Beware & Protect Yourself 02 (Jan 09 - Aug 10)

[winston]

Mouthwash

..alcohol is the root of the problem.

Researchers from two Australian dental schools reviewed a variety of research projects that investigated the effects of alcohol on oral health. One of those sources included more than 3,200 subjects in a trial that indicated daily mouthwash use might be a significant risk factor for head and neck cancer.

The Australian study concluded: "There is now sufficient evidence to accept the proposition that alcohol-containing mouthwashes contribute to the increased risk of development of oral cancer."

The study notes that several popular mouthwash brands actually have higher alcohol content than beer or wine. The other obvious difference is that beverages are swallowed, but mouthwash is swished throughout the mouth. Lead researcher, Prof. Michael McCullough told The Daily Telegraph that when alcohol permeates the oral cavity, a toxic metabolite called acetaldehyde can accumulate.

Acetaldehyde is the component of alcohol that makes you feel ill after having too much to drink. And far worse, the Environmental Protection Agency has concluded that acetaldehyde is a "probable human carcinogen."

Prof. McCullough's review shows that cigarette smokers who use an alcohol mouthwash daily may have as much as nine times greater risk of oral cancer compared to those who don't use mouthwash. Alcohol drinkers who use alcohol mouthwash daily may also be at considerably greater risk.

Prof. McCullough recommends that alcohol mouthwash should not be used on a regular basis.


Source: ETR

[winston]

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AP IMPACT: Toxic Metal in Kids' Jewelry From China
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Barred from using lead in children's jewelry because of its toxicity, some Chinese manufacturers have been substituting the more dangerous heavy metal cadmium in sparkling charm bracelets and shiny pendants being sold throughout the United States, an Associated Press investigation shows.

AP: Feds probe cadmium in kids' jewelry from China

AP INVESTIGATION: Tests reveal toxic cadmium in kids' jewelry from China; US to investigate

JUSTIN PRITCHARD
AP News


Moving swiftly, U.S. product safety authorities say they are launching an investigation into the presence of the toxic metal cadmium in children's jewelry imported from China after disclosure of lab tests showing that some pieces consisted primarily of the dangerous substance.

The promise to "take action as quickly as possible to protect the safety of children" followed by hours the release Sunday of an Associated Press investigative report that documented how some Chinese manufacturers have been substituting cadmium for lead in cheap charm bracelets and pendants being sold throughout the United States.

The most contaminated piece analyzed in lab testing performed for the AP contained a startling 91 percent cadmium by weight. The cadmium content of other contaminated trinkets, all purchased at national and regional chains or franchises, tested at 89 percent, 86 percent and 84 percent by weight. The testing also showed that some items easily shed the heavy metal, raising additional concerns about the levels of exposure to children.

Cadmium is a known carcinogen. Like lead, it can hinder brain development in the very young, according to recent research.

Children don't have to swallow an item to be exposed — they can get persistent, low-level doses by regularly sucking or biting jewelry with a high cadmium content.

Some of the most troubling test results were for bracelet charms sold at Walmart, at the jewelry chain Claire's and at a dollar store. High amounts of cadmium also were detected in "The Princess and The Frog" movie-themed pendants.

Jewelry industry veterans in China say cadmium has been used in domestic products there for years. Zinc, the metal most cited as a replacement for lead in imported jewelry being sold in the United States, is a much safer and nontoxic alternative. But the jewelry tests conducted for AP, along with test findings showing a growing presence of cadmium in other children's products, demonstrate that the safety threat from cadmium is being exported.

"It comes down to the following: Cadmium causes cancer. How much cadmium do you want your child eating?" said Michael R. Harbut, a doctor who has treated adult victims of cadmium poisoning and is director of the environmental cancer program at the Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit. "In my view, the answer should be none."

Source: AP

[winston]

Johnson & Johnson expands Tylenol recall

Johnson & Johnson recalls more Tylenol lots and some Motrin caplets due to moldy odor

Johnson & Johnson expanded a recall of over-the-counter medications Friday, the second time it has done so in less than a month because of a moldy smell that has made users sick.

The broadening recall now includes some batches of Tylenol caplets, geltabs, arthritis treatments, rapid release, and extended relief Tylenol, as well as Motrin IB, chewable extra strength Rolaids, Benadryl allergy tablets, and St. Joseph aspirin.

Almost three weeks ago, the company's McNeil Consumer Healthcare Products broadened its recall to include Tylenol Arthritis Caplets.

McNeil said the larger recall includes product lots that could be affected by the same problems of nausea even though it has not received any reports from consumers.

The latest recall applies to products sold in the Americas, the United Arab Emirates, and Fiji.

