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FDA Raises Concerns About Probiotic Products Sold for Use in Hospitalized Preterm Infants

Published

1 year ago

October 29, 2023

Daily News Staff

Warning Letters Issued to Two Companies for Illegally Selling Probiotic Products to Treat Diseases in Preterm Infants

As part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s commitment to protecting public health, the agency is advising the public, including healthcare providers, of the possible risks that products containing live bacteria or yeast, which are commonly called probiotics, pose to preterm infants in hospital settings. The agency recently sent a letter to healthcare providers warning them about this topic and has issued two warning letters to companies for illegally selling their products for use in treating or preventing certain diseases in preterm infants.

Probiotic products contain live organisms such as bacteria or yeast and are commonly marketed as foods, including as dietary supplements. The FDA is concerned as these products can be dangerous for preterm infants and are being illegally sold to treat or prevent diseases in preterm infants in hospital settings, such as to reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis. Preterm infants who are administered a probiotic product are at risk of invasive, potentially fatal disease, or infection, caused by the bacteria or yeast contained in the probiotics.

The FDA is aware that certain probiotic products used in hospital settings to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis have contributed to invasive disease, including one infant death in 2023, and have been associated with more than two dozen other reported adverse events in the United States since 2018. The agency is also concerned about and is investigating reports that these products may have contributed to additional adverse events, including death, and is working to obtain the proper evidence and medical records, where possible. Any death or adverse event in an infant following the use of a probiotic product is very concerning, and the FDA is actively working with healthcare providers to better understand the link between the probiotic products used and the adverse events in preterm infants reported by these institutions.

Importantly, the FDA has not approved any probiotic product for use as a drug or biological product in infants of any age. Unapproved, unlicensed probiotics that are used to treat or prevent a disease or condition in preterm infants have not undergone the agency’s thorough premarket evaluation for safety and effectiveness. Further, they have not been evaluated for compliance with the agency’s rigorous manufacturing and testing standards for drugs and biological products, including testing for other organisms. For these products to be lawfully marketed as drugs and biological products, the FDA requires approval of a Biologics License Application to ensure they have been appropriately evaluated. In the absence of an approved product, healthcare providers who administer products containing live bacteria or yeast to treat, mitigate, cure or prevent a disease or condition are required to submit an Investigational New Drug application to the agency to ensure the investigational use of an unapproved product is conducted with the appropriate safeguards.

“Adverse events in any infant following the use of a probiotic are a concern to the FDA. We especially want to make clear that products containing live microorganisms may present serious risks to preterm infants in hospital settings,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “With today’s message, we want to warn parents, caregivers and healthcare providers that if these products are used for the prevention or treatment of disease, they have not undergone the agency’s rigorous premarket process to evaluate their safety, effectiveness and quality for these medical uses.”

The agency is committed to ensuring that any violations and safety issues presented by these products are addressed by their manufacturers. The agency issued a warning letter to Abbott Laboratories on Oct. 24, 2023, for its product, Similac Probiotic Tri-Blend, which contains B. infantis (Bb-02), S. thermophilus (TH-4) and B. lactis (BB-12). Of note, this product is not an infant formula and is not related to the previous issues the agency has noted with powdered infant formula manufactured by Abbott Nutrition. Abbott has agreed to discontinue sales of its Similac Probiotic Tri-Blend product and is working with the FDA to take additional corrective actions.

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The warning letter notes the company sells the probiotic product for use in hospital settings for preterm infants. Based on the intended uses on the company’s websites and Abbott’s marketing materials, the product is an unapproved new drug and an unlicensed biological product being sold in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and the Public Health Service Act. Additionally, the product is an adulterated dietary supplement under the FD&C Act because, when intended for consumption by preterm infants, the Bb-02 and TH-4 ingredients have not met the applicable safety requirements.

The agency also recently issued a warning letter to Infinant Health, Inc (formerly Evolve BioSystems Inc.) regarding its probiotic product, Evivo with MCT Oil, an unapproved and unlicensed product sold for use in treating or preventing disease in preterm infants, in violation of the FD&C Act and the Public Health Service Act. The product was intended to be added to food for preterm infants and as such was also found to be an adulterated food under the FD&C Act. This product has since been voluntarily recalled and is no longer available in the U.S.

“Protecting public health, especially of the most vulnerable populations such as preterm infants, is one of the highest priorities for the FDA,” said Jim Jones, the FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods. “We are encouraging all involved in the care of preterm infants, including parents, caregivers and healthcare providers, to be aware of the possible risks associated with the administration of probiotic products to preterm infants in hospital settings. The FDA continues to investigate these incidents and is committed to using our available resources and authorities to identify and address potentially unsafe products in the market.”

