A recent study looked at the human and bacterial diversity that exists on NYC subways. The study, Geospatial Resolution of Human and Bacterial Diversity with City-Scale Metagenomics, (Afshinnekoo, et al. 2015) finds that the subway is teaming with a great diversity of microbes and the cells of humans. Pathogenic organisms are found, but with no cases of reported illnesses in this area, it is surmised that this is just part of the normal urban microbial environment. Bacterial species associated with the skin are present in higher proportions compared to bacterial species associated with the intestinal tract (poop bacteria).
Of course to read the headlines (NY Times, New Republic), it can be unsettling to some that so much 'contamination' present....whether it is human cells, bacteria, or viruses. Heck, there are bacterial species that have not yet been determined.
But as this is life on earth. It is not sterile. We coexist with a lot of microorganisms. For the most part, they are under control. However, there are certain instances, when our immune system is off or we encounter a large dose of a given microorganism (such as when we temperature abuse our food), we get sick. But encountering a diversity of microorganisms is important for our immune systems to develop. So don't worry about the myriad of microorganisms on the subway, embrace the fact that that 'what doesn't kill me, makes me stronger". And wash your hands before dinner.
A few passages from the study:
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Monday, February 9, 2015
Measles Vaccination - Science versus Politicians
This past week, a number of political candidates have put their support behind parental choice when it comes to vaccination. This goes against the science in order to secure political points in the name of 'freedom'.
There are growing numbers of people who are avoiding giving their children vaccinations and this has led to measles cases in different parts of the country including California and New Jersey.
The unwillingness of some politicians to understand the science or to communicate the real risks should raise questions as to whether these individuals should be given leadership roles that can impact the overall wellbeing of the nation's citizenry.
This nice National Geographic piece (below) provides an overview of how we got to this point and the impact of having unvaccinated children.
National Geographic
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2015/02/150206-measles-vaccine-disney-outbreak-polio-health-science-infocus/
The Anti-Vaccine Generation: How Movement Against Shots Got Its Start
Mistrust and misinformation give a shot in the arm to measles vaccine naysayers.
Laura Parker
National Geographic
Published February 6, 2015
You could call New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Kentucky Senator Rand Paul members of the "vax generation."
There are growing numbers of people who are avoiding giving their children vaccinations and this has led to measles cases in different parts of the country including California and New Jersey.
The unwillingness of some politicians to understand the science or to communicate the real risks should raise questions as to whether these individuals should be given leadership roles that can impact the overall wellbeing of the nation's citizenry.
This nice National Geographic piece (below) provides an overview of how we got to this point and the impact of having unvaccinated children.
National Geographic
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2015/02/150206-measles-vaccine-disney-outbreak-polio-health-science-infocus/
The Anti-Vaccine Generation: How Movement Against Shots Got Its Start
Mistrust and misinformation give a shot in the arm to measles vaccine naysayers.
Laura Parker
National Geographic
Published February 6, 2015
You could call New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Kentucky Senator Rand Paul members of the "vax generation."
Herbal Supplements Questioned: Fighting Bad Practices with Bad Science?
This past week, the NY Attorney General accused major retailers (Walmart, Target, Walgreens and GNC) of selling herbal supplements that do not contain the herbs claimed on the label and issued a cease-and-desist letter demanding they stop selling those products.
Testing of the supplements was conducted using DNA barcoding, a technique that uses specific DNA sequences to look for markers that indicate a specific plant species. This technique has had much success in determining animal and plant material authenticity and inclusion of potential adulterants.
However, these techniques work best on material where the DNA is likely to be there intact. As pointed out by the critics of this investigation, many of the herbal supplements sold are highly processed, and this processing may degrade the DNA to a point where it will not be detected.
In DNA barcoding of medicinal plant material for identification (Techen, etal 2014 Current Opinion in Biotechnology Volume 25, Pages 103–110):
The supplement industry is not regulated as a food or drug, but has its own regulations. These rules are lax compared to those for drugs in that these products do not need to have FDA approval before selling on the market, and those claims do not necessarily need to stand to the same standard as a drug. FDA requires that the herbal supplements are safe and that the ingredients listed on the label be in the product. There is however, still the question whether these products actually have any significant impact on health.
From the National Institutes of Health website:
The dietary supplement industry has estimated sales of $6 billion, part of a $13 billion dietary supplements industry. This investigation, while questionable in terms of methodology, may trigger further investigation into whether or not the dietary supplement industry is following questionable practices.
