IHR Newsletter

MEDICAL NEWS; Antibiotic Resistance is Increasing

2010-06-28T09:41:00.001-04:00

Natural health retailers are very familiar with antibiotic resistance. It's easy to grow a bit numb about how this is actually a problem that is deepening in the population. We have a great many products to address this for concerned consumers and there's nowhere else to turn

Antibiotic Drug Resistance on the Rise
by GoozNews ~ 28 Jun 2010 07:20am

(Reuters, June 21): Many such drug distribution programs may be driving drug resistance and endangering the lives they are meant to save, according to the report from the Center for Global Development.

"Drug resistance is a natural occurrence, but careless practices in drug supply and use are hastening it unnecessarily," the Center's Rachel Nugent, who led the group writing the report, said in a statement.

View Original Article Here

RESEARCH NEWS: Study Connects Vitamin D and Cogition in Seniors

2010-06-28T09:30:00.001-04:00

Another week and another fresh vitamin D study. Both the subject - vitamin D and cognition - and the authors are of interest to natural retailers.

Medical News Today
Link Between Vitamin D And Mental Agility In Elders
28 Jun 2010

At a time when consumer interest in health-enhancing foods is high, Agricultural Research Service (ARS)-funded scientists have contributed to a limited but growing body of evidence of a link between vitamin D and cognitive function.

Cognitive function is measured by the level at which the brain is able to manage and use available information for activities of daily life. Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of age-related dementia, affects about 47 percent of adults aged 85 years or older in the United States. Identifying nutritional factors that lower cognitive dysfunction and help preserve independent living provides economic and public health benefits, according to authors.

View Original Article Here

BUSINESS NEWS: Neptune Drops Private Placement

2010-06-28T09:18:00.004-04:00

The effects of the recession means it's hard for companies to raise capital on affordable terms. Neptune opts to wait.

Neptune Announces Cancellation of Financing

Laval, Québec, CANADA –June 17, 2010 – Neptune Technologies & Bioressources Inc. (“Neptune”) (NASDAQ.NEPT - TSX.V.NTB) announces that, due to market conditions, it will not be proceeding with the private placement as announced in a news release dated May 4, 2010.

After being solicited by Paradigm Capital Inc. Neptune decided, while market conditions were favorable, to raise money through a brokered private placement in order to increase its treasury. However, considering current market conditions and Neptune stock performance, Neptune has decided not to proceed with the private placement.

View Original Statement Here

INDUSTRY NEWS; Natrol and Walmart Team Up

2010-06-28T09:03:00.002-04:00

A bit of an unusual product development here. A Natrol branded specialty line but exclusively designed for one retailer.

Walmart Stores to provide Natrol on Shelf with Vitamins in US

Walmart and Natrol, a premier marketer, manufacturer, and distributor of nationally branded nutritional products - are making it easier for women to find the health supplements they want and need via a new Natrol for women grouping at US Walmart’s in-store vitamin section.

View Original Release Here

INDUSTRY NEWS; New Euromonitor Report on Natural Beverage Trends

2010-06-28T08:54:00.002-04:00

Changes are coming fast in the natural beverage market. The whole category has widened out considerable offering retailers much more opportunity. On the supplier side new formulations are entering the market regularly. This Euromonitor trend report details this

Ingredient Trends in Beverages - Driving Towards "Natural Health"

Published by Euromonitor International on May 27, 2010 , 28 pages

Health and wellness have long been significant themes in global beverage innovation, influencing ingredient choice in a wide range of different categories. Today, however, naturalness is having just as much of an impact on product development and the provision of 'natural health' has become the number one focus for beverage formulators. This report explores trends in beverage ingredients, identifying key market drivers and sizes, and highlighting global differences.

View the Original Release Here

RESEARCH NEWS: Pycnogenol for Allergies

2010-06-25T09:49:00.003-04:00

The June 14, 2010 issue of Phytotherapy Research published a study demonstrating that Pycnogenol substantially improves hay fever symptoms.

Natural Products Insider
Pycnogenol Decreases Allergy Symptoms

HOBOKEN, N.J.—A study published in the June 14, 2010 issue of Phytotherapy Research demonstrated Pycnogenol®, an antioxidant plant extract derived from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, substantially improves the symptoms of hay fever.

In a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study conducted by KGK Synergize Inc.,60 subjects between the ages of 18 and 65 began treatment three to eight weeks prior to the onset of birch allergy season in Ontario, Canada. All subjects tested positive for birch pollen allergies, a seasonal trigger of hay fever, as determined by skin prick tests. Patients were assigned to a Pycnogenol group or placebo group according to a computer-generated, randomized schedule. Subjects were instructed to take either 50 mg of Pycnogenol or placebo twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening throughout the allergy season. Patients were allowed to use non-prescription antihistamines as needed and recorded usage and dosage in treatment journals.

View Original Article Here

INDUSTRY NEWS: CRN GMP Compliance Into Effect Today

2010-06-25T09:44:00.002-04:00

The Council for Responsible Nutrition's dietary supplement-specific GMP-compliance regulation goes into full effect today. Eyes are on the FDA to ensure that the practices will be adhered to.

Nutraceuticals World
CRN Applauds Final GMP Compliance Deadline

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), Washington, D.C., noted that all dietary supplement manufacturers—from largest to smallest—are now legally bound to comply with dietary supplement-specific good manufacturing practices (GMPs) as the regulation goes into full effect today.

With the third and final phase-in of the law, small dietary supplement firms (those with less than 20 employees) now join large and mid-sized companies in the legal requirement to be GMP-compliant.

View Original Article Here

INDUSTRY NEWS: Whole Foods Announces Guidelines for 'Organic' Personal Care

2010-06-25T09:37:00.004-04:00

Whole Foods Market has announced new guidelines for personal care products in the Company's stores. For goods to be sold as 'organic', manufacturers will have to meet certification requirements of the USDA's NOP or the NSF ANSI standards. Another step in industry self-regulation, this is an endeavour to distinguish "real" organic products from those on the market that only claim to be natural or organic while still containing unlisted or dangerous ingredients, and may put pressure on other retailers to follow suit.

Nutrition Business Journal
Whole Foods Cracks Down on 'Organic' Personal Care Products

June 22, 2010

Whole Foods Market wants organic personal care products to actually be organic before it agrees to carry them in stores. The company announced new guidelines last week raising the marketing standard for personal care and beauty products to that of the organic food it sells. Depending on the specific product claim, manufacturers will soon be required to meet the certification requirements of USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) or the NSF ANSI 305 standard for personal care products. In a statement, Joe Dickson, quality standards coordinator at Whole Foods, said: “We believe that the ‘organic’ claim used on personal care products should have just as strong a meaning as the ‘organic’ claim used on food products, which is currently regulated by USDA’s NOP.”

View Original Article Here

BUSINESS NEWS: Statistics Canada Retail Trade Data for April 2010

2010-06-25T09:34:00.003-04:00

Statistics Canada has released retail trade data for April 2010, which shows that retail sales dropped in all provinces in the month of April. Food and beverage stores sales were down 0.5% in April after rising for the previous three months.

Statistics Canada
Retail Trade - April 2010

Retail sales decreased 2.0% in current dollars to $36.2 billion in April following a gain of similar magnitude in March. Sales decreased in 10 of 11 retail subsectors and in all provinces.

Sales in volume terms decreased 1.9% in April. Retail sales have been following an upward trend since the beginning of 2009.

View Original Article Here

RESEARCH NEWS: Resveratrol for Alzheimer's

2010-06-25T09:29:00.004-04:00

Findings recently published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry point to resveratrol's neutralizing action against the toxic effects of proteins linked to Alzehimer's.

Natural Products Insider

Resveratrol Offers Clues to Alzheimer's

TROY, N.Y.—Resveratrol, an organic compound found in red wine, has the ability to neutralize the toxic effects of proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease, according to research led by Professor Peter M. Tessier of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The findings, published in the May 28 edition of the Journal of Biological Chemistry, are a step toward understanding the large-scale death of brain cells seen in certain neurodegenerative diseases.

“We’ve shown how resveratrol has very interesting selectivity to target and neutralize a select set of toxic peptide isoforms,” Tessier said. “Because resveratrol picks out the clumps of peptides that are bad and leaves alone the ones that are benign, it helps us to think about the structural differences between the peptide isoforms.”

View Original Article Here

INDUSTRY NEWS: Study Finds U.S. Health Care System is the Worst on the Planet

2010-06-24T09:41:00.005-04:00

This study by the Commonwealth Fund couldn't put matters better. Everyone in natural health knows this generally but here is clean, blunt confirmation.

The Toronto Sun

U.S. dead last in healthcare study

By Maggie Fox, REUTERS Last Updated: June 24, 2010 1:21am

WASHINGTON - Americans spend twice as much as residents of other developed countries on healthcare, but get lower quality, less efficiency and have the least equitable system, according to a report released Wednesday.

The United States ranked last when compared to six other countries -- Britain, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand, the Commonwealth Fund report found.

"As an American it just bothers me that with all of our know-how, all of our wealth, that we are not assuring that people who need healthcare can get it," Commonwealth Fund president Karen Davis told reporters in a telephone briefing.

View Original Article Here

MEDICAL NEWS; Study Knocks Docs for Cervical Cancer Screening

2010-06-24T09:27:00.004-04:00

The overuse of medical imaging has emerged as a major health policy issue. Not only do such practices burn up a lot of money, but consumers are often needlessly panicked.

Hamilton Spectator
Doctors screen for cervical cancer too often: study

June 22, 2010 Marissa Cevallos
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services
(Jun 22, 2010)

It sounds like the breast-cancer debate all over again: A new study has found that doctors have been overzealous in advising women to be screened for cervical cancer.

Although physician groups recommend that women older than 30 get a Pap test every three years, a survey of more than 1,200 doctors in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association found thatMEDICAL about two-thirds would recommend patients be screened more often.

View Original Article Here

MEDICAL NEWS; Vitamin D for Childhood Asthma

2010-06-24T09:21:00.003-04:00

Another Vitamin D Study. They seem endless. The public see them and so do natural retailers, which is good for both.

Insufficient vitamin D tied to severe asthma attacks

Wed Jun 23, 2010 3:28pm EDT

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Asthmatic children with relatively low vitamin D levels in their blood may have a greater risk of suffering severe asthma attacks than those with higher levels of the vitamin, a new study suggests.

The study, which followed more than 1,000 children with asthma for four years, found those with vitamin-D "insufficiency" at the outset were more likely to have an asthma attack that required a trip to the hospital.

View the Article Here

INDUSTRY NEWS: Natural and Organic Consumer Trend Survey

2010-06-24T09:16:00.003-04:00

A very nice and useful survey for natural retailers

Trend Spotting: What are Natural and Organic Food Consumers Looking For?

Mambo Sprouts Survey

When the natural food section at my local supermarket expanded from three shelves to three full aisles two years ago, I got the strong impression that I was no longer one of the “few” consumers scrutinizing labels for all-natural and special diet foods. Demand is thankfully growing, and my favorite coupon site, Mambo Sprouts, used their marketing research team to find out what drives natural and organic food consumers. The results were surprising and intriguing … for me at least. Check out the stats and see what groups your shopping habits fall into:

80% of natural and organic consumers (so we are talking a specialty group already, not the public at large) regularly read labels for ingredient and nutrition information and are interested in purchasing functional foods with added health benefits. 39% checked off that they were very interested in functional foods.

View the article here

RESEARCH NEWS: Pycnogenol alleviates allergy symptoms

2010-06-23T08:26:00.008-04:00

Evidence supporting the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Pycnogenol and related ingredients continues to pile up. The range of therapeutic applications increases as well.

Research shows Pycnogenol decreases nasal and ocular symptoms in allergic rhinitis patients

HOBOKEN, N.J., June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- An estimated 60 million people in the U.S. are affected by allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. Hay fever is an allergic inflammation of the nasal airways that causes itching, swelling, mucus production, hives and rashes. A study published in the June 14, 2010 issue of Phytotherapy Research demonstrates Pycnogenol® (pic-noj-en-all), an antioxidant plant extract derived from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, substantially improves the symptoms of hay fever.

View article here

MEDICAL NEWS; Another Vitamin D Boosts Immunity Study

2010-06-23T08:17:00.003-04:00

I was at a hospital yesterday that was plastered with signs warning of nosocominal infections. Then I read this study, which is representative of many others. What happened to 'evidence-based' medicine?

Foodconsumer.com

New Evidence: Vitamin D Prevents Flu

A new study published in the peer-reviewed open access journal PloS ONE has confirmed that maintaining high levels of serum vitamin D prevents flu and other respiratory tract infections.

The study showed that men and women who had high levels of vitamin D in their blood were much less likely to acquire respiratory tract infections.

Read the original article here

INDUSTRY NEWS; redleaf Offers to Water the G20 Summit

2010-06-21T13:16:00.002-04:00

Very innovative! Are they sending enough to fill the Fake Lake?

Earthtimes.org (Press Release)

redleaf Water Offers To Help Curb The Canadian Government’s Cost Of Hosting G-8 And G-20 Summits By Providing Free Ultra-Premium Water

Posted on : 2010-06-21 | Author : PRWeb

Chilliwack, British Columbia (PRWEB) June 21, 2010 -- With Canadian citizens up in arms about the rising costs of their nation hosting the G-8 and G-20 summits later this month (some experts estimate that security alone will cost more than $900 million), redleaf water, Canada’s only Ultra-Premium bottled water, has offered to provide free water to all participants in both summits, the company announced today.

View Full Article Here

INDUSTRY NEWS; Vitamin Price Fixing Case Settlement

2010-06-21T13:07:00.002-04:00

This and related settlements from vitamin price fixing legal cases are now working their way through to local juridictions. The big primary vitamin manufacturers got caught with their hands in the cookie jar. Just a cost of doing business?

Vermont gets $65,000 in price-fixing case involving vitamins settled

Free Press Staff Report • Saturday, June 19, 2010

Vermont will receive more than $65,000 from a settlement with an international group of vitamin manufacturers. Vermont was one of 22 states and class-action plaintiffs that alleged vitamin manufacturers had engaged in a price-fixing conspiracy.

Under the agreement approved Friday, the Vermont Foodbank will receive nearly $50,000; the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation will receive $10,000 for a new multi-use trail in Sharon; and the rest will cover the state's legal costs, according to the Attorney General's Office.

A separate fund has been created to compensate affected businesses.

Because there was no way to determine which consumers overpaid and by how much, the court approved distribution of settlement funds to certain not-for-profit and governmental organizations "with the express purpose of ensuring that the funds be used for the improvement of the health and/or nutrition of the citizens" of each state.

Vermont businesses that purchased any of the vitamins involved between 1988 and 2000 may make a claim to obtain money from the commercial portion of the settlement.

View the Complete Article Here

REGULATORY NEWS; Nurse Practitioners to the Rescue

2010-06-21T13:00:00.003-04:00

The options keep widening for consumers who are not satisfied with conventional medicine. From midwives to homeopaths, naturopaths to nurse practitioners. This is the government's way of doing an end run around the high cost monopoly of drug and surgery physicians.

London Free Press

Nurse practitioners offer communities options for health care

By MARILYN LINTON, QMI Agency

Last Updated: June 21, 2010 9:25am

My cousin never goes to a doctor, yet she’s receiving excellent care. She sees Barbara, a nurse practitioner, who attends to most of her medical needs from ordering X-rays to diagnosing and managing her diabetes, from prescribing an antibiotic cream to referring her on to an ophthalmologist or other medical specialists.

Here I am in a big city, just minutes away from world-class hospitals, yet I regard my cousin and Barbara, both of whom live in a small Ontario town, as working on the cutting edge of medicine. In fact, some Canadians regard nurse practitioners or NPs as the solution to our crowded and underserved health system. But many others don’t even know what these front-line professionals do - or don’t do.

View the Original Article Here

MEDICAL NEWS: Irish Survey Finds Large Numbers Have Food Intolernce

2010-06-21T12:44:00.004-04:00

While food intolerances and allergies are nothing new to natural retailers, take a look at the percentages of the population so affected.

Independent.ie
Growing numbers driven nuts by food intolerance

By Eilish O'Regan
Monday June 21 2010

Peanut is the food which Irish people most commonly claim they are allergic to, according to the preliminary results of a survey.

This is followed by cereals containing gluten (35.6pc), eggs (24.1pc) and tree nuts (23.3pc), said the sample of 500 people.

Nearly nine in 10 said they had been medically diagnosed with their particular food allergy, the online survey by the Food Safety Authority found.

Read the Full Story Here

INDUSTRY NEWS; PetSmart Moves into Natural Pet Foods

2010-06-21T09:35:00.003-04:00

Here's a retail trend gathering steam. Natural foods and products for pets. Designed, marketed and sold like natural health products for humans.

June 16, 2010, 9:00 a.m. EDT
Natural Pet Food and Snacks Available at PetSmart this Fall

PHOENIX, Jun 16, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) –
PetSmart(R) will expand its selection of natural pet foods with the addition of Wellness(R) brand pet food and snacks available in stores and online at www.petsmart.com beginning in the fall of 2010. Soon to be the newest specialty pet food line for PetSmart, Wellness is made with only the finest natural ingredients, including lean meats, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, in wet and dry recipes for dogs and cats.

View Original Post Here

BUSINESS NEWS; Immunotec Quarterly Shows Black Ink

2010-06-21T09:24:00.002-04:00

Immunotec moves from red ink to black ink. The increase in active distributors in their network system is a sign of confidence.

June 21, 2010, 9:02 a.m. EDT
Immunotec Announces Positive Second Quarter Earnings Results

VAUDREUIL-DORION, QUEBEC, Jun 21, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Immunotec Inc. /quotes/comstock/11v!imm (CA:IMM 0.37, 0.00, 0.00%)

-- Active Distributors Up 15% to 28,700 after six months
-- Second Quarter Net Earnings of $193 thousand, compared to a loss of
($618) thousand for 2009.

Immunotec Inc. /quotes/comstock/11v!imm (CA:IMM 0.37, 0.00, 0.00%) , a Canadian based company and a leader in the wellness industry (the "Company"), today reported positive results with second quarter 2010, Net Earnings of $193 thousand for the quarter ending April 30, 2010, compared to a loss of ($618) thousand for 2009. After six month, Net Earnings achieved $403 thousand compared to a loss of ($819) thousand last year.

View the complete document here

REGULATORY NEWS; Call fot the Abolition of Dietary Guidelines

2010-06-21T09:20:00.002-04:00

There have always been critics of official dietary guidelines. In this feature article, Cardello says they have failed outright and calls for their abolition.

The Atlantic
Why We Should Dump Dietary Guidelines
By Hank Cardello

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee just issued its findings and recommendations to encourage healthier eating. Containing no surprises, the Committee's suggestions included four major steps required to help Americans adopt better nutrition and physical activity behaviors, namely:

• Reducing calorie intakes and increasing physical activity
• Shifting to a more plant-based diet
• Reducing the consumption of added sugars, solid fats, sodium, and refined grains, and
• Meeting the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

First published in "pre-obesity" 1980, these reports are issued every five years to provide direction about how dietary intake can reduce risk for major chronic diseases. Since that time, obesity, a diet-related condition, has climbed to become our country's number-one health issue. Rates in this country have skyrocketed to the point where two-thirds of all American adults are now either overweight or obese. Hardly a successful track record.

We must face the music. It's time to drop the Guidelines.

Read the full article here

MEDICAL NEWS: Problems with Mammogram Testing

2010-06-21T09:14:00.003-04:00

Mammograms testing misses cancers. PSA testing finds too many. Problems with the explosion of medical testing and their costs have made this a top-level health policy issue

Mammograms miss up to a fifth of cancers
Joanna Frketich
The Hamilton Spectator

(Jun 21, 2010)

Cancer went undetected for two years in a breast cancer survivor who was under the care of an oncologist and getting yearly mammograms.

A family doctor doing a regular breast exam in April finally caught what two mammograms and a cancer specialist appear to have missed. Judy Gibson's cancer is back and likely has been since 2008, believes her current radiologist.

"I was outraged," said Gibson, a 53-year-old grandma from St. Catharines.

Read this article here

INDUSTRY NEWS: Siberian Ginseng Standards Proposed

2010-06-18T09:38:00.003-04:00

Manufacturers are increasing aware that they must address concerns about product integrity. Retailers and their customers are looking for this.

Renhuang Selected by SFDA to Set Siberian Ginseng Tablets Production Standards

Posted by mincho2008
Friday, 18 June 2010
Renhuang Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Pink Sheets: RHGP) ("Renhuang" or the "Company"), a developer, manufacturer and distributor of botanical products, bio-pharmaceuticals and traditional Chinese medicines ("TCM"), today announced that the Company has been selected by China's State Food & Drug Administration (SFDA) to establish a set of standards that will guide the production of Siberian Ginseng (Acanthopanax) Tablets -based products in China. View Original Article Here

REGULATORY NEWS; HANS Supports Call for End to Flouridation at Lake Cowichan

2010-06-18T09:32:00.004-04:00

An increasing number of municipalities worldwide are ending the practice of fluoridated water. HANS action here ties this in more closely with natural health.

Group urges community to stop fluoridating its drinking water

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

LAKE COWICHAN, BRITISH COLUMBIA — The Health Action Network Society (HANS), a charitable group that focuses on natural health, has called for the community of Lake Cowichan to stop adding fluoride to its drinking water, according to CowichanNewsLeader.com.

To View the Original Article

Twitter Your Time Away

2010-06-18T09:24:00.004-04:00

An innovative marketing initiative. If this works out other companies will likely also explore using social networking tools.

Twitter Event a First for Canadian Natural Health Industry

On June 22, 2010 twenty Health-Nut Twitterholics will do something they've never done before. Each will begin a 7-Day cleanse and nutritional program AND will tweet daily about their experience.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRLog (Press Release) – Jun 16, 2010 – On June 22, 2010 twenty Health-Nut Twitterholics will do something they've never done before. Each will begin a 7-Day cleanse and nutritional program AND will tweet daily about their experience.

The event was announced June 9 on Twitter and Facebook by Prairie Naturals, Canadian distributor for ReCleanse. It was full to capacity by the next day.

To View The Original Post

REGULATORY NEWS; Health Canada Sets Off a Vitamin D Scare

2010-06-18T09:13:00.005-04:00

"Health Canada has not received any reports of dosing errors." Health Canada receives lots of reports of dosing errors about pharmaceuticals, yet does nothing. What standards are being applied?

Health Canada urges caution when giving vitamin D to babies

Canwest News ServiceJune 17, 2010

Health Canada says parents and caregivers should use caution when administering vitamin D to infants.

Health Canada says parents and caregivers should use caution when administering vitamin D to infants.
Photograph by: Ted Rhodes, Canwest News Service

OTTAWA — Two days after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about liquid vitamin D products for infants, Health Canada has issued a more muted advisory regarding potential dosage problems.

To View the Original Article

RESEARCH NEWS: Probiotics Improve Atopic Dermatitis

2010-06-16T02:24:00.002-04:00

A paper recently presented at the New York Academy of Sciences symposium has shown that two probiotic strains can significantly improve atopic dermatitis. The study involved 90 preschool children with moderate to severe AD. For more on the use of probiotics for infants and newborns, see the upcoming issue of ihr magazine.

