Alternative Medicines 'Should Be Evaluated'

The effectiveness of alternative therapies should be examined by medical watchdogs to see if they could save the NHS millions of pounds, according to a leading doctor.

Professor Linda Franck and colleagues say demand for complementary medicine is high despite limited evidence of its effectiveness and want the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), which conducts cost analyses for conventional medicines, to assess the value of these controversial therapies.

NICE, set up as an independent body by the Government in 1999 to get the best from NHS resources, examines the value of treatments and decides whether they should be used in the NHS.

Prof Franck, of University College London Institute of Child Health, said:
‘Complementary therapies are widely used by the public. Around half of general practitioners provide access to complementary medicine, and two thirds of Scottish general practitioners prescribe herbal or homoeopathic medicines.

‘However, NICE has not been asked to develop guidance on these therapies. Given the high public interest in complementary medicine, we find this surprising.’

She said some people within conventional medicine remain deeply convinced that alternative medicine cannot have any possible benefit, but this is 'all the more reason these therapies should be rigorously evaluated’.

The researchers, writing in the British Medical Journal, believe failure to evaluate complementary therapies also leads to health inequalities because of uneven access and missed opportunities.

Prof Franck said: ‘There are several possible explanations for the lack of investigation. The first is that complementary therapies are not relevant to NHS priorities of reducing health inequalities, promoting health and well-being, patient choice, and patient involvement.

‘A second reason is that there are not always adequate methods for evaluating these therapies with the same rigour as applied to conventional medicine. Some therapies, such as herbal, nutritional, or homoeopathic remedies, can be evaluated in standard double blind randomised placebo controlled trials.

‘For other therapies that are heavily dependent on the individual therapist, double blinding may be impossible. However, these research design problems are no different from those for conventional therapies such as surgery.’

‘A third reason NICE may not have been commissioned to evaluate complementary therapies is there is insufficient evidence with which to develop guidelines.’

But as complementary therapies are often relatively cheap, if shown to be effective they could save money currently spent on costly drugs.

Prof Franck added: ‘Applying the same standards as we apply to conventional medicine, we simply need to ask is it safe, is it effective in relieving symptoms compared with no treatment, how effective is it (the number needed to treat), how much does it cost, and is it affordable (quality adjusted life years)?

‘Complementary and alternative therapies deserve a full evaluation from NICE and, if the evaluation is favourable, they should be adopted either on their own or integrated with conventional medicine.’

Herbal Remedy Clinic Opens in Worcester

A natural medicine clinic offering a range of consultations has opened in a new Worcester shop.

Following the recent opening of Culpeper in CrownGate Shopping Centre, the store has now opened its new treatment centre offering services such as dietary, nutritional and supplement advice, food allergy testing, aromatherapy, sports massage, reflexology and homoeopathy.

A natural health practitioner is on hand to provide an in-depth health overview, looking at the client's past and present health, their diet and lifestyle and the daily stresses in their lives.

A recommended course of treatment will then be offered including natural health supplements, dietary, lifestyle adjustments or specific treatments to bring balance back to the patient's life and health.

In addition to the treatments offered, the clinic will also be running talks and courses on a variety of subjects such as aromatherapy and herbs.

Elaine Rasmussen, natural health practitioner at Culpeper, said: ‘The store comes to Worcester city centre bringing with it a reputation for quality essential oils, authentic herbal creams and lotions.

‘We also bring our medicinal herbs and remedies combining traditional and modern knowledge for effective natural health solutions.’

People wanting to find out more about the clinic should pop in store to speak to Ms Rasmussen. Alternatively, visit the store's website http://www.culpeper.co.uk

Buddhist Reincarnation for Historic Baths No Longer at Risk

Built in the 1890s the historic Manor Place Baths are being reopened as a Buddhist retreat after years on the English Heritage Building at Risk Register.

Members of the Buddhist group Kagyu Samye Dzong will be opening the centre with free taster sessions of therapies such as Yoga, Shiatsu, Acupuncture and Mediation.

There will be an exhibition documenting the building's history as a washhouse and boxing centre with Jimmy Hill and Harry Carpenter both appearing.

Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche, the Abbot and Director of Samye Ling Monastery and Tibetan Centre will be at the opening ceremony as will the local MP and other VIPs and dignitaries.

There will be local members of a reminiscence club talking about their memories of the building and a history exhibition.

Time: 11.00am
Date: Saturday 17th March 2007
Place: Manor Place Baths, Manor Place, Walworth, SE17 3BD.

Cancer Care with Mistletoe Therapy

Park Attwood Clinic is a 14 bed clinic in Worcestershire which has cared for hundreds of women with breast cancer over the last 24 years. Patients are seen as out-patients and can have residential care, with out-patient follow-up treatment. The conventionally qualified doctors and nurses incorporate various natural medicines and holistic therapies into the treatment programme, to strengthen the patient on all levels: physical and emotional.

The approach is known as anthroposophic medicine and integrates conventional treatments with complementary ones, underpinned by the belief that our wellbeing is influenced not just by our physical health, but also depends on our psychological and spiritual health. Anthroposophic medicine takes into account mind, body and soul and is designed to treat a particular person as well as particular illnesses. One of the therapies frequently prescribed at the clinic is mistletoe therapy. Clinical Director Dr Maurice Orange has 20 years’ experience of mistletoe therapy for cancer patients, and has worked at Park Attwood since 1987. He currently treats and advises around 200 patients a year with cancer, and about 50% of these are women with breast cancer.

Doctors have been developing cancer medicines prepared from mistletoe (Viscum album) since the 1920s, and this therapy forms the backbone of medical care given to cancer patients in anthroposophic medicine and at Park Attwood. Mistletoe treatment for cancer is far better known on the continent, and there are several consultant-led centres and hospitals in Germany, Austria and Switzerland that specialise in this therapy. For instance the Lukas Clinic near Basle has treated over 30,000 patients and is a well known centre of excellence for cancer care. Mistletoe preparations are the best-selling anti-cancer drugs in Germany, used by over half of all physicians, usually as an adjunct to conventional therapies.

Mistletoe also helps with common side-effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy like fatigue, nausea, digestive complaints and weight loss, sleeplessness, low mood and infections. It can also help to reduce pain. It has been shown to stimulate and strengthen the immunological defence systems, and so support the body in fighting the effects of cancer. Or as Dr Orange eloquently sums up its overall effects: ‘Mistletoe offers guidance to the body and plants seeds of strength, confidence and hope’.

Different types of mistletoe are available, harvested from different trees and prepared by varying manufacturing processes, and the clinic can advise on the most suitable form for an individual patient. The mistletoe extract is usually given as a subcutaneous injection. Once an initial course of treatment is established, patients are encouraged to learn how to self-administer the therapy in the comfort of their own home. An immune stimulation by mistletoe can result in a little light headedness or feelings of weariness, flu-like symptoms, and a slight reddening of the skin at the site of the injection, all of which are transient. It can be given in substantial doses to increase body temperature and produce fever, which has been shown to improve the immune response of the body and is seen as a positive effect.

The doctors at Park Attwood recommend the use of mistletoe therapy in conjunction with conventional treatments, not as an alternative. The responsible oncologists and general practitioners involved with each patient are informed and the clinic, a not-for-profit organisation, works with the NHS in many instances. Some health insurance policies may provide cover. The clinic’s Patient Services Administrator can advise patients on the likelihood of obtaining funding.

For more information about mistletoe therapy, a patient booklet or details about special introductory visitor afternoons, please contact the clinic on 01299 861444 or log on to http://www.parkattwood.org. For general information about breast cancer visit http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk

'TV Therapy' is the Most Popular Way to Relax

The 4th R, a Kingston based Relaxation Training provider, reveals that watching television is the most used method for relaxation. The survey asked subjects to select from eight different relaxation methods, including exercise, reading, and having a drink, but over 1/3rd voted for settling down in the front of the box as their most used method.

73% of these people, when also asked how long they estimate the benefits to last, said that feeling relaxed only lasted while they were actually watching the television.

'The reliance upon external stimulus to provide relaxation is evident' comments Janice Moore from The 4th R. 'The majority of people consider relaxation as something that occurs from the outside in, and view it as something that they take time out to do before re-engaging in the real world again, but this attitude comes with a hefty price.'

