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US Senate panel advances Trump CDC pick Schwartz

US Senate panel advances Trump CDC pick Schwartz

By Ahmed Aboulenein WASHINGTON, July 30 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate health committee voted on Thursday to advance the nomination of President Donald Trump's pick for CDC director Dr. Erica Schwartz, handing his administration a rare win after repeated failed attempts to fill top health posts.
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US lawmakers press Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on vaccine settlement

US lawmakers press Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on vaccine settlement

By Dan Levine July 29 (Reuters) - A group of U.S. senators has asked Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to disclose whether his family stands to profit from a recent legal settlement involving Merck's Gardasil vaccine, according to a letter reviewed by Reuters.
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Democrats Demand Accountability from Taylor Farms Over Cyclospora Outbreak

Democrats Demand Accountability from Taylor Farms Over Cyclospora Outbreak

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee are seeking answers from Taylor Farms regarding its involvement in a Cyclospora outbreak that has affected thousands across the U.S. Representative Robert Garcia has requested information from Taylor Farms' CEO about the company's handling of the outbreak and any attempts to influence federal investigations. The outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, prompting a voluntary recall. The Trump administration has denied any collusion with Taylor Farms, despite reports of meetings between company executives and federal officials. The FDA continues to focus its investigation on Taylor Farms' products.
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Senator Maria Cantwell Joins Congressional Democrats in Legal Battle to Protect Mifepristone Access

Senator Maria Cantwell Joins Congressional Democrats in Legal Battle to Protect Mifepristone Access

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, along with over 250 Senate and House Democrats, has filed an amicus brief to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in the case of Louisiana v. Food and Drug Administration. The case challenges restrictions on mifepristone, an FDA-approved abortion medication. Louisiana seeks to reinstate a nationwide in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone, which has been deemed safe and effective by the FDA since 2000. The proposed restrictions could end telemedicine access to mifepristone, affecting over 25% of abortion patients who use this method. The case could also impose a nationwide ban on mifepristone prescriptions via telemedicine, impacting over 60% of medication abortions in Washington state.
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Consolidated Food Supply Chains Linked to Worsening Cyclospora Outbreaks

Consolidated Food Supply Chains Linked to Worsening Cyclospora Outbreaks

The ongoing cyclospora outbreak in the U.S., which has affected thousands, is drawing attention to the centralized nature of the food supply chain. Experts suggest that the consolidation of food sourcing and distribution networks has turned isolated contamination events into widespread outbreaks. The cyclospora parasite's long incubation period and the challenges in tracking its path have exacerbated the situation. The FDA's investigation is focusing on shredded iceberg lettuce distributed by Taylor Farms, which reached multiple states. Experts argue that the industry's structure has amplified the outbreak's impact.
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FDA Retracts Cyclospora Test on Recalled Lettuce Amid Consumer Reports Criticism

FDA Retracts Cyclospora Test on Recalled Lettuce Amid Consumer Reports Criticism

The FDA has retracted its positive Cyclospora test on recalled lettuce, initially linked to a significant U.S. outbreak. The retraction follows a re-evaluation that deemed the test a false positive. Despite this, the recall remains in place due to epidemiological evidence connecting the lettuce to the outbreak. Consumer Reports criticized the recall notice for using internal abbreviations instead of full brand names, making it difficult for consumers to identify affected products. The recall involves products from Taylor Farms, including those sold under Walmart's Marketside brand. The outbreak has resulted in nearly 2,000 confirmed cases across nine states, with the CDC investigating additional cases.
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Nestle Advocates for Simpler U.S. Food Labels to Improve Consumer Perception

Nestle Advocates for Simpler U.S. Food Labels to Improve Consumer Perception

Nestle Advocates for Simpler U.S. Food Labels to Improve Consumer Perception
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President Trump's CDC and FDA Cuts Hinder Cyclospora Outbreak Response

President Trump's CDC and FDA Cuts Hinder Cyclospora Outbreak Response

A cyclospora outbreak has affected thousands across 41 states, causing severe gastrointestinal symptoms. The outbreak's containment efforts have been hampered by budget cuts to the CDC and FDA during President Trump's administration, which have reduced the agencies' capacity to respond effectively. The outbreak highlights the challenges faced by public health officials in managing foodborne illnesses amid resource constraints. The role of a specific food supplier in the outbreak is under investigation, and public health experts emphasize the need for improved food safety measures and public awareness.
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Michigan Lawmakers Demand Answers on Cyclospora Outbreak Amid Federal Inaction

Michigan Lawmakers Demand Answers on Cyclospora Outbreak Amid Federal Inaction

Several Michigan lawmakers, including Kristen McDonald Rivet, have expressed frustration over the lack of federal response to a Cyclospora outbreak affecting the state. The outbreak has resulted in over 9,000 cases in Michigan alone. Lawmakers have sent multiple letters to federal agencies, including the CDC and FDA, seeking clarity on the outbreak's scope and the federal response. They are particularly concerned about the reduction in FoodNet's surveillance capabilities, which they believe hampers effective outbreak management. Despite these efforts, the federal agencies have yet to provide satisfactory answers, leaving state officials and the public in the dark about the outbreak's source and containment measures.
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U.S. Retailers Halt Mexican Produce Imports Amid Cyclospora Outbreak Concerns

U.S. Retailers Halt Mexican Produce Imports Amid Cyclospora Outbreak Concerns

Several major U.S. retailers and restaurants have ceased sourcing produce from central Mexico due to a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms. The outbreak has resulted in 4,173 confirmed cases, with over 7,400 suspected cases, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb highlighted that the outbreak might be connected to other produce like parsley and cilantro from the same region. The FDA's investigation suggests potential contamination from raw sewage due to weather conditions, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Taylor Farms has voluntarily suspended production and removed potentially affected products from the market.
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Cyclospora Outbreak Prompts Shift in American Produce Consumption

Cyclospora Outbreak Prompts Shift in American Produce Consumption

A Cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce has led to a significant change in consumer behavior across the United States. According to a CBS News/YouGov survey, 40% of Americans are now buying or eating less fresh produce due to concerns over food safety. The outbreak, traced back to Taylor Farms' iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, has resulted in 1,947 illnesses across nine states, with 98 hospitalizations reported. Despite no confirmed positive tests for Cyclospora in Taylor Farms' products, the company has recalled all potentially affected lettuce and suspended production in the implicated region. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the situation, having recorded over 4,000 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1.
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FDA and USDA Face Challenges in Food Safety Amid Cyclospora Outbreaks

FDA and USDA Face Challenges in Food Safety Amid Cyclospora Outbreaks

The U.S. is experiencing significant challenges in food safety due to recent cyclospora outbreaks, which have sickened thousands across multiple states. The outbreaks have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the current food safety monitoring system, particularly the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet). Under President Trump's administration, there have been substantial cuts to public health funding, resulting in reduced staffing and resources for federal health agencies like the FDA and CDC. These cuts have led to a decrease in the number of food safety inspections and a reduction in the mandatory tracking of certain pathogens, including cyclospora and listeria. The changes have sparked criticism from food safety experts who warn that the lack of comprehensive surveillance could lead to more severe outbreaks in the future.