Kellogg agrees to Restrict Advertising

An investigation by the FTC into some of Kellogg's advertising claims about the health benefits of its Rice Krispies cereal has led to a settlement between the two parties. Kellogg's has agreed to advertising restrictions regarding the following statement on the cereal box which says:

now helps support your child’s immunity; has been improved to include antioxidants and nutrients that your family needs to help them stay healthy

The FTC s taking action against Kellogg at a time when public health researchers are intensifying their challenges to the marketing of sugary foods. They noted that:

We expect more from a great American company than making dubious claims — not once, but twice — that its cereals improve children’s health.

The new order bars Kellogg's from making any claims about any health benefit of any food unless the claims are backed by scientific evidence and not misleading.

Kellogg responded by noting that the company had a long history of responsible advertising.

Cadmium found on McDonald's 'Shrek' Glasses

Over 12 million glasses that were sold by McDonald's to promote the movie Shrek Forever After. This recalls follows a warning by the Consumer Product Safety Commission that they contain cadmium, a toxic metal. These glasses were sold only by the burger chain between May and June. The 16oz glasses were sold for $2.00 each and have a Shrek character painted on them.

Interestingly, the recall originated with an anonymous tip by an alert customer last week who told Rep. Jackie Speier (D) of California that the glasses contained cadmium. CPSC was contacted and the glasses were sent for testing. Speier has called for tougher safety standards for children's products.

Representative Speier noted:

Our children’s health should not depend on the consciences of anonymous sources. Although McDonald’s did the right thing by recalling these products, we need stronger testing standards to ensure that all children’s products are proven safe before they hit the shelves.

McDonald's notes that the glasses met federal safety standards during laboratory testing but they initiated this recall

in light of the CPSC's evolving assessment of standards for cadmium in consumer products

So far, no injuries from this product have been reported. For more information, consumers are encouraged to contact McDonald’s at (800) 244-6227 between 9 - 5CT Monday through Friday.

Lettuce Recall Due to EColi Contamination

A lettuce recall has been announced in 23 states and the District of Columbia apparently due to an outbreak of E. coli that has sickened at least 19 people. Three of them have life-threatening symptoms.

Local health departments in Ohio, Michigan, and NY noted that it is college students at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Ohio State in Columbus and Daemen College in Amherst, N.Y., that are among those affected.

On Thursday, the FDA noted that 12 people were in hospital and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believed that another 10 cases were suspected to be linked to the outbreak.

In a press release, the FDA observed:

Multiple lines of evidence have implicated shredded romaine lettuce from one processing facility.

The lettuce came from Freshway Foods of Sidney, Ohio. They announced that they had initiated a voluntary recall of romaine lettuce sold under the Freshway and Imperial Sysco brands as they were believed to have a link to this E. coli outbreak. Freshway Foods said the lettuce was sold to wholesalers, food service outlets, in-store salad bars and delis.

Further, the FDA investigation is focusing on on lettuce being grown in Arizona as a possible source of this outbreak. E. coli infection can cause mild diarrhea or more severe complications, including kidney damage. The three patients with life-threatening symptoms were diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can cause bleeding in the brain or kidneys. The most common strain of E. coli found in U.S. patients is E. coli O157. The CDC said the strain linked to the lettuce, E. coli 0145, is more difficult to identify and may go unreported.

The recalled lettuce has a best if used by date of May 12 or earlier. The recall also affects "grab and go" salads sold at Kroger, Giant Eagle, Ingles Markets and Marsh grocery stores. The lettuce was sold in Alabama, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Only last year, the House passed a bill last year giving the FDA enhanced authority to police food production. However, the Senate has not as yet acted on it.

In a statement yesterday, Freshway Foods said that:

an extensive FDA investigation

of Freshway Foods' facility in Sidney has not uncovered any contamination at the plant. Consumers with questions can call the company at 888-361-7106 on weekdays (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT) or visit its website for updates (www.freshwayfoods.com). The company's press release is @ News.

Also see:
FDA Press Release
CDC Investigation Announcement