Probiotics Improve Atopic Dermatitis

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.—According to a paper recently presented at the New York Academy of Sciences symposium, “Probiotics: From Bench to Market”, held on June 11, 2010, two probiotic strains significantly improved atopic dermatitis, which affects 17.2 percent of the U.S. population. The clinical study evaluated the impact of a mixture of Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 and Bifidobacterium lactis UABLA-12 (from UAS Labs) on 90 preschool children (ages 1 to 3 years) with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) versus a placebo demonstrated a 33.7-percent decrease in SCORAD (scoring of atopic dermatitis) versus 19.4 percent in the placebo group. Other outcome measures included a 33-percent increase in IDQOL (infant dermatitis quality of life) 19 percent in placebo and a 34.4-percent increase in DFI (dermatitis family impact) in probiotic group versus 23.8 percent in placebo.

SV Gerasimov, M.D., Ph.D., from the Department of Pediatrics, Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine, conducted the study on children with AD, which often occurs in early childhood and persists into adult life (more 60 percent of patients). Current treatments include skin hydration, emollients, avoidance of allergens and irritants, use of antihistamines or topical corticosteroids. The therapeutic use of probiotics has attracted considerable attention after publication of the hygiene hypothesis (BMJ 1989;299:1259-60). Several clinical studies have demonstrated mild to complete resolution of AD following treatment with probiotics while others have suggested the effect is limited to select children with atopy.

This study was designed to determine the clinical efficacy of a new probiotic preparation and to determine the impact on peripheral lymphocytes. A total of 90 preschool children were randomly divided into two groups to receive either the probiotic or the placebo. Parents administered the doses twice per day to provide a total of 10 billion CFU/g of a combination of L. acidophilus DDS-1 and B. lactis UABLA-12 with fructooligosaccharides (FOS). The primary outcome measure was percent change in SCORAD index at week eight. Secondary outcomes were changes in IDQOL, DFI at weeks 2, 4 and 8 frequency, and amount of topical corticosterioid used and absolute number and percent of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets at week eight. Patients displayed a progressive decline in SCORAD indexes reaching significant difference at week four in both groups; however children receiving probiotics experienced a more rapid decline.

Patients with active AD had a reduced percentage of CD3 and CD8 peripheral lymphocytes and increased CD4 and CD25 counts. Hypothetically, the recovery from AD due to use of probiotics may be accompanied by normalization of CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD25 numbers. The study showed a correlation between reduction in CD4 and CD25 percent/absolute number and SCORAD values at week eight in the probiotic group.

The researchers concluded, the use of a probiotic mixture containing L. acidophilus DDS-1, B. lactis UABLA-12 and fructooligosaccharide was associated with significant clinical improvement in children with AD, and corresponding lymphocyte subset changes in peripheral blood. The efficacy of probiotic therapy in adults with AD will need more investigation.

Sources:

REGULATORY NEWS: Unauthorized Health Products Labelled in Russian, Ukrainian or Kazakh Removed from the Montréal Market

2010-06-16T02:16:00.004-04:00

Health Canada has issued an advisory regarding unauthorized health products found on the Montreal market with packaging in Russian, Ukrainian or Kazakh languages only.

Unauthorized Health Products Labelled in Russian, Ukrainian or Kazakh Removed from the Montréal Market

Advisory
2010-101
June 15, 2010
For immediate release

Unauthorized health products that may pose a serious health risk were found on the Montréal market with packaging in Russian, Ukrainian or Kazakh languages only. As a result, important information about the proper use and potential side effects of these products may not be understood by consumers.

The labels of these eight of products (listed below) indicate the products contain ingredients that legally require the products to be sold with a prescription because they are used to treat serious diseases or may have side effects that require monitoring by a health care practitioner.Additional unauthorized health products were also removed from the Montréal market.

What consumers should do:

Consult your healthcare practitioner if you have used any of these products and are concerned about your health.
Read the labelling of the products you buy to verify that they have been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness and quality. Health products that have been authorized for sale by Health Canada will have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Natural Product Number (NPN) or a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) on the label.
Report any adverse reaction potentially related to these products to Health Canada (see below).

What Health Canada is doing

The retailers in Montréal have provided these unauthorized products to Health Canada following our inspections. Health Canada has been advised by these retailers that they are no longer distributing these products.

The ingredients listed on the labels of the eight products can cause serious health problems. If you have taken products containing these ingredients without the supervision of a health care practitioner or without a prescription, you may face additional risks. You may be misdiagnosed, the treatment might not be appropriate for your illness or you may miss the opportunity to obtain appropriate medical treatment. You may also put yourself at risk for drug interactions, or harmful side effects.

Consumers should note that there may be authorized alternatives for these products in Canada and any authorized products would be labelled in English and/or French. Consumers are reminded that the names of the unauthorized products that are on the actual labelling of the products are written in Russian, Ukrainian or Kazakh languages only. This labelling can be seen on the photos of the products found below.

Consumers and health professionals wanting more information about this advisory from Health Canada can contact the Public Enquiries Line at 613-957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.
Media enquiries related to this Advisory should be directed to Health Canada Media Relations at 613-957-2983.

How to report side effects to health products
To report suspected adverse reaction to these or other health products, please contact the Canada Vigilance Program of Health Canada toll-free at 1-866-234-2345, or complete a Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and send to us using one of these methods:

Fax: 1-866-678-6789
E-mail: CanadaVigilance@hc-sc.gc.ca
Internet: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffect
Mail:
Canada Vigilance Program
Marketed Health Products Directorate
Ottawa, ON, Address Locator 0701C
K1A 0K9

View Original Article Here

INDUSTRY NEWS: Julia Sabin Re-Elected as OTA’s President

2010-06-16T02:08:00.002-04:00

Julia Sabin was re-elected by the Organic Trade Association's Board of Directors to continue as its president for the coming year.

Julia Sabin of Smucker Natural Foods Inc. was re-elected by the Organic Trade Association’s (OTA’s) Board of Directors to continue as its president for the coming year. It will be her third year as president. Other officers for 2010 are Sarah Bird of Annie’s Inc., vice president – U.S.A.; Gunta Vitins of SunOpta, Inc., vice president—Canada; Matt McLean of Uncle Matt’s Organics Inc., secretary; Chuck Marcy, Healthy Food Holdings LLC, treasurer; and Kristen Holt of Quality Assurance International, treasurer-elect.

In the recent OTA Board of Directors election, OTA trade member companies re-elected Julia Sabin to the Board. Elected to the Board for the first time were Chris Ely (co-founder, Applegate Farms), Kristin Holt (president, Quality Assurance International) and Gunta Vitins (director, Public Relations, SunOpta, Inc.). The election elicited a record number of votes, with more than 30 percent of eligible trade member companies casting ballots.

The Board also selected Leslie Zuck, executive director and co-founder of Pennsylvania Certified Organic, to fill an appointed seat on the Board.

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BUSINESS NEWS: Dean Foods Evaluating Amendment and Extension to Existing Senior Secured Credit Facilities

2010-06-16T02:04:00.002-04:00

Dean Foods is evaluating alternatives to provide flexibility in its capital structure.

DALLAS,, June 14, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --Dean Foods Company (NYSE: DF) today announced that consistent with the Company's previously announced intentions, it is actively evaluating alternatives to provide longer-term flexibility in its capital structure. To that end, the Company is seeking an amendment and extension to its existing senior secured credit facilities. The Company will provide additional details as appropriate.

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INDUSTRY NEWS; U.S. Health Store Sales Increase to $143 billion in 2009

2010-06-15T09:33:00.003-04:00

The recession has not stopped the public demand for more natural health products at the retail level.

Health Food Retail Sales Grows in U.S.

Health Food Sales in Step with Total Food Market

BOULDER, Colo.—Health food sales grew 1.8 percent to reach $143 billion in sales in 2009, which is in step with the total U.S. food market, which grew 1.6 percent, reaching $628 billion in sales, according to Nutrition Business Journal’s 2010 Healthy Foods Report.

The Nutrition Business Journal noted staying at an equal pace with overall food industry grown is not good news for this market segment, as sales have been much better in previous years. They said the industry “may have hit the bottom,” but added data suggests growth within the next few years. They expect health foods should increase its share of the total foods market to reach 23-percent penetration by 2017.

In the report, Nutrition Business Journal includes four product categories in the healthy foods market—organic, natural, functional and lesser-evil foods. Market-standard and conventional foods make up an additional, catch-all category for the total foods results. The report contains detailed analysis of each healthy foods category, and the food and beverage product lines they include.

They report natural and organic foods are expected to grow the most within the health foods categories in the next eight years—with growth of organic reaching nearly 10 percent in 2012. They believe functional and lesser-evil foods will lose market share to the natural and organic categories in the future, but expect functional products to retain about a quarter of healthy food sales over the next eight years. Additionally, organic foods is expected to be the biggest competitor in healthy foods for the future with a forecast compound growth rate of nearly 9 percent, while they expect compound annual growth for the total health foods industry to be about 5 percent for the next eight years.

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INDUSTRY NEWS; Probiotics for Gut and Heart

2010-06-15T09:26:00.006-04:00

Research is increasingly showing that probiotics have profound and systemic benefits

Institut Rosell-Lallemand Features Promising Probiotics

Research backs probiotic and heart benefits

Related topics: Probiotics and prebiotics, Cardiovascular health, Gut health

Canadian supplier Institut Rosell-Lallemand is promoting two probiotic strains that are the result of collaborations with Estonian and French researchers.

Lactobacillus farciminis CIP 103136 has been the subject of research of research at the French National Institute of Agricultural Research and is being marketed for, “the prevention or treatment of digestive pathologies”.

Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 has been isolated and documented by researchers at Tartu University in Estonia, where preliminary studies have indicated its abilities to reduce oxidative stress, the company said.

“Based on the work that has been done by INRA and Tartu’s teams to study and document the modes of action and unique benefits of these novel strains, we are looking forward to bring them one step further by combining our industrial and scientific expertise of probiotics with a partner having an expertise in the given therapeutic area and in clinical studies,” said Valerie Delahaye, deputy manager at Institut Rosell-Lallemand.

“Both health segments targeted, namely gastrointestinal and cardiovascular, have a great market potential.”

Institut Rosell-Lallemand has committed to forming partnerships with academia, and holds an exclusive license option for L. fermentum ME-3 from Tartu University for its use in dietary supplements.

“Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3] has also shown the ability to positively modulate the lipoprotein as well as lipid profile in the blood (HDL level, LDL/HDL ratio, postprandial triglyceride level) and body overall oxidative stress-load, indicating an antiatherogenic potential,” the company said.

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ECONOMIC NEWS; U.S. Health Costs to Increase in 2011

2010-06-15T09:19:00.004-04:00

The percentage of U.S. GDP/GNP dedicated to health care is enormous. Many health economists openly state this is unsustainable especially given the stagnant outcomes provided.

U.S. Health Care Costs Projected to Rise in 2011

Health care costs to rise 9% in 20011

Health care cost growth is expected to slow in 2011, though costs are still expected to rise 9 percent, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers Health Research Institute.

The accounting firm surveyed more than 700 employers and interviewed health plan actuaries to determine the expected rate of increase for 2011.

The survey showed health care costs are expected to grow 9 percent in 2011, down from the 9.5 percent growth rate in the 2010 report. At the same time, the majority of health insurance deductibles will be $400 or more for the first time.

Factors that are driving costs are the shifting of Medicare costs on insured patients, implementation of electronic medical records and consolidation among medical providers.

The federal government continues to cut reimbursement rates for Medicare services, forcing health care providers to raise costs for insured patients to make up for the payment gaps.

While electronic medical records are intended to reduce costs, the upfront installation and implementation costs are likely to boost health care costs in the short run.

And consolidation among hospitals and physician groups is boosting their bargaining power, giving them better reimbursement rates from insurers. Such higher reimbursements result in larger premiums.

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INDUSTRY NEWS; Health Retailer Bans Bottled Water

2010-06-15T09:09:00.004-04:00

A live example of the challenge all natural retailers live with

Organic Retailer Cans Bottled Water

Mom's Organic Stops Selling Bottle Water

BOWIE, Md.—MOM's Organic Market, a Washington/Baltimore metro area organic grocery chain launched the Battle the Bottle initiative, designed to substantially reduce plastic use by eliminating all bottled water. Battle the Bottle was inspired by the movie "Addicted to Plastic" and addresses the alarming rate by which our oceans are being contaminated by plastic.

"Societies are truly addicted to plastic, much in the way we are addicted to oil,” said Scott Nash, the founder and CEO of MOM's. “There are now five swirling masses of plastic in our oceans, each roughly the size of Texas. Plastic never goes away and the problem will only get worse— and the sooner we take action, the better. Not only does plastic damage our environment, but it increases our dependence on oil. The tragic part of our addiction is that by and large, petroleum-based plastics are not necessary for consumer products and packaging as we have the technology and innovation to use plastic products that biodegrade."

MOM's new policy reduces plastic by: eliminating all bottled water; installing water filtration machines in each store so customers can use reusable containers for water— and offering first gallon free every visit; giving employees free counter-top home water filters and reusable water containers; eliminating bagged potatoes, onions, oranges, salad mixes (will use biodegradable clamshells instead), and other unnecessarily bagged items from the produce department; enabling through our POS system customers to bring in reusable containers for bulk purchases; replacing plastic with either bio-plastic or cellophane in the pre-packaged bulk food section, bulk department, bread, bagels and produce department; and eliminating petroleum-based wax paper in place of biodegradable wax paper for bagels.

To reduce plastic, MOM's previously eliminated plastic grocery bags in 2005; recycles bottles, bags, shrink-wrap, and plastic containers; gives styrofoam packing peanuts to UPS and Mailbox stores; uses bio-plastic packaging and utensils; factors in packaging when choosing which products to sell; applies pressure to manufacturers to use biodegradable plastic or less plastic/Styrofoam; uses wood coffee stirrers; eliminated the use of VCT floor tiles for the most recent three store openings (and all future openings); and uses bio-plastic for gift certificate cards.

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REGULATORY NEWS; Health Canada Allows Sterol Claim

2010-06-14T09:40:00.004-04:00

Pressure on Health Canada to Recognize Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals is behind this move

Plant Sterol Health Claim Allowed By Health Canada

Health Canada ruling: Food products can claim to be cholesterol busters

Carly Weeks

Globe and Mail Update Published on Thursday, Jun. 10, 2010 5:07PM EDT Last updated on Thursday, Jun. 10, 2010 6:08PM EDT

For the first time in Canada, food companies have been given authority to promote products as having cholesterol-lowering abilities.

Health Canada recently released a decision that food products fortified with plant sterols will be allowed to carry labels telling consumers they can help reduce cholesterol. Plant sterols occur naturally, in small amounts, in nuts, vegetable oils, whole grains and fruits and vegetables and seem to block absorption of cholesterol by the body.

It’s considered a landmark conclusion in the realm of food health claims, a tightly regulated and much sought after designation under Health Canada’s control. Some industry observers say it signals an important shift that could clear the way for a major increase in approval of new health claims.

“It does open the floodgates for other products,” said Peter Jones, director of the Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals at the University of Manitoba. “I think we’re heralding a new era now in Canada.”

And it means Canadians will likely soon see a variety of foods boasting the inclusion of plant sterols pop up on store shelves, in addition to products fortified with omega-3 fatty acids, probiotic cultures or vitamin D and calcium.

In fact, the first sterol-fortified food has already hit grocery stores. Unilever Canada announced Thursday its Becel pro.activ calorie-reduced margarine is available in Canada, making it the first food product to make a health claim about plant sterols.

Health claims are considered lucrative by the food industry because it allows companies to explicitly point out a product’s nutritional benefits to consumers. That distinction has become increasingly important as society shifts toward greater health consciousness.

In Canada, food companies are permitted to make health claims pointing out the relationship between a low-sodium, high-potassium diet and reduced risk of high blood pressure; a healthy diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D and reduced risk of osteoporosis; a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and the reduced risk of certain types of cancer, as well as others.

While other countries, notably the United States, allow food companies to make a wide variety of health claims about various food products, Health Canada has traditionally been more conservative, allowing only a few health claims to be made and being judicious with granting approval to companies who want to make such claims.

The food industry has for years complained about the restrictive nature of the health claims process and argues that Canada lags far behind other countries where companies have more freedom to woo consumers with claims their products can help prevent cancer or reduce the risk of heart disease.

But the growing importance of health claims has also created a greater need to protect consumers from misleading or inaccurate statements that could wrongly persuade a consumer to believe a food that’s high in fat or sodium is good for them simply because it has a health claim on the label.

Last month, the Institute of Medicine, a U.S.-based organization that provides scientific advice used to form policy, called for greater scrutiny of health claims used on food. The institute said food agencies should apply the same level of scrutiny to health claims as it does to drug products, the report said.

Dr. Jones, who works as a paid consultant to food companies, including Unilever, which sells Becel, said the food industry’s exploding interest in health claims does call for scrutiny, but that it shouldn’t squelch the ability of companies to make such claims.

“Just because there’s a possibility that some bad guys would enter the market doesn’t mean you don’t go there,” he said. “I think we do need to police the whole category and ensure we don’t see snake oil appear.”

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REGULATORY NEWS; Larry Dossey, MD Trashes "Disease Mongering"

2010-06-14T09:27:00.003-04:00

This theme is attracting a lot of support, much of it from academia and health economists. Dossey is representative of practicing clinicians who are similarly concerned.

Dr. Larry Dossey Denounces Medicine's "Inventing of Diseases"

Disease Mongering and Big Pharma: Enough Already!

Posted on June 12, 2010 by Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing

by Larry Dossey, MD

You may think there is enough disease in the world already, and that no one would want to add to the diseases that we humans must deal with. But there is a powerful industry in our society that is working overtime to invent illnesses and to convince us we are suffering from them.

This effort is known as “disease mongering,” a term introduced by health-science writer Lynn Payer in her 1992 book Disease-Mongers: How Doctors, Drug Companies, and Insurers Are Making You Feel Sick. Payer defined disease mongering as “trying to convince essentially well people that they are sick, or slightly sick people that they are very ill.” This strategy has also been called “the corporate construction of disease” by Ray Moynihan, Iona Heath, and David Henry in the British Medical Journal. “There’s a lot of money to be made from telling healthy people they’re sick,” they say.

“Pharmaceutical companies are actively involved in sponsoring the definition of diseases and promoting them to both prescribers and consumers.”

Disease mongering got rolling in 1879 with the invention of Listerine, which was originally considered a surgical antiseptic. It was named for the famous English surgeon Joseph Lister, who performed the first antiseptic surgical procedure. Soon, however, Listerine’s inventors, Dr. Joseph Lawrence and Jordan W. Lambert, were selling it in concentrated form as a floor cleaner and as a treatment for gonorrhea. In 1895 they began to market it to dentists for oral care, and in 1914 it became the first over-the-counter mouthwash marketed in the United States. By the 1920s, the Lambert Pharmacal Company, Listerine’s maker, was confident they had found a cure; now all they needed was a disease. So they made one up: “halitosis.” Before that time, halitosis was an obscure medical term that almost no one had heard of. Advertisers began to promote Listerine as a cure for this condition, which, they said, could blight anyone’s chances of succeeding in romance, marriage, and work. Soon, people all over America were suffering from halitosis.

The trick was to inflate a common, everyday condition to the level of pathology, which, if not attended to, could blight one’s prospects for personal happiness and success. The ads the Listerine marketers crafted were mini-soap operas, in which people risked social shame and failure unless they used the product.

The Listerine marketers refined the marketing techniques that were pioneered by the patent-medicine makers of the 19th century. Novelist Henry James was so vexed by these hucksters he called them “nostrum-mongers.” His brother, Harvard psychologist William James, who is considered the father of American psychology, was also exasperated by them, saying that “the authors of these advertisements should be treated as public enemies and have no mercy shown.”

Payer identified several disease-mongering tactics. Among them:
• taking a normal function and implying that there’s something wrong with it and that it should be treated
• describing suffering that isn’t necessarily there
• defining as large a proportion of the population as possible as suffering from the “disease”
• defining a condition as a deficiency disease or as a disease of hormonal imbalance
• recruiting doctors to spin the message
• using statistics selectively to exaggerate the benefits of treatment
• promoting the treatment as risk free
• taking a common symptom that could mean anything and making it sound as if it is a sign of a serious disease

Healthcare watchdogs are now blowing the whistle on the major pharmaceutical companies who are engaged in this activity, and they have identified several “illnesses” as current examples of disease mongering. They are not saying these conditions don’t exist — they are indeed problematic for some people — but that their incidence and relevance is wildly exaggerated in the pursuit of corporate profits. Among these “illnesses” are erectile dysfunction, female sexual dysfunction, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), restless legs syndrome, osteoporosis, social shyness (also called social anxiety disorder and social phobia), irritable bowel syndrome, and balding.

Why should we be concerned about disease mongering? There is a huge psychological burden in thinking of ourselves as diseased when we are not. Beyond the psychological cost, there are financial costs, both personal and social. Treating these “illnesses” with pharmaceuticals is not cheap. Moreover, no tax-funded healthcare system can sustain the cost of drug treatment for all the risks for which the drug companies would like to treat the population. That’s why London physician Iona Heath urges politicians to wake up to “the increasing capacity of this industry to bankrupt [tax-funded] health-care systems.”

Reversing disease mongering won’t be easy. There is a near-limitless amount of money to be made from marketing pharmaceutical remedies for diseases that exist mainly in the imagination, and there are powerful economic, political, and professional interests who desperately want this process to continue.

The way forward may be in immunizing ourselves psychologically against the messages from Big Pharma that invade our lives on every hand. We have to learn to stop being suckers.

How? Heath believes our fear of suffering and death make us susceptible to disease mongering. Today, because the comforts of religion are no longer real for many people, death seems more final, resulting in a panicky rush to use anything that offers better health and increased longevity. So it may be that the best way to resist disease mongering is not to beat our heads against the fortress of Big Pharma, but to develop the psychological and spiritual maturity that makes us resistant to their efforts to instill fear and dread in our lives.

It’s been said that one of the main ways we humans differ from other creatures is in our desire to take a pill. The pharmaceutical companies know that. Yet our health is determined mainly not by the pills we choose to swallow, but how we choose to live our lives — the ways we eat, exercise, work, play, love, and relate to others. Realizing that, we can outsmart the efforts of the disease mongerers to pathologize every moment of our existence.

Reference Liist:
L. Dossey. Listerine’s long shadow: disease mongering and the selling of sickness. Explore. September 2006; 2(5): 379-385.

R. Moynihan, I. Heath I, D. Henry. Selling sickness: the pharmaceutical industry and disease mongering. British Medical Journal. 2002;324:886–891. Available at: http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/324/7342/886 .

L. Payer. Disease-Mongers: How Doctors, Drug Companies, and Insurers Are Making You Feel Sick. New York, NY: Wiley & Sons; 1992.

Listerine. Wikipedia. Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listerine .

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INDUSTRY NEWS: Marion Nestle Calls for Boycott of Baby Formula Supplements

2010-06-14T09:21:00.003-04:00

Marion Nestle is very respected and generally has not made demands such as this. Will she attract supporters? Will a campaign develop? How will the broader natural health community and industry react?

Who Will Second this Boycott Call?

Why to Boycott Supplements in Baby Formula
By Marion Nestle

If you don't have a small baby, or if your baby is breastfed (and see note at the end of this post), you no doubt are missing the furor over "functional" ingredients that companies have been adding to infant formulas.

DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) came first. As I discuss in my book What to Eat, infant formula companies could not wait to add it. They knew they could market it on the basis of preliminary evidence associating DHA with visual and cognitive benefits in young infants. Although evidence for long-term benefits is scanty, the companies also knew that they could charge higher prices for formulas containing DHA.

The FDA approved the use of DHA in infant formulas on the grounds that it is safe, but did not require the companies to establish that DHA makes any difference to infant health after the first year. Because of its marketing advantage, virtually all infant formulas now contain DHA. Surprise! They also cost more.

Companies now want to add other ingredients, such as prebiotics, probiotics, lutein, lycopene, and betacarotene, which also can be marketed as healthier and at higher prices.

In response, the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) has issued a report (PDF) on the lack of evidence for the benefits of functional ingredients and the substantial harm they will cause to the economic viability of the WIC program, the USDA's assistance program for low-income mothers and children.

WIC buys about half the infant formula sold in the United States each year. WIC is not an entitlement program, meaning that the number of participants is limited by available funding (a GAO report explains how this works—click here for a PDF).

The CBPP report says:

As pressure mounts to limit federal discretionary spending, it is critical to ensure that WIC not spend funds on foods with functional ingredients that do not deliver clinically significant benefits. WIC spent approximately $850 million on infant formula last year, and a recent USDA study found that more than ten percent of that spending ($91 million annually) is attributable to higher-priced formulas with functional ingredients. Under current law, the additional cost to WIC of providing foods with these ingredients is likely to grow substantially as such foods proliferate.

As the report explains, formula companies do not have to demonstrate that the added—and more expensive—ingredients do any good:

There is no mechanism within the national WIC program that requires USDA to review the research evidence on the claimed benefits of these functional ingredients or to base decisions about whether to offer foods containing such ingredients on their benefits and the specific needs of WIC participants. Currently, instead, infant formula manufacturers themselves decide whether WIC offers infant formulas with new functional ingredients, while state WIC programs decide whether WIC should offer other foods with such ingredients.

As I keep saying, functional foods (and ingredients) are about marketing, not health. If companies are going to add functional ingredients—and charge higher prices—they need to have some convincing scientific evidence to back up their claims.

Postscript: Laurie True of the California WIC program writes:

Congressman George Miller, chair of the House Education and Labor Committee, is writing the bill that reauthorizes the WIC Program this week. He should include a provision requiring independent scientific review of the efficacy of these "functional ingredients" before USDA allows them in WIC foods and infant formula.

Note: Lori Dorfman sends a Berkeley Media Studies Group issue paper (PDF) on how to advocate for hospitals and workplaces to make it easier for moms to breastfeed.

This article available online at:

INDUSTRY NEWS: Omega-3 Products in Demand; Sales Grow

2010-06-14T09:15:00.003-04:00

Hard economic times are not deterring demand for many categories of natural health products but Omega-3 leads the pack

No Stopping Public Demand for Omega-3 Products

Omega-3 Foods Continue to Grow

Global sales of omega-3 remain strong, despite recession

By Food in Canada staff June 11, 2010

Omega-3 is one of the most successful function ingredients ever introduced. That’s the opinion of researcher Euromonitor, which notes that sales of omega-3 fatty acid ingredients for processed foods have remained unchanged by the global economic downturn.

Sales of omega-3 ingredients grew 10 per cent from 2008 to 2009, with raw volumes growing from 12,054 tonnes to 13,218 tonnes in 2009. The biggest jump was in Asia, where volumes grew by 30 per cent to 850 tonnes. In the U.S. volumes grew 22 per cent. Approximately half of global omega-3s for food products are currently consumed in Europe, where there is a large market for dietary supplements.

Euromonitor predicts the market for omega-3 will grow 24 per cent between 2009 and 2014, with expected volumes peaking at 16,332 tonnes. The researcher also notes that growth will be strongest in emerging markets such as Saudi Arabia, India, Mexico and China, by 182 per cent, 170 per cent, 126 per cent and 98 per cent respectively.

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REGULATORY NEWS: Health Canada Tells Canadians Bisphenol A is Good For Them

2010-06-10T12:48:00.005-04:00

Health Canada ignores the accumulating mountain of scientific evidence and action by legislators and regulators in many jurisdictions. Your tax dollar at work.

Health Canada vs The World on Bisphenol Dangers

No risk from bisphenol A in canned food - Health Canada

By Rory Harrington, 04-Jun-2010

Exposure to bisphenol A from canned food poses no health risk to the general population, Health Canada has said after conducting a survey into levels of the chemical in 78 products.

However, the agency also pointed out that its results were “exploratory and should not be used to indicate the distribution of BPA in canned food products”. It added that its overall aim was to “limit human exposure to BPA to the greatest extent possible” by working with the food packaging sector to find out how the chemical migrates into food o food.

The body said its study of a range of canned tuna, soups, vegetable and tomato-based products from such companies as Campbell Canada, Loblaws, ConAgra and General Mills revealed only a low-level presence of BPA in the foodstuffs.

“The results of this survey confirm that exposure to BPA from canned food products is very low and poses no health or safety concerns to the general population,” said Health Canada.

BPA is used to make epoxy resins, which are used as protective linings on the inside of metal lids and containers.

Survey findings

Health Canada said it found BPA in almost all the 78 canned products tested. Canned tuna products had highest levels – with average and maximum BPA levels of 137 and 534 ng/g respectively. Canned soups had the second highest levels, with condensed soups exhibiting much higher levels that ready-to-eat varieties. Condensed soups had average and maximum BPA levels of 52 and 94 ng/g compared to 15 and 34 ng/g for RTE products.

Levels of the chemical in canned tomato paste products were found to be considerably lower. The average and maximum BPA levels for the tomato paste products were 1.1 and 2.1 ng/g, while they were 9.3 and 23 ng/g for the pure tomato products.

The body concluded that the average findings of BPA in the canned food products were consistent with those of past surveys and were not “considered to represent a human health concern”.

Industry response

The North American Metal Packaging Alliance (NAMPA) welcomed the survey results and said the findings confirmed industry research that BPA levels in metal-packaged foods are “negligible”.

“What is important about this latest survey from Health Canada is that once again, research conducted by a well respected international body has shown that the minute levels of BPA in canned foods do not represent any risk to consumers,” said NAMPA chairman Dr John M. Rost.

The industry group added that BPA-based epoxy linings are a vital food safety tool and no fully tested alternative had yet been found.

Last month, a report from National Working Group for Safe Markets (NWGSM) found an average level of 77 parts per billion (ppb) of BPA in canned food after testing 50 products. The highest level of the chemical - at 1,140 ppb - was detected in Del Monte French Style Green beans.

NAMPA dismissed the study on the grounds that the sample numbers were too small to be statistically significant and that the consumer group had failed to provide a complete picture to consumers.

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First Plant Sterol Product With A Health Claim Hits the Canadian Market

2010-06-10T12:08:00.004-04:00

Now that Health Canada has approve the cholesterol claim for sterols, many food and supplement manufacturers will move quickly to take advantage

Plant Sterols With Approved Health Claims Entering the Market

First Food with Cholesterol-lowering Claim Now Available in Canada

Health Canada allows claim typically associated with pharmaceutical products to be added to certain foods

TORONTO, June 10 /CNW/ - Canadian adults with elevated cholesterol can now go to their grocery store to purchase a food product shown to help lower cholesterol. For the first time, Health Canada has approved the sale of foods fortified with plant sterols and allowed claims to assist consumers to understand the role and function of sterols in their diet. With more than 40 per cent of Canadians aged 20 to 79 having an unhealthy level of total cholesterol, this provides a new option to support overall cholesterol management.

Every seven minutes in Canada, someone dies from heart disease or stroke. High cholesterol is a main risk factor for heart disease, and according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, a one point reduction in total cholesterol can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 25 per cent.

The first of a number of expected plant sterol-fortified food products, Becel pro.activ calorie-reduced margarine with plant sterols recently became available in major retailers, enabling the millions of Canadian adults with elevated cholesterol to take immediate steps to help lower their cholesterol. Becel pro.activ contains plant sterols which help to lower cholesterol in adults up to 15 per cent starting within three weeks when combined with a move to a healthy diet.

"Canadians are now more empowered than ever to help lower their cholesterol through an everyday food product, in the hopes of reducing their overall risk for heart disease," said Dr. Peter Jones, a nutrition researcher from the University of Manitoba who has studied plant sterols for 15 years. "Costs associated with managing chronic diseases like heart disease are among the biggest challenges facing this country. We need to be aggressive in bringing options to Canadians that will enable personal health decisions associated with significant public health implications."

About Plant Sterols

Plant sterols occur naturally in a variety of everyday foods like vegetable oils, nuts, grain products, fruits and vegetables, and have always been part of the human diet. Plant sterols exert their effect by partly blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine, thereby lowering blood cholesterol levels.

Experts agree that just two grams of plant sterols is the daily amount shown to help lower cholesterol in adults, and the cholesterol-lowering benefits are sustained with regular daily consumption.

Foods fortified with plant sterols are available in countries around the world, including the United States, members of the European Union, Australia, Switzerland, New Zealand, South Africa, Brazil, Israel, Iceland and Japan.

About Becel

Becel margarine was created in the 1960's as a response to the call from Dutch physicians for a heart healthier alternative to butter and animal fats. Since then, Becel has remained dedicated to educating Canadians about the importance of heart healthy living, including launching the first food fortified with plant sterols in Canada. Unilever, one of the world's largest consumer products companies, adds vitality to life by meeting everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene and personal care. Every day, 160 million people choose Unilever brands to feed their families and to clean themselves and their families.

To view the Social Media Release please enter the following web address in your browser:

http://smr.newswire.ca/en/becel-unilever/first-food-with-cholesterol-lowering-claim-now-available

For further information: Margaret McKellar, Unilever, (416) 963-4027; Sarah Bannoff, Edelman, (416) 979-1120 ext. 318

Wegman's Organic Research Growing

2010-06-10T11:55:00.002-04:00

It might surprise readers to learn that Wegmans' is so deeply involved in organic growing but they have clearly made a serious committment

The Dirt on Wegmans' Organic Research Farm

Wegmans Learns By Doing, Down on the Farm

By George Anderson

Wegmans' Jim Heberle is excited. "We aimed for ripe tomatoes before Memorial Day, and we made it," he told Syracuse's Post-Standard newspaper.

The we Mr. Heberle referred to are all of the people working on Wegmans' Organic Research Farm in Canandaigua, N.Y. The why behind his excitement? -- "because one of our goals is to find ways to extend the growing season in the Northeast."

According to The Post-Standard report, Wegmans was able to move up the date for picking its tomatoes because of changes it made to the compost it uses and by placing a hoop house over the soil to protect plants from the cold. The discovery is a positive for the grocer, along with its consumers who will be able to enjoy the locally-grown produce earlier than usual. Other farmers who supply the chain will also benefit.

"We set aside time each year to meet with local growers, have them tour our farm, and exchange information about what we've all learned during the most recent growing season," said Jamie Robinson, a team leader along with Mr. Heberle at the farm. "It's a two-way street that helps everybody."

The Wegmans' farm grows 14 varieties of cherry and grape tomatoes, which are sold in the chain's stores in Pittsford and Canandaigua, NY as well as its Next Door Bar and Grill restaurant.

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RETAILING NEWS: Consumer Packaged Goods Manufacturers Failing to Orient to Large Stores Like Costco

2010-06-10T11:40:00.005-04:00

Seems hard to imagine consumer product manufacturers regarding an operation as large as Costco to be a mere "alternative" channel or an afterthought.

Repackaging Big Box Consumer Packaged Goods

Costco's Challenge for CPG Vendors

By Tom Ryan

While the market potential for Costco is large, its SKU-constrained environment, margin requirements, private label acumen, and regional buying prowess place numerous challenges on CPG companies versus other channels, according to a recent report from L.E.K. Consulting.

L.E.K. said many CPG companies focus their marketing and innovation planning process around mass retail and grocery chains "with 'alternative channels' such as Costco addressed as afterthoughts. This orientation rarely leads to success." Among the challenges for CPG vendors mentioned in the report:

1) Limited Selection: Costco's focused SKU selection reduces operational costs by streamlining its supply chain and simplifying in-store management but this "limits the freedom available to CPG companies - many of which are accustomed to owning prominent real estate in store aisles."

2) Price Conscious: While most other channels mark-up merchandise, Costco can sell merchandise at close to break-even levels and gain a majority of its profits through membership fees. L.E.K. said this results in Costco placing relentless price pressure on CPG vendors to sell products at low profit margins.

3) Private Label Power. Since Kirkland Signature was launched in 1995, private label has grown to around 20 percent of its sales and its goal is to reach 37 percent. In some cases, Kirkland Signature can command a premium in specific categories through quality product. Wrote L.E.K, "If Kirkland Signature leapfrogs a CPG company in perceived quality and associated premium pricing, it becomes extremely difficult for the CPG vendor to reestablish category momentum at Costco."

4) Distributed Purchasing. Costco puts a strong emphasis on addressing regional preferences, such as a greater demand for salsa in the Southwest. It also procures goods on a local basis and provides managers at each warehouse with some discretion over what goods they carry. L.E.K. wrote that this "requires CPG companies to sell to a myriad of Costco buyers across multiple levels, which makes national clearance challenging for vendors."

L.E.K. then offered three tips to overcome common missteps. First, it advised CPG makers to develop a "Costco-Specific Business Plan." L.E.K. wrote, "Costco is a unique retailing environment and is probably among the most challenging that CPG companies will face."

Second, CPG companies should focus on "margin dollars" over the "margin percent" guideline it typically uses. Wrote L.E.K., "Costco will never deliver the same gross margin as grocery or mass retailers, but it can deliver large sales figures."

Finally, CPG companies should consider engaging club retailers early in the product development phase and elicit feedback from them. More than other channels, opportunities exist to be part of sampling programs. Wrote L.E.K. "Working in conjunction with receptive warehouse club buyers, savvy CPG companies can develop and trial warehouse products before launch to traditional channels - the reverse of the common pattern between club retailers and CPGs."

View Original Article Here

Open Letter to the Natural Health Trade from Integrated Health Retailer (ihr)

2010-06-10T09:11:00.000-04:00

In Defense of Natural Health Retailing -

A Rebuttal to the CBC Attack on Health Retailers

On Tuesday, June 8, 2010 CBC news published an article entitled “Health food store advice not scientific: study.” This reported on an article from the December 2009 edition of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition (JACN), which is the house organ of the American College of Nutrition (ACN) representing professional nutritionists. Though the JACN is supposed to be a bi-monthly publication, there has not been another issue since the December 2009 edition. The ACN is heavily supported by funding supplied by pharmaceutical and mega-food processors. In 2006, Integrity in Science cited the JACN for failing to reveal “that its editor and several authors had long standing ties to the food industry.”1 The ACN and nutritionists associated with it have long been outspoken and persistent critics of the natural health industry, which they view as a threat to their business interests.

The JACN article reported on by the CBC is “Advice on Dietary Supplements: A Comparison of Health Food Stores and Pharmacies in Canada,” the lead author being Norman Temple, PhD, a professor of nutrition at Athabasca University, Alberta. Between 2002 and 2008, thirty-nine undergraduate nutrition course students visited 192 health retailers and 56 pharmacies across Canada and asked questions on themes such as “lecithin (for improved memory), n=25” or “how to improve memory, n=19.” Instruction to students is not disclosed; only sample questions are disclosed in the article. If forms were employed to record answers, they are not supplied in the final publication. No profiles of the stores are given, nor their locations. No controls for subjectivity or bias are reported. Answers to questions were “graded for accuracy” according to “reliable Web sites” such as MEDLINE2 or the American Dietetic Association3. Again, no specifics at all are given, so there is no way of knowing objectively what the standards were. In pharmacies, no distinction is recorded between those questions posed to and answers given by pharmacists and non-pharmacists. Yet, the study concludes that health food stores gave 88% poor answers, while pharmacies gave 68% good answers.

Even though the authors caution that “we cannot be certain that all reporting was done accurately” and that “another possible source of error is in the interpretation of results” none of this is reflected in the unattributed CBC article that quotes Dr. Temple as dismissing health store staff as being “no more qualified than somebody pouring coffee in Tim Hortons.”

Until yesterday this article has failed to achieve a single professional citation and zero media coverage. When something like this suddenly makes CBC headlines with author’s quotes this suspicious. Both the original article and the CBC report were and are synchronized bias dressed up as “objective” and “scientific.”

If this is the level and style that enemies of natural health must resort to then we should actually be encouraged. If they had solid evidence, they would lead with it. If it was real and honest news reporting, we would have seen it months ago, and with an author’s name on it. Integrated Health Retailer condemns this as a choreographed stunt. We express our solidarity with all natural retailers and all staff whom we respect and have confidence in. Take heart.
Citations upon request

For further information: Robert McMaster, editor, Telephone 416.203.7900 ext 6102, email: Robert@rivegauchemedia.com

Planet Organic Is Bankrupt

2010-06-10T09:04:00.002-04:00

The creditors take over. How will they manage the business and the stores? Stay tuned!

End of the Road For Planet Organic

EDMONTON — An Ontario court has approved the acquisition of Planet Organic Health Corp.'s assets by its principal creditor, the Edmonton-based natural and organic-products retailer said Tuesday.

While Planet Organic stores will continue to operate, the publicly traded company that was launched in 2001 to expand the chain is left with no assets and ceased trading on Tuesday.

"It is sad for the shareholders -- and I am one of the shareholders -- that there is no value left in the public company," Darren Krissie, executive vice-president for Planet Organic, said in an interview.

But he said the acquisition by Toronto-based Catalyst Capital Group Inc. of its assets, including the name Planet Organic, is good news for customers, employees and suppliers.

"We have a strong financial backer that wants to grow the business," he said.

All but one of the stores in Canada and the U.S. will continue to operate, he said.

Planet Organic received bankruptcy protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act in April, when more than $31.1 million in debt was called in by Catalyst Capital. The private-equity firm, which invests in distressed companies, had bought the debt from Ares Capital Corp.

The chain got its start in 1993 when Diane Shaskin and her husband, Mark Craft, opened a single health-food store on Whyte Avenue.

Planet Organic currently operates nine natural food supermarkets in Canada and 11 in the U.S.

At its peak in 2008 it also owned 50 Sangsters Health Centre stores, seven Healthy's Nutrition shops and manufactured natural supplements at its Trophic Canada division.

It expanded as demand for organic food grew and moved into the U.S. by acquiring the 11-store Mrs. Green's Natural Market Inc. chain in 2007. But the company ran into financial difficulties during the recession as it expanded in Toronto.

In its recent third-quarter statement, Planet reported a $16.7-million loss after writedowns and revenues of $28.3 million

Partnership Capital Growth acted as Planet's financial adviser for the sale of assets to Catalyst and will be paid a transaction fee of $1.1 million. Brent Knudsen, a principal with Partnership Capital, has resigned from the Planet board along with director Ian Newton.

Krissie will continue as the sole director but is expected to resign soon, Planet said in a news release.

View Original Article Here

MEDICAL NEWS: Green Tea EGCG Slows Leukemia

2010-06-08T13:20:00.005-04:00

The natural health industry is well aware of the many benefits of epigallocatechin gallate. Although the results of this study are preliminary, compounds from green tea are steadily being shown to have a very wide range of therapeutic properties.

EGCG from Green Tea Shows Promise as a Safe Medicament Against Leukemia

Green Tea Compound Slowed Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Researchers caution finding was preliminary, effect seen only in early stages of disease

MONDAY, June 7 (HealthDay News) -- A key component of green tea has shown promise as a non-toxic treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic are now in the second phase of trials with early-stage, asymptomatic patients to explore the potential of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to strike a blow against this type of leukemia.

"The benefits we have seen in most CLL patients who use the chemical suggest that it has modest clinical activity and may be useful for stabilizing this form of leukemia, potentially slowing it down," lead author Dr. Tait Shanafelt, a Mayo Clinic hematologist, said in a news release.

Shanafelt's team is slated to present its findings Monday at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting, in Chicago.

The latest research builds on earlier Mayo lab work from eight years ago, during which EGCG's potential to curtail the survival of CLL leukemia cells was first noted. The current trial marks the first time this green tea extract has been studied in actual patients as a treatment option for an illness that is described as a hybrid between leukemia and lymphoma.

A total of 42 CLL patients were involved in the phase 2 trial. All were at such an early point in their illness that they were not taking any other treatment.

Nearly one-third showed a 20 percent or greater drop in their leukemia cell count after being treated with EGCG.

What's more, almost 70 percent of the patients who had enlarged lymph nodes saw their node size cut in half or more following treatment, the researchers found.

Yet despite the encouraging findings, the study authors cautioned that EGCG would not ultimately replace chemotherapy. And they expressed hesitancy with respect to any current patient use of the compound while research is ongoing.

"Without a phase 3 clinical trial, we cannot make a recommendation that EGCG be used by CLL patients," co-author Dr. Neil Kay, a hematology researcher, said in a news release. "But those who want to take supplements should consult with their oncologists and need to receive appropriate monitoring using laboratory tests."

View Original Story Here

INDUSTRY NEWS: Walgreens Bails on CVS-Caremark Deal

2010-06-08T12:54:00.006-04:00

Since CVS and Caremark merged, Walgreens has steadily felt their interests have been ignored. This abrupt termination is a statement of just how displeased Walgreens feels over the matter.

Wallgreens and Caremark Relationship Goes Sour

Wallgreens terminated provider relationship with CVC Caremark's PBM Business

DEERFIELD, Ill. (Jun. 7) One of the nation's largest drug store chains said it will cease any future pharmacy network plans with another chain's pharmacy benefit management business.

In a letter to CVS Caremark, Walgreens declared it no longer would participate as a provider in any prescription drug plans -- either new or renewed -- awarded after Monday to CVS Caremark's PBM. Walgreens said its decision was based on several factors the company believes “no longer makes good business sense... to be part of their network for new and renewed plans.”

Walgreens made the following declarations in its letter to CVS' PBM business:

CVS Caremark’s promotion of such prescription drug plan designs as Maintenance Choice disrupts networks by requiring patients with chronic conditions in many plans to use CVS pharmacies or Caremark mail service facilities for their prescriptions instead of Walgreens. This limits patient choice and ends up separating patients from community pharmacists they know and trust at a Walgreens drug store;
Currently, Walgreens receives no or little information when a CVS Caremark prescription drug plan is transferred to a different and differently priced CVS Caremark pharmacy network, or when CVS Caremark acquires a new prescription drug plan as a client. Because of this, it is difficult to assess and decide in advance whether Walgreens should participate in new or altered CVS Caremark prescription drug plans;
The growing unpredictability of CVS Caremark reimbursement rates to Walgreens, and the fact that CVS Caremark’s payments for certain drugs often don’t reflect the market, has made it unacceptably difficult for Walgreens to reasonably and economically plan for and operate its business.

“In the three years since the CVS-Caremark merger, it has become increasingly clear to us that Caremark’s approach to Walgreens as a community pharmacy within CVS Caremark’s retail network has fundamentally changed, and we are no longer viewed as a valued community pharmacy within its PBM network,” said Kermit Crawford, Walgreens EVP pharmacy. “In that time, we have come to feel that CVS Caremark’s pharmacy benefit management practices are inconsistent with the value we provide as the largest pharmacy provider in its network and the services we deliver to patients, employers and payers. These services include our trusted pharmacists and clinicians who stand ready to deliver critical healthcare advice, convenient locations with drive-thru pharmacies and 24-hour pharmacies that provide access to emergency medications. Consequently, we have reached a point where participation in future CVS Caremark plans no longer makes sense for us.”

