The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday proposed a ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, a long-awaited win for anti-smoking and civil rights groups but one that could erase a huge share of sales for the Big Tobacco.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday proposed a ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars in the United States… a win for anti-tobacco and civil rights groups, but a move that could erase a huge chunk of sales for cigarette manufacturers.
For decades, anti-smoking groups have sounded the alarm on menthol cigarettes, arguing they contribute to disproportionate health burdens on Black communities and play a major role in luring young people into smoking.
The FDA was forced to act by Thursday – a court-imposed deadline - to respond to a citizen's petition from 2013 seeking a ban on menthol cigarettes.
The ban, however, is likely to take years to implement with looming legal challenges from the tobacco industry.
Altria Group and Reynolds America, a unit of British American Tobacco, said they would evaluate the latest proposal, but stated that the published science on the matter does not support regulating or banning menthol cigarettes.
Imperial's U.S. business, ITG Brands, said the announcement was disappointing, but not unexpected.
Menthol cigarettes, already banned in many U.S. states including California and Massachusetts, still account for more than a third of the industry's overall market share even as smoking rates have declined.
Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids said Thursdat the FDA’s latest move could be the "strongest action" that the United States "has ever taken to drive down the number of kids who start smoking."
Experts' Tips on Taking, Supplements as Sleep-Aids.
'Time' recently spoke with experts regarding
over-the-counter sleep aids and whether they
can really help someone with insomnia.
'Time' recently spoke with experts regarding
over-the-counter sleep aids and whether they
can really help someone with insomnia.
Melatonin has become a popular
supplement in recent years for being
a safe and effective sleep aid.
According to a 2023 study by the American Academy of Sleep
Medicine (AASM), nearly two-thirds of people in the
United States have tried using melatonin to help them sleep. .
It’s not something that is generally
harmful or toxic, which is probably
why people are tempted to take
more when a little bit doesn’t work, Dr. Milena Pavlova, neurologist at Brigham and Women’s
Faulkner Hospital and an associate professor of
neurology at Harvard Medical School, via 'Time'.
'Time' points out that supplements, such as
melatonin, are not regulated by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Similar to melatonin, over-the-counter antihistamines
like Benadryl have become a popular sleep-aid due to
containing doxylamine, which causes drowsiness.
However, doxylamine also comes
with a number of side effects,
including a potential hangover the next day.
The big problem with antihistamines
is they can make people extremely
groggy and really impair cognitive
function the next day, Dr. Indira Gurubhagavatula, professor of medicine
in the division of sleep medicine at the
University of Pennsylvania, via 'Time'.
While antihistamines can induce
drowsiness, they don't normally
result in quality, restorative sleep.
Experts suggest eliminating things that prevent healthy sleep, like alcohol and caffeine, while also incorporating physical activity into your daily routine.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
FDA to Outlaw Soda Ingredient , Already Banned Around the World.
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) has been used as an emulsifier in various products
since the 1930s, ScienceAlert reports. .
Countries such as India, Japan and nations within
the European Union have banned BVO for years.
California also outlawed it in 2022.
Studies have indicated that BVO builds up in fat tissue when consumed and prevents iodine from properly functioning within the thyroid. .
BVO has also been linked with heart and behavioral problems, ScienceAlert reports. .
Recent toxicology studies prompted
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
to propose banning BVO in November.
The proposed action is an example of how
the agency monitors emerging evidence
and, as needed, conducts scientific research
to investigate safety related questions, , James Jones, FDA deputy commissioner
for human foods, via ScienceAlert.
... and takes regulatory action when the
science does not support the continued
safe use of additives in foods, James Jones, FDA deputy commissioner
for human foods, via ScienceAlert.
Over the years many beverage makers
reformulated their products to replace
BVO with an alternative ingredient, and
today, few beverages in the US contain BVO, James Jones, FDA deputy commissioner
for human foods, via ScienceAlert.
The FDA's BVO reclassification will still need to
go through a review process before completion.