Johnson & Johnson recalled some Tylenol Arthritis Caplets in November and December due to the smell, which caused nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea.

Johnson & Johnson says the smell is caused by small amounts of a chemical associated with the treatment of wooden pallets.

The New Brunswick, N.J., company said it is investigating the issue and will stop shipping products with the same materials on wooden pallets. It has asked suppliers to do so as well.

The company said it is working with the Food and Drug Administration.

Source: AP News

[winston]

by millionairemind » Wed Jan 20, 2010 6:12 pm

Got this from a friend.

RECALL OF NEW MOON BRAND PREMIUM ABALONE BROTH (CONCENTRATED)

Goh Joo Hin Pte Ltd, importer of the New Moon Brand Premium Abalone Broth (Concentrated) (400 g can, product of Thailand) has received feedback that the product has a bad smell after the can is opened.

AVA is investigating the cause of the problem. In the meantime, the company will be recalling the product as a precautionary measure.

2 Details of the affected product are described below:
Brand Name: New Moon
Product Description: Premium Abalone Broth (Concentrated)
Packing Size: 400 g can
Country of Origin Thailand
Identification Code:
SPF PRO: 10/10/2008
ABB EXP: 09/10/2011

3 As a precautionary measure, AVA advises consumers who have bought the implicated product not to consume them.

Issued by Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority on 16 January 2009

[winston]

by iam802 » Thu Jan 21, 2010 11:31 am

Watch the drugs companies...

S Korea closes 5 markets over foot-and-mouth disease

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2010 ... 300465.htm

SEOUL: Five cattle markets in South Korea on Monday decided to close indefinitely following the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the country, local media said.

In a move to prevent further spread of the contagion, Hoengseong County, located in the Gangwon Province, said it is closing its renowned Hoengseong cattle market indefinitely as well as its calf auction market, following the same move by four other cattle markets in the region.

The foot-and-mouth disease has re-occurred in South Korea Thursday in the northern city of Pocheon, the first case of disease reported in eight years.

The foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious disease that could fatally harm livestock including cattle, pigs, deer, and sheep, which could cause a drop in the country's dairy exports.

[winston]

Hong Kong: Medicine found to have exceeded heavy metal limit
in Indian Press Release, Web News Wire

The Department of Health (DH) today (January 22) urged members of the public not to buy or use a medicine named Bao Shu Tang Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan, as it was found to have exceeded heavy metal limit.

The appeal was made in view of the laboratory findings about maximum permitted level of lead in the product being exceeded. The product was found during DHs market surveillance exercise.

A spokesman for the department said, chronic exposure to lead may lead to anaemia, joint and muscle pain, brain and kidney damage.

DH had initiated investigation and inspected the wholesaler Hong Kong Wah Sheng Medical Limited today and instructed the wholesaler to recall the medicine from the market.

The wholesaler has set up a hotline 2548 3811 to answer public enquiries about recall arrangement.

Hong Kong Wah Sheng Medical Limited has earlier submitted an application for proprietary Chinese medicine registration to Chinese Medicines Board (CMB) of the Chinese Medicine Council regarding Bao Shu Tang Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan. The application will be considered with the recent laboratory finding in the coming CMB meeting in February.

The spokesman urged members of the public who have used Bao Shu Tang Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan to stop taking it immediately and seek advice from healthcare professionals if they feel unwell.

They should submit the medicine to the DHs Chinese Medicines Section on the second floor, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon during office hours, or destroy them before disposal.

http://aggregator.in/2010/hong-kong-med ... hoto-9888/

[winston]

Recall issued for tainted Japanese noodles By JAY ALABASTER

TOKYO — One of Japan's largest instant noodle makers said Friday it was issuing a nationwide recall after a woman grew sick when she ate a cup of noodles that was later found to be tainted with an insecticide.

Nissin Food Products, Co., which makes the Cup Noodle brand instant noodles, said it was recalling the products and advised customers not to eat noodles that had an odd smell or damaged packaging. The recall only applies to the Cup Noodle brand instant noodles in Japan.

The recall covers 500,000 cups of instant noodles, according to Japanese media reports.

It is the latest case of tainted food to strike Asia in recent months. The industrial chemical melamine was found in a host of Chinese-made milk products in September, prompting a string of recalls in dozens of countries.

The recalled noodles are a cheap and common snack in Japan and are manufactured in the country.

Nissin president Susumu Nakagawa said the noodles could not have been contaminated at his company's factories.

"We have confirmed that the chemical is not and has not ever been used in this product," he told reporters at a press conference late Thursday.