CBS/APFebruary 8, 2015, 3:59 PM
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/herbal-supplements-industry-lashes-out-at-fraud-claims/
Herbal supplements industry lashes out at fraud claims
ALBANY, N.Y. - DNA barcoding has exposed some infamous cases of food fraud, like cheap catfish sold as pricey grouper and expensive "sheep's milk" cheese that was really made from cow's milk.
But can it tell if a pill touted as an energy-booster contains ginseng or is just a mix of rice powder and pine?
Some scientists say yes, while industry groups and some independent experts say DNA testing alone is inadequate for analyzing botanical products that have gone through a lot of processing from leaf to tablet.
Testing of the supplements was conducted using DNA barcoding, a technique that uses specific DNA sequences to look for markers that indicate a specific plant species. This technique has had much success in determining animal and plant material authenticity and inclusion of potential adulterants.
However, these techniques work best on material where the DNA is likely to be there intact. As pointed out by the critics of this investigation, many of the herbal supplements sold are highly processed, and this processing may degrade the DNA to a point where it will not be detected.
In DNA barcoding of medicinal plant material for identification (Techen, etal 2014 Current Opinion in Biotechnology Volume 25, Pages 103–110):
The isolation of pure, high molecular weight DNA is critical for the successful application of molecular methods. This can be quite a challenge since in processed medicinal plant material the DNA is often highly degraded or the plant material contains high amounts of polysaccharides, polyphenols and other secondary metabolites, such as, alkaloids and flavonoids. Various commercial kits and modified traditional methods are available to yield in good quality DNA from raw and powdered medicinal plant material, herbarium specimens, capsules, tablets, or tinctures for downstream applicationsIn DNA barcoding as a new tool for food traceability (Galimberti et al. 2013, Food Research International Volume 50, Issue 1, Pages 55–63):
DNA is normally more resistant to industrial processes than other molecules, such as proteins (Martinez et al., 2003), and DNA fingerprinting methods can be successfully used in identifying animal or plant materials, even when in small traces (Bottero and Dalmasso, 2011, Costa et al., 2010, Kesmen et al., 2007, Mane et al., 2009, Martin et al., 2009 and Soares et al., 2010). Nonetheless, food processing causes chemical and physical alterations, degradation and fragmentation being the most common effects (Bauer, Weller, Hammes, & Hertel, 2003). DNA integrity largely influences the effectiveness of molecular methodologies (Hellberg and Morrisey, 2011, Meusnier et al., 2008 and Pafundo et al., 2007). DNA barcoding can have two advantages if compared to DNA fingerprinting approaches: i) it requires the amplification of a short DNA fragment (hence there is a lower risk of fragmentation), and ii) it is based on mitochondrial or plastidial genome (more preserved during processing).
From the National Institutes of Health website:
Dietary supplements are not required to be standardized in the United States. In fact, no legal or regulatory definition exists for standardization in the United States as it applies to botanical dietary supplements. Because of this, the term "standardization" may mean many different things. Some manufacturers use the term standardization incorrectly to refer to uniform manufacturing practices; following a recipe is not sufficient for a product to be called standardized. Therefore, the presence of the word "standardized" on a supplement label does not necessarily indicate product quality.
In 2007, the FDA issued Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) for dietary supplements, a set of requirements and expectations by which dietary supplements must be manufactured, prepared, and stored to ensure quality. Manufacturers are now expected to guarantee the identity, purity, strength, and composition of their dietary supplements. For example, the GMPs aim to prevent the inclusion of the wrong ingredients, the addition of too much or too little of a dietary ingredient, the possibility of contamination (by pesticides, heavy metals such as lead, bacteria, etc.), and the improper packaging and labeling of a product.
Like other dietary supplements, botanicals are not required by federal law to be tested for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed, so the amount of scientific evidence available for various botanical ingredients varies widely. Some botanicals have been evaluated in scientific studies. For example, research shows that St. John's wort may be useful for short-term treatment of mild to moderate depression. Other botanical dietary supplements need more study to determine their value.
The dietary supplement industry has estimated sales of $6 billion, part of a $13 billion dietary supplements industry. This investigation, while questionable in terms of methodology, may trigger further investigation into whether or not the dietary supplement industry is following questionable practices.