James Jones, FDA deputy commissioner
for human foods, said that regulations
for authorizing other food additives are
currently being reviewed by the agency...
... in order to automatically block
the approval of ingredients known to
cause cancer in animals or humans
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
FDA Warns These , Cinnamon Brands , Could Contain Lead.
NPR reports that the Food and Drug Administration
has issued an advisory that several brands
of cinnamon could potentially contain lead.
The six brands impacted by the advisory are: , La Fiesta, Marcum, MK, Swad,
Supreme Tradition and El Chilar. .
These brands are commonly on sale at
discount stores and were found to contain
between 2.03 and 3.4 parts per million of lead.
The FDA said that while no illnesses have been
linked to the products, it has recommended
a voluntary recall of the cinnamon brands.
It is important to note that the lead
levels found in the ground cinnamon
products listed above are significantly
lower than lead levels in cinnamon in
the recalled apple sauce pouches
removed from the market this past fall, FDA statement, via NPR.
The FDA added that the impacted products , "could be unsafe for prolonged use.".
NPR reports that long-term lead exposure
in children can lead to slower development,
brain and nervous system damage,
as well as behavioral and learning problems.
According to the CDC, while adults
can experience similar impacts, higher
amounts of exposure are necessary.
The FDA said that "historically, lead chromate has
been illegally added to certain spices" to increase
their weight and enhance their color, "which
increases the monetary value of the adulterated spices." .
FDA's leading hypothesis
remains that this was likely
an act of economically
motivated adulteration, FDA statement, via NPR
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
FDA Approves Marketing , That Cites Yogurt's Ability , to Reduce Diabetes Risk.
NBC reports that the Food and Drug Administration
has decided that food makers can advertise
that regularly consuming yogurt could
reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
NBC reports that the Food and Drug Administration
has decided that food makers can advertise
that regularly consuming yogurt could
reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
The decision comes following a 2018 petition from
Danone North America, which owns major yogurt
brands Dannon, Activia, Wallaby Organic and Silk. .
The decision comes following a 2018 petition from
Danone North America, which owns major yogurt
brands Dannon, Activia, Wallaby Organic and Silk. .
The petition sought to have the FDA allow the
company to market yogurt's ability to reduce
the risk of Type 2 diabetes without objection.
On March 1, the FDA confirmed that
it would not oppose the marketing
campaign, while including some caveats. .
Those caveats include that the marketing must
note that evidence is limited to eating two cups,
equal to three servings, of yogurt per week. .
NBC reports that Danone's petition is
part of a standard process which the
FDA calls "qualified health claims.".
While these claims do not require the FDA's
approval, companies often petition the
agency to define the specific language
necessary to avoid making false claims.
The petition reportedly cited yogurt's nutrient
profile of proteins, vitamins and low sodium.
The petition also cited studies which have supported
the link between regularly consuming yogurt and
reduced risk of diabetes and related conditions.
The petition also noted that
the evidence supports the health
effects of yogurt as a food rather
than related to any single nutrient
or compound and thus is
independent of fat or sugar content. , FDA announcement, via NBC
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Expert Advice About Daily , Caffeine Consumption.
NBC reports that while research has shown the
positive long-term health effects of coffee,
high caffeine consumption also comes with risks. .
Studies have found that those include
increased risk of dementia and stroke, in addition to
a higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease. .
According to experts, people with
pre-existing health conditions may experience
more of coffee's negative side effects. .
The Food and Drug Administration suggests
people limit daily caffeine intake to 400 milligrams,
equal to about four or five 8-ounce cups.
According to the FDA, people are unlikely to
experience serious side effects unless they consume
1,200 milligrams, or approximately 12 cups daily.
Tricia Psota, a dietitian with Nutrition on Demand, warns
that even 400 milligrams of caffeine can be associated with
side effects like jitteriness, anxiety and difficulty sleeping.
According to Psota, some people have a lower
tolerance for caffeine and are more likely
to experience negative side effects.
According to Jessica Sylvester, a dietition at the
Florida Nutrition Group, with everyone's tolerance varying, there are warning signs that you've had too much caffeine. .