Television does provide a welcome escape from reality, and it’s quick and easy, so it’s hardly surprising that 'TV therapy' was voted number 1, but if it’s true that sustained stress and anxiety is the leading cause of ill-health, maybe a rapid change in attitude is needed.

The 4th R teaches people how to make relaxed their day-to-day way of being via a range of learn to relax services, and can be contacted on 020-8974-8974 or by visiting http://www.the4thr.co.uk.

Choosing between NSAID and Arnica for Treatment of Hand Osteoarthritis

Research just published in Rheumatology International demonstrates that arnica gel is as effective as ibuprofen for topical treatment of osteoarthritis of the hand.

The randomised double-blind study of 204 patients from 20 Swiss clinics compared ibuprofen with A.Vogel Arnica Gel to ascertain differences in pain relief and hand function after 21 days‚ treatment. At the end of treatment, there were no differences between the two groups in pain and hand function improvements or in any secondary end points evaluated.

Overall, 64% of patients in the Arnica Gel group said that efficacy was good or very good, against 58% in the ibuprofen group. Tolerability was 89.5% for Arnica Gel and 92.9% for ibuprofen. The investigators also evaluated the efficacy of Arnica Gel as better than that of ibuprofen gel.

A. Vogel Arnica Gel from Bioforce is made from freshly harvested, organically cultivated Arnica flower tincture. Arnica is known for its homoeopathic use for bumps and bruises but its herbal use as an anti-inflammatory was not widely known until recently. Now research is proving that Arnica is a very effective anti-inflammatory when applied topically. It helps with painful inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, stiff or sore joints, fibromyalgia and RSI.

A.Vogel Arnica Gel is the first product in the UK to receive a licence under the Traditional Herbal Medicines Directive which came into force a year ago. It is licensed for the symptomatic relief of muscular aches, pain and stiffness, sprains, bruises and swelling after injury. It will be available in its licensed form as A.Vogel Atrogel Arnica Gel from mid April 2007 and remains on sale as A.Vogel Arnica Gel in its current packaging until then. £8.95 100ml.

Web: http://www.avogel.co.uk

ConsumerLab.Com Reports on St. John's Wort

St. John's wort may be helpful in treating mild to moderate cases of clinical depression, but a new report from ConsumerLab.com shows that few of the herbal products tested met quality standards. Americans purchased $64 million of St. John's wort products in 2005 according the Nutrition Business Journal.

Only four St. John's wort products met ConsumerLab.com's quality standards among the ten that it selected for testing. It found the following problems:

* Two products did not identify the plant parts used, as required by the FDA under the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. Consequently, these products did not go on for further testing. St. John's wort supplements should be specifically labelled as containing flowers or leaves - the ‘aerial’ portions of the plant.

* Two products exceeded World Health Organization suggested guidelines for cadmium contamination in herbal products. Surprisingly, the product with the highest cadmium level claimed to be ‘organically grown’ and certified. The other product slightly exceeded the WHO limit for cadmium and contained slightly more than the California limit for lead contamination. The metal amounts are not toxic in themselves, but contribute to daily exposure. In these two products, unlike others tested, all or part of the St. John's wort was whole herb, rather than extract. Heavy metals may be removed during the extraction process.

* Two products contained less of St. John's wort marker compounds (hypericin and/or hyperforin) than claimed on their labels.

The new report is available at http://www.consumerlab.com/results/sjw.asp. The report provides results for eleven supplements of which ConsumerLab.com selected ten. One was tested at the request of its manufacturers/distributor through CL's Voluntary Certification Program and is included for having passed testing. Also listed is one product similar to another that passed but sold under a different brand name. The report provides information on St. John's wort's effects, side-effects, and dosing. Brands included are Doctor's Trust, Gaia Herbs, Kira, MRM, Nature's Bounty, Pure Encapsulations, Sci-Fit, Solaray, Source Naturals, Spring Valley, Sundown, and 21st Century.

Reviews of other popular types of supplements are also available at www.consumerlab.com. New reviews to be released in coming months cover alpha lipoic acid, eye health supplements (lutein and zeaxanthin), joint care supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM), milk thistle, resveratrol, and SAMe.

ConsumerLab.com is a provider of consumer information and independent evaluations of products that affect health and nutrition. The company is privately held and based in Westchester, New York. It has no ownership from, or interest in, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell consumer products. ConsumerLab.com is affiliated with PharmacyChecker.com, an evaluator of online pharmacies, and MedicareDrugPlans.com, which reviews and rates Medicare Part D plans. Subscription to ConsumerLab.com is available online. For group subscriptions or product testing contact Lisa Sabin, Vice President for Business Development, at lisa.sabin@consumerlab.com.

OFT Stops 'Male Enhancement' Advert

The OFT has obtained assurances from a United States based company that it will no longer distribute certain mailings advertising its penis enhancement product in the UK.

Long Life Consumer SA LLC sent over 30,000 mailings to UK consumers with hundreds ordering a course of `TerreX` of between 10 and 30 days costing up to £37.

Described as 'a considerable advance for male sexuality', mailings made claims about the efficacy of the product and also included photographs of men who claimed to have increased the size of their penis as a result of using the product, one man by up to four inches.

After being made aware of the mailing, the OFT contacted Long Life Consumer SA LLC. The company responded by stating that their commercial activity was in the USA and that they believed they therefore fell under American law. They also stated that ingredients within the TerreX tablets have been clinically tested and there exists clinical reports on the beneficial effects of the ingredients on sexual difficulties suffered by certain men. However, they agreed to stop all distribution of the current TerreX Institute mailing in the UK.

Christine Wade, OFT Assistant Chief Executive, Consumer Advice and Trading Standards said:

'Anyone receiving an unsolicited healthcare mailing who is unsure about the authenticity of the claims being made should always seek a medical opinion.'

Prince's Aide Defends Him for 'Meddling in Public Life'

The Prince of Wales's closest aide on 12th March hit back at claims that he abuses his position by ‘meddling’ in public life.

Sir Michael Peat, the prince's principal private secretary, said that Charles had a right to share his views with Government ministers in private and insisted he took pains to avoid making political public pronouncements.

But Sir Michael also said that the prince recognised that his role would change when he became king.

The comments came in a lengthy defence against charges levelled against the heir to the throne in a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary broadcast on 13th March.

The programme includes accusations of ‘secret lobbying’ for causes such as alternative medicine and using his position to influence policy.

One contributor, Lord Wedderburn tells the programme: ‘If, in fact, nothing changed and he became King, then there would be a most almighty fuss and controversy, and eventually the whole fabric of the constitutional monarchy could be threatened.’

But in a response released this week, Sir Michael described the claim as ‘misconceived and entirely hypothetical’.

‘It hardly needs saying that the Prince of Wales, of all people, knows that the role and duties of the heir to the throne are different to those of the sovereign and that his role and the way he contributes to national life will change when he becomes King,’ he said.

Lord Haskins, who led the Rural Recovery Task Force in the wake of foot-and-mouth tells the programme that many public figures view Charles as a ‘lobbyist’.

‘Many of them think that they have to give a disproportionate amount of time to listening to his point of view and they certainly see him as a lobbyist,’ he says.

‘There's no question about that.

‘That he has his own agenda and they know that he is trying to use his position to influence policy.’

And Elaine Day, who lost a claim for unfair dismissal as a personal assistant at Clarence House in 2005, tells the programme that the prince wrote letters to influential people ‘a great deal’.

‘We call those letters 'tops and tails', because even though they would be typed, he would address them and sign them himself,’ she says.

Describing the prince's office she says: ‘I would say it is a lobby group, a very influential lobby group, and it's a lobby group that is very effective, and there are no doors that are closed to that lobby group, every door opens.’

But Sir Michael defended Charles's right to share his views with ministers.
‘It is ...the Prince of Wales's right as a Privy Councillor to consult and advise his Privy Council colleagues on a private and confidential basis,’ he wrote.

Dismissing suggestions that Charles's public interventions on issues such as architecture or farming could be viewed as political he adds: ‘It would also, in my view, be more damaging to the monarchy if the Prince of Wales did not take advantage of his position to help with issues which matter to ordinary people, but which have not found their way onto political agendas.’