CBS/APFebruary 8, 2015, 3:59 PM
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/herbal-supplements-industry-lashes-out-at-fraud-claims/
Herbal supplements industry lashes out at fraud claims
ALBANY, N.Y. - DNA barcoding has exposed some infamous cases of food fraud, like cheap catfish sold as pricey grouper and expensive "sheep's milk" cheese that was really made from cow's milk.
But can it tell if a pill touted as an energy-booster contains ginseng or is just a mix of rice powder and pine?
Some scientists say yes, while industry groups and some independent experts say DNA testing alone is inadequate for analyzing botanical products that have gone through a lot of processing from leaf to tablet.
Friday, February 6, 2015
More Raw Meat Pet Food Recalled
J.J. Fuds of Indiana is recalling pet food which was frozen raw meat product due to the fact that Salmonella and Listeria was found in the product. No illnesses have been reported (for people or pets).
What do we expect....it's raw meat.
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm433312.htm
J.J. Fuds, Inc. Expands Recall of Pet Food Because of Possible Health Risk
Contact: Consumer: 888-435-5873
Media: Karl Gottschlich (888) 432-5873
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 4, 2015 – Valparaiso, IN – J.J. Fuds in Valparaiso, IN is expanding their recall to include all lots and products of J.J. Fuds Chicken Tender Chunks, Beef Tender Chunks and Duckling Tender Chunks Pet Food because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and or Salmonella, organisms which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
What do we expect....it's raw meat.
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm433312.htm
J.J. Fuds, Inc. Expands Recall of Pet Food Because of Possible Health Risk
Contact: Consumer: 888-435-5873
Media: Karl Gottschlich (888) 432-5873
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 4, 2015 – Valparaiso, IN – J.J. Fuds in Valparaiso, IN is expanding their recall to include all lots and products of J.J. Fuds Chicken Tender Chunks, Beef Tender Chunks and Duckling Tender Chunks Pet Food because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and or Salmonella, organisms which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Senator Suggests Regulations Requiring Handwashing Not Needed
A NC Senator thinks that it should not be the governments job to have regulations requiring handwashing in food service operations.
There are some dumb regulations, but regulations such as this that set a minimum bar for food safety, in this case, requiring food service employees to wash their hands, is.....good. Why would someone pick such a poor example to fight overregulation...perhaps he is not a handwasher and this is the example that first comes to mind when he thinks about deregulation. Wouldn't want to eat at his house.
For a good sound mocking, we have this Daily Show clip.
http://thedailyshow.cc.com/videos/yikssr/mr--unclean
Charlotte Observerhttp://www.charlotteobserver.com/2015/02/03/5491207/sen-tillis-maybe-restaurants-shouldnt.html#.VNJyck10x9A
Sen. Tillis: Maybe restaurants shouldn’t require hand-washing
Posted: Wednesday, Feb. 04, 2015
Congressional Republicans are challenging several health regulations, with one senator suggesting restaurants shouldn’t have to make their employees wash their hands after bathroom visits.
Such restaurants would have to prominently disclose their decision, and then would probably would go out of business, said newly elected GOP Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina. But they should have that choice, he said.
There are some dumb regulations, but regulations such as this that set a minimum bar for food safety, in this case, requiring food service employees to wash their hands, is.....good. Why would someone pick such a poor example to fight overregulation...perhaps he is not a handwasher and this is the example that first comes to mind when he thinks about deregulation. Wouldn't want to eat at his house.
For a good sound mocking, we have this Daily Show clip.
http://thedailyshow.cc.com/videos/yikssr/mr--unclean
Charlotte Observerhttp://www.charlotteobserver.com/2015/02/03/5491207/sen-tillis-maybe-restaurants-shouldnt.html#.VNJyck10x9A
Sen. Tillis: Maybe restaurants shouldn’t require hand-washing
Posted: Wednesday, Feb. 04, 2015
Congressional Republicans are challenging several health regulations, with one senator suggesting restaurants shouldn’t have to make their employees wash their hands after bathroom visits.
Such restaurants would have to prominently disclose their decision, and then would probably would go out of business, said newly elected GOP Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina. But they should have that choice, he said.
Macadamia Nuts Recalled Due To Salmonella Positive Sample
Whole Foods is recalling raw macadamia nuts after an FDA contract laboratory found a sample of the product to be positive for Salmonella.
Macadamia nuts are often eaten raw. The processing is fairly simple - Dehusking, drying, de-shelling, and further drying to a moisture level of 1.5%. Contamination can occur from the point when the nut is de-shelled until when it is packaged.
