Tuesday, June 21, 2016

FDA recalls some Nature Made vitamins

Pharmavite LLC is recalling some of their Nature Made products due to possible Salmonella or Staphylococcus aureus contamination.
The FDA issued the recall Wednesday and said they are working closely with Pharmavite. They are currently informing all of the company's retailers. 
Nature Made Adult Gummies Multi, Adult Gummies Multi + Omega-3, Adult Gummies Multi for Her plus Omega-3s and Super B Complex w with C and Folic Acid Tablets are affected by the recall.
Pharmavite believes the affected products are limited to specific lots. Lot numbers can be found on the back next to the expiration date. The recall was initiated after discovery that testing for Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus were not completed properly on these products.
http://www.newspressnow.com/news/local_news/article_b498ce69-108f-538f-af4c-c7d1396be56c.html

Monday, February 22, 2016

FDA highlights significant risks related to Essure birth control



The Food and Drug Administration added serious risks, patient information and physician information to the agency’s website related to Essure permanent birth control: 
From the FDA site: 

Essure is a permanent birth control method for women (female sterilization). Implantation of the Essure System does not require a surgical incision. In the procedure, a health care provider inserts flexible coils through the vagina and cervix and into the fallopian tubes – the tubes that carry the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Over a period of about three months, tissue forms around the inserts. The build-up of tissue creates a barrier that keeps sperm from reaching the eggs, thus preventing conception. Essure is considered a permanent form of birth control and therefore is not intended to be removed.
Over the past several years, the FDA has been examining the growing number of reports of harm with Essure. The adverse events reported associated with the use of the Essure System include persistent pain, perforation of the uterus and/or fallopian tubes, intra-abdominal or pelvic device migration, abnormal or irregular bleeding, and allergy or hypersensitivity reactions. Some women have had surgical procedures to remove the device. In addition, Essure System failure, and, in some cases, incomplete patient follow-up have resulted in unintended pregnancies.
The FDA convened a meeting of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Devices Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee on September 24, 2015, to hear expert scientific and clinical opinions as well as patients’ experiences regarding the benefits and risks of the Essure System. In addition, a public docket soliciting comments on the device remained open from July 22, 2015 until October 24, 2015. FDA received more than 2,800 comments in this docket and is reviewing each comment and the views and perspectives expressed.
The panel meeting and docket provide valuable information to inform the FDA’s decision-making processes, including the Agency’s consideration of potential risk mitigation strategies. This information is under careful review in FDA. We expect to complete our review and communicate publically about our next steps at the end of February 2016.

 http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/EssurePermanentBirthControl/default.htm

Petitioning The FDA For A Black Box Warning On Opioids and Benzos



Rhode Island health officials are calling on the Food and Drug Administration to warn consumers about the danger of combining prescription painkillers with anti-anxiety medications. That combination has fueled a rising number of accidental drug overdose deaths.
Read more here: http://ripr.org/post/petitioning-fda-black-box-warning-opioids-and-benzos

Monday, February 1, 2016

Lucy's Weight Loss System recalls dietary supplements

Lucy's Weight Loss System of Arlington, Texas, is recalling all lots of Pink Bikini and Shorts on the Beach Capsules in all colors, 30 count (750MG per capsule)

The products are tainted with Sibutramine, Phenolphthalein, and/or Diclofenac, active ingredients not declared on the label.

Sibutramine, an appetite suppressant, was withdrawn from the U.S. market in October 2010. Phenophthalein is not currently approved for marketing in the U.S. because of concerns of carcinogenicity. Use of Diclofenac in patients already taking NSAIDS, with allergies, with underlying illnesses or with recent cardiac bypass surgery, could lead to gastrointestinal disturbances, fatal heart attack or stroke.

https://cdanews.com/2016/01/lucys-weight-loss-system-recalls-pink-bikini-and-shorts-on-the-beach-diet-pills/

Isolux (Naples, FL) Gets a Warning Letter over its A/C Powered Illuminators

From the FDA Letter:

During an inspection of your establishment located in Naples, FLon November 4, 2015 through November 6, 2015, an investigator from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that your firm manufactures A/C Powered Illuminators. Under section 201(h) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act), [21 U.S.C. § 321(h)], these products are devices because they are intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or are intended to affect the structure or function of the body.
 
