FDA Uncovers 72 Tainted Weight Loss Products

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expanding, for the second time, its nationwide alert to consumers about tainted weight loss products containing undeclared, active pharmaceutical ingredients.

The FDA has identified additional weight loss products (Herbal Xenicol, Slimbionic, and Xsvelten) and new undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients (fenproporex, fluoxetine, furosemide, and cetilistat). The current list now includes 72 products.

For full details of this FDA Press Release, including a list of the products, please visit:
Tainted Weight Loss Products FDA Press Release

“These tainted weight loss products pose a great risk to public health because they contain undeclared ingredients and, in some cases, contain prescription drugs in amounts that greatly exceed maximum recommended dosages,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Consumers have no way of knowing that these products contain dangerous drugs that could cause serious consequences to their health.”

On Dec. 22, 2008, the FDA warned consumers not to purchase or consume 28 different products marketed for weight loss. On Jan. 8, 2009, the FDA expanded the list of tainted weight loss products to include 41 additional tainted products. The FDA will continue to update this list as warranted.

The products listed above, some of which are marketed as dietary supplements, are promoted and sold on various Web sites and in some retail stores and beauty salons. Some of the products claim to be “natural” or to contain only “herbal” ingredients, but actually contain potentially harmful ingredients not listed on the products’ labels or in promotional advertisements. These products have not been approved by the FDA, are illegal, and include the following undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients:

• sibutramine (an appetite suppressant available by prescription only and a controlled substance)
• fenproporex – a controlled substance not approved for marketing in the United States;
• fluoxetine – an antidepressant available by prescription only;
• bumetanide – a potent diuretic available by prescription only;
• furosemide – a potent diuretic available by prescription only;
• rimonabant – a drug not approved for marketing in the United States;
• cetilistat – an experimental obesity drug not approved for marketing in the United States;
• phenytoin – an anti-seizure medication available by prescription only; and
• phenolphthalein – a solution used in chemical experiments and a suspected cancer-causing agent that is not approved for marketing in the United States.

The FDA has inspected a number of companies associated with the sale of these illegal products and is currently seeking product recalls. Based on the FDA’s inspections and the companies’ inadequate responses to recall requests, the FDA may take additional enforcement steps, such as issuing warning letters or initiating seizures, injunctions, or criminal charges.

Source: Food and Drug Administration, US Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW01977.html

Organic Baby Food

During the first year of a baby’s life, their weight triples. The baby’s developing organs are unable to deal with pesticide residues and chemical additives in food so it is important that the baby gets the most nutritious healthy food possible. Start them off on the right path.

A child learns their eating habit when they are young. By preparing organic food for them while still a baby, and continuing the healthy meals as they grow up, you are giving them very good building blocks for their future food decisions. Lead by example.

It is recommended that babies start being gradually weaned from breast milk to solid food at six months. There is a long standing debate as to whether the introduction of solid food earlier than six months of age raise the risk of food allergies developing. Introducing solid food to them at that time avoids any risk of development of food allergies. A number of manufactured baby foods are labeled for babies aged 4-6 months. Rely on your conversations with the pediatrician to determine when it is best for your baby to be introduced to solid food.

When you start preparing organic baby food, use simple recipes and prepare puree for baby’s under 9 months. From 9 months to 1 year old, the baby can be fed the same organic fruits and vegetables you feed the rest of your family.

We hope that the tips below will help you as you enter the world of organic baby food.

Do not use sugar, honey or salt to season organic baby food

Any baby food that has been heated and not eaten, is a health risk if reheated. Throw it away!

Make sure that you sterilize the baby’s cups, bowls and utenziles until they are 6 months old. Washing your hands before and after touching raw and cooked food. It is so important that all preparation surfaces be kept absolutely clean.

Save time by making organic baby food, suitable for freezing, in batches. Freeze them in ice cube trays for portion sized servings. (some aren’t and have to be made in tiny quantities to use immediately).

Freezer guidelines
· Fruit and vegetable purees with added milk, yogurt: up to 2 months
· Purees of fish, chicken or meat: up to 3 months
· Plain fruit and vegetable purees: up to 6 months

Foods not suitable for freezing:
· Banana
· Avocado
· Melon
· Mango
· Pear

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