Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:
FDA Cracks Down on Vaping Influencers
In an attempt to rein in e-cigarette makers who hype their products through Internet “influencers,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has sent letters warning four companies.
The FDA, along with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, sent the letters to Solace Vapor, Hype City Vapors, Humble Juice Co. and Artist Liquid Lab, for not including a required notice that the these products contain addictive nicotine, the Associated Press reported.
These companies all use paid influencers to tout products that contain nicotine and flavors like Watermelon Patch and Strawberry Kiwi.
Companies have not responded to the AP‘s requests for comment, the news agency said.
The warning is part of the FDA’s worry about how to halt what they say is a epidemic of underage e-cigarette use.
The epidemic has been tied to an increase in online media promoting vaping, some of which is from companies, ad agencies and paid influencers.
The result of all this hype is a nearly 80% increase in vaping by teens last year. One in five high school students say they have used e-cigarettes in the past month, the AP reports.
Facebook currently doesn’t allow vaping ads — even with warnings. The FTC has been urging influencers to admit that they are being paid to endorse a product.
“It’s critical we ensure manufacturers, retailers and others are including the required health warning about nicotine’s addictive properties on packages and advertisements — especially on social media platforms popular with kids,” acting FDA Commissioner Ned Sharpless, said in a statement.
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Whole Foods Recalling Two Pesto Products
Whole Foods is recalling two pesto products because they contain ingredients not listed on the label, namely, milk, pine nuts and walnuts, the company said in a news release issued Thursday.
The recall is limited to 41 Whole Foods stores in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. The two products are Whole Foods made-in-house basil pesto and made-in-house sundried tomato pesto.
The voluntary recall is being done to prevent people allergic to these foods from having a potentially severe allergic reaction, which can be life-threatening. So far, one allergic reaction has been reported, the company said.
Whole Foods has taken these products off their shelves.
The products sold between May 17 and June 4, can be identified by the PLU code beginning with 255926 on the basil pesto label and by the PLU code beginning with 256009 on the sundried tomato pesto.
Whole Foods will refund the price of the pesto to customer who can show a valid receipt.
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