This inspection revealed that these devices are adulterated within the meaning of section 501(h) of the Act, [21 U.S.C. § 351(h)], in that the methods used in, or the facilities or controls used for, their manufacture, packing, storage, or installation are not in conformity with the Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) requirements of the Quality System (QS) regulation found at Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 820. 
 
These violations include, but are not limited to, the following:
 
1.      Failure to adequately establish procedures for corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) as required by 21 CFR 820.100(a). Specifically, your firm conducted CAPA activities related to spot uniformity and homogeneity of your fiber optic cable illumination and misalignment of your Isovu Headlight Camera System in March 2011. The records for these CAPAs did not include documentation related to your investigation into underlying causes and verification or validation of the corrective action. 
 
This is a continued observation from previous inspections of your firm in January 2010 and August 2005.
 
2.      Failure to adequately establish procedures to ensure that all purchased or otherwise received product and services conform to specified requirements as required by 21 CFR 820.50. Specifically, Section 4.2 of your Quality System Regulation Manual (QSRM) outlines your purchasing controls. Your firm did not implement these procedures to adequately qualify the new supplier of your fiber optic cables in 2011.  
 
This is a continued observation from previous inspections of your firm in January 2010 and August 2005.
 
3.      Failure to adequately establish procedures for acceptance of incoming product, as required by 21 CFR 820.80(b). Specifically, your firm relies on your suppliers’ Certificates of Analysis and a UL certification for incoming products. These activities do not ensure that these incoming products meet your product specifications.
 
4.      Failure to establish and maintain procedures for design change, as required by 21 CFR 820.30(i). Specifically, Section 2 of your QSRM outlines your firm’s procedures for design change. These procedures do not include requirements for the identification, documentation, validation or verification, and approval of design changes prior to implementation.
 
5.      Failure to establish and maintain a design history file (DHF) for each type of device, as required by 21 CFR 820.30(j). Specifically, your firm has not established a DHF for your 1180 XSB Xenon Light Source devices to demonstrate that the design was developed in accordance with an approved design plan. Additionally, a review of your DHF did not include documented evidence that the design was approved for transfer into production.
 
We acknowledge receipt of your response on December 1, 2015 concerning our investigator’s observations noted on the Form FDA 483 (FDA 483), Inspectional Observations, issued to your firm on November 6, 2015. Your response did not provide adequate supporting evidence that the referenced corrections and planned courses of action have been implemented. 
 
Your firm should take prompt action to correct the violations addressed in this letter.  Failure to promptly correct these violations may result in regulatory action being initiated by the FDA without further notice.  These actions include, but are not limited to, seizure, injunction, and civil money penalties.  Also, federal agencies may be advised of the issuance of Warning Letters about devices so that they may take this information into account when considering the award of contracts. Additionally, premarket approval applications for Class III devices to which the Quality System regulation violations are reasonably related will not be approved until the violations have been corrected.  Requests for Certificates to Foreign Governments will not be granted until the violations related to the subject devices have been corrected.

http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2016/ucm482382.htm

FDA Recalls Skinny Latina Million Dollar Marinade Over Undeclared Ingredient


New of a recent recall of Skinny Latina Million Dollar Marinade bottles from stores for containing undeclared soy. People who are allergic to soy should not consume the product.

The product is available in clear 12-ounce glass bottles with a label on the back stating when it is best consumed. All bottles with the label, “Best By 12-15-15” or earlier, are being recalled. The bottles did not include the corrected labels stating that these contain soy.
The recall was triggered by the discovery of soy in its gluten-free teriyaki sauce ingredient, without the packaging indicating its presence. It is important to note that Skinny Latina Foods Inc. voluntarily recalled the distributed products immediately after, the same press release states.
http://www.latinpost.com/articles/109995/20160120/fda-recalls-skinny-latina-million-dollar-marinade-over-undeclared-ingredient.htm

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

R Thomas Marketing recalls numerous dietary supplements



News of a recall of a group of products:

