FDA Issues Press RElease: Do Not Use Infant Formula Manufactured In China

The FDA Issued a Press Release today warning consumers not to use baby formula made in China.

The complete release and a link can be viewed below.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 12, 2008

Media Inquiries: Judy Leon, 301-827-3314 or 301-696-8921 Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

FDA Issues Health Information Advisory on Infant Formula

In response to reports of contaminated milk-based infant formula manufactured in China, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today is issuing a Health Information Advisory. This is to assure the American public that there is no known threat of contamination in infant formula manufactured by companies that have met the requirements to sell infant formula in the United States. Although no Chinese manufacturers of infant formula have fulfilled the requirements to sell infant formula in the United States, FDA officials are investigating whether or not infant formula manufactured in China is being sold in specialty markets which serve the Asian community.

The FDA is advising caregivers not to feed infant formula manufactured in China to infants. This should be replaced with an appropriate infant formula manufactured in the United States as mentioned below. Individuals should contact their health care professional if they have questions regarding their infant’s health or if they note changes in their infant’s health status.

The FDA began investigating the reports of contamination immediately and received information from the companies who manufacture infant formula for the American market that they are not importing infant formula or source materials from China. The following manufacturers have met the necessary FDA requirements for marketing milk-based infant formulas in the United States: Abbott Nutritionals, Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Nestle USA, PBM Nutritionals, and Solus Products LLC. Also, one manufacturer, SHS/Nutricia, Liverpool, England, markets an amino acid based exempt infant formula that does not contain any milk-derived ingredients.

We are asking state officials to work with the Agency to assist with the removal of any Chinese infant formula found on store shelves, and to warn members of the Asian community to avoid using Chinese manufactured infant formula.

It has been reported that a number of infants in China who have consumed Chinese manufactured infant formula are suffering from kidney stones, a condition which is rare in infants. The Chinese manufactured infant formula may be contaminated with melamine. Melamine artificially increases the protein profile of milk and can causes kidney diseases such as those seen in these Chinese infants.

FDA requires that all infant formula manufacturers register with the Agency and adhere to specific labeling and nutritional requirements. All properly registered infant formula manufacturers marketing infant formula in the United States undergo an annual inspection of their production facilities.

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Deadliest Tornado Season In A Decade

This year has been one of the deadliest years on record for tornadoes in a decade the death toll has already reached 100 and it is still early in the season as well. Twenty two were killed this weekend alone.

In addition there were a few tornadoes that struck during February which is rare, but not unheard of, which kicked off the start of the season early. This was attributed to the mild winter and unseasonably warm weather across the country.

While I did make a number of posts earlier this year, I again think it is important to mention how important it is to be prepared and take appropriate action during severe weather, especially tornadoes.

Click the following link for more on Tornado Safety Here you can find a video on Severe Weather Safety and here is a small but excellent post on the Warning Signs of an approaching Tornado again with videos to watch.

One thing I will say here is please, please do not stay in your cars, and please seek shelter or a safe place if you are in an area where a tornado is approaching.

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Tornado Safety

Photo by Pingnews.com

I know that I touched upon this topic a few times already when we had some unusual and severe weather in the United States about a month ago.

However in recent days we have had a large number of tornado's that that struck and killed several people.

I would like to take the time to go over some facts about tornado's many people do not know the difference between a Tornado Warning and a Tornado Watch. Here is the difference:

Tornado Watch
Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Tornado Warning
A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.

What to Do During a Tornado:

If you are in a Structure:

Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.

If you are in a Vehicle or Mobile Home:

Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.

If you are outside with no shelter:

Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.

Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.

Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.

Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

Other Safety Resources:
FEMA Tornado Safety
NOAA Severe Weather Safety
Tornadoproject.com

Also see my other posts on this subject here and here where you can see some great videos and get the warning signs of an approaching tornado.