In response to what was called a surprising and disappointing announcement, CVS Caremark issued its own statement on the matter, calling Walgreens' announcement “nothing more than a transparent effort to raise its reimbursement rates at the expense of plan sponsors and members and illustrates an inability to adapt to the demands of the marketplace in today's challenging and rapidly evolving healthcare environment.”

Although CVS Caremark said Walgreens “continues to take steps that make it a high-cost pharmacy provider and disrupt members,” the company remains open to discussions regarding the chain's “continued participation [in our PBM pharmacy networks].”

Meanwhile, the announcement had drawn response from industry groups. The National Community Pharmacists Association said the “unprecedented action” showed that “the concerns expressed by Walgreens echo and further validate the concerns expressed by independent community pharmacists and their patients.”

View Original Article Here

MEDICAL NEWS: Large Majority of Canadians Refused H1N1 Shot

2010-06-08T12:19:00.002-04:00

Trying to explain why so many Canadians refused the H1N1 vaccine, our public officials cannot bring themselves to admit the glaring truth that most people simply thought they were liars.

Canadians Didn't Believe Health Officials Over H1N1

The swine flu pandemic that never was

By Lorne Gunter May 28, 2010 – 7:23 am
The National Post

We owe experts our skepticism and common sense as much or more than we owe them our deference.

My colleagues on the National Post editorial board and I got into a debate by email on Wednesday over the fizzle that was the Great Swine Flu Pandemic of 2009-10. Like the never-was SARS pandemic and the didn’t-happen bird-flu pandemic, swine flu — or H1N1 — was nowhere near the threat it had been hyped to be. It wasn’t even the threat the regular seasonal flu is most winters.

Responding to statistics, released Tuesday, showing that just 28% of Torontonians bothered to get vaccinated against H1N1 (on average, 35% get a flu shot each winter) some of us (me included) were pushing for an editorial about how the whole swine-flu blitz was yet another example of expert-fed hysteria.

Others resisted an editorial, claiming the WHO, Health Canada, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and similar agencies around the globe had used their best professional judgment to try to keep the rest of us safe from what may well have been a deadly infection. It would be unfair to blame them in hindsight just because their well-intentioned predictions turned out to be spectacularly wrong. None of us have PhDs in epidemiology, a colleague pointed out. Who are we to second guess the conclusions of those who do and who have studied infectious disease control?

But none of us are members of the Privy Council, either, yet we second-guess cabinet ministers all the time, even though they are experts in political intrigue and we merely informed observers. We aren’t meteorologists, yet we second-guess the weather forecast. Nor are we doctors, but we often ask for second opinions.

Why? Because it is healthy to challenge — up to a point.

It would be wrong to dismiss all expert advice out-of-hand, to scorn anything and everything that comes from scientists or officials as impractical, effete or politically biased. That would be anti-intellectual. Besides, science — good, solid, objective (as far as it is possible for humans to be objective) science — has been one of mankind’s greatest boons. But it is equally wrong to accept any expert advice without questioning it. The majority of scientists were wrong about the universe, until they became Copernicans, wrong about germs until the majority became Pasteurians and wrong about evolution until they became Darwinians.

Also, in the case of H1N1, it’s not as though there were no critics of the WHO, CDC and Health Canada. From the start of this pandemic scare, a little more than a year ago, there were skeptics who warned against precisely the kind of overreaction that occurred.

According to flucount.org, there were 25,000 deaths from H1N1 worldwide, while according to the World Health Organization (WHO) there were just 18,000. Moreover, the WHO number is a bit of an artifice. It is based on the fact that 10,000 deaths are confirmed, while another 8,000 deaths are merely assumed, based on an extrapolation from the known fatalities.

Whichever number is correct, the point is that H1N1 killed far, far fewer people than predicted. It even killed far fewer than the typical season flu, which the WHO reports causes 250,000 to 500,000 deaths annually around the globe. These numbers are really bad news if you are among the 18,000 to 25,000 people who succumbed to swine flu. But in a general sense, the H1N1 infection and death rates were good news. There was no repeat of the very deadly swine flu outbreak of 1918-19 or even the lesser known one in the late 1950s.

Health Canada planned for 15% to 35% of Canadians to contract swine flu and 34,000 to 138,000 to be hospitalized. These latter figures would have overwhelmed our health care system. Thousands of those infected were expected to die.

But instead of 35% of us coming down with swine flu, or even 15%, in the end less the one-tenth of 1% of the population got the disease and just one in 60 of those infected died as a result.

Even very well educated people are susceptible to group-think, including public-health experts. They become so focused on their forests, they are unable to see its trees. Then, their personal agendas may begin driving their critical thinking.

National Post

View Original Article Here

MEDICAL NEWS: WHO Under Attack Over H1N1

2010-06-08T11:54:00.002-04:00

Fallout is raining down all parties who pushed H1N1 as a mega-threat to humanity. Massive public resistance, the huge waste of valuable public money, mounting scientific criticism and now just plain good-old-boy corruption. Will heads roll?

British Medical Journal Says World Health Organization Influenced by Vaccine Manufacturers Over H1N1.

WHO Scandal Exposed: Advisors Received Kickbacks From H1N1 Vaccine Manufacturers

By Mike Adams

A stunning new report reveals that top scientists who convinced the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare H1N1 a global pandemic held close financial ties to the
drug companies that profited from the sale of those vaccines. This report, published in the British Medical Journal, exposes the hidden ties that drove WHO to declare a pandemic, resulting in billions of dollars in profits for vaccine manufacturers.
Several key advisors who urged WHO to declare a pandemic received direct financial compensation from the very same vaccine manufacturers who received a windfall of profits from the pandemic announcement. During all this, WHO refused to disclose any conflicts of interests between its top advisors and the drug companies who would financially benefit from its decisions.

All the kickbacks, in other words, were swept under the table and kept silent, and WHO somehow didn't think it was important to let the world know that it was receiving policy advice from individuals who stood to make millions of dollars when a pandemic was declared.

WHO credibility destroyed

The report was authored by Deborah Cohen (BMJ features editor), and Philip Carter, a journalist who works for the Bureau of Investigative Journalism in London. In their report, Cohen states, "...our investigation has revealed damaging issues. If these are not addressed, H1N1 may yet claim its biggest victim -- the credibility of the WHO and the trust in the global public health system."

In response to the report, WHO secretary-general Dr Margaret Chan defended the secrecy, saying that WHO intentionally kept the financial ties a secret in order to "...protect the integrity and independence of the members while doing this critical work... [and] also to ensure transparency."

Dr Chan apparently does not understand the meaning of the word "transparency." Then again, WHO has always twisted reality in order to serve its corporate masters, the pharmaceutical giants who profit from disease. To say that they are keeping the financial ties a secret in order to "protect the integrity" of the members is like saying we're all serving alcohol at tonight's AA meeting in order to keep everybody off the bottle.

It just flat out makes no sense.

But since when did making sense have anything to do with WHO's decision process anyway?

Even Fiona Godlee, editor of the BMJ, had harsh words for the WHO, saying, "...its credibility has been badly damaged. WHO must act now to restore its credibility.
Yet more criticism for WHO

The BMJ isn't the only medical publication criticizing WHO for its poor handling of conflicts of interest. Another report from the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly also criticized WHO, saying: "Parliamentary Assembly is alarmed about the way in which the H1N1 influenza pandemic has been handled, not only by the World Health Organization (WHO), but also by the competent health authorities at the level of the European Union and at national level." It went on to explain that WHO's actions led to "a waste of large sums of public money, and also unjustified scares and fears about health risks faced by the European public at large."

The funny thing is, NaturalNews and other natural health advocates told you all the same thing a year ago, and we didn't have to spend millions of dollars on a study to arrive at this conclusion. It was obvious to anyone who knows just how corrupt the sick-care industry really is. They'll do practically anything to make more money, including bribing WHO scientific advisors and paying them kickbacks once the vaccine sales surge.

The vaccine industry and all its drug pushers are, of course, criticizing this investigative report. They say WHO "had no choice" but to declare a pandemic and recommend vaccines, since vaccines are the only treatment option for influenza. That's a lie, of course: Vitamin D has been scientifically proven to be five times more effective than vaccines at preventing influenza infections, but WHO never recommended vitamin D to anyone.

The entire focus was on pushing more high-profit vaccines, not recommending the things that would actually help people the most. And now we know why: The more vulnerable people were to the pandemic, the more would be killed by H1N1, thereby "proving" the importance of vaccination programs.

People were kept ignorant of natural remedies, in other words, to make sure more people died and a more urgent call for mass vaccination programs could be carried out. (A few lives never gets in the way of Big Pharma profits, does it?)

How the scam really worked

Here's a summary of how the WHO vaccine scam worked:

Step 1) Exaggerate the risk: WHO hypes up the pandemic risk by declaring a phase 6 pandemic even when the mortality rate of the virus was so low that it could be halted with simple vitamin D supplements.

Step 2) Urge countries to stockpile: WHO urged nations around the world to stockpile H1N1 vaccines, calling it a "public health emergency."

Step 3) Collect the cash: Countries spend billions of dollars buying and stockpiling H1N1 vaccines while Big Pharma pockets the cash.

Step 4) Get your kickbacks: WHO advisors, meanwhile, collected their kickbacks from the vaccine manufacturers. Those kickbacks were intentionally kept secret

Step 5) Keep people afraid: In order to keep demand for the vaccines as high as possible, WHO continued to flame the fears by warning that H1N1 was extremely dangerous and everybody should continue to get vaccinated. (The CDC echoed the same message in the USA.)

This is how WHO pulled off one of the greatest vaccine pandemic scams in the last century, and it worked like gangbusters. WHO advisors walked away with loads of cash, the drug companies stockpiled huge profits, and the taxpayers of nations around the world were left saddled with useless vaccines rotting on the shelves that will soon have to be destroyed (at additional taxpayer cost, no doubt) or dumped down the drain (where they will contaminate the waterways).

Meanwhile, nobody dared tell the public the truth about vitamin D, thereby ensuring that the next pandemic will give them another opportunity to repeat the exact same scam (for yet more profit).

The criminality of the vaccine industry

The bottom line is all this is a frightening picture of just how pathetic the vaccine industry has become and how corrupt the WHO and the CDC really are. What took place here is called corruption and bribery, folks. Kickbacks were paid, lies were told and governments were swindled out of billions of dollars. These are felony crimes being committed by our global health leaders.

The real question is: Why do governments continue to allow public health organizations to be so easily corrupted by the vaccine industry? And who will stand up to this profit conspiracy that exploits members of the public as if they were profit-generating guinea pigs?

The next time you hear the WHO say anything, just remember: Their advisors are on the take from the drug companies, and just about anything you're likely to hear from the World Health Organization originates with a profit motive rather than a commitment to public health.

Oh, and by the way... for the record, there has never been a single scientific study ever published showing that H1N1 vaccines worked. Not only was the H1N1 pandemic a fraud to begin with, but the medicine they claimed treated it was also based on fraud. And now we know the rest of the story of why it was all done: Kickbacks from Big Pharma, paid to advisors who told WHO to declare a pandemic.

© Copyright Mike Adams, NaturalNews , 2010

View Original Article Here

REGULATORY NEWS; Son of Bills C-51 & C-6 Heading for Parliament

2010-06-08T09:41:00.003-04:00

As predicted by ihr (see analysis in forthcoming edition), the Harper government is trying for the third time to pass a consumer safety bill. How this affects the natural health industry remains to be seen. ihr will report in detail on this legislation and the views of affected groups, associations and individuals

Government to Introduce New Consumer Health Safety Legislation

Feds reintroducing consumer protection legislation

By BRYN WEESE, Parliamentary Bureau

Last Updated: June 7, 2010 4:10pm

OTTAWA - The government is reintroducing consumer protection legislation that would give it more power to keep unsafe products off the shelves and get tough on manufacturers who break the rules.

Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq said Monday she will introduce the new consumer protection laws in a few days.

"The Canadian Product Safety Law is now over 40 years old. We need to do more to update and improve this law to help protect our families from harmful products," Aglukkaq said at Health Canada's consumer protection labs.

"With the growth of global trade, we are seeing new products and technologies entering the Canadian marketplace," she added. "Some products are made in Canada and some are not.

"Canadian families need to have the confidence that the products they buy are safe."

The government first tried to pass stricter consumer protection laws last year and although Bill C6 was passed unanimously in the House of Commons, the Senate proposed a series of amendments the government did not agree with and consumer advocates warned watered the new bill down too much.

Ultimately, the bill was killed when Prime Minister Stephen Harper prorogued Parliament in December.

If passed, the new laws will create a mandatory reporting regime for retailers and manufacturers to report safety incidents concerning specific products, similar to the United States and European Union, and would allow the government to order mandatory recalls.

"The outdated legislation means that when Health Canada determines a product is unsafe, we still have to rely on the supplier to voluntarily pull it off the store shelves," Aglukkaq said, warning part of the problem is “fly-by-night” manufacturers who aren't responsible.

According to government estimates, one-third of Canadians bought or had in their homes last year products deemed unsafe by Health Canada. Of those, one-third are products for children.

In 2009, Health Canada asked manufacturers and retailers to recall more than 300 products that were deemed unsafe, including nearly one million drop-side cribs by B.C.-based Stork Crafts Manufacturing.

bryn.weese@sunmedia.ca

View Original Article Here:

BUSINESS NEWS: SunOpta's Shares in Demand

2010-06-08T09:37:00.004-04:00

In contrast with Planet Organic, SunOpta appears to have recovered from its recent difficulties and has regained the confidence of investors

SunOpta's Shares Rebound

SunOpta's Shares Changing Hands at Higher Prices on 1.1x Above-Average Volume (STKL)

Written on Tue, 06/01/2010 - 2:02pm

By Chip Brian

Shares of SunOpta (NASDAQ:STKL) are trading up 6.4% to $5.02 today on above average volume. Approximately 444,000 shares have traded hands today vs. average 30-day volume of 214,000 shares.
Spikes in volume can validate a breakout or signify a potential turning point. As such, SmarTrend will continue to monitor shares of STKL to see if this bullish momentum will continue.
SmarTrend is bullish on shares of SunOpta and our subscribers were alerted to buy on March 02, 2010 at $3.10. The stock has risen 61.9% since the alert was issued.

View Original Article Here:

INDUSTRY NEWS: Dietary Supplements Under Attack in U.S.

2010-06-08T09:07:00.004-04:00

This article, and the U.S. Senate hearings have the dietary supplement business on the defensive. Issues of safety, validity of claims and product quality are generating a major public focus on the natural health business. This spills over borders

USA Today Editorial Blasts Dietary Supplements

Our view on pills and potions: Do you really know what's in that dietary supplement?

Bogus claims

-- Government Accountability Office investigators found these deceptive marketing claims for herbal supplements:

-- Ginseng cures diseases, including cancer.

-- Ginkgo biloba treats Alzheimer's disease, depression and impotence.

-- Garlic prevents obesity and diabetes, cures cardiovascular disease, and can be taken instead of prescribed medication for high blood pressure.

Source: GAO

USA TODAY OPINION

About Editorials/Debate

Opinions expressed in USA TODAY's editorials are decided by its Editorial Board, a demographically and ideologically diverse group that is separate from USA TODAY's news staff.

Most editorials are accompanied by an opposing view — a unique USA TODAY feature that allows readers to reach conclusions based on both sides of an argument rather than just the Editorial Board's point of view.

Next time you're taking a dose of your favorite dietary supplement or herbal remedy, how would you like a dash of lead on the side? Or if lead's not your taste, what about mercury? Or arsenic?

OPPOSING VIEW: Existing law works

Researchers at an accredited lab working for Congress' non-partisan Government Accountability Office recently found traces of potentially hazardous contaminants in almost all of the 40 supplement products tested.

None of the heavy metal residues appeared to exceed legal limits, but consumers should have reason for concern: Another supplement was recalled recently under government pressure because it was suspected of containing clearly hazardous levels of lead. Further, 18 of the products in the GAO investigation were found to contain residues of at least one pesticide, in 16 cases appearing to exceed safety limits.

For a nation of pill-poppers and potion-imbibers, this is not good news. It suggests an absence of quality control in the huge, loosely regulated supplement industry, which produces many products in problem-prone places such as China and Latin America?

A litany of safety and quality issues have made news in the past year:

•Fitness and muscle-building products that contain dangerous anabolic steroids.

•Diet-aid products that include substances linked to liver damage, heart problems, cancer, high blood pressure and kidney failure.

•Products that fraudulently claim to prevent, treat or diagnose swine flu.

The new GAO study also found online retailers claiming their products could treat, prevent or cure diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and other conditions. And it's not just the hustlers on the Web. GAO investigators posing as elderly customers repeatedly were told by sales clerks in stores that a given supplement would prevent or cure conditions such as high cholesterol or Alzheimer's disease.

Industry spokesmen have gotten away for years with minimizing all this as just the work of a handful of bad apples. Lobbyists say responsible makers and distributors should not be burdened with more government oversight. But the problem is big enough that another GAO study last year found nearly 1,000 reports in a 10-month period of specific health problems linked to supplements, including nine deaths, 64 life-threatening illnesses and 234 hospitalizations. Nobody knows how many other incidents never got reported.

The Senate is expected to take up a landmark food safety bill this month. Reformers are trying to include provisions mandating that supplement makers register annually with the Food and Drug Administration and allow the agency to recall supplements suspected of being dangerous, a power it does not have now. Proposals to restrict supplements to ingredients approved by the FDA have already drawn fierce opposition from the $25 billion-a-year industry.

Nearly 50% of U.S. adults consume supplements. The test for lawmakers will be whether they are more concerned with protecting the health of these constituents, or the profits of the politically potent supplement industry. The string of recent consumer-products scandals, covering everything from children's medicine to runaway cars, should leave little doubt as to which is the right remedy.

View Original Article Here:

INDUSTRY NEWS: Group Unite to Increase Confidence in Natural Health Products

2010-06-08T08:52:00.004-04:00

Under attack for questionable product quality, industry groups unite to propose more effective standards. If the industry can't police itself, the government will.

U.S. Industry Coalition Announces New CofA Standards

Joint SIDI Working Group Announces New Certificate of Analysis Guideline

Washington, D.C. (May 20, 2010)—The Joint Standardized Information on Dietary Supplement Ingredients (SIDI) Working Group—a coalition of the dietary supplement industry’s trade associations—today announced the release of the new Certificate of Analysis (CoA) Guideline, the latest in a series of voluntary guidelines for the supplement industry developed to assist finished product manufacturers with the complex process of qualifying their ingredient suppliers.

The voluntary CoA Guideline outlines the type and scope of information that should appear on a CoA provided by an ingredient supplier to its finished product manufacturer for a component or ingredient used in a dietary supplement.

“A requirement of the supplier qualification process involves verifying the information provided in an ingredient CoA, and manufacturers of dietary supplements rely on supplier CoAs to ensure finished products are GMP-compliant. It’s essential for ingredient suppliers to have a form that can be consistently used, containing the appropriate information in a clear and concise format,” said Andrew Shao, Ph.D., a spokesperson for the SIDI Working Group and CRN’s senior vice president, scientific & regulatory affairs. “By standardizing the information on CoAs, this voluntary guideline will benefit both ingredient suppliers and dietary supplement manufacturers.”

The voluntary CoA guideline, along with sample CoA templates for botanical and non-botanical ingredients, is available on the five trade associations’ websites, along with the original SIDI protocol materials.

The SIDI Working Group is a cooperative effort run by the dietary supplement industry trade associations including the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the Natural Products Association (NPA), and the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA).

Contact: Elizabeth Funderburk
202.429.9260

Consumer Reports Claims Protein Drinks May Be Unsafe

2010-06-07T09:59:00.004-04:00

Consumers Union which publishes Consumer Reports has been ritually attacking natural health products since time began. This is part of an orchestrated campaign to stampede the U.S. Congress into amending the DSHEA legislation.

Consumers Union Goes After Protein Drinks

Protein Drinks Packing a Poisonous Wallop?

By Teresa Shipley | Fri Jun 4, 2010 10:53 AM ET

Proteindrink You may want to put down that post-workout Muscle Milk.

Consumer Reports, a monthly review of consumer products and services, recently found that three popular protein drinks were packing more than just chocolate.

EAS Myoplex Original Dark Chocolate Shake and two versions of Muscle Milk chocolate drinks had high levels of arsenic, cadmium and lead.

Consumers Union tested three servings' worth of protein drinks -- a typical amount people drink in one day.

Andrew Shao, senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs at the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a supplement industry group, told Consumer Reports that protein powders and drinks are a safe option, even for teens and pregnant women -- groups frequently targeted for nutrition boosting, NPR reported.

But federal regulations don't generally require that protein drinks and other dietary supplements be tested before they are sold to ensure that they are safe, effective and free of contaminants, Consumer Reports noted.

"Most consumers and even many doctors don't realize that in this country we're left to simply trust the manufacturer to decide what level of quality and safety they'll provide," Pieter Cohen, an internist at Cambridge Health Alliance and author of a recent New England Journal of Medicine article on contaminants in dietary supplements, told Consumer Reports.

Cadmium is a metallic element. It has primarily been used in paints, coatings and batteries. Exposure in humans can cause significant kidney and lung damage.

Arsenic and lead are also naturally occurring metallic elements that have varieties of uses in industry from insecticides to electronics. But when consumed, they can cause cancer and brain damage.

View Original Article Here:

The End of the Road for Planet Organic?

2010-06-07T09:41:00.002-04:00

Planet Organic has been going through hard times. However, its main retail operations have been sound due to consumer demand. Hopefully, the financing side will not scuttle this prominent retailer.

A Victim of the Recession, Maybe

The Ode: Planet Organic (1993 — 2010)

The grocery chain rode the rising natural foods wave until it bought a U.S. counterpart at the top of the market — with borrowed money.

By Michael McCullough

Planet Organic Health Corp., which calls itself Canada's largest natural-foods retailer, began as a single 4,000-square-foot store on Edmonton's trendy Whyte Avenue. Diane Shaskin and husband Mark Craft, an organics pioneer who'd opened his first such store in 1978, bought High Level Natural Foods in 1993 and renamed it Terra Natural Food Market. The pair set about redesigning the store, reworking the product mix and moving the shopping experience from hippy-dippy toward a more accessible, suburban concept. Terra appealed to a new generation of customers who wanted a healthier alternative to the chemically grown and highly processed foods that then dominated the aisles of the major supermarket chains.

The concept was sufficiently appealing that Darren Krissie, a sales and marketing executive with a background in jewelry and heavy equipment, approached Craft and Shaskin with a proposal to roll out the store concept across Canada as Planet Organic. They took the company public in late 2000, moved the store to a larger location, then opened two additional outlets in Victoria and Calgary. A fourth store opened in Port Coquitlam, B.C., in 2003. By then Krissie had attracted funding from Penticton, B.C.–based angel investor Ron Francisco, who became Planet Organic's CEO and chair.

