Category: Issue 506
-
Scientific Journal Retracts Animal Study Linking GMOs to Mammary Tumors
The journal Food and Chemical Toxicology has announced the retraction of a controversial study purportedly linking genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to mammary tumors in rats. Led by University of Caen Molecular Biology Professor Gilles-Éric Séralin, the November 2012 study garnered public attention for reporting that female rats fed GM maize developed more mammary tumors than…
-
Researchers Claim Energy Drinks Increase Heart Contraction Rates
An ongoing study presented at the Radiological Society of North America’s (RSNA’s) 99th Annual Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting has reportedly claimed that energy drinks “significantly increased” heart contraction rates in healthy adults one hour after consumption. According to a December 2, 2013, RSNA press release, researchers with the University of Bonn, Germany, used cardiac…
-
SSB Consumption Allegedly Associated with Type I Endometrial Cancer
A recent study funded by the National Cancer Institute has allegedly linked higher intakes of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) to an increased risk of type I endometrial cancer. Maki Inoue-Choi, et al., “Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake and the Risk of Type I and Type II Endometrial Cancer among Postmenopausal Women,” Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, December 2013.…
-
Lead Content of Brewed Teas Target of New Study
Canadian researchers have warned that many off-the-shelf brewed teas purportedly contain lead in excess of levels considered safe for pregnant and lactating women. Gerry Schwarlfenberg, et al., “The Benefits and Risks of Consuming Brewed Tea: Beware of Toxic Element Contamination,” Journal of Toxicology, December 2013. Using 30 samples of black, green, white, and oolong teas…
-
NY State PTA Takes Stand Against Antibiotic Overuse in Livestock
The New York State Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has reportedly become the first PTA in the country to pass a resolution that calls on Congress and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration “to protect human health by prohibiting the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in food animal production.” Representing hundreds of thousands of parents, teachers…
-
ERC Claims Diet Shakes and Bars Contain Lead
The Environmental Research Center (ERC) has reportedly filed a lawsuit under Proposition 65 (Prop. 65) against a company that allegedly sells “meal replacement” shakes and “hunger blocker” bars containing lead, a chemical known to California as a reproductive toxicant and cause of cancer. ERC v. Ideal Shape LLC, No. __ (Cal. Super. Ct., Alameda Cty.).…
-
U.S. Seeks Psychiatric Exam of Stewart Parnell
According to court records, prosecutors have filed a motion for psychiatric examination as to Stewart Parnell, who is under criminal indictment for actions relating to the 2009 nationwide Salmonella outbreak linked to the peanut products made by the Blakely, Georgia, Peanut Corp. of America plant that Parnell owned. United States v. Parnell, No. 12-cr-12 (M.D. Ga.,…
-
Meat Packer to Pay $3 Million in FCA Litigation
In False Claims Act (FCA) litigation arising from the sale to the U.S. Department of Agriculture of beef processed from the alleged abuse of downer cattle, WestlandMeat Co. has reportedly agreed to pay more than $3 million, or most of its owners and investors’ remaining assets. United States ex rel. The Humane Soc’y of the U.S. v.…