The FDA, collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control, the Department of Agriculture, and state health departments, have traced a nationwide spike in Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) infections to a single firm in Iowa.

Eggs shipped from Wright County Egg of Galt, Iowa after May 16,2010 have been recalled.

The CDA received approximately 200 reports of Salmonella Enteritidis every week in late June and early July, more than four times the usual 50 weekly reports over the past five years.

Wright County Egg says that the affected eggs are packaged under the following brand names: Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph’s, Boomsma’s, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemps in various carton sizes.

Check your egg carton to see if what you have is part of the recall.

The shipment date uses a Julian format ranging from 136 to 225.  Eggs were shipped from plant numbers 1026, 1413 and 1946. Dates and codes can be found stamped on the end of the egg carton. The plant number begins with the letter P and then the number. The Julian date follows the plant number, for example: P-1946 223.

Salmonella infections often cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.  Infections can be serious and even fatal in young children, the elderly or frail, or people with compromised immune systems.  Cancer patients and those undergoing chemotherapy may be at high risk.

Wright County Egg and the FDA urge anyone with eggs involved in the recall not to eat them and either throw them out or return them to the store where they bought them for a refund.  If you think you are sick from eating eggs, call your doctor!

The FDA offers this advice for preparing and eating eggs in general:

• Keep eggs in their shells refrigerated at 45 degrees (Fahrenheit) or lower.
• Never eat raw eggs.
• Throw out dirty or cracked eggs.
• Wash your hands, cooking utensils, and food preparations surfaces thoroughly with soap and water after preparing raw eggs.
• Cook all eggs until both yolks and whites are firm.
• Don’t keep eggs warm or at room temperature more than 2 hours.
• Refrigerate all leftovers containing eggs promptly.
• Avoid estaurant dishes made with raw or undercooked, unpasteurized eggs. Restaurants should use pasteurized eggs in any recipe (such as Hollandaise sauce or Caesar salad dressing) that calls for raw eggs. Ask to be sure.
• Eating raw or undercooked eggs should be avoided, especially by young children, elderly persons, and person with weakened immune systems or debilitating illness.

More information about egg safety from FoodSafety.Gov.

High oral doses of this bleach, such as those recommended in the labeling, can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and symptoms of severe dehydration.

FDA recommends

Consumers who have MMS should stop using it immediately and throw it away. The FDA advises consumers who have experienced any negative side effects from MMS to consult a health care professional as soon as possible.

Miracle Mineral Solution is sold online at a number of websites, online auctions, and through independent distributors.  Although there is no evidence to support them, many websites are making claims that MMS treat a number of diseases, including HIV, hepatitis, the H1N1 flu virus, common colds, acne, and cancer.

When consumers mix the MMS 28 percent sodium chlorite solution with an acid such as citrus juice, as the label directs, it produces chlorine dioxide, a potent bleach used for stripping textiles and in industrial water treatment.

If you have had side effects after using Miracle Mineral Solution, let FDA know through the Medwatch program online or phone 1-800-332-1088.

This is a serious warning, folks!  Always discuss any dietary supplement that you take with your doctor.  Some just waste money, others can be deadly.

This is an increase of $214 million above last year’s level and $55 million above the President’s request.  C3 is very pleased with this proposed increase, and applauds the leadership of Chairwoman De Lauro, Ranking Member Kingston and the members of the Subcommittee.

Earlier this month, C3 advocates went to Capitol Hill to urge Congress to increase funding for the FDA.  Register today as a C3 advocate, and we will update you on what you can do to help us make sure this increased funding for the FDA stays in the bill as it moves through the appropriations process.

Chairwoman DeLauro released the following statement following subcommittee approval of the bill highlighting the importance of FDA funding while also emphasizing some areas of Congressional concern with the agency:

“The Food and Drug Administration is always one of the most important agencies under our purview, particularly given that more than 20 cents of every dollar spent by American consumers is on an FDA-regulated product…I believe there is strong leadership at the FDA under Commissioner Hamburg.  But I remain concerned about the existing structure at the agency, especially as it pertains to drug safety.

So we have included targeted resources to help make a difference in this area, including an additional $65 million for staff to review generic drug applications, drug company ads targeted at consumers, and, for the first time to my knowledge, an increase specifically for review of drug company ads to doctors.  We are also funding more safety reviews for drugs already on the market, more inspections of foreign drug facilities, and providing more funds to safeguard clinical trials and improve the oversight of imported foods. For example, the bill includes:

• A $15 million increase over the request for the office of generic drugs
• A $3 million increase for the review of direct consumer ads
• A $2 million for the review of communications to medical professionals in the Division of Drug Marketing and Communication
• A $7 million increase over the request for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health
• A $16 million increase over the request for the center and field activities in the Center for Food Safety and Applied nutrition related to imported food safety.