Earlier Thursday, city officials in Fujisawa, about 25 miles southwest of Tokyo, said a woman had grown sick and vomited after eating Nissin Cup Noodles she bought at a local supermarket earlier in the week. The noodles were found to be contaminated with paradichlorobenzene, a chemical used in bug repellent.

On Friday, the Japanese Consumers' Co-operative Union, which runs a chain of cooperative supermarkets, said it had found the chemical in several varieties of Cup Noodle made by Nissin and was pulling the products from its stores.

This year, Japan has been hit by several high-profile incidents involving tainted food, including rice and soybeans, and Tokyo is considering creating a new, specialized agency to monitor food and product safety.

Nissin launched the world's first instant noodles, a chicken ramen product, in 1958, according to its Web site.

The Associated Press

http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Oct24/ ... %2C00.html

[Musicwhiz]

Another case - don't people ever learn??

Jan 31, 2010
8,000 fall for get-rich scam in Malaysia
They invested in firm that claimed to be a junket operator and offered 500% returns

George Town - About 8,000 people across Malaysia have fallen prey to a get-rich-quick scam that promised returns of as much as 500 per cent on their investments.

They suffered losses of millions of ringgit after investing in a company which convinced them that it was a profit-making junket operator.

Junket operators are middlemen who, for a fee, bring in high rollers from all over the world to casinos' VIP tables. The company claimed it was also paid commissions each time the high rollers bought chips to gamble.

Up to 30 per cent of the commissions was to be shared among the investors, according to two victims who claimed they were cheated of about RM4.5 million (S$1.8 million) by the company.

Former manufacturing manager R. Prakash, 46, who lost about RM3 million, said that in the beginning the company paid investors the returns as promised.

This prompted him to increase his investment amount and persuade his friends to join the scheme, he said at a press conference at the Consumers Association of Penang office here last Friday.

'Everything seemed genuine and I even went on 10 free trips to Macau from the time I joined in December 2008 to September last year. Everything was complimentary, from the food to the lodging.

'I also received gifts such as Rolex watches, diamond rings and bracelets as inducements to make me invest even more,' he said.

Mr Prakash said the nightmare for investors began when they were told the company had been taken over by another person who refused to return their investments, which ranged from RM100,000 to almost RM5 million.

'Some investors met the new company owner but he just kept giving them excuses,' he said, adding that many investors were too embarrassed to lodge police reports.

Another investor, businessman M. Shankar Ganesh, 34, said he checked with the Bukit Aman police and found that several hundred police reports had been lodged all over Malaysia against the company.

The businessman from Perak said he lost RM1.4 million to the scheme.

Penang police said the mastermind behind the scam is believed to be a man in his 30s. The man, who is from Penang, is reported to have absconded to China.

Earlier this month, some 3,000 people were believed to have suffered losses of more than RM30 million after investing in an earthworm farming project to produce organic fertiliser.

A company had promised them yearly returns of more than 100 per cent on their investments.

More than 200 investors staged a peaceful demonstration outside the company premises in Jalan Lunas in Kulim, Kedah on Jan 10.

One affected investor was Mr Shahibul Hidaya Haliman, 56, from Penang. He said he had put in RM5,000 last August after being promised a monthly return of RM833.80 for a year.

'I went back to the company after the returns were not banked in as promised. They told me that there were some problems but assured me the money would be banked in soon. Until now, I have not received anything,' he said.

Mr K. Jayakumar, 42, said he had gone to the company in June last year with a group of friends and invested a total of RM500,000.

'I managed to get back about 30 per cent of my investment while some of my friends did not get anything. I also received a cheque for RM11,000 which bounced,' he said.

The Star/Asia News Network
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small consolation

'I managed to get back about 30 per cent of my investment while some of my friends did not get anything. I also received a cheque for RM11,000 which bounced.'

MR K. JAYAKUMAR, a victim

[Cheng]

Another case - don't people ever learn??

Greed and ignorance will always be there.

[millionairemind]

Singapore's own Central Park jogger
Feb 3, 2010
Woman stabbed in Yishun
By Lim Wei Chean

A WOMAN in her mid-20s was stabbed in Yishun yesterday morning. She was believed to have been out jogging when she was attacked.

A police spokesman said the incident occurred at 11.20am in Yishun Avenue 9, just in front of the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) campus.

The victim sustained injuries to her upper body and was sent to Tan Tock Seng Hospital for treatment. Her condition is serious but stable, the spokesman said.

The woman was believed to have been jogging along a part of the Khatib Bongsu park connector trail at the time of the attack.

A 20-year-old ITE student, who wanted to be known only as Yusof, said he saw paramedics attending to the injured woman, who was bleeding profusely when he came out of the school at around noon during his lunch break.

She was dressed in jogging attire, he said, but he did not know what had caused her injuries at the time.