FDA: Whole Genome Sequencing: Cracking the Genetic Code for Foodborne Illness
A person commits a crime, and the detective uses DNA evidence collected from the crime scene to track the criminal down. An outbreak of foodborne illness makes people sick, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses DNA evidence to track down the bacteria that caused it. Sound far-fetched? It’s not. The FDA has […]
CDC: Tips for Maintaining Healthy Weight
KEY POINTS Why it’s important Managing your weight contributes to good health now and as you age. In contrast, obesity can lead to serious health problems including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Food and nutrition Counting calories all the time is not necessary, but it may help to know how […]
FDA: Your Animal Is Sick. Was It Something They Ate?
Your family’s beloved pet has gotten sick, and you and your veterinarian are working together to find the cause. While there are many potential causes, one possibility you may discuss with your veterinarian is whether the illness could be linked to your pet’s food. Vet-LIRN (Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network), a program from the […]
CDC: How Food Irradiation Works
KEY POINTS Overview Food irradiation is a food safety process that uses radiation to kill germs that cause food poisoning (foodborne illness). Food irradiation is safe, and its safety and efficacy have been endorsed by federal agencies and intergovernmental organizations. How it works Food irradiation works by exposing food to ionizing electromagnetic (gamma or x-ray) radiation. Food […]
FDA: Allergens in Cosmetics
Cosmetic products (such as soaps, lotions, face and eye make up, fragrances, etc.) can provoke allergic reactions in some people. Many people suffer from allergies and anyone at any age can develop allergies. Allergic reactions are the immune system’s overreaction to substances that may otherwise be harmless. An allergen can trigger the immune system to […]
CDC: Ultraviolet Radiation
AT A GLANCE Taking steps to protect yourself from the sun is important. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to serious health issues, including cancer. Protect yourself and others from the sun with shade, a shirt, or sunscreen (SPF 15+) all year long. UV radiation Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of non-ionizing radiation that is […]
FDA: Updates on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a disease that is highly contagious and often deadly in poultry, caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5) and A (H7) viruses; it is also known as bird or avian flu. HPAI viruses can be transmitted by wild birds to domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. […]
CDC: What You Should Know About Xylazine
WHAT TO KNOW Xylazine A tranquilizer called xylazine, a non-opioid sedative, is increasingly being found in the US illegal drug supply and linked to overdose deaths. Xylazine—which is not approved for use in people and can slow down the brain and breathing, make the heart beat slower, and lower blood pressure in people, is especially dangerous […]
FDA: Egg Safety
Fresh eggs, even those with clean, uncracked shells, may contain bacteria called Salmonella that can cause foodborne illness, often called “food poisoning.” FDA has put regulations in place to help prevent contamination of eggs on the farm and during shipping and storage, but consumers also play a key role in preventing illness linked to eggs. Protect yourself […]
CDC: About Prescription Opioids
WHAT TO KNOW What are prescription opioids? Opioids are natural or synthetic chemicals that bind to receptors in your brain or body to reduce the intensity of pain signals reaching the brain. Doctors sometimes prescribe opioid medications to manage and treat moderate-to-severe pain. Common prescription opioid drugs include: Prescription opioids for pain management Prescription opioids […]