The programme also includes an interview from Edzard Ernst, professor of complementary medicine at Exeter University who tells how he faced possible dismissal after a letter of complaint from Sir Michael.

Despite signing a confidentiality agreement, Prof Ernst criticised a draft of a report on complementary medicine commissioned by the Prince's Foundation for Integrated Health to the press.

Prof Ernst believes that the letter to his vice chancellor, which led to a disciplinary procedure, was an attempt to ‘silence’ him.

‘What complementary medicine needs is not somebody who is pursuing and silencing people in that fashion, but it needs a debate about the evidence, it needs the weighing of the evidence, and it needs transparency, rather than secret exercises of that nature,’ he says.

Former Labour deputy leader Roy Hattersley tells the programme: ‘To put a professor's livelihood in jeopardy, his status in jeopardy, his reputation in jeopardy because there's a letter with the Palace notepaper or the Palace crest on the top, I think is a very improper thing to do.’

But Sir Michael responded: ‘This letter was not prompted by His Royal Highness and he was not even aware that it had been written.

‘The letter was sent at the express request of the Trustees of the Foundation for Integrated Health and it was made clear in the letter that I was writing as the Foundation's Chairman, as well as the prince's principal private secretary.’

Dispatches, ‘Charles: The Meddling Prince’ was on Channel 4 at 8pm on 13th March.

Government Launches Healthy Living Initiative

Public Health Minister Caroline Flint (pictured) today launched the Healthy Living Initiative, a programme to help families lead healthier lives.

A report published yesterday by the Medical Research Council Human Nutrition Research Centre and the Department of Health has used evidence from a diverse range of sources to identify the main areas where families with children under 11 need further support to limit the risk of unhealthy weight gain. These barriers are:

* limited parental awareness of weight status and associated health risks
* parental beliefs that a healthy lifestyle is too challenging
* pressures on parents which undermine healthy food choices
* a perception that there are limited opportunities for active lifestyles

The Government's Healthy Living programme will tackle these barriers through a range of initiatives aimed at families with young children. It acknowledges that while there is a high level of awareness of the importance of good diet and physical activity, some parents need additional support to transfer awareness into action. The initiatives are designed to give parents the support and tools they need to recognise when their children are overweight and to tackle the problem. Building on existing programmes the initiatives will be rolled out throughout the year and into 2008 by the Government and its partners and which will focus on breaking down the barriers identified in the MRC report.

Caroline Flint said:
‘Tackling overweight and obesity in children is complex because there are many factors which contribute to the problem. And while we have been successful in raising awareness of the importance of good nutrition and exercise, putting that awareness into action has proved more difficult for some families.

‘We know young families are aware of the 5 A Day message but are not necessarily eating 5 A Day. Top Tips for Top Mums will help families share ideas about what works for them in overcoming the barriers to a healthy diet.

‘Over the next 12 months we will be rolling out a series of other initiatives linking in with partner organisations across the public sector, the food manufacturing and retail sector and with voluntary organisations to support families live a healthy life based on a helathy diet and increased physically activity. The Healthy Living Initiative is about providing support when and where it's required and in a way that people will respond to.’

The first initiative Top Tips for Top Mums is an extension of the highly successful 5 A Day campaign and encourages parents across the country to share tips and ideas with each other on how they get their children to eat more fruit and vegetables. Actress and mum of three Patsy Palmer will be supporting the campaign. A host of practical tips have been posted on website http://www.5aday.nhs.uk to help parents improve their childrens' diets and share their own experiences.

Top Tips for Top Mums targets young families from low income backgrounds with children aged between two and 11. Recent research by the Food Standards Agency showed that only 46 per cent of people on lower incomes eat 5 A Day compared to 72 per cent of those on higher incomes. Reasons given by parents for their children not eating enough fruit and vegetables include cost, fussy eaters, limited time and cooking skills and a lack of structured meal times.

‘The Top Tips for Top Mums campaign comprises the 5 A DAY website http://www.5aday.nhs.uk, a media campaign and partnerships with key retailers and other organisations. We are also producing TV and Radio filler advertisements which will be available to TV and Radio Networks from May 2007.’

Launching Top Tips for Top Mums, Patsy Palmer said:

‘As a working mum of three children under 15, I am very happy to be involved with the Top Tips for Top Mums campaign. It's really important that we encourage our children to enjoy eating more fruit and veg but I understand the problems us mums face, as kids can be so fussy when it comes to eating healthy food. This campaign will help by giving parents the opportunity to share ideas which have worked for them and their families and helped their kids eat more fruit and veg.’

Co-author of the MRC HNR report Dr Susan Jebb said;

‘Modern lifestyles favour obesity and our evidence shows that parents face challenges in promoting heathy eating and physically active lifestyles. The report provides a platform from which to consider how best to support parents with practical strategies to reduce the impact of the obesogenic environment. This report focuses on families, but tackling obesity will require unprecedented change across the whole of society.'

Dr Frankie Phillips, dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association said;

‘Eating 5 a day sets kids up for a healthy lifestyle. Fruit and veg of different colours provide a wide range of vitamins, minerals, fibre and healthy antioxidants, which can help to protect the body throughout life. Research has shown that eating 5 or more a day can help to maintain a healthier diet. Looking to our childrens' future, people who eat lots of fruit and veg can have a lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure strokes and some cancers. To get the best benefit from the nutrients packed into fruit and veg, everyone should aim for a variety of different types and colours every day’.

Action Promised to Tackle Malnutrition and Older People

A national action plan to tackle the issue of older people and nutrition was announced this week by Health Minister, Ivan Lewis.

Following a nutrition summit held this week and attended by leading charities, clinicians, nutrition experts and care home representatives, Mr Lewis said:
‘In my view, there is no excuse for vulnerable, older people not receiving the food they require and the necessary help to eat that food.

‘I have been impressed by the willingness and determination I have heard around the table today, and I am committed to producing an action plan which needs to be a genuine partnership between central government, NHS, local government, voluntary organisations and service users and their families’

Ivan Lewis said that he believed that the Summit was a tipping point for these issues and that there were clear areas for development that now needed to be taken forward at the highest level. He was very clear that this Plan needed to be worked up in close consultation with frontline workers.

The type of issues that were under discussion for the development of the Action Plan included:

- Raising awareness between nutrition and good health
- Nutritional standards
- Streamline guidance
- Prioritisation from leaders and managers from both health and social care
- Training for frontline staff and managers
- Clearer focus in inspections

These actions will be taken forward in close consultation with the organisations who attended the recent summit with a view to the Action Plan being published in the summer.

Omega-3 may Build Grey Matter

A study presented this week proposes a mechanism by which omega-3 intake could have a bearing on a person's mood and outlook.

In the past, animal studies have found that raising omega-3 intake leads to structural brain changes. In humans a link between omega-3 and mood has been observed, but no mechanism for this has been identified.

Sarah Conklin, PhD, and colleagues from the University of Pittsburgh's Cardiovascular Behavioural Medicine Programme conducted a study involving 55 healthy adults, and found that those who had high levels of omega-3 intake also had higher levels of grey matter in areas of the brain associated with emotional arousal and regulation.

The participants' average omega-3 intake was assessed through two 24-hour dietary recall interviews. Their grey matter volume was measured using high-resolution structural MRI.

Although the finding suggests that omega-3 may promote structural improvement in areas of the brain related to mood and emotions (the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex, the right amygdala and the right hippocampus), the researchers said that more research is needed to ascertain whether eating fish actually causes changes in the brain.

Conklin presented the new study this week at the annual meeting of the American Psychosomatic Society in Budapest, Hungary. It has not been published and NutraIngredients.com has not seen the full results.

It builds on a study she presented at the same meeting last year, in which she found that people who had lower blood levels of omega-3 were more likely to have a negative outlook and be more impulsive.

Those with higher blood levels were found to be more agreeable and less likely to report mild to moderate depression.

Web: http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com

Serious Concerns Raised over Monsanto GM Maize Variety

Monsanto's genetically modified maize MON863, authorised for human consumption since 2006, showed signs of liver and kidney toxicity in a rat study, raising concerns about its safety.

The study, performed by French researchers from the independent CRIIGEN (Committee for Independent Research and Genetic Engineering), based at the University of Caen reports that rats fed the maize for three months showed signs of liver and kidney toxicity, as well as differences in weight gain between the sexes.