In addition, we have included report language that we worked on with Sen. Grassley and Congressman Hinchey that outlines the need to create an independent office on post-market drug evaluation.  Thank you Congressman Hinchey for your leadership on this issue.  As we learned from the hearing the subcommittee held about the Avandia case, there may be an inherent bias when those that approve drugs continue to play a role in determining their safety in a post-market environment.

We have also included report language that we worked on with Congresswoman Emerson that directs FDA to provide a report on the status of developing standards for a track and trace system for prescription drugs, one that would document all parties involved in the prior sale, purchase, and trade of a given prescription drug beginning with the manufacturer.  This is critical to improving the security of the drug supply chain from counterfeit or other substandard products and to protecting consumers.  Thank you Congresswoman Emerson for your work and leadership on this.”

Congresswoman DeLauro’s complete statement discussing all the funding in the bill is available on the House Appropriations Committee website.

C3′s Grassroots Action Committee Chair Pam Seijo, Grassroots Action Committee Members Florence Kurttila, Arlene Murphy, and Ed Murphy, along with C3 advocates Patti Hollenback, Cindy Robinson, and Regan Weaver are all participating in the annual One Voice Against Cancer (OVAC) Lobby Day.

Follow us on Twitter @FightCRCAdvocacy for the latest updates from the hill.

During their meetings today, C3 advocates will be asking Congress to support the following funding requests for fiscal year 2011:

• $35.2 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• $5.79 billion for National Cancer Institute (NCI)
• $240 million for the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD)
• $601 million for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cancer programs
• $50 million for CDC’s National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program
• $50 million for CDC’s Colorectal Cancer Screening, Education & Outreach Initiative
• $65 million for CDC’s National Program of Cancer Registries
• $2.857 billion for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

This year we have a unique opportunity to demonstrate the tremendous advances made in the fight against cancer thanks to recent increases in federal funding and urging Congress to build on this progress.  Want to help us?  Register today as a C3 advocate and we will keep you posted on future opportunities to make your voice heard in the fight against colorectal cancer.

C3′s Grassroots Action Committee Chair Pam Seijo, Grassroots Action Committee Members Florence Kurttila, Arlene Murphy, and Ed Murphy, along with C3 advocates Patti Hollenback, Cindy Robinson, and Regan Weaver will be heading to Capitol Hill tomorrow to talk to Congress about the importance of increasing federal funding for cancer research and cancer control programs.

Today, the advocates will be getting advice from former Representative Bud Cramer and from a number of Congressional health staff, including:

• Anne Morris, Professional Staff, House Committee on Energy and Commerce
• Jeremy Sharp, Legislative Director, Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT)
• Adrienne Hallett, Professional Staff, Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services

The training the advocates receive today will get them ready to take on Congress tomorrow during meetings with their Senators and Representatives.  C3 is participating in the OVAC Lobby Day along with numerous other cancer advocacy groups.  Interested in learning more about the OVAC coalition?  Check out their website.

The sprouts are sold under the brand names

• Caldwell Fresh Foods in 4-oz plastic cups, 1-lb plastic bags, 2- and 5-lb plastic bags in cardboard boxes with a Caldwell Fresh Foods sticker
• Nature’s Choice in 4-oz plastic cups
• California Exotics brands in 5-oz plastic clam-shell containers

FDA reminds the public that children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems should avoid all kinds of raw sprouts, even those grown at home.

From the FDA:

All consumers and restaurant/delicatessen operators should immediately stop using Caldwell Fresh Foods raw alfalfa sprouts. FDA reminds consumers that children, the elderly, pregnant women and persons with weakened immune systems should avoid eating raw sprouts of any kind (including alfalfa, clover, radish and mung bean sprouts). More information for consumers about avoiding the risks associated with eating sprouts is available. from FoodSafety.Gov.

The Centers for Disease Control are also investigating the outbreak.  More information is available from the CDC.

Freshway does not produce prepackaged romaine or salad mixes sold to retail consumers in supermarkets.  These products are not included in the recall, but consumers are warned not not to eat “grab and go” salads sold in store salad bars and delis at Kroger, Giant Eagle, Ingles Markets, and Marsh stores.

To date 19 cases of E.coli  infection have been confirmed in Michigan, Ohio, and New York, including 12 people who were hospitalized and 3 with life-threatening conditions.  The New York State Public Health Laboratory found E.coli 0145 in an unopened bag of Freshway shredded romaine lettuce on May 5.