The next year the dream of a nationwide chain began to materialize as Planet Organic bought Great Ocean Natural Foods in Halifax and Sangster's Health Centres, a chain of vitamin and natural health stores. After adding grocery stores in Edmonton and Calgary, Planet Organic moved into Ontario with stores in Port Credit and Vaughan.

The growth then accelerated, financed largely by debt. In the spring of 2007, Planet Organic bought Mrs. Green's Natural Market, a chain of 11 stores in the northeastern United States, for US$33.7 million in cash. It also began to diversify further from the supermarkets, acquiring vitamin and herbal supplement manufacturer Trophic Canada (from Francisco) and Healthy's the Athlete's Edge Inc., a Toronto-area vitamin store chain.

At its peak, Planet Organic had 76 retail outlets and posted 2009 revenues of $127.7 million, but the chain repeatedly incurred losses as the natural-foods landscape became increasingly competitive. Whole Foods out of Austin, Texas, had become the prime consolidator in the sector with more than 280 stores, including four in the Vancouver area and two in Ontario. Planet Organic's Alberta stores were feeling heat from Sunterra Market, owned by Calgary's deep-pocketed Price family. Plus mainstream grocers, enticed by the higher margins, were adding natural-foods sections to their stores.

In March of 2009, Planet Organic defaulted on close to $40 million in debt, prompting a management shuffle. Francisco stepped down, while Shaskin and Craft were fired. The sale of the Sangster's, Trophic and Healthy's divisions earlier this year brought Planet Organic's debt load down to $31 million, consolidated under private equity firm Catalyst Capital. When Catalyst called the loan on April 28, Planet Organic sought and received protection from its creditors.

The bankruptcy leaves Planet Organic with few options. "There isn't somebody out there to sell it to," says Bob Gibson, head of equity research at Octagon Capital in Toronto. Whole Foods, he says, isn't a good fit for the company.

But Gibson insists the business model was sustainable. It was the interest payments from the Mrs. Green's purchase that "just crushed their earnings." The most likely scenarios point to the disappearance of the chain's name and identity, and with it Edmonton's contribution to the still-rising natural-food wave.

View Original Story Here

Multivitamins Increase Cognition in Clinical Trial

2010-06-07T09:36:00.002-04:00

No big news for natural health retailers but very nice to have this confirmed.

Research News: Multivitamins Make You Smarter!

NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, England—Augmenting levels of vitamins and minerals via supplementation may enhance cognitive performance in health adults, according to a new study (Psychopharmarcol. ePub 08 May 2010; DOI:10.1007/s00213-010-1870-3). In the trial, researchers from Northumbria University assessed the mood and cognitive effects of a high-dose B complex vitamin and mineral supplement (Berocca®, from Bayer Consumer Care) in healthy adult men (n=215) in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind, parallel study.

Participants completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) tests prior to and on the last day of a 33-day treatment period; cognitive performance and mood were assessed using a 60-minute cognitive demand battery. The men also completed the Stroop task for 40 minutes on the final day while engaged in inclined treadmill walking.

At the end of the trial, subjects taking the combination dietary supplement had significant improvements in the PSS and GHQ-12 ratings, and the “vigor” subscale of POMS. Men taking the supplement also performed better on the Serial 3s substractions task and rated themselves less mentally tired before and after completing the cognitive demand tests.

View Original Source Here:

MS Patient Dissidents Challenge MS Society of Canada

2010-06-07T09:15:00.003-04:00

MS patients who want speedier access to CCSVI treatment are increasingly upset at what they see as foot-dragging by the medical establishment. Now, they are turning their fire on the MS Society for their perceived lack of support.

Health News: MS Grass-Roots Revolt Against MS Establishment

Helen Branswell, The Canadian Press

Date: Monday Jun. 7, 2010 8:26 AM ET

TORONTO — Impatient multiple sclerosis patients are attempting to mount a quasi-putsch, hoping to install two of their own on the MS Society of Canada's board.

The aim is to elect representatives to the national board who will agitate from inside for an unproven therapy MS patients cannot currently get in Canada.

The society, like its sister organization in the United States, insists that only through proper clinical trials can it advocate for universal access to the procedure for MS patients. But many patients aren't interested in waiting and are flying to clinics in Eastern Europe and India for something known as the "liberation" procedure.

Janet Heisey, 51, who has been battling the degenerative disease for 29 years, is collecting proxy votes from MS Society members in hopes of electing her husband, Brock Winterton and Linda Molyneux, whose son has MS, to the society's board at its annual meeting June 12.

"This may not work. We're giving it a shot. We're doing our best. Because there are an awful lot of people that want more representation," said Heisey, whose condition has progressed to what is known as secondary progressive MS.

She said the MS Society's unwillingness to push faster for universal access, in Canada, to the procedure is generating a lot of negative response on Facebook and other websites where MS patients share their views.

"There doesn't seem to be a presence (on the board) that is cheering for this, that is pushing it forward," Heisey said. "They have modestly stood behind CCSVI."

CCSVI stands for chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency, a term coined by Italian physician Paolo Zamboni for blockages in veins in the neck that he observed in a number of patients with MS.

His theory is that a build up of iron in the brain caused by the blockages either triggers MS or contributes to the damage caused by it, and that simply opening the veins restores at least some lost function to patients. The conventional belief is that MS is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks the myelin sheath protecting the central nervous system.

Eager MS patients have flocked to foreign clinics that are willing to do the treatment, spurred on by anecdotal reports from others who have undergone it. But skeptical neurologists believe that may be a placebo effect at work and want to see well conducted clinical trials before they embrace the idea.

"Our point is we can't rely on anecdotes to advance it. It has to be in a controlled research setting," said Stewart Wong, national manager for media relations with the MS Society.

Patients appeared before a parliamentary hearing this week demanding the ability to get treatment in Canada. But Wong said provincial governments are unlikely to pay for the procedure here until there is proof it actually works.

Heisey and other activists believe they may be able to get more traction with people on the inside, which is why they have their sights set on the MS Society board.

It consists of 13 spots, seven of which reserved for provincial or regional representatives. The other six are open to anyone who pays the society's annual $10 membership fee.

Board terms are for three years, with terms starting at different points. Five board positions are up for grabs this year, Wong said.

But there are five incumbents who are seeking re-election. And they are on a slate of candidates that is being proposed by the society's governance committee. Normally the slate put forward by the governance committee is unchallenged, Wong said.

"They believe that this is a balanced slate that will serve the membership best," he added.

The society has roughly 31,000 members, but fewer than 1,000 generally participate in board elections.

As for Heisey, she'll leave for Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, hours after the board meeting concludes. She is scheduled to undergo treatment for CCSVI on June 14.

"I'm heading for a wheelchair.... That's why this procedure is important to me," she explained.

"Personally the best I hope for is that it will stop my progression. The evidence of other people's procedure is that more than that will happen. But I would be thrilled just to have it stop so I can walk and I don't end up in a wheelchair."

Original Story Here

EVENTS NEWS: CORPORATE WELLNESS - July 20, 2010

2010-06-02T22:19:00.000-04:00

Innovation Events and Media is delivering a powerful full day event on CORPORATE WELLNESS, July 20th, 2010 at The University of Toronto, Brennan Hall.

CORPORATE WELLNESS
A Powerful Full-Day Event

As we all know, in today’s economic climate, wellness and innovation are key drivers to business success. A motivated and healthy workforce will transform your business and prepare you for future growth.

• Join an intimate group of like-minded professionals from globally and locally recognized companies

• Participate in a dynamic networking luncheon

• Benefit from a results-oriented program of proven techniques on Corporate Well-Being

• Take home a lasting feeling of calm confidence and proactive success, personally and
professionally

• Bring innovation to your workplace and motivation to your job or business

• Grow market leadership in your field

• Brand your company as an innovator, the hottest topic in business today

• Show your customers, employees and the business world how committed you are to corporate wellness, the biggest concern in business today

Register you or your team now – seating is limited.

Date: June 8, 2010, 8:30am to 4:30pm

Location: University of Toronto, St. Michael’s College, Sam Sorbara Auditorium

Fee: $300.00 per individual or $275.00 per person, for groups of 5 or more (plus applicable tax)

For more information, visit: http://innovationmotivation.com/allevents.php

About the facilitator:
Mr. Khalsa is an expert in working with the total being, both personally and professionally. He is a dynamic and compelling speaker, having conducted hundreds of programs, seminars, lectures and keynotes throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, and around the world. As an expert in corporate communication and wellness, he has provided consulting services to corporations helping them to achieve their full potential through a variety of formats such as keynote lectures, motivational speaking, in-service training and executive coaching. Mr. Khalsa is frequently called upon by network TV producers and celebrities, business and spiritual leaders, athletes, doctors and educators, as well as everyday people with problems and questions about personal or professional transformation, stress reduction, self-determination, and achieving and managing success. News entities such as CNN and CNBC have counted on him numerous times for valuable insights into events that take place in the world.

INDUSTRY NEWS: United Natural Foods, Inc. Extends Its Partnership With Whole Foods Market

2010-06-02T22:16:00.002-04:00

United Natural Foods and Whole Foods Market have amended their Primary Distribution Agreement to extend the term of the agreement for seven years. The Company will continue to serve as the primary wholesale natural grocery distributor to Whole Foods Market in the regions where UNFI is the primary distributor.

_________________________________

United Natural Foods, Inc. Extends Its Partnership With Whole Foods Market(R)

Amends Primary Distribution Agreement

PROVIDENCE, R.I., June 2, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --United Natural Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: UNFI) ("UNFI" or the "Company") announced today that UNFI and Whole Foods Market (Nasdaq: WFMI) have amended their Primary Distribution Agreement to extend the term of the agreement for an additional seven years. Under the terms of the amended agreement, the Company will continue to serve as the primary wholesale natural grocery distributor to Whole Foods Market in those United States regions where UNFI currently serves as the primary distributor. This new agreement amends and extends an existing seven-year primary distribution agreement that was not scheduled to expire until September 25, 2013, to September 25, 2020.

Steven Spinner, United Natural Foods' President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are pleased to continue our partnership with Whole Foods Market, the world's leading natural and organic foods supermarket. This amendment reflects the continued evolution of our relationship and secures distribution with our largest customer for the next decade."

"Extending the term of our Whole Foods Market distribution agreement provides UNFI with a platform to continue to grow our market share in specialty foods and organics, as well as invest in our infrastructure. Over the next three years, we will continue to enhance our national warehouse management systems in order to improve customer service and efficiency." Mr. Spinner added, "We look forward to capitalizing on the tremendous growth opportunities that exist in the industry as a whole, as well as helping Whole Foods Market, as it implements its strategy for growth."

"Whole Foods Market is pleased to extend our long-term relationship with United Natural Foods," said Walter Robb, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Whole Foods Market. "Having a long-term primary distribution partner is an important element of our growth strategy, as it allows us to concentrate our capital and resources over the next decade on growing and improving our store base while focusing our internal distribution efforts around key perishable departments. We continue to seek opportunities to enhance the strategic partnership between UNFI and Whole Foods Market."

United Natural Foods reported net sales for fiscal 2009, ended August 1, 2009, of $3.45 billion. Whole Foods Market accounted for approximately 33% of United Natural Foods' sales in fiscal 2009.

SOURCE: UNFI Press Release

BUSINESS NEWS: United Natural Foods Announces Third Quarter Fiscal 2010

2010-06-02T22:13:00.001-04:00

United Natural Foods has announced results for the third quarter of fiscal 2010, ended May 1, 2010. Net sales were $985.7 million for the third quarter, an increase of approximately 10.8% from the same quarter in the previous year. For more on this story, check out the next issue of ihr magazine.

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United Natural Foods Announces Third Quarter Fiscal 2010 Diluted EPS of $0.45, A 15% Increase Over The Prior Year Period

PROVIDENCE, R.I., June 2, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --Third Quarter Highlights

Net sales increased 10.8% to $985.7 million compared with the third quarter of fiscal 2009
Fiscal 2010 sales guidance raised to a range of 6.5% - 7.5% year over year growth, or $3.68 billion to $3.72 billion

United Natural Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: UNFI) today reported net sales of $985.7 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2010, ended May 1, 2010, an increase of approximately $96.2 million, or 10.8%, from net sales of $889.5 million recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.

"Our fiscal 2010 third quarter reflected the continuing rebound of the natural and organic industry as our growth accelerated during most of the quarter, resulting in both record revenues and net income," said Steven Spinner, President and Chief Executive Officer. "In addition, now that we have entered our fourth fiscal quarter, we have begun servicing all of our previously announced new customers."

Net income was $19.5 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 compared with net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 of $16.8 million, or $0.39 per diluted share.

Gross margin was 18.5% for the third quarter of fiscal 2010, which represents a 46 basis point decline from gross margin of 19.0% for the third quarter of fiscal 2009, primarily due to the continued shift in growth in the Company's customer mix, and moderated inflation.

Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased by 0.5% to 15.1% of net sales, or $148.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2010, compared to 15.6% or $138.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. Operating expenses were positively impacted by the growth in the supernatural and supermarket channels which in general have lower operating expenses, and the continued roll-out of process improvement programs across all UNFI divisions. The Company recorded $0.4 million in expenses during the quarter related to severance for a previously announced separation agreement, and $0.5 million in start-up costs associated with on-boarding of new customers.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2010, the supernatural channel experienced growth of 17.7%, the supermarket channel had growth of 12.2%, and the independent channel showed continued improvement with growth of 6.9%.

Fiscal 2010 Year to Date Summary

Sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2010 were $2.77 billion, a 6.4% increase over the prior fiscal year comparable period. Diluted EPS was $1.17 per share, a 14.7% increase over the first nine months of fiscal 2009.

At 15.3% of net sales, operating expenses were 0.7% lower than the prior fiscal year comparable period. Gross margin was 0.6% less than the first nine months of fiscal 2009, at 18.6% of net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2010.

"In May, we announced the definitive agreement to acquire the Canadian food distribution assets of the SunOpta Distribution Group business, and we expect the transaction to close later this month," said Mr. Spinner. "This morning, in a separate press release, we announced the extension of our long-term partnership with Whole Foods Market for an additional seven years, resulting in an amended agreement to serve them for the next decade. We are well situated to continue our strategy to increase market share with both new and existing customers, drive operational excellence, operate as one company and further our sustainability and philanthropic causes which will serve as the primary vehicles for our long-term success."

Updates to Fiscal 2010 Guidance

Based on the Company's performance through the first nine months of 2010 and the current outlook for the remainder of the year including the proposed acquisition of certain assets of the SDG business, the Company is raising its net sales guidance for fiscal year 2010, ending July 31, 2010, to a range of $3.68 billion to $3.72 billion, which represents a 6.5% to 7.5% increase in total net sales over fiscal 2009. The Company had previously provided, on December 10, 2009, a net sales guidance target of $3.54 billion to $3.63 billion.

In addition, the Company is narrowing its earnings per share guidance for fiscal 2010 to a range of $1.55 to $1.58 per diluted share. The Company had previously announced earnings per share guidance of $1.48 to $1.58 per diluted share. The Company's revised guidance reflects the impact of improved operating efficiencies and cost controls.

SOURCE: UNFI Press Release

INDUSTRY NEWS: U.S. Health & Wellness Sales Reach Nearly $125 Billion

2010-06-02T22:03:00.002-04:00

According to the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI), U.S. consumer packaged goods retail sales in the health and wellness industry reached almost $125 billion in 2009 - an overall growth of 5% from the previous year. This bodes well for the North American markets in the health and wellness channels. This is particularly good news for Canadian retailers - while consumer confidence may have waned slightly during the recession, the Canadian health and wellness wasn't hit as hard in terms of sales as it was in the U.S. Now, with spending on the uprise again, Canadian retailers can also look forward to a solid year.

_________________________________

Health & Wellness Sales Reach Nearly $125 Billion

According to the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI), Harleysville, PA, retail sales within the U.S. consumer packaged goods health and wellness industry reached almost $125 billion in 2009, representing an overall growth of 5% over the previous year. This figure includes sales across all retail and direct-to-consumer channels for the six categories detailed below. These findings are part of NMI’s annual Health & Wellness Trends Database (HWTD) research study, conducted in the fourth quarter of 2009 among 5607 U.S. households.

While functional/fortified foods and beverages continue to represent the largest portion of sales, this category had the smallest growth rate (only 2%) over 2008. The majority of other categories also saw growth rates in the single digits ranging from 5% to 8%. The notable exception was the natural/organic general merchandise category, which for the second year in a row, exhibited double-digit growth. This category, which includes pet products, clothing and household cleaning products, grew by 15%. The proliferation of these products in mainstream shopping channels was likely a major factor that contributed to this growth.

Based on consumer spending by product segment, consumer penetration/usage trends, and projected data, industry retail dollars in billions for 2009 (and growth versus 2008) are as follows ($=billions):

Functional/Fortified Foods & Beverages: $41 (2%)

Vitamins, Minerals, Herbal & Dietary Supplements: $25 (8%)

Organic Foods/Beverages: $25 (5%)

Natural Foods/Beverages: $15 (5%)

Natural/Organic Personal Care: $10 (8%)

Natural/Organic General Merchandise: $9 (15%)

According to NMI president Maryellen Molyneaux, "The economic crisis has affected consumer shopping for health and wellness. Many have changed what, where and how they buy. These changes are not short term but are lifestyle changes that could impact the industry into the future. Based on our research and analysis, NMI projects that the health and wellness industry will grow at a rate of approximately 3% to 15% across various categories in 2010."

SOURCE: Nutraceuticals World

Research News: Grass Fed Cow Milk Brimming with CLA

2010-06-01T14:54:00.004-04:00

Cows that eat their natural food - grasses - produce healthier milk. The conventional dairy industry and its regulators are unable to acknowledge this. The high levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) found in grass-fed cows will undoubtedly please the organic dairy industry and the manufacturers of supplementary CLA

Study finds grass-fed cows produce healthier milk

New Zealand's livestock farmers may be able to cash in on new research into potential health benefits of meat and milk from grass-fed animals, Federated Farmers says.

Cows fed on fresh grass produce milk with five times as much unsaturated fat as cows fed on grain, said Federated Farmers dairy chairman, Lachlan McKenzie.

"Lab-based research suggests these unsaturated fats, known as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), protect the heart and actually aid weight loss," he said. "It's also great news for our beef farmers as grass-fed beef also contains higher concentrations of CLA's".

Mr McKenzie was commenting on a new study from Harvard University's school of public health which found that milk from grass-fed cows may be healthier than milk from cows raised on feedlots -- a common practice in affluent nations in the northern hemisphere.

Earlier studies in animals have suggested that CLAs can protect the heart, and help in weight loss, and two big dietary supplement companies have won regulatory approval in Europe and the United States to sell CLA ingredients in foods for people wanting to lose weight.

Hannia Campos of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston and her colleagues found, in a study of 4000 people, that people with the highest concentrations of CLAs -- the top fifth among all participants -- had a 36 percent lower risk of heart attack compared to those with the lowest concentrations.

Those findings held true even once the researchers took into account heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure and smoking, Reuters reported.

These heart-healthy benefits could more than offset the harms of saturated fat in milk, Dr Campos said.

"Because pasture grazing leads to higher CLA in milk, and it is the natural feed for cattle, it seems like more emphasis should be given to this type of feeding," she said.

The study was carried out in Costa Rica where dairy cows are grazed on pasture, similar to New Zealand and Australia.

They identified nearly 2000 Costa Ricans who had suffered a non-fatal heart attack, and another 2000 who had not. Then they measured the amount of CLA in fat tissues to estimate each person's intake, the researchers reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The lower risk attributed to CLA when this was taken into account was to 49 percent.

"Whole-fat milk and dairy products have got such a bad reputation in recent years due to their saturated fat and cholesterol contents, and now we find that CLA may be incredibly health-promoting," said Michelle McGuire, spokeswoman for the journal's publisher.

Another study in Sweden, published in the same issue of the journal as the Costa Rican study also hints at heart attack protection through milk fat.

Further, the benefits of CLA may extend beyond the heart to the prevention of cancer and diabetes, suggested Ms McGuire, pointing to results of other animal studies. "Milk is actually the only food ever 'designed by nature' to be fed to mammals," she added. "We need to look to milk as the perfect food and learn everything we can from it."

Mr McKenzie said it was evidence that New Zealand had an opportunity to differentiate itself at the higher end of the market.

"Federated Farmers totally agrees with the American Society for Nutrition that milk is the perfect food and we need to learn everything we can from it," he said.

Earlier studies in animals have shown CLA to be effective at preventing the formation of tumours and may be able to destroy cancerous cells.

CLA is a byproduct of metabolism that occurs in the cow's first stomach, or rumen. Bacteria acting on foods containing linolenic and linoleic acid -- such as corn and soybeans -- convert those fatty acids.

In 2005, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported people who have high levels of high-fat dairy foods and conjugated linoleic acid, a component of dairy foods, in their diet may have a reduced risk of colorectal cancer.

Source: National Business Review

Drug Avderse Effect News: SSRIs Provoke Cataract Development

2010-06-01T14:28:00.006-04:00

More depressing news about SSRI antidepressants, once the poster child of evidence based medicine.

Certain popular antidepressants linked to cataracts in seniors

TUESDAY, June 1 (HealthDay News) -- A widely prescribed type of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) appear to boost the risk for developing cataracts among seniors, according to the first study to explore the subject.

The increase in risk, reported in the June issue of the journal Ophthalmology, was calculated to be approximately 15 percent, the researchers found.

At that rate, 22,000 Americans would theoretically develop cataracts as a result of their antidepressant use, the study authors noted.

The research team, led by Mahyar Etminan of the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute in Canada, analyzed data concerning almost 19,000 patients over the age 65, and compared the findings to data from 190,000 men and women in the same age group not taking antidepressants.

Strong links to cataract risk were found for three specific SSRI drugs: fluvoxamine (Luvox), venlafaxine (Effexor) and paroxetine (Paxil), the researchers found. Each contributed to an elevated risk of 39 percent, 33 percent and 23 percent, respectively.

However, rising risk was only associated with the current use of such medications, not prior use, the authors noted.

Etminan's team further observed that not all antidepressants appeared to be linked to an increased risk for cataracts, although they noted that the lack of an association was not definitive proof that there is in fact no risk.

"The eye's lens has serotonin receptors, and animal studies have shown that excess serotonin can make the lens opaque and lead to cataract formation," Etminan said in a news release from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. "If our findings are confirmed in future studies, doctors and patients should consider cataract risk when prescribing some SSRIs for seniors."

More information

For more on cataract risk, visit the U.S. National Eye Institute.

View article here

Business News: Planet Organic Gets a Haircut

2010-06-01T14:13:00.003-04:00

Things have been very turbulent at Planet Organic for some time. A $16.7 million dollar loss in a single quarter is serious. The company hopes the worst is behind and sales remain strong.

Planet Organic Health Corp Announces Third Quarter Results

Canada NewsWire

EDMONTON, May 31

EDMONTON, May 31 /CNW/ - Planet Organic Health Corp (TSX Venture Exchange - POH), Canada's leading natural products retailer announces their financial results for the third quarter ended March 31, 2010. Sales from continuing operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 were $28.3 million compared to $29.3 million for the same period in 2009, a decrease of $1.0 million, or 3.4%. Foreign currency translation differences accounted for $2.3 million of the decrease. By removing the impact of foreign currency translation differences, third quarter sales actually increased by 4% over last year.