‘Our counter-evaluation show that there are signs of toxicity and that nobody can say scientifically and seriously that consumption of the transgenic maize MON863 is safe and good for health,’ lead author of the study, Professor Gilles Eric Séralini told France's TF1 television station.

MON863 is a transgenic maize genetically modified to express the Bt-toxin (Cry3Bb1) which enables the plant to be insect repellent against the corn rootworm pest. It is different from other GM corns of the market since these express the Cry1Ab toxin which is toxic to the European corn borer.

The study, published on-line in the peer-review journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, fed young adult Sprague-Dawley-derived rats (aged six weeks at the start of the experiment) diets containing 11 or 30 per cent MON863, or diets containing non-GM corn for 90 days.

At the end of the study, Séralini and his team found signs of toxicity in the liver and kidneys of rats fed the MON863 maize, as well as changes to weight between the sexes. Indeed, male rats were found to have lost, on average, 3.3 per cent of their body weight, while females gained 3.7 per cent.

Triglyceride levels also increased by between 24 and 40 per cent in females, phosphorous and sodium excretion decreased in males.

‘We have the first signs of toxicity that appear at the level of body weight, the kidneys, and the liver, and that are also different between the sexes indicating deeper effects at the hormone level,’ said Séralini.

The researchers raised concerns over the methods used by Monsanto to initially show the safety and non-toxicity of the corn, saying that the statistical methods used were insufficient to observed any possible disruptions in biochemistry.

The mechanism behind the apparent toxicity is not known, but there is some evidence that the Bt-toxin may perforate blood cells, they said.

‘Considering that the human and animal populations could be exposed at comparable levels to this kind of food or feed that has been authorised by several countries, and that these are the best mammalian toxicity tests available, we strongly recommend a new assessment and longer exposure of mammals to these diets, with cautious clinical observations, before concluding that MON863 is safe to eat,’ concluded the researchers.

Environmental group Greenpeace has demanded an immediate and complete recall of MON863 from the global market, and also called on an urgent reassessment of all other authorised GM foods by governments.

‘It is the first time that independent research, published in a peer-review journal, proves that a GMO authorised for human consumption presents signs of toxicity,’ said Arnaud Apoteker from Greenpeace France.

‘We must review urgently the authorisation of MON863, even more so because we do not know is this maize is present in the French market and if it is used for animal feed or for producing foods destined for humans.’

Monsanto France has rejected the concerns. Yann Fichet, Monsanto France's director of external relations told TF1: ‘[MON863] has already been examined by competent authorities and scientific experts in more than 10 countries worldwide, including the European Union and France, and all the experts concluded unanimously that the maize in question is as safe as traditional maize.’

The corn is authorised in Australia, Canada, China, the EU, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines and the USA.

Source: Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
Published on-line ahead of print, doi: 10.1007/s00244-006-0149-5
‘New analysis of a rat feeding study with a genetically modified maize reveals signs of hepatorenal toxicity’
Authors: G.-E. Séralini, D. Cellier, J. Spiroux de Vendomois

Web: http://www.NutraIngredients.com

BASF Withdraws Rice after GM Contamination

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is preventing the planting and distribution of a long-grain rice seed from BASF because it may contain genetic material not yet approved for commercialisation.

The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) this week issued 'emergency action notifications' to inform distributors of the seed, which had been scheduled for planting this spring, that it must be held until the agency concludes its investigation.

Developed by chemicals company BASF, Clearfield CL 131 was not developed as a genetically engineered product. However, the firm's own testing revealed that the variety may have been contaminated with a genetically modified strain. BASF last week notified the USDA of its findings, which are now due to be verified by further tests conducted by APHIS.

The regulatory agency will also conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the release and whether any violations of USDA regulations occurred.

BASF Agricultural Products said that it is removing all Clearfield CL 131 rice seed from the market.

‘BASF notified the USDA immediately after becoming aware of the laboratory findings and we continue to work cooperatively with USDA on this situation,’ said Andy Lee, a director with the firm.

This is not the first detection of genetically engineered material in Clearfield CL131 rice seed. Last week, APHIS announced that trace levels of a previously deregulated genetically engineered trait had been identified in Clearfield CL131.

However, the genetic material currently in question is regulated - which means that it has not been approved for commercial use.

The US rice industry already suffered a major disruption last year, after Bayer Crop Sciences in July notified the USDA that it had discovered trace amounts of an unapproved GM rice in samples of commercial rice seed.

The GM contamination - involving the GMO LL Rice 601 variety - sparked a flow of reactions against the firm and the US rice export market. Such limits on rice exports had an immediate impact on US farmers, who retaliated with a flood of lawsuits against Bayer.

Web: http://www.FoodQualityNews.com

USDA Approves Mass Planting of GM Rice Made with Human Genes

For the first time, the USDA has given preliminary approval for large-scale planting of a genetically engineered food crop containing human genes. The rice grains, produced by California-based Ventria Bioscience, synthesise a human immune protein. The public comment period for this decision lasts until March 30th, after which the decision will be finalised.

What you need to know - Conventional View
• The USDA has tentatively approved a petition by Ventria to plant up to 3,200 acres of the modified rice in Geary County, Kan. If the approval stands, Ventria will begin by planting 450 acres this spring.

• Previously, Ventria had sought to grow the rice in Missouri, but the plan was abandoned when Anheuser-Busch Companies Inc. threatened to boycott all rice from the state. Anheuser-Busch, a beer maker, is the country's foremost buyer of rice.

• Anheuser-Busch had the same concern as many critics of genetically engineered plants, which is that genes from engineered varieties may spread to and ‘genetically pollute’ non-engineered or even wild relatives of the plants.

• Critics of the USDA's decision have expressed concern that genetic pollution in this case could cause potentially dangerous pharmacological proteins to contaminate the food supply. The same day that the USDA gave the new rice the green light, it announced that rice seed in Arkansas had become contaminated by a different genetically engineered strain not approved for consumption. This was discovered while investigating the widespread contamination of rice in the U.S. with yet another genetically modified strain.

• According to Ventria, the genetically engineered rice could allow the cheap production of immune proteins that have been shown to help children recover faster from severe diarrhea. It is seeking FDA approval to add the protein to foods such as yogurt and granola.

• Quote: ‘This is not a product that everyone would want to consume. It is unwise to produce drugs in plants outdoors.’ - Jane Rissler, Union of Concerned Scientists

What you need to know - Alternative View
Statements and opinions by Mike Adams, author for Truth Publishing

• These experiments with genetically modified crops are, in my view, extremely dangerous and may ultimately lead to a genetic Chernobyl that could devastate the U.S. food supply. Such crops should never be allowed to be planted in the open.

• In giving this preliminary approval, the USDA seems to be once again leaning towards protecting corporate profits rather than public health. The motives of a regulatory agency that would allow such crops to be planted in open fields are highly questionable.

Resources you need to know
• Union of Concerned Scientists (http://www.ucsusa.org)
• Ventria Bioscience (http://www.ventria.com)
• USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service public comment notice (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/brs/fedregister/BRS_20070228a.pdf)
• More about genetically modified foods (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_foods)

CMO Launches Proposals for a Global Health Strategy

The need for a global health strategy in order to protect the health of the UK was outlined in a report by the Chief Medical Officer on 7th March.

Sir Liam Donaldson has made the case for concerted action on global health and for developing a strategy that will benefit the health of the UK population as well as that of the rest of world. Health Is Global: Proposals for a UK government-wide strategy sets out the argument that in today's global environment, we need to engage in the health of other countries in order to protect the wellbeing of the UK.

Sir Liam Donaldson said:

'In today's globalised world, we can no longer consider the health of the UK in isolation. Globalisation can bring benefits for human health, leading to increased trade, travel and communications, and greater human interaction - but it is true that infectious diseases do not respect borders.

'To address challenges to global health and ensure that the UK harnesses the opportunities of globalisation, we need to develop a UK government-wide strategy to work effectively with our international and domestic partners. This report is designed to stimulate discussion between key stakeholders and interested parties across government to feed into a global health strategy.

'Poor health in one country threatens the prosperity and wellbeing of populations in all countries - protecting and promoting health is a duty of our global citizenship.'

