, Warning of a High Risk of Illness or Death
The Food and Drug Administration has updated an ongoing recall of tomatoes distributed in three states to its most severe warning, saying there is a higher probability that potential salmonella contamination could lead to 'serious adverse health consequences or death.' It is unlikely that consumers will encounter any fresh tomatoes from the recalled batch, but the bacteria can survive for weeks in dry environments and months in wet ones, such as the freezer, according to the F.D.A. The tomatoes, which were sold in packages as small as a three-pack and as large as 25 pounds, were distributed between April 23 and 28 to Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina under the name H&C Farms Label. They were first voluntarily recalled at the beginning of May for possible salmonella contamination. No illnesses were reported at the time, according to the F.D.A. The recall was updated on Wednesday to Class I, which the F.D.A. describes as 'a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.' The potential source of contamination was not immediately known. Williams Farms Repack, the South Carolina-based firm that distributed the tomatoes, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Saturday. H&C Farms declined to comment on Saturday. Exposure to salmonella, a bacteria, can be deadly, especially in adults over 65, children under 5 and people with compromised immune systems, who have the highest risk of severe illness. But healthy people should also avoid eating the tomatoes. Exposure to salmonella, usually from contaminated foods, sickens more than one million people in the United States each year and it is responsible for more than 400 deaths annually. The infection caused by salmonella can trigger symptoms including fever, diarrhea and abdominal pain that may last for days.
Globe and Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
B.C. ostriches set for cull have avian flu infection not seen elsewhere in Canada, agency says
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency plans to move ahead with a plan to cull ostriches in British Columbia, citing the birds have a genetic composition of avian influenza associated with a human infection in Ohio. The CFIA said in a statement released late Friday evening its National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease identified the current infection in the ostriches with a 'novel reassortment' not otherwise seen in Canada. 'This assortment includes the D1.3 genotype, which has been associated with a human infection in a poultry worker in Ohio,' the agency said. 'A human case of H5N1 in BC earlier this year required critical care, and an extended hospital stay for the patient, and there have been a number of human cases in the United States, including a fatality.' Ostriches that live at the Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, a remote community in B.C., are now the subject of international attention, including from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services who takes issue with the CFIA's plans to kill the nearly 400 birds. The ostriches have also garnered other forms of support in the U.S., such as from billionaire John Catsimatidis and Dr. Oz, an American TV physician who now runs medicare in U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. Dr. Oz offered to provide sanctuary to the birds at his Florida ranch but the farm owners would like to keep the birds in Canada. Last December, an outbreak began at the farm that killed 69 ostriches. In January, the CFIA said the rest of the flock would be 'depopulated.' This spring, the farm has challenged the agency in court. Earlier this month, the Federal Court determined the CFIA acted reasonably in its cull decision. The farm's owners filed an appeal this week. B.C. owners of ostriches condemned because of avian flu outbreak seek new legal challenge The CFIA said Friday that after the court made its ruling on May 13, farm owners and supporters have made an 'apparent attempt to prevent the CFIA from carrying out its operations at the infected premises.' It also says this has delayed a timely and appropriate response to the premises infected with the avian influenza, resulting in 'ongoing risks to animals and humans.' 'Given that the flock has had multiple laboratory-confirmed cases of H5N1 and the ongoing serious risks for animal and human health, and trade, the CFIA continues planning for humane depopulation with veterinary oversight at the infected premises,' it said. The agency also said Universal Ostrich Farm has not co-operated with requirements set out under the federal Health of Animals Act. It claims that it failed to report initial cases of illness and deaths to the CFIA and it did not adhere to quarantine orders. The farm was issued two notices of violations with a penalty totaling $20,000, the agency said. The farm has not yet responded to the CFIA's statement. On Thursday, Katie Pasitney, a spokesperson for the farm who is the daughter of an owner, told The Globe and Mail about 50 supporters have gathered at the site daily who are rallying to save the animals. A convoy of supporters plan to travel to the farm site this weekend, she added. Supporters who made visits to the farm this week include a 13-year-old teenager from Fraser Valley, B.C., and her parents. She was diagnosed with Canada's first domestically acquired case of avian flu in November, although it is still not known how she caught the virus. The teen was discharged from BC Children's Hospital in early January after fighting for her life. Her visit to the farm was the first time she made a public appearance since becoming ill.
CTV News
3 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Measles exposures reported at 3 Calgary locations
Alberta Health Services (AHS) says Calgarians were exposed to measles last week. The agency says a contagious individual visited several locations in the city between May 23 and 24 and is urging anyone who may have been there at the same time to monitor their symptoms. AHS said the person was at the Cineplex in Seton (19683 Seton Cres. S.E.) between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. on May 23 and 24, as well as the Amenida Residences and Hotel (4206 Macleod Trail South) on May 24 from 1 a.m. to 12 p.m. On May 24, health officials say that person went to Ikea (8000 11 St. S.E.) from noon to 5 p.m. 'Anyone who attended these locations at these times, who was born in or after 1970 and has fewer than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine, may be at risk for developing measles. They should monitor for symptoms of measles and are strongly encouraged to review their immunization records,' AHS said. There are 654 cases of measles confirmed in Alberta so far this year and 24 of those are listed as 'active,' meaning they are contagious to others. 'Measles transmission is currently occurring in Alberta, affecting individuals of all ages – including infants, children and adults. Most reported cases have been in children under 5 years old and those aged 5 to 17 who are not immunized,' the province said. The best protection against measles is to be immunized against the illness. The measles vaccine forms part of the regular routine immunization schedule for any Albertan born in the province after 1970. Otherwise, it is also available free of charge through AHS public health centres to all eligible populations.
CBC
27-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Researcher surprised how early feds, mine officials, knew of Giant's arsenic problem
A Yellowknife researcher says decades-old communications show the government, health authorities and mining officials knew Giant Mine was polluting water and putting people's health at risk shortly after it started operating. A chief with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation says it reaffirms what elders in the communities of Dettah and Ndilǫ said happened back in the late 40s and early 50s.
Bloomberg
26-05-2025
- Health
- Bloomberg
Climate Change Adds More Risks for Pregnancies
Hi it's Karoline in Singapore, where the average temperature last year tied for the warmest on record. This is dangerous for pregnant women. But before I explain ... Global warming is not just about the melting glaciers or the rising sea level. It's also a real health risk.