R Thomas Marketing is recalling all lots of the following products:
  • Black Ant: BIG BOX (20 small boxes / 4 capsules per box / 80 capsules total)
  • Herb Viagra: BIG BOX (20 small boxes / 4 capsules per box / 80 capsules)
  • Real Skill: BIG BOX (20 small boxes / 4 capsules per box / 80 capsules)
  • Stree Overlord: BIG BOX (20 small boxes / 4 capsules per box / 80 capsules)
  • Weekend Prince: BIG BOX (24 individual cards / 2 capsules per card / 48 capsules)
  • African Black Ant: BIG BOX (8 small boxes / 6 capsules per box / 48 capsules)
The products contain Sildenafil, a PDE-5 Inhibitor which is the active ingredient in an FDA-approved drug for erectile dysfunction (ED) making this tainted dietary supplement and unapproved drug. Sildenafil is not listed on the product labels.

Additionally, the company is recalling all lots of the following products, which came from the same vendors as the above-mentioned products, and may contain Sildenafil:
  • Bull: CASE (10 packs / 3 capsules per can / 30 capsules)
  • Bulls Genital: CASE (10 Cans / 10 capsules per can / 100 capsules)
  • Zhonghua Niu Bian: BIG BOX (6 small boxes / 6 capsules per box / 36 capsules)
  • African Superman: BIG BOX (6 small boxes / 8 capsules per box / 48 capsules)
  • Bigger Longer More Time More Sperms: BIG BOX (6 small boxes / 6 capsules per small box / 36 capsules)
  • Black Ant King: BIG BOX (10 capsules / can / 12 cans per box / 120 capsules)
  • Black Storm: SMALL BOX (6 capsules)
  • Germany Niubian: BIG BOX (10 small boxes / 24 capsules per box / 240 capsules)
  • Happy Passengers: BIG BOX (30 small boxes / 1 capsule per box / 30 capsules)
  • Plant Vigra: BIG BOX / (18 cans / 6 capsules per can / 108 capsules)
  • Hard Ten Days: BIG BOX (6 small boxes / 6 capsules per box / 36 capsules)
  • Man King: BIG BOX (8 small boxes / 5 capsules per box / 40 capsules)
  • Mojo Risen: BIG BOX (24 individual cards / 2 capsules per card/ 48 capsules)
  • Night Man: SMALL BOX (6 capsules)
  • Tiger King: BIG BOX (10 small bottles / 10 capsules per bottle / 100 capsules)
  • Samurai-X: BIG BOX (24 individually wrapped capsules)
  • Super Hard: BIG BOX (20 small boxes / 6 capsules per box / 120 capsules)
  • Zhen Gong: BIG BOX (16 small boxes / 2 capsules per box / 32 capsules)
The above products were marketed as dietary supplements for male sexual enhancement, and were sold from September 2013 to the present mainly sold through the following websites:
The company is notifying its customers by directly via email.

Customers who have any of these above mentioned products should stop using them and arrange for return of them to:

Attn: RECALL NOTICE
R Thomas Marketing LLC
20 Passaic St.
Trenton, NJ 08618

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Master Herbs Coughing Liquid Recalled



According to the FDA: Consumers using this product may not be aware they are ingesting morphine. The unaware ingestion of morphine can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression and death. Because the morphine contained in this product is not identified on the label there is a risk that patients who are hypersensitive to morphine could suffer severe allergic reactions. In addition young children with a respiratory illness are vulnerable to respiratory depression from opioids and should not be exposed to morphine in any event. To this date Master Herbs, Inc. is not aware of adverse events associated with use of the product.

From the FDA:


Pomona, CA, Master Herbs, Inc. is voluntarily recalling ALL LOTS of Licorice Coughing Liquid, cough syrup in 100 ml bottles to the consumer level. This product has been found to contain morphine, which is an opioid, and it is not declared on the label. Opioid is an ingredient of Compound Camphor. Compound Camphor is declared on the label of the product, but not its ingredients.
Consumers using this product may not be aware they are ingesting morphine. The unware ingestion of morphine can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression and death. Because the morphine contained in this product is not identified on the label there is a risk that patients who are hypersensitive to morphine could suffer severe allergic reactions. In addition young children with a respiratory illness are vulnerable to respiratory depression from opioids and should not be exposed to morphine in any event. To this date Master Herbs, Inc. is not aware of adverse events associated with use of the product.
The product is used for the temporary relief of cough due to cold, minor throat and bronchial irritations. The product can also be identified by the Chinese Product Name:Licorice Coughing Liquid The product was distributed to Chinese grocery stores in various cities in California, New Jersey, Hawaii, Illinois, Ohio and Nevada.
Master Herbs, Inc. is notifying its distributors and customers by phone or fax and is arranging for return of all recalled products. Consumers that have product which is being recalled should stop using the product and return it to place of purchase. Retailer and wholesalers should stop distributing the product, quarantine any remaining inventory and make arrangements to return the product.