Sales from continuing operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2010 were $83.0 million compared to $84.0 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2009, a decrease of $1.0 million, or 1.2%. Removing the significant impact of foreign currency translation differences, year to date sales increased by 4%.

For the third quarter, the Corporation recorded a net loss from continuing operations of $16.7 million compared to a loss of $1.3 million last year. However, the current quarter includes an impairment charge of $17.7 million, which, if removed, results in an adjusted net income for the current quarter of $1.1 million. For the nine months ended March 31, 2010, the Corporation recorded a net loss from continuing operations of $20.3 million, compared to a loss of $5.0 million for the first nine months last year. However, the current year includes an impairment charge of $17.7 million and a loss on debt extinguishment of $2.1 million which, if removed from the current year, results in a net loss of $2.6 million.

EBITDASX from continuing operations before restructuring costs for the quarter was $2.0 million, or 57% higher than the third quarter last year. The increase was driven primarily by strong gross margins and expenditure control. On a year to date basis, EBITDASX before restructuring charges of $4.7 million is 42% higher than last year. Restructuring charges include one-time restructuring expenses and losses on debt extinguishment.

The Planet Organic Market division, operating in nine locations in Canada throughout the quarter, reported sales for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 of $16.3 million, an increase of 5.8% over the same period last year. Same store sales increased by 9.9% over the third quarter last year, continuing the sales recovery that began last quarter.

The Mrs. Green's Natural Market division, operating in eleven US locations, reported sales of $12.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, a decrease of 13.7% over the third quarter last year. However, the decrease was entirely attributable to changes in foreign currency translation. Same store sales, which exclude the impact of foreign exchange translation differences, grew by 2.8% from the same quarter last year, also continuing the sales recovery that began last quarter.

"We are continuing to see sales growth in both our Canadian and US divisions that began in the second quarter." reports Darren Krissie, Executive Vice President, adding that "new and innovative marketing has been particularly successful in Planet Organic Market stores."

To view the full statement

Drug Adverse Effect News: SSRI Use Linked to Miscarriage

2010-06-01T14:00:00.002-04:00

This study adds to the rapidly accumulating pile of evidence that raises doubts about the safety and efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Antidepressants in Pregnancy Increase Risk of Miscarriage, Study Finds

ScienceDaily (May 31, 2010) — A new study in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) found a 68% increase in the overall risk of miscarriage in pregnant women using antidepressants.

Antidepressants are widely used in pregnancy and up to 3.7% of women will use them at some point during the first trimester. Discontinuing treatment can result in a depressive relapse which can put mother and baby at risk.

Most previous studies on the use of antidepressants in pregnancy did not look at miscarriages as a main outcome, had small samples and several showed contradictory results. This large study sought to determine the association between antidepressant use in pregnancy, including classes, types and doses, and the risk of miscarriage.

Researchers from the University of Montreal and the CHU Ste-Justine looked at data on 5124 women in Quebec from a large population-based cohort of pregnant women who had clinically verified miscarriages up to 20 weeks of gestation and a large sample of women from the same Registry who did not have a miscarriage. Of those who miscarried, 284 (5.5%) had taken antidepressants during pregnancy.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), especially paroxetine and also venlafaxine were associated with increased risk of miscarriage as were higher daily doses of either antidepressant. As well, a combination of different antidepressants doubled the risk of miscarriages.

"These results, which suggest an overall class effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are highly robust given the large number of users studied," writes senior author Dr. Anick Bérard, from the University of Montreal and the Director of the Research Unit on Medications and Pregnancy at CHU Ste-Justine.

The researchers urge that physicians who have patients of child-bearing age taking antidepressants or have pregnant patients who require antidepressant therapy early in pregnancy discuss the risks and benefits with them.

In a related commentary Ms. Adrienne Einarson, Assistant Director of the Motherisk Program at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) writes that there is no "gold standard for studying the safety of drugs during pregnancy, because all methods have strengths and limitations," and results can vary from one study to the next. In this study, there were missing data on important potential confounding factors. However, the overall results on the use of antidepressants during pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage, despite the different methodology, were almost identical to a Motherisk study with 937 women published in 2009.

"Clearly, this study cannot make any definitive conclusions as to whether antidepressants increase the risk of spontaneous abortion," although the author points out it appears there is a small risk with less than double the number of miscarriages in the women exposed to antidepressants compared to those not exposed.

Legislative News: Health Retailer Sting Detailed in US. Senate

2010-06-01T12:28:00.006-04:00

This sort of 'sting' operation has been done many times before. It's meant to tarnish health retailers and the products they sell. If the same sort of thing was done with say, conventional physicians, how would the quality of their advice stack up against that offered by retailers?

Supplements on Senate Hearing Hot Seat

The Special Senate Committee on Aging held a hearing this week on dietary supplement regulation, safety and quality control. The panel of Senators included Herb Kohl (D-Wis.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), and featured witnesses from the Government Accounting Office (GAO), Consumer Union (CU, publishers of Consumer Reports), Consumerlab.com and the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN).

A ton of details pertaining directly to supplement manufacturers was presented and discussed (read this, this and this for a more detailed look), but retailers were not absolved of marketing and selling allegations. At the behest of Sen. Kohl, GAO investigated areas of supplement marketing, including their sending undercover “senior consumers” into various retail locations in DC and Florida. In the hearing they reported, along with recorded examples, cases in which retail staff gave the fake consumers misleading advice—one suggested a supplement could replace prescribed meds—and using illegal claims. There was much discussion between the Senators and the witnesses about how to better educate retailers and their staff to limit these types of communications. There were no easy, magical solutions, but it appeared the consensus was for a united effort by trade organization, retail management and government to make sure retail staffers aren’t misleading consumers and/or breaking the law.

How do you train your staff on such matters, and what kind of assistance from industry and government would help you in this task?

Source: Natural Products Marketplace

Ingredient News: Olive Leaf Extract for Skeletal Health

2010-06-01T12:15:00.007-04:00

Oleuropein- rich olive leaf extract is commonly employed to treat an overgrowth of gut-based bacterial or fungal pathogens. This study shows that oleuropein upregulates osteoblast differentiation which is necessary for humans to make new bone.

Olive Leaf Compound Nips Bone Loss

CORDOBA, Spain—Oleuropein, a polyphenolic compound found in olive leaf and other olive products, may help slow age-related bone loss and osteoporosis, according to recent research published online May 21, 2010 in Osteporosis International journal. The researchers from the Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia studied the effects of oleuropein on osteoblastogenesis and adipogenesis in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from human bone marrow.

They noted bone loss is associated with insufficient osteoblast function (bone building), which is associated with with adipogenesis (conversion of pre-fat cells into fat cells); age-related alterations to this process can lead to fatty bone marrow, a marker of osteoporosis. They further reported oleuropein is known to reduce the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), inhibit adipocyte differentiation, and improve differentiation into osteoblast.

Their in vitro study ofoleuropein in MSCs showed an increase in osteoblast differentiation and a decrease in adipocyte differentiation when there is oleuropein in the cultured media. Also, various osteoblastogenesis markers were higher in oleuropein-treated MSCs, as were ALP activity and extracellular matrix mineralization. The olive polyphenol also appeared to affect the expression of genes involved in adipogenesis. The researchers concluded, "Our data suggest that oleuropein, highly abundant in olive tree products included in the traditional Mediterranean diet, could prevent age-related bone loss and osteoporosis."

Regulatory News: Health Canada Raids BC Health Retailer

2010-06-01T11:44:00.010-04:00

Recently, Health Canada has focused its NHP enforcement efforts on border control and at the manufacturer or supplier level. Are we facing a return to the 'bad old days' when health retailers were routinely raided for stocking carnitine? Was this raid motivated by complaints from consumers who experienced adverse effects from the seized products? Or, was this just the result of predatory trolling by government bureaucrats?

Unauthorized Health Products Seized at YVS (Your Vitamin Store) in Burnaby, B.C.

Advisory
2010-84
May 26, 2010
For immediate release

The issue

Unauthorized health products that may pose a serious health risk were seized by Health Canada at YVS (Your Vitamin Store) in Metrotown, Burnaby, British Columbia. The labels indicate the products contain ingredients that legally require the products to be sold by prescription or with specific controls because they are used to treat serious diseases or may have side effects that require monitoring by a health care practitioner.

Who is affected

Canadians who have purchased DHEA, Free Form Carnitine, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Hydro Lean, Xtra Lean, Yohimbe Extract, Hemo Rage Black, Lipo 6 Black, Lipo 6 Hers Black or Red Rockets sold at the YVS (Your Vitamin Store) in Metrotown, Burnaby, including over the Internet.

What consumers should do

Consult your healthcare practitioner if you have used any of these products and are concerned about your health.
Read the labelling of the products you buy to verify that they have been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness and quality. Health products that have been authorized for sale by Health Canada will have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Natural Product Number (NPN) or a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) on the label.
Report any adverse reaction potentially related to these products to Health Canada (see below).

What Health Canada is Doing

Health Canada is working with the Canada Border Services Agency to help stop the future importation of these unauthorized health products into Canada. Health Canada has been advised that these unauthorized products will no longer be sold from the YVS (Your Vitamin Store) in Metrotown, Burnaby.

Background

These products contain ingredients that can cause serious health problems. Ephedrine and caffeine, when combined together, may cause serious and possibly fatal adverse effects. Canadians suffering from heart conditions, high blood pressure and diabetes are among those particularly at risk. Side-effects associated with L-Carnitine include nausea, vomiting, abdominal

cramps, diarrhea and seizures. Side-effects associated with yohimbine include anxiety and increased urinary frequency, dizziness, stomach problems, headache, sweating, sleeplessness, tremors, palpitations of the heart and severe high blood pressure.

Canadians who have taken products containing these ingredients without the supervision of a health care practitioner or without a prescription may face additional risks. You may be misdiagnosed, the treatment might not be appropriate to treat your illness and you may miss the opportunity to obtain appropriate medical treatment. You may also put yourself at risk for drug interactions, or harmful side effects.

Regulations administered by Health Canada require that health products containing certain medicinal ingredients be subject to specific controls and/or be prescribed by a health care practitioner because they are used to treat serious diseases or may have side effects that require monitoring by a health care practitioner.

Specific drug ingredients may be subject to additional restrictions as outlined in the Food and Drugs Act and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. This may include the need for a prescription from a health care practitioner, the application of specific controls to allow for professional direction and supervision in their use, or the application of additional controls on the sale and storage of the product.

Products affected

Hemo Rage Black manufactured by Nutrex, contains Yohimbine HCl.
Lipo 6 Black (UPC label 853237001230) manufactured by Nutrex Research, contains 11-hydroxy-yohimbine, alpha yohimbine, yohimbine HCl (4.5mg).
Lipo 6 Hers Black (UPC Label 853237001261) manufactured by Nutrex Research, contains 11-hydroxy-yohimbine, alpha yohimbine, yohimbine HCl (4.5mg).
Yohimbe Extract (UPC label 833343000167) manufactured by West Pharm, contains Yohimbe (Standardized for 9mg Yohimbine).
Free form Carnitine manufactured by Bio Advanced, contains L-Carnitine.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine manufactured by Bio Advanced, contains Acetyl-L-Carnitine.
DHEA (UPC label 622615103237), manufactured by Bio Advanced, contains Dehydroepiandrosterone.
Red Rockets (UPC label 624340042652) manufactured by Integrity Labs, contains Ephedra (8% Ephedrine) and Kola-nut (standardized 75% caffeine).
Hydro Lean (UPC label 833343000020) manufactured by West Pharm, contains L-Carnitine, MaHuang Extract (Standardized to 8% Ephedrine) and Guarana Extract (standardized 22% caffeine).
Xtra Lean (UPC label 833343000013) manufactured by West Pharm, contains Acetyl L-Carnitine, Deanol, MaHuang (Standardized to 20 mg Ephedrine) and Guarana Extract (standardized 200 mg caffeine).

For more information

Consumers and health professionals wanting more information about this advisory from Health Canada can contact the Public Enquiries Line at 613-957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.

Media enquiries related to this Advisory should be directed to Health Canada Media Relations at 613-957-2983.

How to report side effects to health products

To report suspected adverse reaction to these or other health products, please contact the Canada Vigilance Program of Health Canada toll-free at 1-866-234-2345, or complete a Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and send to us using one of these methods:

Fax: 1-866-678-6789
E-mail: CanadaVigilance@hc-sc.gc.ca
Internet: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffect
Mail: Canada Vigilance Program
Marketed Health Products Directorate
Ottawa, ON, Address Locator 0701C
K1A 0K9

Legal News: FDA Loses Important Court Battle Over Selenium Claims

2010-06-01T10:55:00.011-04:00

Everything about this case is important. The plaintiffs are veteran 'health freedom' advocates. Their lawyer, Jonathan Emord has been a formidable thorn in the FDAs side for years. The principle decided bythe court effectivelyundermines the ability of the FDA to unilaterally restrict and censor claims made by supplement manufacturers. If this court ruling stands and many U.S. health products are sold with label and advertising claims, there will be pressure on Health Canada to follow suit.

US Court Rules in Favour of Free Speech on Health Claims

DORKING, UK: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lost its bid to overturn a health claim for selenium-containing dietary supplements last Thursday in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. District Court Judge Ellen Huvelle ruled unconstitutional the FDA’s censorship of selenium dietary supplement claims relating to the reduction of cancer risk. Jonathan Emord of Emord & Associates on behalf of the plaintiffs in the case (including lead plaintiff Alliance for Natural Health USA (ANH-USA); Durk Pearson and Sandy Shaw; and the Coalition to End FDA and FTC Censorship). The verdict, unless reversed on appeal, protects the First Amendment right of dietary supplement manufacturers to provide “qualified health claims”, which accurately communicate the state of science concerning dietary supplements. This is a remarkable seventh victory over the FDA by the Emord firm (six of which invalidated FDA health claim censorship).

The lawsuit was initiated last summer in response to the FDA’s 19th June 2009 decision to suppress selenium/cancer-risk reduction claims. Ten of the claims (all appealed by the plaintiffs) were held unconstitutionally censored. The plaintiffs expressed their belief that this violated their right to communicate truthful health information to the public. The judge found that the FDA had denied claims despite credible evidence supporting them and had thereby infringed on free speech.

Prior to this ruling the FDA required near conclusive scientific evidence for any nutrient claim. The judge ruled that so long as the claim is an accurate reflection of the state of science, the First Amendment protects it.

For more information:

INDUSTRY NEW: Whole Foods Market® Kicks Off 30th Birthday Celebration by Inviting Shoppers to Share the Love

2010-06-01T10:43:00.000-04:00

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Whole Foods Market® Kicks Off 30th Birthday Celebration by Inviting Shoppers to Share the Love: "

AUSTIN, Texas (June 1, 2010) – To acknowledge the long-term support and tremendous loyalty of its customers, Whole Foods Market invites shoppers to enter its “A Heart as Big as Texas” short essay contest for a chance to win a culinary celebration weekend in its hometown headquarters of Austin, Texas. The contest kicks off a series of the Company’s “30 Years Fresh” birthday festivities held at all 298 stores in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Thirty winners will be chosen to each receive an all-expense paid trip for two to the birthplace of Whole Foods Market where they will be treated to a VIP culinary weekend. Helping Whole Foods Market bring “A Heart as Big as Texas” to life are Texas Tourism, the state’s marketing entity which promotes the Lone Star State’s seven diverse regions, bold experiences and flavors to travelers nation- and worldwide; JetBlue Airways, which will offset the travel emissions from the 60 flights awarded in the contest through donations to its carbon-offset partner Carbonfund.org; and Radisson Austin, which offers upscale accommodations on Lady Bird Lake, just blocks away from Austin’s entertainment district and from Whole Foods Market’s landmark store and global headquarters.

“From the moment our original 19 team members opened our first store in Austin 30 years ago, we have appreciated the support from our shoppers who have truly been the secret to our success. By highlighting their favorite stories, we’d like to pay tribute to our customers from all over and thank them for three decades together,” said Walter Robb, co-CEO of Whole Foods Market.

Whole Foods Market officially turns 30 on Monday, September 20. From September 17-20, Whole Foods Market stores all over will host birthday celebrations open to the public. Dates and times for the festivities will be posted on each store’s website by July 1.

For more information, go to wholefoodsmarket.com/birthday. For Twitter news and updates:

http://twitter.com/WholeFoods, #WholeFoods30

http://twitter.com/TexasTourism

http://twitter.com/jetblue

http://twitter.com/RadissonTwnLake.

INDUSTRY NEWS: Whole Foods Market® Kicks Off 30th Birthday Celebration by Inviting Shoppers to Share the Love

2010-06-01T10:38:00.003-04:00

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AUSTIN, Texas (June 1, 2010) – To acknowledge the long-term support and tremendous loyalty of its customers, Whole Foods Market invites shoppers to enter its “A Heart as Big as Texas” short essay contest for a chance to win a culinary celebration weekend in its hometown headquarters of Austin, Texas. The contest kicks off a series of the Company’s “30 Years Fresh” birthday festivities held at all 298 stores in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.

To enter, participants can visit wholefoodsmarket.com/birthday to share their special stories, inspirations and memories about Whole Foods Market. Entries will be judged on their originality, creativity and passion and must be received by June 30, 2010.

Thirty winners will be chosen to each receive an all-expense paid trip for two to the birthplace of Whole Foods Market where they will be treated to a VIP culinary weekend. Helping Whole Foods Market bring “A Heart as Big as Texas” to life are Texas Tourism, the state’s marketing entity which promotes the Lone Star State’s seven diverse regions, bold experiences and flavors to travelers nation- and worldwide; JetBlue Airways, which will offset the travel emissions from the 60 flights awarded in the contest through donations to its carbon-offset partner Carbonfund.org; and Radisson Austin, which offers upscale accommodations on Lady Bird Lake, just blocks away from Austin’s entertainment district and from Whole Foods Market’s landmark store and global headquarters.

“From the moment our original 19 team members opened our first store in Austin 30 years ago, we have appreciated the support from our shoppers who have truly been the secret to our success. By highlighting their favorite stories, we’d like to pay tribute to our customers from all over and thank them for three decades together,” said Walter Robb, co-CEO of Whole Foods Market.

Whole Foods Market officially turns 30 on Monday, September 20. From September 17-20, Whole Foods Market stores all over will host birthday celebrations open to the public. Dates and times for the festivities will be posted on each store’s website by July 1.

For more information, go to wholefoodsmarket.com/birthday. For Twitter news and updates:
go here
go to heath canada for more info

FEATURE NEWS: Health Canada Proposes Regulation to “Exempt” the NPN Back-log

2010-05-28T12:00:00.002-04:00

IHR Editor Robert McMaster provides a news round-up of Health Canada's recent proposed regulation to "exempt" the NPN back-log, and some background on the issue for retailers.

Health Canada Proposes Regulation to “Exempt” the NPN Back-log
by Robert McMaster

Health Canada has taken action to address the large class of Unprocessed Product License Applications. Regulations have been published in the Canada Gazette Part I (May 8, 2010) detailing a protocol for the “orderly transition” of the existing backlog of natural health product applications that Health Canada has not processed. In an attached Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement, Health Canada acknowledges there are about 10,000 natural health products (NHPs) currently being sold for which outstanding license applications have been made that the department has not processed. This is a situation that has been festering for many years, so Health Canada explains its current impulse to act:

“As a result of recent stakeholder feedback regarding the sale of unlicensed NHPs, Health Canada is of the opinion that a temporary solution is needed to allow Canadians access to products that meet certain safety criteria, while also making sure safety measures are in place…”

The “recent stakeholder feedback” refers to statements and actions taken by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) in January 2010 against the sale of unprocessed NHPs in drug stores which they alleged were “unsafe”. The regulations HC proposes is described as a “temporary instrument” that “would make the sale of these products legal”. To qualify for exemption a product would have to comply with specified safety criteria. These are:

• The product is not a sterile product for ophthalmic use;
• “To the best of the applicants knowledge” the product is not likely to result in injury by its user;
• The product is not recommended for any health condition listed in Schedule A;
• The product is not recommended for use by children, pregnant or breastfeeding women;

Health Canada will also publish a registry of exempted products on its website. Also, manufacturers must ensure that an exemption number designated as an “EN” be printed on product labels “within a reasonable time”. An exemption number would remain valid until the application is withdrawn, is formally approved or refused or until the regulations expire at the end of 30 months after coming into force. In their cost-benefit statement, HC says “the proposal could preserve $245 million or more of the product sales for the affected products in the first year of its implementation,” and that “there would be no additional cost to consumers and retailers”. These regulations would require HC to issue an exemption number to qualifying NHPs either within 180 days from when applications was first made or by 15 days after the regulations come into force. Since most affected products have been long outstanding HC would have issue thousands of exemption licenses within a two week period.

Carl Carter, regulatory affairs director of the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) is quoted in the Toronto Sun (May 19th) as saying, “The proposals reassure the CHFA”. “A big concern to us was really the unnecessary potential for consumer confusion,” he said. Lawyer Shawn Buckley of the Natural Health Products Protection Association (nhppa) has issued a personal discussion paper expressing deep reservations. “As the law currently stands, persons who have submitted licence applications are not in danger of convictions for selling without a licence. There is no need to exempt them or deem licences to avoid convictions,” he writes. Manufacturers who go to the expense of acquiring an exemption licence are no better of than those who decline this route and simply wait for their application to be processed. Buckley also is concerned that HC will use this regulatory initiative to ramp up enforcement at the retail store level. “Once the back-log is cleared, Inspectors can walk into health food stores and seize every product that does not have a licence number on the label”.

The Backstory
by Robert McMaster

With pharmacy regulators throwing a fit and Health Canada’s (HC) exemption regulations for outstanding NPNs, how is a retailer to make sense of this and is there anything you can or should be doing? To get a fix on this, frame it politically. The Harper government is preparing to introduce its third version of consumer safety legislation. Twice before – as Bills C6 and C51 – the Harper government has failed in this mission and that rankles. Two public constituencies rallied to sufficiently fuel legislator concerns. These were civil libertarians and the natural health community. The Prime Ministers Office (PMO) aims to neutralize these threats this round by pre-emptive action. So, there have been leaked press stories that many authoritarian provisions will be deleted from the forthcoming Bill. That’s meant to send a friendly signal to the civil liberties folks. Now, what about the natural health freedom crowd? More than anything the PMO wants to ensure that nothing occurs to provoke a repeat incident of MP and media-directed consumer fury over fears that Health Canada is about to ban popular natural health products (NHPs).

Into this scenario the pharmacy regulator initiative precipitates. Apparently, relations are such that when pharmacy regulators want to communicate some concern to Health Canada the rational thing is to issue a hostile press release. By throwing down the gauntlet the pharmacy people intended to create a “public safety” pretext that would allow HC to outright ban the offending class of products. In this event, the industry and consumers would go ballistic and start pounding on MPs. HC would deflect the blowback onto the pharmacy regulators (they forced us to do it!).

Such a situation would jeopardize the pending consumer safety bill, so a Higher Power has forced an alternative solution. Since there is concern over the ambiguous status of outstanding NPNs, a decision has been made to resolve the problem by effectively ‘legalizing’ the lot through the magic of the Canada Gazette. The PMO hopes that thus assuaged the natural health community will not be inclined to interfere with their legislative plans. For the PMO, this is an easy ‘give’. They could care less that this puts noses out of joint at HC. For them, this is a major defeat. But it is not a victory for natural health. It’s not yet clear how this will play out and the situation is unstable. There’s a lot of money on the line and reputations at stake so expect more trouble.

