2024 National Prescription Drug Take Back Day to take place this weekend

BALTIMORE, MD—National Prescription Drug Take Back Day 2024 will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2024. The event is free and anonymous, and it aims to provide people with a safe and convenient way to dispose of prescription drugs. This event is hosted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and takes place every year. DEA and state and local partners […]

Salmonella outbreak linked to organic basil sold at Trader Joe’s

BALTIMORE, MD—A multi-state outbreak of Salmonella infections has been linked to organic basil packaged in 2.5-oz clamshell containers sold at Trader Joe’s stores. The CDC says 12 people from seven states have been infected, with seven of eight cases reporting exposure to fresh organic basil purchased from Trader Joe’s before becoming ill. The products came from Miami, Florida-based Infinite Herbs, […]

FDA recommends voluntary recall of ground cinnamon products due to elevated lead levels

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday recommended a voluntary recall of several ground cinnamon products sold at six different retailers across the U.S. over concerns they may contain elevated levels of lead. The agency has sent a letter to all cinnamon manufacturers, processors, distributors and facility operators in the U.S., reminding them of the requirement to implement controls […]

Attorney General Brown completes opioid settlements with Teva, Allergan, Walmart, Walgreens

BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has announced that the Consumer Protection Division’s Opioids Enforcement Unit has finalized settlements with Teva, Allergan, Walmart, and Walgreens, after multi-year investigations of these opioids-makers’ or chain pharmacies’ involvement in fueling the opioid crisis in Maryland. The settlements are expected to provide $238 million to be used in Maryland’s and its subdivisions’ efforts […]

AGs call on FDA to act on lead found in baby food

BALTIMORE, MD—A coalition of attorneys general, including Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown, are calling on the the Food & Drug Administration to take action on toxic metals found in baby food. A letter (PDF) sent to the FDA by the coalition brings attention to recent childhood lead poisoning linked to recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches made by WanaBana, Schnucks, and […]

CDC reports 101 confirmed cases of illness due to elevated lead, chromium levels in cinnamon applesauce pouches

WASHINGTON—The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food & Drug Administration continue to investigate cases of reported illnesses due to elevated levels of lead and chromium found in recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches. To date, confirmed complainants, or people for whom a complaint or adverse event was submitted and met FDA’s complainant definition, are between zero and 53 years of […]

FDA continues to investigate elevated lead, chromium levels found in cinnamon applesauce pouches as reports of adverse reactions mount

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues to investigate reports of adverse reactions due to elevated levels of lead and chromium found in cinnamon applesauce pouches across the country. As of January 8, 2024, FDA has received 87 confirmed complaints/reports of adverse events potentially linked to recalled products. To date, confirmed complainants, or people for whom a complaint or adverse […]