The report provides a framework for developing a global health strategy - it outlines the basis for debate on what current global health priorities are, what the UK should focus on, and what the strategy should look like.

Global health issues have become increasingly important in recent years. New and emerging infections as well as climate change are threats to health security in this country and throughout the world. However, there is a good foundation for this work, with three White Papers on international development in the last ten years and our EU and G8 Presidencies highlighting major challenges in global health.

Research to Develop Organic Processing Standards

EU researchers will discuss ways to improve the safety and processing of organic and other ‘low-input’ foods at an upcoming meeting in Stuttgart, Germany.

The research into processing methods for such foods could help manufacturers adjust their plant procedures to meet the demand for such products.

Low input production aims to meets the increasing demand for more natural, healthier foods by using less chemicals and other agricultural substances. Consumer concerns over the effects mass food production is having on the environment have also led the trend.

The Stuttgart meeting, from 20th to 23rd March, will review the progress of an EU-funded project to improve the sustainability of organic and low input food production systems.

One part of the research project aims to develop a framework for the design of ‘minimum’ and ‘low input’ processing methods, which guarantee food quality and safety.

Organic processing standards prohibit the use of chemical many preservatives and other food additives, which are widely used in the processing of conventional foods.

The researchers noted that part of the problem in meeting these standards is the underlying rationales and criteria used to allow some but not other processing methods and additives, especially when new processing technologies or additives have to be assessed for conformity with organic processing standards.

‘There is also evidence that consumers of 'low input' and organic foods have specific expectations with respect to quality characteristics of processed food,’ the researchers stated. ‘These may relate to the degree of processing, concern about specific additives, nutritional composition, integrity or whole food concepts, the degree of convenience, the level of energy use and transportation distances, but also food safety.’

Conflicts also arise due to the desire to 'minimally process' in order to avoid negative effects on the nutritional and sensory quality, and considerations of shelf life and food safety.

For example, when chlorine is not used as a disinfection agent, the shelf life of ready-to-eat salad products is relatively short and enteric pathogen contamination problems can occur.

The researchers involved in this part of the project aim to develop a framework or code of practice that can be used to determine whether novel processing strategies are compatible with organic principles.

They will also identify whether consumer demands and expectations may or may not match organic processing standards and principles.

They will aim to look at alternative processing strategies that are compatible with legislation and standards so as to minimise food safety risks.

They will also assess processing technologies that may improve the nutritional composition of dairy products.

Meanwhile researchers working on another part of the larger project aim to develop strategies to improve quality and safety, and reduce costs along the food supply chain for such products.

The studies focus on the structures, conduct and performance of supply chains for organic food, which vary significantly between European countries and regions.

The major differences include the length of the supply chain, its infrastructure, market relevance and the degree of co-operation and integration among producers, processors, retailers and certification bodies.

While the organic supply chains are mainly based upon already existing conventional infrastructures in some countries such as the UK and Austria, other members such as Germany and the Netherlands have built up significant new and independent supply chain infrastructures for organic food.

‘These factors may affect supply chain associated costs and product quality and safety,’ the researchers stated.

The project aims to develop a food safety protocol, manuals and training schemes for organic food production and processing systems based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles.

Other studies in the wider EU project focus on consumer perceptions, expectations and attitudes about the quality, safety and sustainability of low input food supply chains.

A third part of the project aims to quantify the effect of organic and 'low input' production methods on food quality and safety and human health. These studies are a examining ways to improve crop, soil and livestock management practices.

Improving quality assurance and supply chain organisation are the subjects of other studies being conducted by scientists across the EU.

‘One of the main reasons for the increasing demand for 'low input' foods and the price premiums achieved by organic foods, has been that many consumers perceive these foods as 'healthier', 'more nutritious', 'tastier' and 'safer' than foods from intensive conventional production systems,’ a project document states.

‘However, until now scientific investigations have not been of sufficient scale and design to provide a definitive understanding of the extent to which differences between agricultural production systems affect these qualities.’

For more information, visit http://www.qlif-congress.org.

CAP Reform Vital for Health, Claims Group

A UK health pressure group has called on Europe to reform the CAP - for health reasons.

‘The Common Agricultural Policy was introduced after the experience of the war to stop starvation in Europe,’ said the faculty in a statement.

‘It has more than succeeded, we are now too fat and fed on the wrong things.’

In a bid to pressure MEPs ahead of the CAP reform discussions in 2008, the Faculty has released a new report, A CAP on Health, which calls for public health to be put at the heart of reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and reduce health inequalities.

The report claims to show that CAP not only damages Europe's health, but also increases health inequalities, by subsidising foods which are a major factor in such public health crises as obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

Decisions made on the CAP therefore have profound implications for the quality of nutrition in Europe and the health of its people, according to the faculty.

‘It could be argued that CAP had dominated public health for the last 40 years through its subsidies to food production,’ said Faculty of Public Health president Rod Griffiths.

‘Almost half of the EU budget is spent on CAP. This money needs to be better spent - reducing the subsidies to beef and dairy production, and increasing the availability of fruit and vegetables. If we get it wrong we condemn many people to diabetes, heart disease, cancers and early death.’

The principal author of the FPH report, Christopher Birt, said that although the food people eat makes a big difference to their health, food choice is largely determined by price and availability - particularly for people on low incomes.

‘CAP is a major influence on price,’ he said.

‘It has subsidised massively the production of fat-rich foods such as dairy and meat products making them cheaper, whilst allowing the systematic destruction of large quantities of fruit and vegetables.’

The EC is certainly aware of the situation, and has taken action. EC agriculture minister told the agricultural committee at the European parliament earlier this year that the Commission College has approved the proposal for a reform of the European Union's fruit and vegetable sector.

‘The fruit and vegetable sector cannot afford to be the dunce of the class,’ she said.

‘It can benefit from many of the reforms that we have applied to the rest of the CAP - though with adjustments here and there.’

Web: http://www.NutraIngredients.com

NIH-funded Clinical Trials Misguided for Supplements

The traditional scientific model does not always apply to dietary supplements, nor does the objective of government-funded clinical trials in testing them necessarily suit their common applications, according to NutraCon panelists.

As part of ‘The State of Governmental Science’ panel, Joseph Betz, Luke Bucci and Dr. Mary Hardy discussed the relevance and challenges specifically facing large scale National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded clinical trials using dietary supplements.

Despite government investment in such studies, according to panelists, outcomes have not often been favourable because the objectives did not fit the products. Not only does this reflect a bias on the part of researchers, they said, but it leads to misinformation in the media.

Hardy, medical director at UCLA's Simms/Mann Integrative Oncology Program, cited the results of a Stanford University Medical School clinical trial on garlic released recently stating that garlic does not lower LDL cholesterol.

This trial should never have been conducted, said Hardy, and a supplement scientist would have known this. But Hardy did not specifically blame the researchers involved.

‘I think these are sins of omission, not co-mission,’ she said.

The problem with supplement trials is that they often set the objective too high for products that are not meant to be therapeutic, or they use incorrect dosages, suggested panelists.

‘What kind of instruments can you use to test general wellness?’ asked Hardy.
Betz, a director at NIH's Office of Dietary Supplements, said that in his opinion, unlike many clinical trials involving dietary supplements, the Stanford garlic trial did not overreach in its conclusions. He added that NIH has learnt from its mistakes.

‘There are studies in the pipeline that will be less unflattering to this industry,’ said Betz.

He suggested that interdisciplinary research teams are a way to prevent against misdirected trials.

Bucci, vice president of research with Schiff Nutrition International, commented that while industry wants to collaborate with NIH-funded clinical trials, it is not always motivated to because the risks involved.

‘The speed is not fast enough,’ said Bucci. ‘And if it doesn't work you've lost the commercial viability.’

Bucci used the NIH GAIT clinical trial as an example of how NIH does not keep pace with industry's scientific research needs. The GAIT began in 1998, and tested the effects of glucosamine and chondroitin for supporting the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.

‘By the time the study results were released in 2005, the industry had moved on to add other ingredients as well,’ said Bucci. ‘So there was limited relevance anyway.’

Finally, Bucci pinpointed what he said is an anti-supplement bias in scientific research institutions.

