Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

From Shock to Strength: Thandi Montgomery’s Mission to Empower Young Women After Breast Cancer

Throughout her battle with breast cancer, Thandi Montgomery received unwavering support from her husband, Josh, and their entire family, ensuring she never faced the journey alone.

Editorial

Bags of Rice Recalled Over Possible Rodent Contamination, According to FDA

In a significant food safety alert, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a large-scale recall of thousands of bags of rice due to potential rodent contamination. This precautionary measure aims to protect consumers from potential health risks associated with contaminated food products.

The Recall Announcement

The recall was initiated after routine inspections and consumer complaints indicated the possibility of rodent activity in a specific batch of rice. The affected products were distributed nationwide and sold under various brand names in major retail stores. The FDA has advised consumers to check their rice packages for specific lot numbers and to return any affected products to the place of purchase for a full refund.


Health Risks

Rodent contamination in food products poses significant health risks. Rodents can carry various pathogens that may lead to serious illnesses in humans. Some of the common diseases associated with rodent contamination include:

  1. Salmonellosis: Caused by Salmonella bacteria, symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
  2. Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection that can cause flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, liver and kidney damage.
  3. Hantavirus: A severe respiratory disease that can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Contaminated food can also be a vector for allergens and toxins produced by rodents, leading to additional health concerns.

Response and Recommendations

The FDA has urged consumers to remain vigilant and to take the following steps:

  1. Check Lot Numbers: Verify the lot numbers on rice packaging against the recall list provided by the FDA.
  2. Return or Dispose: If you possess any of the recalled products, either return them to the store for a refund or safely dispose of them.
  3. Report Issues: If you experience any health issues after consuming the recalled rice, seek medical attention and report the incident to the FDA's consumer complaint system.

Retailers and distributors are also advised to remove the affected products from their shelves and ensure they are not sold to consumers.

Preventive Measures

To prevent such incidents in the future, the FDA and food manufacturers are implementing stricter quality control measures. These include:

  1. Enhanced Inspections: More frequent and thorough inspections of food processing and storage facilities.
  2. Improved Sanitation: Ensuring that facilities adhere to stringent sanitation protocols to deter rodent activity.
  3. Consumer Awareness: Increasing public awareness about food safety practices and encouraging consumers to report any suspicious products.

The recall of thousands of bags of rice over possible rodent contamination highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety. While the FDA's swift response aims to mitigate health risks, it also underscores the need for continuous vigilance and stringent quality control in the food supply chain. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed and proactive in protecting their health and safety.

References

  1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024). Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts. Retrieved from FDA website.
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Rodent Control. Retrieved from CDC website.
  3. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Diseases Spread by Rodents. Retrieved from Mayo Clinic website.

More Stories

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month Should Be Every Month

This article is dedicate in loving memory to my best friend Tonina O'Brien, who courageously fought cervical cancer for 2 years. You can read more about our journey in my story about being a caregiver.

January is cervical cancer awareness month, but it shouldn't stop there. When we think of cancer that primarily targets women, we think of breast cancer, however, there are numerous gynecological cancers that don't get the same amount of attention and research. Cervical cancer, which is a type of cancer in the lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina. One of the top causes of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection At one point, cervical cancer was the most common cancer deaths amongst women. Through years of research it was found with proper screening and prevention methods numbers have started to level out. When my best friend Nina found out she had cervical cancer I realized how common, yet unknown this form of cancer really was.

Keep ReadingShow less
Key December Health Awareness Days
Photo by John Price on Unsplash

Key December Health Awareness Days

As December begins, the holiday season brings festive preparations, family gatherings, and the joy of togetherness. Alongside the celebrations, December also highlights several important health awareness campaigns. From promoting proper handwashing and flu prevention to observing World AIDS Day and National Impaired Driving Awareness Month, this month focuses on both seasonal health concerns and broader wellness topics.


Keep ReadingShow less
Howl-idays Made Better: The Pawsitive Perks of Having Dogs

Howl-idays Made Better: The Pawsitive Perks of Having Dogs

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, it can also bring stress, loneliness, or a sense of disconnection for some. I personally rely on my dogs for support and comfort when things get tough. They give me love and cuddles when I need them most. For dog owners, the presence of their furry companions offers numerous physical, emotional, and social benefits that enhance the holiday experience.

1. Emotional Support and Stress Relief

Holidays can be hectic, with shopping, cooking, and hosting often creating a whirlwind of activity. Dogs have a proven ability to reduce stress and anxiety, thanks to their calming presence. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that interacting with dogs significantly lowers cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, and increases oxytocin, known as the "love hormone" that promotes feelings of happiness and connection .

Keep ReadingShow less
Are Neurodevelopmental conditions actually on the rise?
Photo by Hiki App on Unsplash

Are Neurodevelopmental conditions actually on the rise?

In recent decades, there has been a striking increase in diagnoses of neurodevelopmental conditions like autism, attention deficit disorder (ADD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We see more organizations to address these issues. We heard about it more in the news. People have theories about this being caused by the things we eat or, on the other side, that we are better at diagnosing diseases. This surge has sparked debates and curiosity: Are these conditions becoming more common, or is our understanding of the brain simply evolving? The answer, as it turns out, is a mix of both.

The Numbers at a Glance

  • Autism diagnoses in the United States have increased from 1 in 150 children in 2000 to 1 in 36 in 2023, according to the CDC.
  • ADHD diagnoses among children rose from 6.1% in 1997 to 10.2% in 2016, per the National Survey of Children's Health.
  • Similar trends have been observed for other conditions like ADD, dyslexia, and even sensory processing disorders.

This rise may seem alarming, but it's essential to examine the factors driving these numbers.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ms. Senior America 2025: Making a Difference, One Pair of Socks at a Time

Ms. Senior America 2025: Making a Difference, One Pair of Socks at a Time

Natalie Oliver Atherton, the newly crowned Ms. Senior America 2025, wears her title with purpose far beyond the glitter of a crown. At 63, the wife, mother, actress, and singer has chosen a platform with a profound yet simple mission: providing socks for the homeless.

Atherton’s advocacy is not just a new venture—it’s a continuation of her dedication to the cause. “I’ve been volunteering for the Sock it To Em Sock Campaign for four years, spearheading efforts to create a nationwide sock campaign,” she said. “Their mission is to ensure that homeless, unhoused, and underserved communities have brand-new socks on their feet.”

Keep ReadingShow less
×