FDA Blasts General Mills over Cheerios Claim
Current boxes of Cheerios are touting what the company calls exciting news -- the cereal's ability to help lower cholesterol 10 percent in one month.
"My mother actually eats it every day, seven days a week for breakfast to lower her cholesterol," Staten Island resident Lauren Schwam said.
According to a letter from the FDA General Mills' advertising violates the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The agency said claims that Cheerios ingredients can lower cholesterol within a certain amount of time, all while providing cancer-fighting and heart-healthy benefits, essentially makes Cheerios "a drug" by their definition. And no drug in this country can be legally marketed without an approved new drug application.
As a certified dietetic nutritionist, Keri Glassman often recommends foods high in soluble fiber for patients looking to lower their cholesterol.
"Because of the oats, because of the soluble fiber in Cheerios, it may help you reduce cholesterol and I think the FDA is still acknowledging that ... I just think they are saying but you can't really say that because you are a food product, not a drug," Glassman said.
People CBS 2 HD spoke to say this dispute over the cereal's health claims won't change how often they buy or eat Cheerios.
"Mostly 'cause kids eat them, they're fun, round, they're easy to eat," said Jennifer Wood of the Upper East Side.
"It doesn't change what's in the box," added Michael Zorek of the Upper West Side. "It's healthy no matter what they say."
The FDA gave General Mills 15 days to explain how it will correct the statements on Cheerios boxes.
In a statement issued Tuesday, General Mills said this dispute is over language, not science. The company pointed out that the FDA'a complaint doesn't actually question whether Cheerios can help lower cholesterol levels -- it only talks about how the health benefits are advertised.
http://wcbstv.com/health/cheerios.general.mills.2.1007986.html
Hydroxycut Recall
May 1, 2009 - Government officials issued an urgent warning to immediately stop using Hydroxycut, a popular dietary supplement linked to cases of liver damage and at least one death.
The company sold over 9 million Hydroxycut products last year. It was frequently advertised to burn away unwanted pounds and claimed it was made from natural ingredients. The Food and Drug Administration said the maker of the dietary supplement has agreed to recall 14 products.
"There is a potential risk which is serious and we recommend that the product be discontinued," said Dr. Linda Katz, of FDA's food and nutrition division.
The FDA received 23 reports of serious problems ranging from jaundice, potential liver damage and liver failure. A death of a 19-year-old boy was reported in March. Other side effects include seizures, cardiovascular disorders, muscle damage, and kidney failure.
FDA's limited authority over regulating dietary supplements raised concern among health officials. The FDA cannot prescreen products if ingredients existed before 2004.
"Many of the dietary supplement ingredients that are now mized in various ways were ingredients that were marketed before 2004," said Dr. Vasilios Frankos, FDA.
Health officials said they have been unable to determine which Hydroxycut ingredients are potentially toxic, partially because the formulation of the products has changed several times. Meanwhile, health officials want thighter FDA regulations on dietary supplements before products come to market.
www.webmd.com/diet/features/truth-behind-top-10-dietary-supplements
www.associatedcontent.com/article/25114/5_tips_for_choosing_the_best_dietary.html
www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW02006.html
Turbulence Paralyzes Woman
HOUSTON, T.X., Apr. 22- A 47-year-old woman, traveling on a Continental Airlines Plane was paralyzed after disobeying warning signs to remain in her seat during turbulence. The Flight 511 was delayed several hours before takeoff due to severe weather surrounding the Houston Area, but still couldn’t avoid the winds ahead.
“Turbulence has been a problem for aviation ever since it was invented, the problem is our current radar can’t see it,” Former Managing Director of the National Transportation Safety Board, Peter Gold said. “So they rely on mapping services, but most importantly they reply on reports flying in front of them. So it’s a challenging issue.”
When the woman using the bathroom, the flight apparently hit turbulence which threw her into the ceiling causing her to break her neck. On her way back down, she hit the toilet and broke her back, suffering from a C1 and C2 fracture.
“She is paralyzed from the nipples to her toes,” said Surgeon Dr. Trey Fulp. “Similar to the injuries Christopher Reeves suffered after falling off his horse in 1995.”
Ramon Garcia, an attorney for the woman is filing a lawsuit against the airline claiming that his client didn’t receive a high standard of care during turbulence. Garcia and his team are further investigating the flight and is trying to figure out where the lawsuit is going.
However, witnesses said that flight attendants rushed to the passenger’s side and moved her to the aisle of the aircraft for the remainder of the flight. Two other passengers were and one crew member were also injured during the flight.
“Only time will tell if she will recover, my gut feeling is that she will because we got her in very quickly,” said Fulp.