Three of the patients with  E. coli 0145 have developed a serious form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).  Most likely to occur in young children and the elderly, the condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.

College students at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Ohio State in Columbus and Daemen College in Amherst, N.Y., are among those affected by the outbreak.

Symptoms of E.coli infection include severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea, which may be bloody.  The FDA and CDC urge patients who are experiencing these symptoms to contact their health care professionals.

Consumers with questions may call Freshway Foods’ information desk at 1-888-361-7106 (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, M-F) or visit their web site for updates.

Important Dates:

• May 12, 2010 – Last day to submit scholarship application
• May 24, 2010 – Last day to register for OVAC Lobby Day
• May 24, 2010 – Last day to reserve a hotel room at the special OVAC rate
• June 16, 2010 – Lobby Day begins at 12:00 PM
• June 17, 2010 – Lobby Day ends at 5:00 PM

Location: The Liaison Capitol Hill Hotel (415 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC  20001)

OVAC has negotiated a discounted room rate of $269 a night at the The Liaison Capitol Hill hotel, and all training sessions will be held at this hotel.

Register today for the OVAC Lobby Day.

During the Lobby Day, you will be going to the hill to ask Members of Congress to support increased funding for cancer research.  Specifically, you will be asking Members to support the following funding requests:

• National Institutes of Health (NIH) – $35.2 billion ($4.2 billion (13.5%) over FY 2010)
• National Cancer Institute (NCI) – $5.79 billion ($691 million (13.5%) over FY 2010)
• National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD) – $240 million ($29 million (13.5%) over FY 2010)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control (CDC) – $601 million ($126 million (26%) over FY 2010)
• CDC’s National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program – $50 million ($29 million over FY 2010)
• CDC’s National Program of Cancer Registries – $65 million ($14 million over FY 2010)
• CDC’s Colorectal Cancer Screening, Education & Outreach Initiative – $50 million ($5 million over FY 2010)
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – $2.857 billion ($500 million (21%) over FY 2010)

This year we have a unique opportunity to demonstrate the tremendous advances made in the fight against cancer thanks to recent increases in federal funding and urging Congress to build on this progress.  Register today to let your voice be heard regarding the importance of increased funding for cancer research.

Register today for the OVAC Lobby Day.

The registration deadline is May 24, 2010.  When you register, you will be asked to select a participant type.  You should select “OVAC Partners” and be sure to identify yourself as a C3 advocate.  If you have any problems with the registration form, or would like additional information about the OVAC Lobby Day please contact Catherine Knowles at Catherine.Knowles@FightCRC.org.

It is difficult to cut, crush, chew, or dissolve the new pills, preserving the slow release of the active ingredient, oxycodone, over time.  If a potential abuser tries to dissolve the pills in water, they form a gummy mass that cannot be injected.

After the new formulation is on the market, the FDA will require Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin, conduct a study of how well it meets the goal of reducing abuse and misuse.  Purdue also must develop a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) that includes a medication guide for patients and education for health care providers on the appropriate use of opiates to manage pain.

OxyContin releases the an opiate pain medicine, oxycodone, slowly over time.  It is helpful to people with chronic pain, including cancer pain, who need round-the-clock pain relief.  Because of its timed release, each pill contains a large dose of oxycodone, making it risky for overdose or abuse.

In the older formulation, caregivers sometimes crushed the pills for patients who had trouble swallowing, resulting in accidental overdoses. OxyContin also has been widely diverted from medical use to drug abuse, where pills were crushed and inhaled or dissolved and injected, releasing a large amount of oxycodone to produce euphoria.

Abuse of OxyContin is high.  According to the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, half a million new people began misusing it for non-medical purposes.

The FDA warns that the new OxyContin formula does not completely eliminate the risk of overdose or abuse.  People can still take larger than recommended doses.  Health care professionals need to remind patients and their care partners not to exceed prescribed doses of the drug.

Bob Rappaport, MD, director of the Division of Anesthesia and Analgesia Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, commented,

Although this new formulation of OxyContin may provide only an incremental advantage over the current version of the drug, it is still a step in the right direction. As with all opioids, safety is an important consideration. Prescribers and patients need to know that its tamper-resistant properties are limited and need to carefully weigh the benefits and risks of using this medication to treat pain.

Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.

The FDA points out that “the harmful bacteria in raw milk can be especially dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly, infants, young children and people with weakened immune systems.”

The  FDA has required that all milk packaged for interstate commerce be pasteurized since 1987.  Both the FDA and CDC have long warned against drinking raw milk because of potential contamination with bacteria, including Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter and Brucella.

During pasteurization, milk is heated to kill bacteria.