CDC Publishes Report on Infection Risk of H5 Avian Influenza

On July 24, 2015, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) published a report on the risk of human infection posed by exposure to birds with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5 viruses.

Human infection with avian influenza, although rare, has occurred. The most prominent strains that have occurred in humans are the HPAI strain H5N1 and the low pathogenic avian influenza strain H7N9. H5N1 has been detected in humans in several countries, while H7N9 has occurred mostly within China. When infection occurs, the disease is considered to be severe for these strains. The strains the CDC studied in the report are new strains of the virus found in the United States.

The study focused on exposure during the time-frame of December 2014 to March 2015, where a total of 60 outbreaks of HPAI H5 viruses occurred across 13 states. During this time, a total of 164 people were exposed to infected birds. Of these 164 people 5 developed acute respiratory infections within 10 days of exposure, but HPAI H5 viruses were not detected in any individual. The CDC believes this suggests “the risk of virus transmission to humans appears to be low…” but individuals should remain vigilant when responding to an outbreak.

The severity of infection of these US strains of HPAI is currently unknown, but the CDC states that the strains should be considered to cause potentially severe or fatal illnesses until proven otherwise. The CDC urges individuals to avoid unprotected contact with infected birds, and those exposed to infected birds should be tested for infection in the event that respiratory symptoms develop.

Written by Tyler R. Etter- Research Assistant
August 5, 2015

FDA Finalizes Ban on Artificial Trans Fats in Processed Foods

On June 16, 2015, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized the determination that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) are not “generally recognized as safe or GRAS for use in human food.” PHOs are the primary source of artificial trans fats in processed foods.

After considering public comments and scientific data, the agency finalized the tentative determination made in 2013. Manufacturers will have three years to comply with the new determination by either reformulating products to remove all PHOs or petitioning the FDA for a specific use of PHOs. After the three year period, PHOs can no longer be added to human food without prior FDA approval.

The ban is aimed at improving the overall heart health of Americans. The FDA expects the action to
“reduce coronary heart disease and prevent thousands of fatal heart attacks every year.” However, trans fats won’t be completely eliminated from all foods, as they are naturally occurring in meat and dairy products as well as other edible oils.

During the compliance period, the FDA recommends that consumers continue to check nutrition labels and select items that have the lowest amounts of trans fats, as well as checking the ingredients list to ensure the accuracy of a “0 grams trans fat” label.

The determination is open to public comment, and can be found here.

Written by Tyler R. Etter- Research Assistant

June 17, 2015