Monday, January 25, 2016

More Cars Were Recalled Than Ever Before Last Year



The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today launched a new public awareness campaign called Safe Cars Save Lives that urges consumers to check for open recalls at least twice a year and to get their vehicles fixed as soon as parts are available. Last year, there were close to 900 recalls affecting 51 million vehicles nationwide. Every year, on average, 25 percent of recalled vehicles are left unrepaired.
“Recalls are a serious safety issue that should be promptly addressed,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “An informed consumer is one of our strongest allies in ensuring recalled vehicles are repaired. Do not wait to act if your car is under recall and the parts are available.”
The Safe Cars Save Lives campaign features online banner ads illustrating that safety should never take a back seat and that checking for a recall could help save a life. Consumers are urged to get into the habit of checking their vehicle identification number (VIN) twice a year at a minimum using NHTSA’s free VIN look up tool. To remember to check, NHTSA suggests timing it with day light savings – every November when setting clocks back and every March when setting clocks forward. If there is an open recall, the safety agency advises owners to contact their local dealer to schedule an appointment and bring their vehicle in for repair as soon as possible.
The recall awareness campaign also includes a suite of safety videos to help inform consumers on how to check their VINs, how recalls and investigations work, and information on what every car owner should know.
Safe Cars Save Lives is a critical effort for building public awareness of recalls and is the first national campaign aimed at empowering vehicle owners,” said NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind. “Millions of vehicles are recalled every year. Old, new, used or leased – one of those recalled vehicles could be yours. Check your VIN – Safe Cars Save Lives.”
On April 28, 2015, NHTSA convened a Retooling Recalls workshop comprised of leading transportation officials, automotive industry representatives, safety advocates and researchers to examine the reasons for low recall repair rates, and options for improving the process.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/nhtsa-launches-safe-cars-save-lives-campaign-01212015

EOS Lip Balm Injuries




News this week of the EOS Lip Balm being blamed for injuries. Based in New York, the company has made it's product a must have.

A consumer has claimed  that  EOS lip balm was used as directed, and and within hours she had  dry, course lips of a sandpaper quality. The consumer then developed was cracked edges before full-out “severe blistering and rashes.” 

EOS claims its lip balm is a natural, organic, gluten-free product.

We are investigating claims for similar injuries. mark(at)markzamora.com


Friday, January 22, 2016

VW Clean Diesel MDL: Judge Appoints Members of the Steering Committee for Plaintiffs


Last evening the Court in San Francisco appointed  lawyers to the PSC. Here is the Order:

http://www.slideshare.net/mzamoralaw/vw-clean-diesel-psc-appointments

First GM ignition Switch Lawsuit Dismissed



From Reuters:

The first federal trial over General Motors Co's massive ignition switch recall came to an early end on Friday as the parties said the case had been dismissed, in the wake of allegations that the plaintiff had given misleading testimony.
According to a filing in Manhattan federal court, the plaintiff Robert Scheuer agreed to voluntarily dismiss his claims against the automaker with prejudice. Scheuer agreed to take nothing on his claims, the filing showed.

Friday's filing came in the wake of allegations that the plaintiff had given misleading testimony about his physical and financial condition.
http://ca.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idCAKCN0V01LZ

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

FDA and Dietary Suppments: MusclePharm plans to fight class action


In December of 2015, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, Mason 
Dabish and Bill Bohr filed a class action lawsuit against MusclePharm Corp, accusing the company 
of breach of warranty, negligent misrepresentation and violations of California State Laws.