There have been a number of recalls of macadamia nuts due to Salmonella (Nov 1, 2014, 2010 and 2009).
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm432870.htm
Whole Foods Market Recalls Raw Macadamia Nuts from Stores in AL, GA, MS, NC, SC and TN Due to Possible Health Risk
Contact: Consumer: 512-477-5566 ext. 20060
Media Contact: Darrah Gist Darrah.Gist@wholefoods.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — February 3, 2015 — ATLANTA, GA — Whole Foods Market is recalling packaged raw macadamia nuts due to possible Salmonella contamination. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
Macadamia nuts are often eaten raw. The processing is fairly simple - Dehusking, drying, de-shelling, and further drying to a moisture level of 1.5%. Contamination can occur from the point when the nut is de-shelled until when it is packaged.
There have been a number of recalls of macadamia nuts due to Salmonella (Nov 1, 2014, 2010 and 2009).
FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm432870.htm
Whole Foods Market Recalls Raw Macadamia Nuts from Stores in AL, GA, MS, NC, SC and TN Due to Possible Health Risk
Contact: Consumer: 512-477-5566 ext. 20060
Media Contact: Darrah Gist Darrah.Gist@wholefoods.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — February 3, 2015 — ATLANTA, GA — Whole Foods Market is recalling packaged raw macadamia nuts due to possible Salmonella contamination. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
Monday, February 2, 2015
Chicago Firm Recalls RTE Chicken Tamale Product Due to Lack of LM Control Program
A Chicago firm is recalling cooked chicken tamale product (considered RTE) because the product was produced in a facility that did not have a Listeria control program as well as a HACCP plan for this type of product.
From the recall notice (below), it appears that this company packed raw product. They can not begin to run cooked product without establishing a Listeria Control program to prevent contamination that can occur in the post-lethality environment (areas where product is exposed after cooking and prior to packaging). Listeria is likely to be found in a raw meat facility. Before someone would begin packing a cooked product, they would need to put controls in place, otherwise, it is likely to contaminate the cooked product
One could guess that the co-packer in this case, had an opportunity to sell cooked product, but did not go through the proper steps necessary, including developing a HACCP plan for that product, which would have included a hazard analysis. In that hazard analysis, Listeria would be identified as a hazard likely to occur. From there, the facility would put control measures in place to prevent the contamination of the fully cooked finished product.
USDA News Release
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2015/recall-014-2015-release-update
Illinois Firm Recalls Chicken Products Produced Without Adequate Ready-To-Eat HACCP Plan and a Listeria Monocytogenes Program
Class I Recall 014-2015
Health Risk: High Jan 17, 2015
Distribution List PDF
En Español
Congressional and Public Affairs Whitney Joy (202) 720-9113
WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2015 – La Guadalupana Wholesale, Inc., a Chicago, Ill., establishment, is recalling approximately 8,856 pounds of chicken tamales because they were not produced under a fully implemented Ready-To-Eat (RTE) Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan; a Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) program; and a hazard analysis, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
From the recall notice (below), it appears that this company packed raw product. They can not begin to run cooked product without establishing a Listeria Control program to prevent contamination that can occur in the post-lethality environment (areas where product is exposed after cooking and prior to packaging). Listeria is likely to be found in a raw meat facility. Before someone would begin packing a cooked product, they would need to put controls in place, otherwise, it is likely to contaminate the cooked product
One could guess that the co-packer in this case, had an opportunity to sell cooked product, but did not go through the proper steps necessary, including developing a HACCP plan for that product, which would have included a hazard analysis. In that hazard analysis, Listeria would be identified as a hazard likely to occur. From there, the facility would put control measures in place to prevent the contamination of the fully cooked finished product.
USDA News Release
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2015/recall-014-2015-release-update
Illinois Firm Recalls Chicken Products Produced Without Adequate Ready-To-Eat HACCP Plan and a Listeria Monocytogenes Program
Class I Recall 014-2015
Health Risk: High Jan 17, 2015
Distribution List PDF
En Español
Congressional and Public Affairs Whitney Joy (202) 720-9113
WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2015 – La Guadalupana Wholesale, Inc., a Chicago, Ill., establishment, is recalling approximately 8,856 pounds of chicken tamales because they were not produced under a fully implemented Ready-To-Eat (RTE) Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan; a Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) program; and a hazard analysis, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
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