UPI NewsTrack Health and Science News

China recalls formula after infant death

HONG KONG, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Chinese health officials announced a nationwide investigation into the safety of infant formula after a child died from contaminated formula.

The Sanlu Group recalled 700 tons of formula Thursday after it was found to be contaminated with the industrial chemical melamine, the China Daily newspaper reported. The New York Times said the formula was linked to the death of one infant and kidney problems in at least 50 others.

Sanlu officials said it has determined batches of its formula manufactured before Aug. 6 were contaminated with melamine. China's Health Ministry said those found responsible for the contamination of the Sanlu formula would face "serious punishment"

Thousands of pets died in the United States last year after eating Chinese pet food laced with melamine.

FDA warns against Chinese infant formula

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said no infant formula made in China has been approved for import into the United States.

Following reports that some Chinese manufactured infant formula has been contaminated with melamine, the agency requested and received assurance from companies that manufacture infant formula for the U.S. market that they are not importing infant formula or source materials from China.

"The following manufacturers have met the necessary FDA requirements for marketing milk-based infant formulas in the United States: Abbott Nutritionals, Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Nestle USA, PBM Nutritionals, and Solus Products LLC.," the agency said in a release. Also, SHS/Nutricia, Liverpool, England, markets an amino acid based exempt infant formula that does not contain any milk-derived ingredients, the agency said.

The FDA said it is investigating whether infant formula manufactured in China is being sold in specialty markets that serve the Asian community.

"We are asking state officials to work with the agency to assist with the removal of any Chinese infant formula found on store shelves, and to warn members of the Asian community to avoid using Chinese manufactured infant formula," the FDA said.

CDC: Blacks, gays most at risk for HIV

ATLANTA, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- A study of human immunodeficiency virus -- HIV -- infection in the United States suggests gays, bisexual men and blacks are most at risk of becoming infected.

Of the estimated 54,230 new infections among whites, blacks, and Hispanics in 2006, 46 percent of the infections occurred among blacks, 36 percent occurred among whites, and 18 percent occurred among Hispanics, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.

The majority of new cases occurred among gay and bisexual men. Among newly infected males, 81 percent of white men and 63 percent of black men were gay or bisexual, The New York Times reported. The report said 80 percent of women newly infected with the virus contracted HIV because of high-risk heterosexual contact.

Beach sand dirtier than the water

RESTON, Va., Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Beach sand often contains higher levels of E.coli and other fecal bacteria than water at the beach, U.S researchers said.

The U.S. Geological Survey said research suggests beach closings due to elevated fecal indicator bacteria may be linked to contaminated beach sand. The findings are among the topics that will be discussed in Indiana at the Great Lakes Beach Association conference Sept. 16-17.

"Over the last few years, we've identified an important source of indicator bacteria and how these bacteria may negatively influence recreation, but this is the first time experts have actually met to discuss this issue collectively," Richard Whitman, head of the Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station, said in a release.

USGS said bacteria are often present in the sand in high concentrations independent of any recent contamination events. The bacteria can also be re-suspended into the beach water by onshore winds and high waves.