In politics there are two currencies – money and people. We don’t have the money but we can surely mobilize the power of hundreds of thousands of registered voters. In the absence of national organizations that command the confidence of natural health consumers’ only retailers as a group have a direct and trusted relationship. Natural health retail establishments are the local constituency offices of the natural health movement. Every store can be the hub of a neighbourhood support network. If retailers proactively organize, support, and sponsor their customers to speak up and act then they will make a force that has serious political weight. Your customers want you to step up to the plate.

EVENTS NEWS: CORPORATE WELLNESS - June 8, 2010

2010-05-28T11:59:00.000-04:00

Innovation Events and Media is delivering a powerful full day event on CORPORATE WELLNESS, Tuesday, June 8th, 2010 at The University of Toronto, Brennan Hall.

CORPORATE WELLNESS
A Powerful Full-Day Event

As we all know, in today’s economic climate, wellness and innovation are key drivers to business success. A motivated and healthy workforce will transform your business and prepare you for future growth.

• Join an intimate group of like-minded professionals from globally and locally recognized companies

• Participate in a dynamic networking luncheon

• Benefit from a results-oriented program of proven techniques on Corporate Well-Being

• Take home a lasting feeling of calm confidence and proactive success, personally and
professionally

• Bring innovation to your workplace and motivation to your job or business

• Grow market leadership in your field

• Brand your company as an innovator, the hottest topic in business today

• Show your customers, employees and the business world how committed you are to corporate wellness, the biggest concern in business today

Register you or your team now – seating is limited.

Date: June 8, 2010, 8:30am to 4:30pm

Location: University of Toronto, St. Michael’s College, Sam Sorbara Auditorium

Fee: $300.00 per individual or $275.00 per person, for groups of 5 or more (plus applicable tax)

For more information, visit: http://innovationmotivation.com/allevents.php

About the facilitator:
Mr. Khalsa is an expert in working with the total being, both personally and professionally. He is a dynamic and compelling speaker, having conducted hundreds of programs, seminars, lectures and keynotes throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, and around the world. As an expert in corporate communication and wellness, he has provided consulting services to corporations helping them to achieve their full potential through a variety of formats such as keynote lectures, motivational speaking, in-service training and executive coaching. Mr. Khalsa is frequently called upon by network TV producers and celebrities, business and spiritual leaders, athletes, doctors and educators, as well as everyday people with problems and questions about personal or professional transformation, stress reduction, self-determination, and achieving and managing success. News entities such as CNN and CNBC have counted on him numerous times for valuable insights into events that take place in the world.

INDUSTRY NEWS: Martek Launches Brain Health Awareness Campaign with National Center for Creative Aging

2010-05-28T11:29:00.004-04:00

Martek Biosciences and the National Center for Creative Aging have collaborated on an educational campaign designed to inspire baby boomers to be proactive about their brain health. The campaign, called "Beautiful Minds: Finding Your Lifelong Potential" is designed to help change public perceptions about brain health and aging.

___________________

Martek Biosciences and the National Center for Creative Aging Introduce New Brain Health Awareness Campaign, 'Beautiful Minds: Finding Your Lifelong Potential'

COLUMBIA, Md., May 27, 2010/ -- Martek Biosciences (Nasdaq: MATK), in partnership with the National Center for Creative Aging today introduced "Beautiful Minds: Finding Your Lifelong Potential," an educational campaign designed to inspire baby boomers to be proactive about brain health.

"Martek has a proud, 25-year heritage in brain health science and research as well as a strong history of supporting health education and outreach," said Steve Dubin, Martek CEO. "We are pleased to partner with the National Center for Creative Aging and announce 'Beautiful Minds: Finding Your Lifelong Potential,' to help change public perceptions about brain health and aging."

Brain health is one of the top health-related concerns of aging populations and has been identified by the Centers for Disease Control as a public health priority. Fifty-five percent of baby boomers fear the loss of mental capacity; in fact, 41 percent fear their brain fitness has decreased during the past 10 years(1). Research demonstrates that lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and social, mental and intellectual engagement may be important influencers on the aging brain.

"The realization that we may be able to influence our brain health throughout adult life is important as baby boomers move into the second half of their lives," according to Gay Powell Hanna, Ph.D., M.F.A., executive director for the National Center for Creative Aging. "The Beautiful Minds campaign will demonstrate that maintaining a beautiful mind is not a sacrifice, but a way to do more of what you love, longer."

The Science of Brain Health

The Beautiful Minds campaign features a new scientific assessment released today and developed in conjunction with the National Center for Creative Aging. The assessment explores the lifestyle factors that may help to improve overall brain health, including memory performance, and outlines the four dimensions of brain health:

* The Nourished Mind
* The Physically Active Mind
* The Socially Connected Mind
* The Mentally Engaged Mind

Among the key research findings summarized in the assessment is the Memory Improvement with Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Study (MIDAS), published online May 3, 2010, in Alzheimer's and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association. MIDAS is the first large, randomized and placebo-controlled study demonstrating that DHA omega-3 improved memory function in healthy aging adults, providing a benefit roughly equivalent to having the learning and memory skills of someone three years younger.

Beautiful Minds: The Benefits of DHA Omega-3

Despite its importance, most people eating a Western diet do not consume enough DHA. In the MIDAS study, healthy people age 55 and older with memory complaints who took 900 mg algal DHA capsules daily for six months had almost double the reduction in errors on a test that measures learning and memory performance versus those who took a placebo.

The source of DHA used in MIDAS was a vegetarian and sustainable algal DHA manufactured by Martek Biosciences and marketed to consumers under the brand name of life'sDHA(TM). Consumers who are looking for algal DHA supplements that will enable them to easily achieve DHA intake comparable to the amount used in this study can find them at major retailers like Walmart, CVS and Walgreens under the Algal-900 DHA product name.

"The fear of memory loss and losing brain capacity looms large in the minds of boomers," said neurologist and memory expert, Dr. Majid Fotuhi. "But as research demonstrates in a clinical setting, there are some simple things you can do to maintain and even improve your brain health as you age -- like taking 900 mg of algal DHA every day."

Beautiful Minds: Photo Essay Exhibit and Website

To inspire Americans to learn more about brain health, Martek worked in partnership with the National Center for Creative Aging to select 11 "Beautiful Minds." These "Beautiful Minds" are individuals with stories of accomplishment, creativity, and reinvention in the second half of life, who maintain healthy lifestyles that fulfill the four dimensions of brain health: the nourished mind, the physically active mind, the socially connected mind and the mentally engaged mind.

The 11 Beautiful Minds are profiled in a photo essay exhibit that debuted in New York City and will then travel throughout the country. Profiles of the 11 Beautiful Minds plus tips for proactive brain health can be viewed on www.beautiful-minds.com. The website also contains science-based brain health information.

SOURCE: Martek Biosciences Press Release

INDUSTRY/BUSINESS NEWS: U.S.-based Kohl's scouting locations in Canada

2010-05-28T11:18:00.003-04:00

The Globe and Mail reports that the U.S.-based retailer Kohl's is scouting Canadian location as a preliminary look at bringing the Company's department stores to Canada. As a symptom of the recession, U.S. department stores have been suffering due to sales being down, and an increasing number of U.S. retailers are looking to Canada as a more optimistic market. If the move does happen, however, it won't be instantaneous - in addition to considering bilingual labeling, new warehouses and the like, Kohl's would have to investigate real estate options. Kohl's draws customers in with low-cost private labels and mid-priced designer lines. With the possibility of another, new mass retailer entering the Canadian market, retailers should be sure to know their niches and be prepared to distinguish themselves from the big box stores.

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Globe and Mail Update

Marina Strauss Retailing Reporter

U.S.-based Kohl’s is scouting out locations in Canada in a preliminary look at bringing its mid-priced department stores to this country, industry sources say.

In an era of challenged department stores, Kohl’s draws customers with low-cost stylish private labels and exclusive mid-priced designer lines from the likes of Vera Wang.

U.S. retailers, grappling with economically fragile consumers at home, are increasingly turning to Canada for more fertile ground. Some of them, including Kohl’s, had counted on adding new stores in states such as California, Florida and Arizona but those markets were ravaged in the recession. Now clothier J. Crew, discounter Target Corp. and lingerie retailer Victoria’s Secret are among U.S. merchants preparing to take the leap across the border.

Still, the retailers wrestle with the costs of a foray into Canada, including new warehouses, vast distances between cities and bilingual labelling. And they have to find appropriate sites.

“It’s not always an easy market to enter,” said Wendy Evans of retail specialist Evans & Co. Consultants in Toronto.

Kohl’s spokeswoman Vicki Shamion said late Wednesday that the retailer reviews sites in communities nationwide on an ongoing basis, and hasn’t announced plans to open a new store in Canada. “We do not comment on real estate speculation.”

Ms. Evans said the challenges of coming to Canada haven’t stopped Kohl’s – of Menomonee Falls, Wis. – from exploring this market. Canadian retailers have fared better in the downturn than their U.S. counterparts. And they face fewer competitors: Canada has roughly 14 square feet of shopping centre space per capita, compared with about 23 in the United States, according to the International Council of Shopping Centres.

“Why wouldn’t Kohl’s want to be up there?” asked retail analyst John Collory at Briggs-Ficks Securities LLC in Milwaukee, Wis.

Canadian real estate specialists say that Kohl’s is getting a feel of the Canadian landscape.

“They are going to come but it could easily be another couple of years,” said Edward Sonshine, chief executive officer of RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust, whose open-air suburban “power centre” shopping centres would be prime spots for Kohl’s. “It’s still very early days.”

Kohl’s has grown by attracting younger customers with exclusive and private labels, including names such as Dana Buchman and Sonoma. As well, it bulks up on lower-priced lines of well known brands, such as Chaps from Polo Ralph Lauren.

Sales of private and exclusive brands, which make up almost half of Kohl’s sales, grew by double-digit percentages in the first quarter of this year. “The strength in these brands is responsible for the continued market share gains,” said retail analyst Wayne Hood at BMO Capital Markets in Atlanta, Ga.

Kohl’s also led the way in revamping stores to appeal to women, including enlarged fitting rooms, the addition of three-way mirrors and less clutter in the aisles.

With more than 1,000 stores in 49 U.S. states, the company beat analysts’ first-quarter profit estimates with a healthy sales gain of 7.4 per cent at outlets open a year or more. Private labels contributed to better margins; they tend to carry lower marketing and other costs.

But finding the right Canadian real estate can be tricky for American retailers, Mr. Hood said. Existing retailers have strong relationships with their landlords, and breaking into prominent spaces is a challenge – although less so in a weaker economy.

For many U.S. retailers, expanding into Canada is a test for further international expansion. Millard Drexler, chief executive officer of J. Crew, confirmed earlier this year that the company sees the potential for 10 to 15 stores in Canada. Still he’s moving slowly on the file, envisioning potential pitfalls.

Limited Brands Inc. is moving faster in adding Victoria’s Secret and Pink lingerie stores to its current La Senza outlets here. As well, it plans to double its Bath & Body Works stores in Canada by year’s end.

If Kohl’s gives the nod to entering Canada, the retailer would probably map out a significant expansion, Mr. Collory predicted. “It won’t be just one store,” he said. “They’ll want multiple locations.”

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Kohl’s notes

No. of stores as of May 1: 1,067 in 49 U.S. states

Kohl’s sales in 2009: $17.2-billion (U.S.)

Profit in 2009: $991-million

Kohl’s private and exclusive labels:

2004: 25 per cent of sales

2010: 47 per cent of sales

Examples of exclusive brands:

LC Lauren Conrad, Simply Vera Vera Wang, Dana Buchman

1st-quarter sales:

At Kohl’s outlets open a year or more: Up 7.4 per cent

At Target outlets open a year or more: Up 2.8 per cent

At Sears Canada outlets open a year or more: Down 2 per cent

Staff

SOURCE: Globe and Mail

EVENTS NEWS: CORPORATE WELLNESS - June 8, 2010

2010-05-26T14:57:00.001-04:00

INDUSTRY BUZZ: Green Cleaner Sales Up 229 Percent

2010-05-26T14:52:00.002-04:00

According to Packaged Facts, retail sales of green cleaners grew 229 percent between 2005 and 2009 in the US - more than tripling its share of the total household cleaner market. This is evidence that the green cleaner market in North America, and in Canada, is growing fast. “Emotional-, therapeutic- and sensory-influenced benefits such as family safety, health and wellness, aromatherapy, style and design, and environmental concerns have emerged as important drivers in the segment,” says Don Montuori, publisher of Packaged Facts. “As green marketers better connect their products to these aspects of consumer preference the market will continue to make a transition from niche to mainstream and ultimately approach $2 billion in sales by 2014 based on our expectations.”

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NEW YORK—Packaged Facts estimated retail sales of green cleaners grew 229 percent between 2005 and 2009, more than doubling its footprint in dollar terms and more than tripling its share of the total household cleaner market.

Retail sales of green cleaners in 2009 totaled $557 million—split between $339 million from green household cleaning products and $218 million from green laundry products—to account for 3 percent of the total household and laundry cleaner retail market, according to “‘Green’ Household Cleaning Products in the U.S.: Bathroom Cleaners, Laundry Care and Dish Detergents and Household Cleaners” by market research publisher Packaged Facts.

“Emotional-, therapeutic- and sensory-influenced benefits such as family safety, health and wellness, aromatherapy, style and design, and environmental concerns have emerged as important drivers in the segment,” says Don Montuori, publisher of Packaged Facts. “As green marketers better connect their products to these aspects of consumer preference the market will continue to make a transition from niche to mainstream and ultimately approach $2 billion in sales by 2014 based on our expectations.”

Packaged Facts’ proprietary online green clean consumer usage survey conducted in February 2009 and February 2010 revealed the green household cleaners market is capitalizing to some extent on several opportunities for growth including increased visibility through the media, expanded distribution and retail channels by eco-specific green marketers, and the introduction of mass-marketer brand extensions.

As of February 2010, 42 percent of adult consumers reported having used a natural, organic or ecologically friendly household cleaning/laundry product within the previous 12 months compared to 38 percent of respondents revealed in the February 2009 survey. The 42-percent usage rate for green household cleaners translated to 48 million households. When weighed against the market’s $557 million in sales, the amount spent on green cleaners equates to almost $12 per customer household.
"‘Green’ Household Cleaning Products in the U.S.” examines several factors affecting green household and laundry cleaning product growth. The report includes a detailed sales performance analysis of the major players in the U.S. green household cleaning and laundry products market and is put in context with the overall household cleaner market. An extensive look at marketplace, consumer, and new product trends affecting the industry, including analysis based on Packaged Facts' proprietary consumer survey conducted in February 2010, is also provided.

SOURCE: Packaged Facts, Natural Products Marketplace

INDUSTRY NEWS: Senators Introduce Dietary Supplement Full Implementation and Enforcement Act of 2010

2010-05-26T14:47:00.003-04:00

US Senators Tom Harkin and Orrin Hatch have announced new proposed US legislation that would give the FDA more authority to enforce provisions of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. The bill includes provisions designed to address issues that have frustrated supplement companies attempting to navigate the intricacies and ambiguities surrounding DSHEA and its enforcement.

________________________

Senators Introduce Dietary Supplement Full Implementation and Enforcement Act of 2010

May 25, 2010

Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) unveiled new proposed legislation on May 25 that would give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) more muscle to effectively enforce longstanding provisions of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. The bill asks Congress to give at least $20 million to FDA for DSHEA enforcement.

The bill includes other provisions designed to address issues that have frustrated supplement companies attempting to navigate the intricacies and ambiguities surrounding DSHEA and its enforcement. For example, the bill mandates that FDA provide industry with guidance on existing rules that apply to new ingredients, according to a press release from the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA). In addition, it requires FDA to submit to Congress an annual accountability report including information on the number of dietary supplement manufacturers inspected under FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulation, the number of new dietary ingredient (NDI) notifications reviewed, a brief summary of all enforcement actions taken in relation to dietary supplements, and other specific data related to the agency’s regulation of dietary supplements, AHPA reports.
“Such an annual accountability report to Congress will provide a written record of FDA’s continuing regulation of dietary supplements,” said AHPA President Michael McGuffin. “Building a collection of facts and figures related to FDA’s enforcement of DSHEA is key to setting the record straight when it comes to the regulation of this class of goods.”
Like AHPA, the Council for Responsible Nutrition has come out in support of the bill. “DSHEA was enacted to ensure consumers have access to beneficial, high quality supplement products,” Steve Mister, president and CEO, said in a statement. “It also provides an important regulatory framework that safeguards the general public from adulterated, mislabeled or harmful products. Many of the challenges our industry continues to face can be attributed to the lack of enforcement of these basic tenets of DSHEA. CRN believes this legislation will go a long way to demonstrate that DSHEA works and to reinforce the safety, quality and benefit of supplement products to the public.”

The NBJ bottom line: Many players in the dietary supplement industry will view this news with a sigh of relief. The threat of more draconian legislation remains throughout the global supplement industry—witness Europe’s Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation that has effectively shut down the pipeline of new functional ingredients seeking a health claim—but, in the United States, the industry’s champions in Congress are committed to fixing the current law instead of reinventing it. This is a “lesser of all evils” option that will hopefully allow the legitimate supplement companies to differentiate themselves and add credibility across the industry.

SOURCE: Nutrition Business Journal

INDUSTRY NEWS: Neptune Awarded Best Product of 2010 Award at 11th Congress of Nutrition and Sante

2010-05-26T14:38:00.002-04:00

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources Inc. was awarded the Best Product of 2010 Award during the 11th Congress of Nutrition and Sante in Belgium for the Company's NKO. The process involved an in-depth evaluation of NKO by a scientific committee represented by renowned professors and doctors. The evaluation was based on the efficacy, value of innovation, biochemical composition and clinical studies supporting each product.

_____________________

Laval, Québec, CANADA – May 26th, 2010 – Neptune Technologies & Bioressources Inc. (“Neptune”) (NASDAQ.NEPT - TSX.V.NTB) is proud to announce that Neptune Krill Oil (NKO®) was awarded the prize for best product of 2010 during the 11th Congress of “Nutrition & Santé” in Belgium.

Independent Overall Evaluation

Neptune’s client Nutrisan Nutraceuticals applied for this distinctive “Best Product” award, which involved an in-depth evaluation of NKO® by a scientific committee represented by renowned professors and doctors. The evaluation was based on the efficacy, value of innovation, biochemical composition and clinical studies supporting each product. Three finalists were chosen among 29 products and NKO® was awarded the laureate. Nutrisan Nutraceuticals has the right to promote NKO®’s prestigious prize for the following year. “This is yet another outstanding achievement awarded by a respectable independent organization that Neptune is proud of, further distinguishing NKO® from its krill oil competitors” said Dr. Wael Massrieh, Director of R&D at Neptune.

Neptune Shows at Vitafoods

Neptune exhibited at Vitafoods, a Global Nutraceutical Event, which took place from May 18th to 20th, 2010, in Geneva, Switzerland. This event attracts more than 500 exhibitors and 6000 visitors from all over the world in the nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, functional food and functional drinks industries. Unlike the previous five consecutive years that Neptune has been participating at this event, there was a noticeable difference in the awareness of NKO®. “Visitors were no longer asking the recurrent question - what is krill oil?” noted Mrs. Catherine Feuillarade, Executive Director of Nutraceuticals, “but were specifically visiting Neptune’s stand to find out more on NKO® and discuss in depth the multitude of scientific and promotional material highlighting its strengths relative to competing products” she added. By using the intelligent strategy of levelling the “pricing” field, Neptune successfully allowed the driving force behind the demand to be based on the complete portfolio of scientific evidence, intellectual property and expertise and not just price. There was also a marked difference in the profile of the visitors, many of which weredistinguished “big players” in the industry that met with the Neptune team. “We believe that successful partnerships may be developed in the next several months, following this flagship event” said Dr. Massrieh.

SOURCE: Neptune Press Release

EVENTS NEWS: CORPORATE WELLNESS - June 8, 2010

2010-05-25T13:34:00.001-04:00

BUSINESS NEWS: Consumer Price Index - STATSCAN

2010-05-25T13:12:00.000-04:00

Consumer Price Index

April 2010

Consumer prices rose 1.8% in the 12 months to April, following a 1.4% increase in March.

The 12-month change in the Consumer Price Index and the CPI excluding energy

Overall, energy prices rose 9.8% between April 2009 and April 2010, following a 5.8% increase during the 12-month period to March. Excluding energy, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 1.1% compared with a 1.0% increase in March.

Gasoline prices exerted the strongest upward pressure on the all-items CPI for the sixth consecutive month. In April, prices at the pump were 16.3% higher than they were in April 2009. This follows a 17.2% rise in the 12 months to March.

In addition, natural gas prices were no longer exerting significant downward pressure on the CPI. Prices for natural gas were 3.3% higher in April than they were a year earlier. This followed a 22.4% decline in the 12 months to March, and it was the first 12-month increase in natural gas prices in over a year.
Evolution of the natural gas price index since April 2007

Prices for the purchase of passenger vehicles also put upward pressure on the CPI for the fourth consecutive month in April. These prices increased 5.3% following a 3.9% increase in March.
Seasonally adjusted monthly CPI increases

On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, the CPI rose 0.1% from March to April, after decreasing 0.1% from February to March. April's increase was due mainly to a 0.6% rise in the shelter component. Higher prices for natural gas and homeowner's replacement costs largely accounted for the upward movement within this index.
12-month change: Seven of the eight CPI components rise

Overall, seven of the eight major components of the CPI recorded price increases in the 12 months to April. The exception was clothing and footwear.
Transportation continues to exert the most upward pressure on the Consumer Price Index

Transportation prices, which increased 6.2% in the 12 months to April, exerted the strongest upward pressure on the all-items CPI for the sixth consecutive month. In addition to higher gasoline and passenger vehicle prices, consumers paid 5.6% more for passenger vehicle insurance premiums in April than a year earlier.

Shelter costs rose 0.8% during the 12-month period to April, after declining 0.7% in March. Household utilities, which include electricity, water, natural gas, and fuel oil and other fuels, exerted the most upward pressure on the index. Price increases were also observed for property taxes and homeowner's replacement costs.

On the other hand, the mortgage interest cost index, which measures the change in the interest portion of payments on outstanding mortgage debt, fell 6.1% in April, following a 6.0% decrease in March.

Food prices advanced 1.0%, following a 1.3% increase in March. April's increase was the smallest since March 2008.

Upward pressure on the food index came largely from prices for food purchased from restaurants (+2.3%). Higher prices were also observed for sugar and confectionery and tomatoes. Prices fell for fresh fruit, meat, and bakery and cereal products.

Broad-based advances were observed in the health and personal care component, where prices were up 3.3%.

Prices for household operations, furnishings and equipment increased 1.1%, after a 1.4% increase in the 12 months to March. In April, the upward pressure on this index came primarily from higher prices for communications, other household goods and services, and child care and domestic services.

Prices increased 0.5% in the recreation, education and reading component in the 12 months to April. This follows a 0.7% rise between March 2009 and March 2010.

Prices for clothing and footwear fell 1.1%. The strongest downward pressure in this component came from lower prices for women's, children's, and men's clothing. Prices for women's and men's footwear also recorded small declines.

