Monday, November 14, 2011

Kotex Natural tampons recalled for bacterial contamination also found in Baby Formula


The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a recall warning for specific lots of Kotex tampons contaminated with a bacterium that could cause vaginal infections and other health risks.
The recall is limited to two specific lots of Kotex Natural Balance Security Unscented Tampons Regular Absorbency manufactured by Kimberly-Clark. According to the FDA, both the 18 count and the 36 count packages contain tampons that were made with raw materials contaminated with Enterobacter sakazakii, a bug that may cause vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory diseases or other health issues.
Although there have been no reports of illness caused by the tainted tampons, the FDA warns that the Enterobacter bacterium could be especially life threatening to women with preexisting illnesses or compromised immune systems—from HIV, for example.
The recall affects only the 18-count packages (SKU 15063) and the 36-count packages (SKU 15068) of tampons, distributed to specific stores between Oct. 29 and Nov. 2. The FDA says Kimberly-Clark has already contacted the specific retailers—Walmart stores in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico and Texas; Fry’s stores in Arizona; and Smith’s stores in Utah and Arizona—to remove the tainted tampons from their shelves.
Consumers should contact a physician immediately if they have used the contaminated Kotex tampons and experience unusual vaginal discharge, rash, fever, headache, vomiting or abdominal pains—particularly if they are HIV positive, have AIDS, cancer, an existing serious illness or may be pregnant.more from consumerreports
thank you Allie

And I bet this next part will shock and disgust you all:

Enterobacter sakazakii was common if powdered food products and baby formula, Du Pont created a way to analize products for the bacteria in said products.
I find it kind of interesting that all of the sudden it’s found in femanine products. (thank you bailey)


BAX® System PCR Assay

Enterobacter sakazaki


When Enterobacter sakazakii is present in a food sample, the genetic-based BAX® system uses the power of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to rapidly create (amplify) millions of copies of a unique, E. sakazakii -specific DNA fragment for reliable detection.
BAX® system assays simplify the method by combining all the PCR reagents you need into a single tablet, conveniently packaged inside the PCR tubes contained in each kit. Tableted reagents provide for minimal hands-on time, in addition to accuracy, long shelf life and consistency.


How could they cross contaminate each other is what I want to know?  What are your thoughts?

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