FDA NEWS

The Hartz Mountain Corporation Voluntarily Recalls One Specific Lot of Nationwide Chicken-Basted Rawhide Chips Because of Possible Health Risk (October 20)
The Hartz Mountain Corporation, Secaucus, NJ is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of Hartz Chicken-Basted Rawhide Chips due to concerns that one or more bags within the lot are potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Hartz is fully cooperating with the US Food and Drug Administration in this voluntary recall.

Drug Shortages: Current Drug Shortages; Ultra-TechneKow DTE (Technetium Tc 99m Generator) NDA 17-243 (updated)
Updated letter on this current drug shortage

Thoratec Corporation Issues Worldwide Medical Device Correction of HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist System (October 24)
Thoratec Corporation is initiating a worldwide medical device correction of all serial numbers of the HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist Systems (HM II LVAS) having Catalogue No. 1355 or 102139, which have been distributed since the beginning of clinical studies in November 2003. Over time, wear and fatigue of the percutaneous lead connecting the HeartMate II LVAS blood pump with the System Controller may result in damage that could interrupt pump function, require reoperation to replace the pump and potentially result in serious injury or death.

FDA Reports Nationwide Recall of Mislabeled ReliOn Insulin Syringes (November 5)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is notifying health care professionals and patients that Tyco Healthcare Group LP (Covidien) is recalling one lot of ReliOn sterile, single-use, disposable, hypodermic syringes with permanently affixed hypodermic needles due to possible mislabeling. The use of these syringes may lead to patients receiving an overdose of as much as 2.5 times the intended dose, which may lead to hypoglycemia, serious health consequences, and even death.

Addressing Questions About Gardasil
FDA addresses the safety of Gardasil, a vaccine that prevents infection with types of human papillomavirus (HPV)

Harry and David Issues Nationwide Allergy Alert on Undeclared Pecans in Harry and David Moose Munch Confection, Milk Chocolate Gingerbread (October 22)
Harry and David, of Medford, Oregon, is voluntarily recalling approximately 400 1 lb. 4 oz. boxes labeled Harry and David Moose Munch Confection, Milk Chocolate Gingerbread because the package may contain a different Moose Munch product which contains pecans not declared on the ingredient statement. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to pecans run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

Improper Use of Decorative Contacts May Haunt You
Halloween is a good time to remind people that improper use of non-prescription decorative contact lenses may harm your vision

Outsmarting Poison Ivy and Other Poisonous Plants
Poison ivy and other poisonous plants are a hazard all year round. Here are tips for preventing and treating the itchy rash and blisters.

Barry Callebaut USA LLC Issues Allergen Alert on Undeclared Milk Protein in Kroger Value Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips (October 10)
Barry Callebaut USA LLC is conducting a voluntary recall on its product sold by Kroger Stores under the brand "Kroger Value Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips", 12 oz., UPC Code is 11110–86603 and "sell by" date May 30, 2010, as the product may contain undeclared milk protein. The "sell by" date is found printed in black on the end of the bag. People with allergies or severe sensitivity to milk protein may be at risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.