The FDA understands there are conflicting data in the literature on the safety and effectiveness of probiotics for the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis, and that the study of the use of probiotics has been complicated by several factors, including the use of different probiotics in different trials. Because of the potential for harm posed by these products in highly vulnerable individuals, such as preterm infants, the agency urges the industry, clinical and research funding communities to focus on high quality clinical trials with products meeting quality criteria to provide definitive evidence to inform the use of these products by healthcare providers and, where appropriate, to support applications for drugs and biological products for use in infants of any age.

The agency continues to carefully review and investigate adverse event reports for probiotics. To inform the agency’s surveillance efforts, and to better understand these issues to help protect public health, the FDA encourages healthcare providers and caregivers to report adverse events following use of probiotics to the manufacturer, the FDA’s MedWatch program and CFSAN’s Adverse Event Reporting System. Caregivers may also speak with their healthcare provider regarding concerns or questions with these products.

Related Information

Dear Healthcare Provider Letter: Warning Regarding Use of Probiotics in Preterm Infants
Warning Letter: Abbott Laboratories
Warning Letter: Infinant Health, Inc formerly Evolve Biosystems Inc.

Source: FDA

Author

Daily News Staff

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Alert: Kroger Issues Food Recalls Affecting Multiple States

Published

2 weeks ago

February 7, 2025

Hal Machina

Senior woman with tablet computer in the store.

As of early February 2025, Kroger has announced a series of food recalls affecting customers across at least 15 states, as well as several subsidiary stores nationwide. The recalls, initiated due to safety concerns, include a variety of products that consumers should be aware of.

Twelve Hummus Tubs from King Harvest

Kroger subsidiary stores Fred Meyer and QFC, located in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, have recalled the following King Harvest hummus tubs, each weighing 10 oz:

King Harvest Lemon Hummus
King Harvest Classic Hummus
King Harvest Roasted Garlic Hummus
King Harvest Toasted Onion Hummus
King Harvest Chipotle Hummus
King Harvest Spinach Hummus
King Harvest Black Olive Hummus
King Harvest Sesame Hummus
King Harvest Jalapeño Hummus
King Harvest Balsamic Hummus
King Harvest Sun Dried Tomato Hummus
King Harvest Roasted Pepper Hummus

These products were recalled on February 5, 2025, due to a defect in their plastic tubs that may lead to the presence of plastic foreign objects within the containers. Kroger has advised customers, “Customers who purchased any of the item(s) below should not eat the product.” It remains unclear whether this recall is connected to a previous incident from September 2024 involving similar concerns.

DJs Boudain Products in Texas and Louisiana

Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana have also issued a recall for the following DJs Boudain products:

DJs Boudain Hot Jalapeño Boudain, 12 oz
DJs Boudain Boudain Sausage, 24 oz
DJs Boudain Boudain Sausage, 16 oz

These items were recalled on February 1, 2025, due to potential contamination with pieces of a pen. This recall is part of a broader action directed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which called for around 17,720 pounds of boudain sausage link products to be removed from stores across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

Gerber Products for Teething Children

In addition, two Gerber products intended for teething children were recalled from Kroger stores across multiple states, including Ohio, Virginia, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, West Virginia, Texas, and Louisiana. The affected products are:

Gerber Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks Banana, 3.2 oz
Gerber Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks Strawberry Apple, 3.2 oz

These products were removed from shelves due to potential choking hazards. Kroger has assured customers that those who purchased these items can return them for a full refund. This recall is part of a nationwide action announced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Gerber has expressed regret over the situation, stating, “The recall was initiated after receiving consumer complaints of choking incidents. To date, one emergency room visit has been reported to the firm…We sincerely apologize for any concern or inconvenience this action represents to parents, caregivers, and retail customers.”

Conclusion

Customers who have purchased any of the recalled products are urged to refrain from consuming them and to return the items for a refund. It is always advisable to stay informed about food recalls to ensure the safety of you and your family. For more updates on recalls and food safety, keep an eye on announcements from Kroger and the relevant health authorities. Stay safe!

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

Read the article in Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/kroger-food-recalls-issued-15-states-full-list-products-impacted-2027160

https://stmdailynews.com/

Author

Hal Machina

Hal Machina is a passionate writer, blogger, and self-proclaimed journalist who explores the intersection of science, tech, and futurism. Join him on a journey into innovative ideas and groundbreaking discoveries! View all posts journalist

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A Bold Move Towards a Healthier Future: FDA’s Proposed Nicotine Regulation

On January 15, 2025, the FDA proposed regulating nicotine levels in cigarettes to minimize addiction, aiming to prevent millions from smoking. This significant public health initiative promotes fewer smoking-related diseases and economic benefits.

Published

4 weeks ago

January 27, 2025

Charles Elliot

close up photo of cigarette ashes. nicotine — Photo by Basil MK on Pexels.com

On January 15, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made headlines with a groundbreaking proposal that could revolutionize the landscape of tobacco products. The agency announced a plan to limit the nicotine content in cigarettes and certain combusted tobacco products to levels that will make them minimally or nonaddictive. This significant step is geared towards preventing future generations from falling victim to the perils of tobacco addiction and smoking-related diseases.