‘There is a real mindset problem here,’ said Bucci.

Web: http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com

Obesity a Weighty Challenge for the Food Industry

Leatherhead Food International invites you to a one-day conference chaired by Professor Colin Waine, National Obesity Forum on 20th April 2007

It is a fact that consuming more calories than are expended will result in an increase in body weight. Over a long time period, this can result in obesity, and consequently, chronic health problems.

Part of the crucial ‘calories in, calories out’ equation is the food industry. What role should the food industry play in shaping the nation's eating habits for the better, and what initiatives could it devise to help consumers not only to eat fewer calories, but to eat more healthily? Moreover, what market share could be gained from addressing what is rapidly becoming a national health crisis, in producing and promoting products that will help us to shed pounds and keep them off? A new conference at Leatherhead Food International Obesity - a Weighty Challenge for the Food Industry will address these questions.

Conference Objectives
The conference will address the potential role of the food industry from the top down:

* What is the scale of the problem?
* What initiatives are currently in place?
* What is new in research on satiety, and how can this contribute to effective NPD?
* What new ingredients are available for innovative calorie-reduced foods?
* What part do food labelling and health claims have to play in arming consumers with sufficient information to make appropriate food choices; and what is the psychology behind consumers' food choices?

Finally, a case study will be presented on a group of products that have been developed specifically for children, and we will look at what steps were taken to make this brand a success.

Conference Benefits
The opportunity to hear first-hand from experts involved in researching both the epidemiology of obesity, as well as the solutions - ingredients, labelling and health claims, and understanding the consumer.

Who Should Attend?
The conference is a necessity for food industry personnel involved in:

New Product Development
Business Development
Research and Development
New Technology
Food Technology
Nutrition
Marketing

Don't miss this great chance to catch up on the latest information and a chance to discuss with experts in the field concerns around obesity and how to tackle it.

Leatherhead Food International is offering opportunities to sponsor this event. For further details on sponsorship or the seminar programme, please contact Rosemarie Bramble tel: 01372 822358 or on e-mail Rosemarie Bramble at rbramble@leatherheadfood.com

Visit Leatherhead Food International at http://www.leatherheadfood.com
Register now by completing the booking form or calling +44 (0)1372 822314

Leatherhead Food International, Randalls Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7RY, England
Tel: +44 (0)1372 822314
Fax: +44 (0)1372 360221
Email: conferences@leatherheadfood.com

New Negative Calorie 'Enviga' Soda Falsely Advertised

A new soda claiming it reduces calories was doubted to be effective upon its official release in October 2006, and now a public nutrition and health advocacy group is suing over false advertising. The soda is called Enviga, a caffeinated green tea-flavored soda conceived jointly between Coca-Cola Co. and Nestlé S.A. of Switzerland.

When launched, Coca-Cola called it ‘the drink proven to burn calories’ in an October 11th, 2006 press release. Drinking three cans will let you lose 60 to 100 calories, the companies said. However, at the time, no publicly available evidence supported these claims; the first public release of the clinical study done by Nestlé was published February 2nd as a partially paid advertisement in the journal Obesity.

Enter the non-profit Centre for Science in the Public Interest.

On February 1st, the CSPI filed suit against the pair of beverage kings in U.S. District Court in New Jersey, stating that the companies made the claims without adequate facts to back them up. The lawsuit questions the three-day research study used - which utilised 31 test subjects aged 18 to 35, all with a healthy body mass index - and its results.

Discussing the results of the clinical study, the CPSI said in a press release, ‘Most expended slightly more calories after drinking Enviga, but Coca-Cola and Nestlé didn't disclose publicly that the drink's ingredients had the opposite effect in a significant number of the study participants’ - equalling six people, or almost one-fifth of the study group.

‘These mass-marketed negative-calorie beverages are a nutritional joke,’ said consumer health advocate Mike Adams, author of The Five Soft Drink Monsters, a book that teaches people how to cut out soda from their diet. ‘In my opinion, it's all a clever marketing ploy, backed by junk science, designed to sell consumers false hope for weight loss through unhealthful, high-profit beverages that are dangerously acidic due to their phosphoric acid content.’

Lona Sandon, the national spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, holds a similar view.

‘We are kidding ourselves if we think we can drink this and melt the pounds away. These companies are just playing on people's desires for a quick fix for weight loss. This won't make up for a poor diet and lack of exercise, and this amount of caffeine could even cause problems for people who are sensitive to caffeine,’ she told Reuters news service.

Enviga, marketed against teas like AriZona and Lipton, contains more than triple the amount of caffeine compared to these teas and almost as much caffeine as a Red Bull energy drink, according to nutritional statistics on Enviga's official website.

The CSPI has said that it would drop the lawsuit if the makers of Enviga drop the ‘negative calorie’ claim.

Resources you need to know
• Centre for Science in the Public Interest (http://www.cspinet.org)
• American Dietetic Association (http://www.eatright.org)
• Enviga (http://www.enviga.com)

ConsumerLab.Com Survey Shows Brands and Merchants Rated Highest by Dietary Supplement Users

ConsumerLab.com announced recently that 77% of consumers recently surveyed report being highly satisfied (‘extremely’ or ‘very’ satisfied) with the brands of dietary supplements that they use. An additional 21% were ‘somewhat’ satisfied, and very few (2%) were dissatisfied. Satisfaction was also high with the merchants from which supplements were purchased, with 71% of respondents being highly satisfied.

The most common place to purchase supplements was online, with forty percent of respondents reporting an online purchase within the past year. This was followed by health food stores (34%), vitamin stores (27%), pharmacies (25%), warehouse clubs (23%), catalogues (20%), supermarkets (18%), independent distributors (18%), mass merchants, (18%), and health care practitioners (9%).

The following brands and merchants received the highest overall satisfaction rating within their market segment. Rankings are based on the percent of respondents highly satisfied.

Top-rated supplement brands:
* Brand in Health Food Stores: Carlson
* Brand in Mass Market Stores: Nature Made
* Catalogue Brand: Puritan's Pride
* Discount and Wholesale Club Brand: Kirkland (Costco)
* Healthcare Practitioner Brand: Thorne Research
* Pharmacy Brand: CVS
* Vitamin Store Brand: Vitamin World

Top-rated supplement merchants:
* Catalogue: Puritan's Pride
* Discount and Warehouse Store: Costco
* Grocery Store: Whole Foods
* On-line Retailer: Vitacost.com
* Pharmacy: Walgreens
* Vitamin Store: Vitamin Shoppe

Nutrilite, a brand marketed by independent distributors, received the highest overall satisfaction rating both as a brand and merchant. However, sample bases for other companies within this category were not large enough to be comparatively ranked.

The survey was based on responses from 4,181 subscribers to ConsumerLab.com's e-newsletter.

Chinese Shrub Offers Best Cure for Malaria

Medical experts have named sweet wormwood as the best fighter for the deadly disease malaria.

The shrub, Artemisia annua, or Chinese wormwood, first became a part of Chinese medical knowledge more than 1,600 years ago, and has long been an effective way for humans to fight the infectious and fatal disease.

The impact of contracting malaria is wide-ranging, from flu-like symptoms to, in some cases, death. Pregnant women and children are especially susceptible. It is estimated that more than 1 million people die each year from malaria and 300-500 million become ill from contracting it. There is no vaccine for it.

Artemisinin was, for about 150 years, supplanted by quinine as the top choice for fighting malaria. Quinine comes from the South African cinchona tree.

Recently, a large study of malaria compared the effectiveness of quinine and artemisinin to fight malaria. Doctors from four countries - India, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Myanmar - conducted a study of more than 2,000 patients with severe malaria, splitting them so some received quinine and others received artemisinin. The study, which ran from June 2003 to May 2005, had to be stopped because the number of people dying while fighting the disease with quinine was much higher than those given artemisinin.

The study helped confirm that artemisinin is the best cure for the disease. Since the early 2000s, artemisinin became the top choice among the medical community.

The World Health Organisation recommends using artemisinin in combination with other medicines to discourage the malaria virus from quickly becoming resistant to the plant's medicinal qualities.

Malaria strikes the most in tropical regions and sub-Saharan Africa, the latter of which represents 90 percent of all malaria deaths. It is spread primarily by insects.