According to the plaintiffs, MusclePharm allegedly sells products containing newly formulated ingredients designed to increase effectiveness by fusing an amino or organic acid with a nitrate. 
The plaintiffs claim that MusclePharm promotes these ingredients as safe and advertises them as having addition benefits over products containing traditional compounds, but that the ingredients allegedly are not safe. 
 It is believed that the manufacturers of these products may be cheating the system by "spiking" their protein powders with synthetics and other substitutes. As a result, the products may not be living up to their advertised claims.

Protein spiking occurs when a company adds cheaper ingredients with high nitrogen levels to its protein powders and shakes. Because many protein tests use nitrogen levels as an indicator for grams of protein, the products test positive for high levels of protein – even though they don't actually have this much protein in them. Protein spiking is also known as amino acid spiking or nitrogen spiking. When products are “spiked” with synthetics or other substitutes, they may not contain the high-quality protein ingredients advertised on their labels or deliver on their promised benefits.

Read more here: 

Compounding pharmacy recalls medications

English: Logo of the .
English: Logo of the . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)



I'm a member of the seven lawyer Steering Committee in the tragedy involving New England Compounding Pharmacy based in Boston. Today there is more news about another compounder. 

 Abbott's Compounding Pharmacy in Berkeley, Calif., is voluntarily recalling all unexpired lots of sterile compounded products because of lack of sterility assurance. The compounded medications include injectable medications, sterile solutions, eye drops, and eye ointments. All recalled products were distributed to patients, physician offices and clinics, and veterinarians within California.
The recall was issued after a series of on-site inspections by FDA. “Out of an abundance of caution, Abbott's Compounding Pharmacy is voluntarily recalling all sterile compounded products within expiry.
s due to concerns of lack of sterility assurance. All unexpired lots are subject to the recall. These include injectable medications, sterile solutions, eye drops, and eye ointments. All recalled products were distributed to patients, physician offices and clinics, and veterinarians within California.

All recalled products have a label that includes the Abbott's Compounding Pharmacy name and expiration date. If unsure, Customers can call the pharmacy to determine the expiration date. This recall impacts all sterile products distributed between 01/01/2015 and 01/14/2016.
BACKGROUND: The recall was issued after a series of onsite inspections by the FDA. Out of an abundance of caution, Abbott's Compounding Pharmacy is voluntarily recalling all sterile compounded products within expiry. If there is microbial contamination in products intended to be sterile, patients are at risk for serious and potentially life-threatening infections. To date, Abbott's Compounding Pharmacy has not received any reports of any adverse effects or injuries, and the recalled products were distributed exclusively within the state of California directly from its Berkeley, California pharmacy location.

RECOMMENDATION: Customers that have recalled product should immediately stop using it and contact the pharmacy to arrange for the return of unused product. Customers should contact their physician or health care provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using these products.

Customers with questions regarding this recall can contact Abbott's Compounding Pharmacy by phone Monday thru Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm at (510) 548-8777, or email its media representative at tpark@capharmacylaw.com.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm482102.htm

Trader Joe's Recalls Cashews (Salmonella)




The company said it was informed by a supplier that Trader Joe's Raw Cashew Pieces -- marked with the code "BEST BEFORE 07.17.2016TF4" -- may be tainted. Trader Joe's has removed the line of cashews from its shelves and warned consumers who may have purchased Trader Joe's Raw Cashew Pieces with the specific lot code to not eat it and either throw it away or return it to the store for a refund.

    Here is the statement:

    To Our Valued Customers:
    We have been alerted by our supplier of Trader Joe’s Raw Cashew Pieces (barcode number 00505154) that there is a possibility that one specific lot with the following code may be contaminated with Salmonella:
    “BEST BEFORE 07.17.2016TF4”
    The product was distributed ONLY to Trader Joe’s stores in Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C. and Wisconsin.
    Out of an abundance of caution, all lots of Trader Joe’s Raw Cashew Pieces have been removed from store shelves and their sale has been suspended while we investigate this matter.
    No illnesses have been reported to date.
    If you purchased any Trader Joe’s Raw Cashew Pieces with the specified lot code, “BEST BEFORE 07.17.2016TF4,” please do not eat it. We urge you to discard the product or to return it to any Trader Joe’s for a full refund.
    If you have any questions, you may call Trader Joe’s Customer Relations at (626) 599-3817 [Monday through Friday, 6:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific Time] or send us an email here.

