A Bold Move Towards a Healthier Future: FDA’s Proposed Nicotine Regulation

A Step Long in the Making

The journey to this proposal began in 2018 when the FDA first expressed intentions to regulate nicotine levels in tobacco products. Now, as we stand on the brink of potentially transformative change, it’s clear that the FDA’s vision is not only ambitious but also rooted in a wealth of scientific evidence. The proposed nicotine cap, set at a mere 0.7 milligrams per gram of tobacco, is poised to dismantle the addictive potential of cigarettes, thus reducing the likelihood of new smokers picking up the habit.

Saving Lives and Reducing Costs

The impact of this regulation could be enormous. According to the FDA’s research, by the year 2100, this new nicotine standard has the potential to prevent around 48 million young people from starting to smoke. Additionally, it could encourage over 12.9 million current smokers to quit within the first year of the regulation’s enactment—numbers that elevate to an astonishing 19.5 million after five years. Ultimately, the FDA estimates that over the coming decades, we could see 1.8 million lives saved, climbing even higher to 4.3 million by the end of the century.

The financial implications are just as compelling. With an estimated annual benefit of over $1.1 trillion—not to mention the reduction in healthcare costs, lost productivity, and the avoidance of tobacco-related diseases—the proposal is not only a public health victory but also an economic one.

A Public Health Perspective

Cigarettes remain the deadliest consumer product in history, accounting for nearly half a million preventable deaths each year in the U.S. alone. The FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D., expressed a clear commitment to making significant progress in combating this public health crisis. “Today’s proposal envisions a future where it would be less likely for young people to use cigarettes and more individuals who currently smoke could quit or switch to less harmful products,” he stated.

The focus on addiction prevention and smoking cessation aligns with a broader goal: to create a healthier society where smoking-related diseases are no longer a pervasive threat. The proposed rule does not impose a ban on tobacco products but instead aims to create a safer environment by altering the products themselves. This is a crucial distinction as it allows for a path that encourages adult smokers to transition to less harmful alternatives without criminalizing their existing choices.

Why Public Engagement Matters

With the proposal open for public comment from January 16 to September 15, 2025, the FDA is keen on gathering input from diverse stakeholders, ensuring that a myriad of perspectives is considered. This effort to foster public dialogue is essential as it demonstrates a collaborative approach to policymaking, inviting the voices of health advocates, smokers wishing to quit, and the general public into the conversation.

The FDA is also reaching out to its Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee to explore further implications of this proposal, underlining the importance of scientific scrutiny in shaping effective tobacco regulations.

Looking Ahead

As we await the final decision on this transformative proposal, the message is clear: reducing nicotine levels in combusted tobacco products could redefine smoking norms in America. The FDA’s intent to prioritize public health and encourage cessation underscores a commitment to safeguarding future generations.

While no tobacco product is completely safe and the best choice for individual health is to avoid all forms of tobacco, the proposed regulations represent a critical stride towards mitigating the risks associated with smoking. With collective efforts and robust community engagement, a healthier future is not only possible, but within reach.

Join the Conversation

Are you interested in contributing to this historic movement? The FDA encourages public input, and your voice matters! Take part in this important conversation in shaping the future of tobacco regulation. Together, we can help create a society where smoking-related deaths are significantly reduced, and a healthier lifestyle becomes the norm.

Stay engaged, stay informed, and let’s pave the way for a smoke-free future!

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FDA Issues Class I Recall for Costco’s Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon

Published

4 weeks ago

January 25, 2025

Rod Washington

In a significant health alert, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded the recall of Costco’s Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon to a Class I designation, indicating a serious health risk. This recall follows the discovery of Listeria monocytogenes during routine laboratory testing.

Originally announced in late October, the recall involved 111 cases of smoked salmon packaged in twin 12-ounce units, with a UPC number of 0 96619 25697 6 and a lot number of 8512801270. The affected products have a best-by date of November 13, 2024, and were distributed between October 9 and October 13, 2024, specifically to Costco locations in Florida.

Listeria monocytogenes is known to cause listeriosis, a severe infection that can result in serious health complications or even death, especially among vulnerable populations such as pregnant individuals, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Although no illnesses have been reported in connection with this product, consumers are advised to check their freezers for these recalled items.

FDA Issues Class I Recall for Costco’s Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon

Costco is urging customers who purchased this product to return it for a full refund.

For your safety, the FDA reminds consumers that Listeria can be found in a variety of foods, particularly raw or smoked seafood, unpasteurized dairy products, and deli meats. If you suspect you may have consumed contaminated food, please consult with a healthcare professional.

Stay safe and informed by regularly checking for updates on food recalls from reliable sources.

Related links:

The FDA Issued a Class I Recall on Costco’s Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon https://www.foodandwine.com/costco-kirkland-signature-smoked-salmon-class-i-recall-listeria-monocytogenes-8780336

https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/listeria-listeriosis

https://stmdailynews.com/