Baking Sector Responds to Salt Criticism

The UK's Federation of Bakers has responded to criticism that the sector has not done enough to meet food standard targets on salt reduction.

According to a new survey from the Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH), over 35 per cent of commercial bread in the UK does not meet FSA targets for salt levels.

But Gordon Polson, director of the Federation of Bakers, claims that the sector has made significant progress given the challenges that salt reduction presents.

‘Since November 2005, when the baking industry announced its plans to reduce salt in bread, the industry has made significant strides in meeting the targets agreed with the FSA,’ he said.

‘Although our members are happy to be working with the FSA on this issue, the reduction of salt in bread thus far has been immensely challenging for the entire industry as salt plays such a critical role in dough formation.

‘It is widely recognised that any change that may diminish the flavour would be counterproductive to the objective of improving diets as it is acknowledged that bread plays an important role in a healthy, balanced diet.’

Pressure groups such as CASH however believe that more could be done. It claims to have looked at the salt content of 138 loaves of wrapped bread commercially available in UK supermarkets and found that 36 per cent contained more than 1.1 grams of salt per 100g - the target salt level for bread set by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

‘Much work has been done over the years to reduce the salt that is added to our bread, but we want all breads to contain as little salt as possible,’ said Graham MacGregor, chairman of CASH and professor of cardiovascular medicine.

‘It's clear that bread can be produced with lower levels of salt with no effect on sales. So why are the other bakers not cutting salt further?’

Salt is of course a vital nutrient and is necessary for the body to function, and remains a vitally important compound in food manufacturing in terms of taste and preservation. But CASH considers the average daily salt consumption in the western world, between 10 and 12g, far too high.

The pressure has been mounting on food manufacturers to reduce the salt content of their foods and the UK's food standards agency (FSA) recommendation of six grams of salt per day for the general population is understood to be more a realistic target for the next five years than the ideal healthy limit.

‘Bread is the largest source of salt in the UK diet, so if the salt content of all the bread on sale in the UK was that of the lowest levels found in this survey - around 0.6g to 0.8g of salt per 100g - we could cut the average population daily intake of salt by around 1g,’ said MacGregor.

The Federation of Bakers however remains convinced that good progress has been made in cooperation with the FSA. The organisation entered into discussions with the agency to establish an acceptable target for salt reduction by 2010, which was agreed at 0.43g sodium per 100 grammes to be achieved by that date.

‘There has already been a 10 per cent reduction in the two years to the end of 2005, and a further reductions will be made to meet the 2010 target,’ said Polson.

‘The Federation will continue to work with the FSA to monitor progress towards this target, in particular a review scheduled for 2008.’

Web: http://www.FoodNavigator.com

Complaint Against Derann Productions Upheld

A complaint objecting to a magazine ad for the BioEnergiser D-tox Spa from Derann Productions was upheld on both of the two objections according to information published by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

Ad
A magazine ad, for the BioEnergiser D-tox Spa, was headlined ‘Energy boost Want to detox without dieting. We show you how’. Further text continued ‘... The BioEnergiser D-tox Spa is a spa treatment for your feet or hands. This nifty little device looks like a foot spa but it actually helps start the process of re-balancing your body's bio energy. Your body's energy flow is essential to maintaining good health and keeping your body in balance. When everything is working properly and harmoniously, you have improved physical energy, better concentration and good circulation. The BioEnergiser D-tox Spa is a relaxing 30 minute treatment, which involves placing your feet into a spa bowl filled with warm salted water. An energising cartridge creates a flow of electrons and a bioenergetic field that provides a relaxing and enjoyable treatment. The BioEnergiser rebalances and harmonises by sending signals up through the lymph glands to stimulate the detox process ...’. Boxed text stated ‘Anyone can use it to help get their body back in balance, however on going [sic] clinical trials conducted by medically qualified clinicians have seen significant results achieved during the treatment of a variety of conditions: Psoriasis 80% positive treatment response Eczema 70% positive treatment response Leg oedema 95% positive treatment response Lymph oedema 95% positive treatment response Hyper hydrosis [sic] 90% positive treatment response Lymphatic gland detox 95% positive treatment’.

Issue
1. Aqua Detox International (CI) Ltd challenged whether the product's claims to treat the listed medical conditions could be substantiated.
2. The ASA challenged whether the product could re-balance and detoxify the body.

The CAP Code: 3.1;7.1;50.1;50.3

Response
Derann Productions (Derann) argued that use of the BioEnergiser D-tox Spa (BioEnergiser) resulted in improved cell hydration and renewed energy levels as well as increased blood circulation. They said it exclusively used SIGMA Q technology, which was expected to advance the development of stimulation therapies. They asserted that the flow of the body's vital life force or energy was essential to maintaining its good health and balance and claimed that the BioEnergiser re-balanced and harmonised the body by sending gentle pulse signals through the lymph glands to stimulate detoxification. They said ongoing clinical trials had seen significant results in the treatment of eczema, psoriasis, leg oedema, hyperhidrosis, lymph oedema, lymphatic gland detox and increased blood circulation. They added that clients had reported increased feelings of well-being.

They said the results of the clinical trials were held by the British Standards Institute (BSI), which had certified the product; they sent a copy of the certificate. They said the product met the requirements of the European Medical Devices Directive and complied with all necessary safety standards; they pointed out that the product carried a Medical Device CE mark.

They submitted clinical trial review papers for each ailment listed in the ad.
Derann sent testimonials from customers who had reported softer feet and improvements in energy levels, cystitis, sleeping patterns, skin conditions, menstruation problems, joint mobility, constipation and migraine as a result of using the BioEnergiser. Derann claimed that their medical advisor had personally noted regular use of the product improved energy levels and removed leg oedema caused by prolonged sitting, flying or driving.

Assessment
1. Upheld
The ASA noted the ad's claims that the product had a ‘positive treatment response’ to the listed medical conditions were based on the results of clinical trials. We noted, however, the results of those trials reported the effect of using the BioEnergiser, for set periods of time in a clinically supportive environment, on participants' perceived quality of life and sense of well-being, for example, improvements in their interpersonal relationships and their ability to carry out daily activities, such as housework and gardening. While we acknowledged the responses seemed positive, we considered that most readers would interpret the product's ‘positive treatment response’ claims and the claim ...clinical trials conducted by medically qualified clinicians have seen significant results achieved during the treatment of a variety of conditions’ to refer to medically proven, objective improvements in the physical aspects of each disorder, which we noted was not the case. We considered, therefore, that the survey responses of the trial participants were not sufficient to substantiate claims that the product could effectively treat the medical conditions listed.

We noted the product had been certified by the BSI but understood that the level of certification, category A, meant merely that the product was manufactured to pre-defined specifications; it did not affirm that the product had been certified to be clinically effective. We noted the product met the requirements of the European Medical Devices Directive but understood that the Directive was not in harmony with the EU regime in respect of misleading advertising, which was subject to a separate EU Directive. We considered that testimonials did not constitute sufficient substantiation. We were concerned that the listed ailments included serious medical conditions and considered that, by claiming BioEnergiser had a ‘positive treatment response’ to certain medical conditions, sufferers of those conditions could be discouraged from seeking essential treatment from a suitably qualified health professional. We concluded that the claims were misleading.

2. Upheld
We noted we had not seen any evidence to substantiate the product's claims to re-balance and detoxify the body over and above Derann's own background information on how the product worked. We considered that that was not independent and was insufficient to warrant the claims.

On points 1 and 2, the ad breached CAP Code clauses 3.1 (Substantiation), 7.1 (Truthfulness) and 50.1 and 50.3 (Health & beauty products and therapies - General).

Action
We told Derann to remove references to re-balancing, detoxifying and the treatment of medical conditions from future ads and advised them to seek guidance from the CAP Copy Advice team before advertising the BioEnergiser again.

HSE Prosecution Highlights Bed Rail Danger

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has successfully prosecuted BUPA Care Homes (CFC Homes) Limited, sending a clear message to all care home owners that they need to properly manage the potential risks of bed rails or cot sides.

The company was prosecuted at Frome Magistrates Courts on Friday, 2nd February, under Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Regulation 4 (3) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, following an incident three years ago at the Clare Hall Nursing Home in Ston Easton, Somerset.

