Category: Issue 501
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Study Examines Prevalence of Abnormal Prion Protein Linked to vCJD
Public Health England researchers have reported that the abnormal prion protein (PrP) linked to variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) the human form of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)—is potentially more prevalent than previously thought, raising concerns about the cross-contamination risks associated with blood, blood products and surgical instruments. Noel Gill, et al., “Prevalent abnormal prion protein in…
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Soft Drink Consumption Allegedly Linked to Global Weight Gain
A recent study has allegedly concluded that soft drink consumption “is significantly linked to overweight, obesity and diabetes worldwide, including in low- and middle-income countries.” Sanjay Basu, et al., “Relationship of Soft Drink Consumption to Global Overweight, Obesity, and Diabetes: A Cross-National Analysis of 75 Countries,” American Journal of Public Health, November 2013. Relying on…
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Law, Medicine & Pharma Professors Call for Probiotics Oversight
Noting the difficulty of classifying products with probiotics, defined as live microorganisms that have a beneficial effect when consumed in sufficient quantities, due to their varied marketing as foods, dietary supplements, medical foods, foods for special dietary use, or drugs, University of Maryland professors in law, medicine and pharmacy suggest ways that the Food and…
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NYT Highlights Growth in GM Yeast Applications
A recent New York Times article focused on advances in synthetic biology has claimed that the exponential growth in genetically modified (GM) yeast applications “could revolutionize the production of some of the most sought-after flavors and fragrances,” including vanilla, saffron, patchouli, and stevia. According to the October 20, 2013, article, food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies…
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Researchers Study Effects of Framing Childhood Obesity Messages
Communications and health policy researchers report that while perceptions about government interventions to address childhood obesity are correlated with political ideology, certain approaches to—or framing of—the childhood obesity message can affect whether conservatives accept the seriousness of the problem and are willing to (i) endorse responsibility beyond the individual, and (ii) support policy action. Sarah…
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Putative Class Claims Kefir and Lassi Products Misbranded with “Evaporated Cane Juice”
A California resident has filed a putative nationwide class action against Lifeway Foods, Inc., alleging that many of its kefir, lassi and frozen yogurt products are misbranded under federal law and the state’s Sherman Law because they list as ingredients “Evaporated Cane Juice” or “Organic Cane Juice,” terms that purportedly render the products illegal. Figy…
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Consumers Challenge “Unpasteurized” and “100% Raw” Juice Labels
New York and California residents have filed a putative nationwide class action against Hain Celestial Group, Inc., alleging that its fruit and vegetable juice products, labeled as “Unpasteurized” and “100% Raw” are false and misleading because the products undergo high pressure processing, “which neutralizes the benefits of the live enzymes, probiotics, vitamins, proteins, and nutrients…
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Jack Daniel’s Brings Trademark Infringement Lawsuit Against Whiskey Maker
According to a news source, Jack Daniel’s Properties, Inc. has filed a trademark infringement action against the companies that produce and sell Popcorn Sutton’s® Tennessee white whiskey. Jack Daniels Props., Inc. v. J&M Concepts, LLC, No. 13-1156 (M.D. Tenn., filed October 18, 2013). The whiskey is apparently named after an Appalachian moonshiner who killed himself…