    http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/19/health/trader-joes-cashews-recall/

    Tuesday, January 19, 2016

    Benicar Order #19



    Here's Order #19 in the Benicar Litigation:



    My law partner will be attending next week's hearing in the MDL:

    Find it here: https://shar.es/1hWdhD

    Tampa Bay Business Litigation: Servis1st Bank faces lawsuit over Tampa expansion (Centennial Bank)



    News of a lawsuit against an Alabama Bank:

    The complaint alleges that "ServisFirst and its current Tampa Bay senior executive, Bryant, have engaged in a pattern of actionable misconduct, by which Bryant and two other former executives of Centennial, have left their senior positions at Centennial in an orchestrated manner in order to directly compete with Centennial as new employees of ServisFirst."


    The lawsuit asks for damages from ServisFirst and from Bryant for interfering with employment agreements and for interfering with the prospective business advantage Centennial expected when it bought Bay Cities, one of the larger banks in the Tampa Bay area. Source below.


    Read more here: http://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/news/2016/01/14/servisfirst-faces-lawsuit-over-tampa-expansion.html

    A strong economy is hurting auto insurers?



    That title is not a misprint. Insurers want you to believe that, according to a recent article.  

    Most would conclude that as the auto industry boomed in 2015,breaking decades-old sales records, it would portend a positive trend for the auto-insurance industry. Not so. 
    According to the article 'Pure Premium Spread' - a measurement that looks at underlying profitability for the personal auto insurance industry, weakened to the lowest level in 15 years in the third quarter of 2015,says a Barclays analyst. 
    There are a few reasons for this drop-off, but they all boil down to one: The economy's stronger.
    The more vehicles on the road, the more likely there will be collisions. More wrecks, more insurance claims. More claims, less profit for insurance companies.

    Read the fascinating article here: 

    http://www.businessinsider.com/car-insurance-worst-time-in-15-years-2016-1

    Palm Beach County weight loss surgeon alelgedly linked to 4 deaths, dozens of injuries


    Kaycha and Steven are among nearly 20 patients from around the country said Mexican weight-loss surgeon Dr. Mario Almanza reduced them to a life of pain. A local station's report is at the link below. 
    Six months after these patients first shared their stories, Dr. Mario Almanza, who describes himself as the leading gastric sleeve surgeon in the world, is speaking about the criticism.







    Link: http://www.wptv.com/news/local-news/investigations/weight-loss-surgeon-linked-to-dozen-injuries-4-deaths-speaks-out

    Lawsuit: Tampa strip club Thee Dollhouse allegedly used models' photos without permission



    From TampaBay.com:

    Tampa strip club Thee Dollhouse used photos of professional models to drum up business without permission, according to a new lawsuit filed by three women, who say they don't want to be tied to a "salacious" industry.


    The lawsuit says the models, Ashley Ann Vickers of Manalapan, Jessica Hinton of Sherman Oaks, Calif., and Hillary Fisher Vinson of New York City, have successful modeling careers.
    They've built large followings on social media, been featured in ad campaigns, hosted TV shows and worked for organizations like NASCAR and the Memphis Grizzlies basketball team. Vinson, 34, says she was Miss Playboy Club of the year in 2011 and appeared in a Rascal Flatts music video. Hinton, 31, was Playboy's Playmate of the Month in July 2011.
    Being connected to Thee Dollhouse and "the salacious nature of the industry" could hurt their reputations, they say.
    The Hillsborough County Court records only show that summons was issued on 1/6/2016. Stay tuned. 



    http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/lawsuit-tampa-strip-club-thee-dollhouse-used-models-photos-without/2260819

    Friday, January 15, 2016

    Do sugar laden drinks for kids warrant warning labels?




    CNN ran this story:



    http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/14/health/warning-labels-sugary-drinks/ 


    Bills are under consideration in New York and California that would require sugar-sweetened beverages to feature health warning labels on their packaging, similar to tobacco warning labels in the United States and many other countries.