Within those milligram or cup of coffee
recommendations, if you start feeling
overly tired and the caffeine is not
helping, then you’ve got to stop, Jessica Sylvester, Dietition at the Florida Nutrition Group, via NBC.
If your heart starts beating
incredibly fast, you’ve got to stop.
It’s different for each person, Jessica Sylvester, Dietition at the Florida Nutrition Group, via NBC
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
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This Day in History:, The Boston Massacre.
March 5, 1770.
A skirmish in front of the Boston Custom House
between British soldiers and angry colonists ended in
violence when the troops opened fire on the crowd.
Three Americans were killed instantly and several
other men eventually died from their injuries.
The incident followed several years of tensions
and violence in colonial Massachusetts.
... partly due to revenue duties imposed on the colonists by
the Townshed Acts passed by British Parliament.
The violence turned colonial sentiment against
the British and King George in the years leading
up to the American Revolution.
John Adams wrote that the "foundation of
American independence was laid" by the massacre
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 00:48Published
This Day in History: , Dr. Seuss Is Born.
March 2, 1904.
Theodor Seuss Geisel —
best known by his pen name
Dr. Seuss — was born in Springfield, MA.
Geisel first used the pseudonym
Seuss at Dartmouth College as a
contributor to the school's humor magazine.
After returning from his
studies at Oxford, Geisel
pursued cartooning full time.
His first book under the name Dr. Seuss,
'And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street,'
was rejected 27 times.
In 1957, Dr. Seuss wrote
The Cat in the Hat as a
vocabulary primer for children.
The book was a massive success
and a major turning point in
the career of Dr. Seuss.
Dr. Seuss published more than 60 books,
won the 1984 Pulitzer Prize, an Academy
Award, three Emmys and three Grammys.
His artwork shares space
in galleries with Rembrandt and Picasso
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 00:56Published
This Day in History: , Kendrick Lamar Becomes the
First Rapper to Win the Pulitzer Prize.
April 16, 2018.
Lamar was awarded the
Pulitzer Prize for Music for his
extraordinary 2017 album, 'DAMN.'.
It was the first time the
prestigious award had been granted
to a genre outside of classical music or jazz.
According to the Pulitzer Prize administrator,
the decision to recognize
Lamar's work was unanimous.
['DAMN' is] a virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life, Pulitzer Prize
Awarding Committee.
Lamar grew up during the 1990s
in Compton, CA, surrounded by the
influence of artists like Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre.
His previous album efforts
became known for their social commentary.
A fellow nominee called Lamar
“one of the greatest living American composers, for sure.”
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 00:54Published
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Samsung Knocks Apple , From Top Phonemaker Spot.
Samsung Knocks Apple , From Top Phonemaker Spot.
Fox News reports that Apple's phone shipments have dropped by about 10%.
During Q1 2024, Apple had a 17.3% market share, while Samsung had 20.8%.
During Q1 2024, Apple had a 17.3% market share, while Samsung had 20.8%.
Xiaomi came in third with 14.1%.
Samsung shipped over
60 million phones during Q1 2024.
Samsung shipped over
60 million phones during Q1 2024.
Apple only shipped 50.1 million. .
Last year during the same time period,
Apple shipped 55.4 million. .
Overall, smartphone shipments rose 7.8% worldwide to 289.4 million units during Q1 2024.
The increase in Samsung shipments
could be attributed to the company's
release of Galaxy S24 series phones.
During a launch event at the beginning
of the year, Galaxy AI, which is incorporated
into the company's new smartphones,
was touted as "a new era of mobile AI.".
News of Samsung's triumph comes as
Apple is cutting over 600 jobs in California
following reports that the company
is abandoning its electric car efforts. .
News of Samsung's triumph comes as
Apple is cutting over 600 jobs in California
following reports that the company
is abandoning its electric car efforts.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Doja Cat turned into a chameleon at Coachella Sunday night, wearing a hodgepodge of different outfits that dazzled the crowd during her wild performance. The.. TMZ.com