The company pleaded guilty to both charges and was fined £18,000 for the Section 3 and £5,000 for the Regulation 4; it was also ordered to pay full costs of £12, 607.60.

HSE conducted a joint investigation with the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) following the death of an 80-year-old resident, Eleanor Newton, at the Somerset care home on 17th April 2004. Mrs Newton was found entrapped in a set of bed rails fitted to her bed and died shortly afterwards. The post mortem on Mrs Newton's death was 'indeterminate' and did not establish a direct link between the entrapment and cause of death.

However, it is evident that Mrs Newton was in a situation of high risk and HSE secured a successful prosecution relating to the company's failure to ensure that BUPA's overall bed rail policy was properly implemented at Clare Hall. This failure resulted in poor risk assessment and awareness of potential risks, inadequate staff training and unsuitable rails being used.

HSE Inspector, Helen Sherwood, who investigated the case, said:

'This prosecution should send a clear message to all care home owners about the risks associated with their everyday equipment. Bed rails might look harmless but if they are incorrectly fitted or if unsuitable rails are used or if staff are inadequately trained - particularly in the case of elderly and frail residents - then they could pose a real danger.

'I'm pleased to say that Clare Hall and BUPA overall responded very positively to the two enforcement notices served during our joint investigation with CSCI and improvements have already been made. We now want other care homes to be equally responsible - let's not wait for a tragedy to strike before the message gets through.'

BUPA is currently working with HSE and other authorities in developing a comprehensive bed-rail training package which should be available later this year to interested parties. HSE very much welcomes this initiative.

Authoritative and practical guidance on the choice and use of appropriate bed rails is available on the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency website at http://www.mhra.gov.uk.

Final h5n1 Restrictions Lifted

Changes to Defra's disease control measures put in place to tackle the H5N1 outbreak in turkeys in Suffolk were announced on March 9th.

As of 00:01 on Monday 12th March the Surveillance Zone (SZ) and Restricted Zone (RZ) restrictions were lifted.

Specific restrictions previously in place within the zones, including movement restrictions and the ban on bird gatherings, are now lifted.

Chief Veterinary Officer Debby Reynolds said:
'Although this marks the end to our active disease control measures in the affected area, there is still much work to be done. We will continue to investigate the source of the virus introduction and endeavour to learn from this outbreak to help us prevent and manage similar situations in the future.

'Bird keepers should continue to practice good biosecurity and remain vigilant for signs of disease.'

Minister for Animal Health Ben Bradshaw said:
'The fact that we have no evidence of this disease spreading outside of the infected premise is a testament to our emergency response planning and implementation. I would like to pay tribute to the dedication and professionalism of all of the public servants who have been involved.'

Bio-Warfare Expert Warns Of Bird Flu Misinformation

‘The US Centres For Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) are underestimating the airborne dangers of the bird flu,’ says bio-warfare expert Jason Cain. ‘And if they fail to toughen their infection control guidelines many health care workers and first responders could fall victim to H5N1 avian flu during a pandemic,’ he charged.

Cain a former sergeant in the US Marine Corps, trained Marines in nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) warfare. And he says the true dangers of airborne transmission are frightening similar to a scene in the movie 'Outbreak', where a man infected with a fictional strain of Ebola virus sneezed in a movie theater.

‘I think we all remember that scene, as the small aerosol droplets from the sneeze floated throughout the theatre - and eventually landed in someone's mouth,’ Cain said.

A sneeze can generate as many as 40,000 droplets, which can evaporate to particles in the 0.5 to 12 micron range. Particles that can stay aloft for long periods of time. In fact, particles that are a mere 10 microns in size can stay airborne for 17 minutes - and are shown to cause more severe disease and require a smaller of virus to cause infection.

‘The CDC is using some arbitrary '3 foot rule' in the guidance they are giving healthcare workers and facilities. And they are going to get people killed!’ warned Cain. In studies, a cough has been shown to expel 6.7 mg of saliva at speeds of up to 22 meters per second. With saliva droplets being hurled further than 2 metres (6.56 feet).

Cain says that health care workers, first responders and hospital administrators contacted him for help, after reading his postings in online public forums that follow the emerging bird flu pandemic. As a retired police officer and trainer, Cain saw the need for a newsletter that cut through all the misinformation, so he created THE BIRD FLU HOTSHEET. See http://www.BidFluHotsheet.com
According to Cain, every healthcare worker and first responder needs to be issued a full-face respirator with a Class 100 filter. And he says we need to have laws making it mandatory that healthcare workers and first responders are provided a mask, fit testing and training by their employers.

‘We need to hurry. We need protect those that will protect us. A pandemic may be unfolding before our very eyes,’ Cain said.

THE BIRD FLU HOTSHEET is a monthly newsletter providing critical and current information on the fight against the unfolding H5N1 avian influenza pandemic.

For more information:
http://www.BirdFluHotsheet.com

Bird Flu Summit March 14th and 15th, Texas Health Official Participates

Dr. Susan Penefield, Manager of the Infectious Disease Control Unit at the Texas Health Department, has joined the 4th International Bird Flu Summit in Washington, March 14-15, to present an overview of the state's programmes against infectious diseases, particularly bird flu.

The Texas Department of Health has a strong programme on community preparedness against infectious diseases. To present the state's role in the national strategy for a pandemic flu and its own measures to counter the bird flu threat at the 4th International Bird Flu Summit is Dr. Susan Penefield, pediatrician and public health official.

Currently the Manager of the Infectious Disease Control Unit at the Texas Health Department, she is in charge of infectious disease epidemiology and surveillance, health screening, and controlling the transmission of animal diseases, such as bird flu, to humans.

The Bird Flu Summit started on March 14th for a two-day event. Dr. Penefield joined such distinguished speakers as Homeland Security officials Kathie McCracken and Dr. Tilman Jolly, HHS Senior Project Officer Dr. Robin Robinson, L.A. Pandemic Influenza Coordinator Brit Ouilfstad, Pennsylvania State Epidemiologist and Director Veronica Urdaneta, Michigan's Chief Medical Executive Greg Holzman, Indonesia's Sulianto Saroso Hospital AI Outbreaks Response Team Chief Sardikin Giriputro, Nigeria's Avian and Pandemic Influenza Rapid Response Team Chief Abdulsalami Nasid, and Turkey's Van Yuzuncu Yil Research Hospital Chief Physician Huseyin Avni Sahin.

Over 100 delegates representing over 30 countries are attending the conference. Talks focus on effective planning and preparation, improved coordination among all sectors, and business continuity.

Web: http://www.new-fields.com

UN Official Urges Global Solidarity in Bird Flu Summit

The United Nation's Senior Coordinator for Avian and Human Influenza, Dr. David Nabarro, cited the importance of global solidarity in the campaign against bird flu at the 4th International Bird Flu Summit being held in Washington, DC today.

He said that countries need to stay open regarding sharing to the rest of the world vital information and resources, such as viral samples, that will help prevent the spread of this virulent strain of influenza.

In the same token, the campaign against bird flu must prioritise the needs of countries infected with the disease for medication and vaccination. ‘There must be global solidarity to make sure that these countries are not left behind,’ he stressed.

However, ‘the glass is still half empty in terms of international efforts,’ he said. In determining the success of anti-bird flu campaigns, he said he looks for these four criteria:

1. Political leadership and functioning alliances with civil society and the private sector.
2. Resources and capacity to scale up, with effective systems for direction, management and coordination
3. Support for long-term reduction in risks of animal and human disease.
4. Sharing of information and viral samples, effective communication of risks and responses, and full community engagement.

Dr. Nabarro commended New-Fields for having provided a series of bird flu summits, ‘because it gives an opportunity for consistency in reviewing the issues [on bird flu] over time.’

The Bird Flu Summits were organised to address pandemic, prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery, and focus on improving collaboration, communication, and coordination among public health officials, policy makers, scientists, and business leaders.

He also complimented the reports of U.S. Homeland Security Public Health Specialist Kathie McCracken, on pandemic flu planning; Dr. Sarikin Giriputro of Indonesia, Dr. Abdulsalami Nasidi of Nigeria, and Dr. Huseyin Avni Sahin of Turkey who gave updates on the bird flu situation in their countries.

For more information about the conference, please visit http://www.new-fields.com

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