    Should the government regulate this, by requiring warning labels, or should the label more prominently list sugar/sweetener content?  Requiring warning labels is a bad idea. A terrible idea.  If adults are having trouble understanding the contents of a drink, that is one thing. Ask the industry to make sugar contents more pronounced. Let the private sector address it first. If it does not work, then public meetings to discuss. Legislation on it? No. 

    Thursday, January 7, 2016

    FDA recalls drug-tainted, weight-loss products La Trim Plus, Jenesis and Oasis

    Bee Extremely Amazed LLC, Jewett, OH is voluntarily recalling various products marketed for weight loss to the consumer level due to findings of undeclared drug ingredients including sibutramine and/or phenolphthalein.
    Sibutramine is an appetite suppressant that was withdrawn from the U.S. market in October 2010. Sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke. Phenolphthalein is an ingredient previously used in over-the-counter laxatives, but because of concerns of carcinogenicity, it is not currently approved for marketing in the United States. Health risks associated with phenolphthalein could include potentially serious gastrointestinal disturbances, irregular heartbeat, and cancer with long-term use. These undeclared ingredients make these products unapproved new drugs for which safety and efficacy have not been established. These products may also interact in life-threatening ways with other medications a consumer may be taking. To date, Bee Extremely Amazed is not aware of any adverse event reports related to these products.
    All lots of the following products marketed for weight loss are being recalled:
    • Asset Bold Manufactured for Asset Descor 500 mg 60 capsules per bottle-color-red
    • Asset Extreme Plus Manufactured for Asset Descor 500 mg 30 capsules per bottle-color-red and yellow
    • Evolve Manufactured for 2637 E. Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach, Florida 33062 250 mg per capsule 60 capsules per bottle-color-green and white
    • Infinity Manufactured for Floyd Nutrition 500 mg 30 capsules per bottle-color-red
    • Jenesis Manufactured for Timeless Solutions 1810 E. Sahara Ave #100 Las Vegas, Nevada 89104 350 mg per capsule 60 capsules per bottle-color-blue
    • La Trim Plus Manufactured for: MWN Health 37 N Orange Ave Suite 500 Orlando, FL 32801 (407) 930-4043 350 mg 60 Capsules
    • Oasis Manufactured for MWN Health 37 N. Orange Ave Suite 500 Orlando, Fl, 32801 500 mg per capsule, 45 capsules per bottle-color-red
    • Prime Manufactured for Zagonfly 3129 25th St #392 Columbus, Indiana 47203 500 mg per capsule, 60 capsules per bottle-color-red
    • SlimeX-15 Manufactured in India by: HAB Pharmaceuticals & Research Limited 10-Pharma City, SIDCU?L, Selaqui, Dehradun, 248 197 15 mg 30 capsules per bottle–color-orange
    • Slim Trim U Manufactured for Floyd Nutrition 250 mg 60 capsules per bottle-color-green and white
    • Ultimate Formula Manufactured for Zi Xiu Tang 250 mg 48 capsules per bottle-color-green and white
    • Xcel Manufactured for JNS Health 60 capsules per bottle-color-silver
    • Xcel Advanced Manufactured for JNS Health 350 mg 60 capsules per bottle-color-gold
    • Zi Xiu Tang 250 mg 60 capsules per bottle-color-green and white
    The affected products were sold nationwide between 4/29/2014 – 12/17/2015 via distribution/resale via the U.S. Postal service with the return addressee referenced as Bee Extremely Amazed, LLC or through any association with the email addresssales@beeextremelyamazed.com and websites www.beeextremelyamazed.comdisclaimer iconwww.beefitamy.comdisclaimer iconwww.slimtrim.dietdisclaimer iconwww.Storeenvy.comdisclaimer icon.
    Bee Extremely Amazed LLC is notifying its customers to stop using these products immediately and dispose of or return all recalled products to Bee Extremely Amazed 85205 Sportsmans Club Road Jewett Ohio 43986.
    Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Bee Extremely Amazed by email to sales@beeextremelyamazed.com or 1-844-427-6553 Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm EST. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have any health questions or have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this product.
    Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.
    This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the US Food and Drug Administration.

    http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/30833351/fda-recalls-drug-tainted-weight-loss-products