The provinces

As was the case in the previous three months, the largest year-over-year increases occurred in the four Atlantic provinces. On the other hand, Central Canada and three Western provinces posted higher 12-month price increases in April compared with March.
Higher price increases in Central Canada and three western provinces compared with March

In every province, the most significant upward pressure came from higher gasoline prices.

In Ontario, prices rose 2.2% in the 12 months to April. This was due primarily to higher prices for gasoline, passenger vehicle insurance premiums, and the purchase of passenger vehicles. Also, prices for natural gas increased 3.7% in April, after declining 36.3% in March. April's increase was the first 12-month increase since March 2009.

Prices went up 2.1% in Saskatchewan in the 12 months to April, after increasing 1.1% in March. These higher price increases were attributable mainly to less downward pressure from natural gas prices. Prices for natural gas fell 5.6% in the 12 months to April, following a 26.1% decline in March.

In Alberta, prices rose 1.6%, following a 1.0% increase in March. Upward pressure came mainly from gasoline prices and the cost of purchasing passenger vehicles. In addition, there was less downward pressure from prices for electricity.

Prices in British Columbia rose 1.0% in April compared with the same month last year, after a 0.5% increase in March. This faster increase in April was due mainly to the turnaround in natural gas prices, which rose 7.0% in the 12 months to April compared with an 8.2% drop in March.
The Bank of Canada's core index

The Bank of Canada's core index advanced 1.9% over the 12 months to April, following a 1.7% rise in March. April's increase was due primarily to a rise in prices for the purchase of passenger vehicles, passenger vehicle insurance premiums, property taxes, and food purchased from restaurants.

The seasonally adjusted monthly core index rose 0.2% in April, following a 0.3% decline in March.

For a more detailed analysis, consult the publication The Consumer Price Index.

SOURCE: Statistics Canada

BUSINESS NEWS: Retail Trade Stats - STATSCAN

2010-05-25T13:11:00.001-04:00

Retail trade

March 2010

Retail sales increased for a fourth consecutive month in March, rising 2.1% in current dollars to $37.0 billion. Higher sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers were the main contributor to the gain.

Sales in volume terms increased 2.2% in March. Retail sales have been following an upward trend since the beginning of 2009.
Retail sales rise in March

Sales increased in 8 of 11 retail subsectors in March. The largest contributor to the overall increase was a 3.6% rise at motor vehicle and parts dealers. Within the subsector, the largest increase was a 5.5% rise at other motor vehicle dealers (which sell vehicles such as motor homes, motorcycles and recreational watercraft), followed by a 4.6% gain at automotive parts, accessories and tire stores. Sales rose 3.5% at new car dealers, a second consecutive monthly increase after a period of decline that began in November 2009.

Gasoline stations (+2.3%) registered a sales increase for an 11th consecutive month.

Warmer than usual weather in much of Canada in March likely influenced sales at some types of stores. Sales at building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers increased 6.6%. Strong sales in this store type also benefit from the strength of the Canadian housing market.

Clothing and clothing accessories stores saw their sales increase in March for a fourth consecutive month. The 4.4% rise at this store type was the largest increase since September 2006. Sales rose 9.2% at shoe stores, 3.9% at clothing stores and 2.8% at jewellery, luggage and leather goods stores.

Sales at sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores rose 3.1%. Sales in these store types have risen in three of the previous four months.

Food and beverage stores sales edged down 0.1% in March. Following two months of strong sales at beer, wine and liquor stores, a 4.7% decline in this store type more than offset other increases in this subsector.

Retail sales declined for a second consecutive month at furniture and home furnishing stores, falling 0.9% in March. The past two monthly declines follow seven months of increases.

Sales up in all provinces

Retail sales rose in all provinces in March. Newfoundland and Labrador had the highest growth rate among the provinces in March with a 3.1% rise in sales. This was the third consecutive month where sales were up in the province.

Sales in Quebec (+2.8%) increased for a fifth consecutive month. Sales rose 2.7% in Ontario for a third consecutive monthly increase.

SOURCE: Statistics Canada

INDUSTRY NEWS: Safeway promotes Texas division president

2010-05-25T13:07:00.001-04:00

Safeway promotes Texas division president
By Allison Cerra

PLEASANTON, Calif. (May24) California-based retailer Safeway announced the promotion of its Texas division president to its corporate merchandising team.

Tom Schwilke will become corporate perishables president and general manager, reporting to merchandising president Kelly Griffith. Succeeding Schwilke as Texas division president will be Paul McTavish, currently VP retail marketing execution in Safeway’s Denver division.

Schwilke first joined Safeway in 1982 before joining Vons as the company's VP retail operations for six years. He returned to Safeway’s corporate office as group VP produce and floral. Schwilke was promoted to his most recent assignment in Texas in 2008.

Meanwhile, McTavish joined Safeway 37 years ago and has served in his current position since 2005.

“Both Tom and Paul have proven track records of success in a variety of challenging retail and marketing leadership roles,” said Steve Burd, Safeway’s chairman, president and CEO. “We have great confidence in their abilities to lead these large organizations and we look forward to their continued success in their new assignments.”

SOURCE: DrugStore News

EVENTS NEWS: CORPORATE WELLNESS - June 8, 2010

2010-05-20T10:29:00.002-04:00

INDUSTRY NEWS: Shoppers Drug Mart, Sony enter merchandising agreement

2010-05-20T10:27:00.001-04:00

Shoppers Drug Mart has signed a deal with Sony to revitalize the Canada-based drug store chain's service centers. The agreement will introduce approximately 50 Sony products in approximately 700 Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores across the country.

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Shoppers Drug Mart, Sony enter merchandising agreement

By Allison Cerra

TORONTO Shoppers Drug Mart has inked a deal with Sony to revitalize the Canada-based drug store chain's service centers.

The agreement with Sony will result in the introduction of approximately 50 Sony products to the cmpany’s offering of consumer electronics, games and accessories in approximately 700 Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores across the country. New products include Sony’s popular video game systems such as the PlayStation3 and PlayStation Portable, as well as an assortment of PlayStation games, accessories and peripherals.

The rollout will begin this fall.

“This agreement with Sony, coupled with the recent announcement of our distribution arrangement with Rogers, brings together leading brands and serves to further strengthen our value proposition and optimize the service center in our stores,” said Jurgen Schreiber, president and CEO of Shoppers Drug Mart. “Our customers have responded very favorably to our current assortment of consumer electronics and entertainment products. Enhancing our product assortment with popular Sony items will provide our customers with even greater choice and convenience in this growing category.”

SOURCE: Drug Store News

INDUSTRY NEWS: Matrixx Initiatives, Inc. Names Vice President of Finance and Accounting, and Treasurer

2010-05-20T10:25:00.000-04:00

Matrixx Initiatives, Inc. Names William J. Barba Vice President of Finance and Accounting, and Treasurer

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- Matrixx Initiatives, Inc. (Nasdaq: MTXX), an over-the-counter healthcare company that develops and markets Zicam(R) products, today announced that Matrixx's Board of Directors has named William J. Barba as Vice President of Finance and Accounting, and Treasurer effective May 6, 2010.

Mr. Barba served as the Company's Treasurer and Director of Planning, since July 2007. Bill, 38, joined the Company in February 2004 in a finance and investor relations role. He assumed additional responsibilities as Director of Planning and Administration in 2006. Prior to joining Matrixx, he held a variety of financial management positions with Mesa Air Group, Honeywell Intellectual Properties, Avnet, and MicroAge.

SOURCE: Matrixx Press Release

INDUSTRY NEWS: Metro adopts a sustainable fisheries policy for seafood products sold in its stores

2010-05-20T10:23:00.000-04:00

Metro adopts a sustainable fisheries policy for seafood products sold in its stores

MONTREAL, May 20 /CNW Telbec/ - Metro Inc. announced today that it has adopted a policy with a view to offer its customers fresh and frozen wild and farmed seafood products from sustainable fisheries. This policy will be gradually implemented starting in September 2010, and will be in effect in all its supermarkets and discount stores across Quebec and Ontario by June 2011.

"Metro acknowledges that sustainable fisheries and the preservation of natural resources are vital for future generations. The adoption of a sustainable fisheries policy is consistent with our corporate responsibility approach," declared Robert Sawyer, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Metro Inc. "This initiative is proof that we want to go beyond the role of distributor and become an actor in sustainable development."

Starting in September 2010, Metro will stop selling a number of threatened species and will change its product labelling. Metro will train store employees to prepare them to answer customers' questions regarding sustainable fisheries products. Metro will also rely on labelling and practical advice to inform its customers and raise their awareness.

Objective analysis

To ensure its decisions are based on objective analysis of fished species, Metro has developed a balanced policy that first takes into account official scientific opinions, but also the points of view of all stakeholders, including governments, NGOs and suppliers.

Moreover, to add credence to its analysis of the issues related to sustainable fisheries, Metro has consulted renowned independent experts, including Jean-Claude Brêthes, professor at the Institut des sciences de la mer of the Université du Québec à Rimouski. "In any decision related to sustainable fisheries, it is important to rely on peer-reviewed scientific information, as is the case with MSC certification or the official scientific reports published by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, as this provides the assurance of solid data," states Mr. Brêthes.

Four core criteria

Metro's sustainable fisheries policy consists in four supply criteria:

1. Procurement will be limited to species and fishing areas whose
renewal is ensured given their individual stocks and catch rates.
2. Fisheries and aquafarms supplying Metro must prove that they use
sustainable fishing methods.
3. The supply chain from the fishing area to the consumer must be
documented to allow for informative and transparent labelling.
4. Metro's decisions will take into account local economic issues.

All Metro suppliers will have to sign a code of conduct attesting to their commitment.

"In trying to constantly improve, we are committing to updating our species-specific diagnosis, based on the latest facts and scientific reports. We will favour suppliers who make tangible progress toward the sustainable management of their activities, and who will encourage recognized standards such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). We will also continue to work with independent experts," specified Mr. Sawyer.

By no longer selling threatened species, Metro hopes to help the recovery of fish stocks and the conservation of ocean diversity. The Company will report on regular basis on its commitment.

SOURCE: CNW Newswire

BUSINESS NEWS: SunOpta Inc. Receives Canadian and U.S. Court Approval to Settle Previously Filed Class Actions

2010-05-20T10:09:00.000-04:00

SunOpta Inc. Receives Canadian and U.S. Court Approval to Settle Previously Filed Class Actions

TORONTO (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SunOpta Inc. ("SunOpta" or the "Company") (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY) today announced that both the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York have approved its agreement to settle all claims raised in class action proceedings previously announced arising from the Company's restatement of interim financial results for the first three quarters of 2007 (the "Class Actions"). The Class Actions were filed against the Company and other named defendants on behalf of shareholders who purchased or otherwise acquired SunOpta securities from February 23, 2007 to January 27, 2008 inclusive ("Class Members"). The settlement is expected to become effective on June 17, 2010, upon the expiry of the period for filing any appeals.

In return for the dismissal of the Class Actions and releases from Class Members of settled claims against the Company and the remaining named defendants, the settlement agreement provides for a total cash contribution of US $11.25 million (funded entirely by the Company's insurer) to a settlement fund and the adoption of certain corporate governance enhancements by the Company. The corporate governance enhancements include certain amendments to the Company's Audit Committee Charter and Internal Audit Charter and the adoption of an enhanced Information Technology Conversion Policy.

The settlement agreement contains no admission of wrongdoing by SunOpta or any of the other named defendants and the Company and the other named defendants expressly deny any liability or wrongdoing in the agreement.

SOURCE: SunOpta Press Release

EVENTS NEWS: CORPORATE WELLNESS - June 8, 2010

2010-05-19T10:32:00.004-04:00

INDUSTRY NEWS: Sobeys Launches New Private Label Line

2010-05-19T10:12:00.002-04:00

According to research commissioned by Sobey's (conducted by Harris/Deciman), private label products are gaining in popularity with Canadians. In response to these findings, Sobey's has launched a new lowest-price private label line called Signal.

This isn't the first body of research to show that Canadians are looking for private label when doing their shopping. For more on the Private Label Perception, check out the next issue of ihr magazine.

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Sobeys sends a 'Signal' that summer is almost here

New survey shows Canadians are ready to spend less and enjoy more this summer

MISSISSAUGA, ON /CNW/ - Summer and savings are in the air this Victoria Day weekend with the introduction of Sobeys' new lowest price private label line Signal, which is helping consumers with the pre-season clean up and stock up as they get ready for the warmer days ahead.

New research commissioned by Sobeys and conducted by Harris/Decima shows that private label products are gaining significant traction with Canadians. Almost 90 per cent of Canadian consumers purchase private label products and 58 per cent said in most cases, private label products were less expensive and offered their families more value.

"Signal offers our lowest prices on shelf for everyday essentials across all of the key food, household and cleaning product lines," said Belinda Youngs, Chief Marketing Officer for Sobeys Inc. "We're pleased to provide Canadians with a line of budget-friendly products allowing them to channel their savings toward the joys of the summer."

The Signal line is currently being introduced into Sobeys stores across Canada and will include pantry basics like fruit jams, maple syrup, beef burgers and hot dog buns, perfect for large family breakfasts and barbeque cookouts. Household products like plastic cutlery, light bulbs, jumbo paper towels and napkins offer all the essentials you need to make summer a breeze - for the home, great outdoors or the cottage.

SOURCE: CNW Newswire

GLOBAL NEWS: FRANCE: Paris intervenes on retailer margins

2010-05-19T10:01:00.002-04:00

Following talks with President Sarkozy, France's major food retailers, which include Carrefour, Leclerc and Auchan, have agreed to exercise margin restraint during periods of crisis in fruit and vegetable production. This means that in a time of "proven market crisis", when the price paid to producers is significantly lower to the average of previous years, retailers will not increase their gross margin on the product in question. Sarkozy has threatened retailers with a commercial tax for failing to support this initiative.
Is this a fair deal? As a retailer, what's your opinion on the treatment of this issue in France versus North America and Canada?

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FRANCE: Paris intervenes on retailer margins

By: Stuart Todd | 18 May 2010

Sarkozy called retail margin hikes "unacceptable"

France’s major food retailers - including Carrefour, Leclerc and Auchan - have agreed to exercise margin restraint during periods of crisis in fruit and vegetable production, following talks with President Sarkozy.

The agreement stipulates that that in time of “proven market crisis”, when the price paid to producers is significantly inferior to the average of previous years, retailers will not increase their gross margin on the product in question.

Sarkozy highlighted the crisis in tomato production when producer prices had fallen at a greater rate than consumer prices, meaning retailer gross margins had increased.

“This is simply not acceptable,” Sarkozy insisted yesterday.

Sarkozy had threatened retailers with an increase in a tax on commercial space in the event of them refusing to support the initiative.

Commenting on the agreement, the head of Leclerc, Michel-Edouard Leclerc, said: “My initial reaction to the way this was set up was one of irritation but I now believe this a good measure, given additional credibility by its restraining and collective aspects.”

Meanwhile, the president of French farmers federation, the FNSEA, Jean-Michel Lemétayer, said the agreement would probably benefit consumers more than producers.

“If we really want to secure farmers’ revenues, including those in the fruit and vegetables sector, commercial relations with their major customers have to be put on to a contractual footing and provision is made for this in a government bill on the future of French agricultural sector.”

SOURCE: just-food.com

INDUSTRY NEWS: Sangster's Opens a New Store in Edmonton, Alberta

2010-05-19T09:52:00.002-04:00

Sangster's Health Centres has expanded its operations by opening another store in Edmonton - the seventh in the city, and the 45th store in Canada. The new franchise location is in Edmonton's Rutherford Professional Centre.

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Sangster's Opens a New Store in Edmonton, Alberta

SASKATOON, SK /CNW/ - Sangster's Health Centres, Canada's longest running health and nutrition franchise announced today that it has again expanded its operations to include another new store in Edmonton, it's 7th in the city - and 45th across the country.

Located in Edmonton's Rutherford Professional Centre, this new franchise location is owned by Jeff Poshner, who stated "It's exciting to work with a company with such a rich history of bringing natural health alternatives to the Canadian public. I look forward to helping southwest Edmonton make health a habit".

Positioned as "the natural choice for health", Sangster's products include exclusive blended vitamins, herbs, sports nutrition, food, and natural body care. Many of the products carried are organic and they sell over 340 exclusive Sangster's Brand items plus thousands of other popular national products as well. All products that they manufacture are exclusive to the Sangster's Brand, and are of the highest calibre.

Sangster's VP of Sales and Marketing, Wanda Wilson said, "More and more people are looking for natural solutions to their health questions. We are proud to announce the opening of our Rutherford Mall store and excited to be able to provide this community with natural health products that work."

SOURCE: CNW Newswire

INDUSTRY/RESEARCH NEWS: Online beauty market poised to explode with the help of Baby Boomers

2010-05-18T12:02:00.002-04:00

According to a recent Beauty Retailing report from Mintel, the female Baby Boomer population is becoming increasingly web savvy, and with this comes a greater market for digital retailing and online beauty sites. Retailers, take note - one in ten respondents to a recent Mintel survey reported using some type of online retailer to purchase cosmetics and skin care aids. Update your website with a list of your natural personal care and beauty products. Consumers - particularly women - who are looking online to see what's available will be looking for local retailers who carry the products they seek - make sure your customers know you're out there!

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Source: Mintel Oxygen Reports

Online beauty market poised to explode with the help of Baby Boomers

Mintel’s recent Beauty Retailing report reveals that the female Baby Boomer population is more web-savvy than ever, and they could be wielding their digital dollars at online beauty sites if retailers play their cards right.

One in ten respondents to a recent Mintel survey report using some type of online retailer to purchase cosmetics and skin care aids, and the female Boomer population is expected to increase by 30.9% from 2005-2015.

“Female Baby Boomers are one of the largest beauty care segments, known for their spending power, proactive health habits and dedication to product research,” says Kat Fay, senior analyst at Mintel. “In fact, these women spend 13 or more hours online a week, making the online market a powerful resource if retailers can get Boomers to log on.”

When looking strictly at online sales, 8% of those surveyed visit mass merchandiser sites for beauty products, 8% order from Wal-Mart.com, 8% order from Target.com, 5% patronize drugstore sites like CVS or Walgreens and 8% visit other unnamed online retailers.

The creativity of online beauty retailers has also contributed to the continued growth of the Internet market. “Innovations like virtual makeovers, new product Tweets and online-only sweepstakes draw in consumers and provide them with benefits and discounts they can’t find in an actual brick-and-mortar store,” Fay notes.

Forty-seven percent of survey respondents reported that they prefer to be left alone when shopping for cosmetics, which suggest that they want to take the time to browse and don’t want to be pressured by excessive attention. Shopping online allows you to browse without interruption.

With the continued popularity of Twitter, Facebook and Videoegg, beauty retailers can utilize social networking platforms to measure consumer preferences and tailor their sites to appeal to online shoppers.

According to Mintel, the online market will continue to grow, as nearly every retailer has a website, from Wal-Mart and Walgreens to Saks Fifth Avenue and Sephora.

SOURCE: Mintel

INDUSTRY BUZZ: The Evolution of Green Living in Canada

2010-05-18T11:28:00.003-04:00

Research conducted by Bosch Home Appliances has shown that there has been a steady increase amongst Canadians in searching the term "Green City", indicating that Canadians are ever-increasingly looking for ways to live a green and sustainable lifestyle. How do you generate and maintain a green movement in your store?

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The Evolution of Green Living in Canada

Bosch Shines the Spotlight on a Growing Environmental Trend

TORONTO, May 18 /CNW/ - Canada is currently the top country in the world to search the term Green Living(1) on-line, based on research conducted by Bosch Home Appliances that measured search volume from Google Trends. In addition, since 2004, there has been a steady climb in Canadians searching the term Green City(2) with the most recent finding showing a 250 per cent increase in interest(3). Without a doubt, Canadians are leading the charge when it comes to showing concern in what their cities and communities are doing to promote a more sustainable and 'green' lifestyle.

In light of some of the recent catastrophic environmental events that have taken place around the globe, it isn't surprising that the environment is one of the most talked-about and thought-about topics worldwide, and even more amongst Canadians. Well-versed in the impact of the individual on the environment, Canadians have always shown strong interest in living a more eco-friendly life, being some of the first global citizens to adopt green practices in the home. For example, in just four years, households across the country increased the amount of materials that were recycled by 65 per cent(4).

Whereas in the past environmental initiatives generally centered on the individual and their ability to cause change, trend analyses show that today this concern has evolved to an emphasis on bettering the environment through the community. Canadians are taking sustainable living to the next level - by embracing the impact that environmental change will have on their local communities. They are now focusing efforts on making change through community-based acts and initiatives.

"For many years now the emphasis has been on living a sustainable lifestyle that was primarily focused on initiatives that an individual could embrace at home, such as turning off lights or recycling and composting," says Dr. David Bell, senior scholar, Professor Emeritus and former Dean of the Faculty of Environment Studies, York University. "I am now seeing that focus shift to a green culture within the community and within businesses. For example, creating re-usable coffee cup programs within one's community or leading a petition to have all lights in your office building turned off at night. We seem to be moving toward the idea of a collective mentality when it comes to creating a more sustainable lifestyle."

In an effort to further generate awareness and encourage green movements within communities, Bosch, a global leader in sustainable thinking and one of the few companies to exceed the ENERGY STAR(R) qualifications on all its home appliance products, is launching the Canadian Eco-Leader Award.

For Bosch, an Eco-Leader is any individual or community-based group of individuals who stands up for the environment and takes charge to make a change within their respective communities. Bosch's Canadian Eco-Leader Award will celebrate and recognize the great work that Canadians are doing within their communities to create greener, more sustainable lifestyles for themselves, their families, neighbours and for future generations.

With a focus on grassroots projects and activities Bosch is calling for nominations for the Canadian Eco-Leader Award beginning now until September 19th, 2010. Based on Bosch's very own five principles of environmental protection, the emphasis will be on projects or activities that address the concepts of sustainability, responsibility, products, processes and continuous improvement within the community.

"How a community engages in helping the environment really paves the way on how we are shaping our global environmental perspective for years to come," says Steve Preiner, Director of Marketing, Bosch Home Appliances Ltd. "By fostering and encouraging community Eco-Leaders to act on and continue to lead the way in sustainable living, Bosch with the Canadian Eco-Leader award, is promoting and taking grassroots initiatives to the next level helping to shape the future for all Canadians."

The selected Eco-Leader will receive a one-time monetary award - The Bosch Eco-lution Fund - to help advance the cause of environmental responsibility. The recipient will also be awarded a mentoring opportunity with Bosch representatives, Dr. David Bell (Bosch spokesperson, chair of Learning for a Sustainable Future, co-chair of Education Alliance for a Sustainable Ontario and co-chair of ESD Canada), and select environmental and sustainability experts. These experts will commit their time to meet with the recipient and share their expertise and experiences on eco-friendly sustainable business practices and discuss how an innovative approach to community and business is the key to environmental preservation.

The Canadian Eco-Leader Award launches on Tuesday May 18, 2010 and is open to all Canadian residents (who have reached age of majority). Nominations can be submitted on the Bosch Eco-lution site via the Bosch home page at bosch-home.ca.

SOURCE: CNW Newswire Press Release

INDUSTRY/BUSINESS NEWS: U.S. Retail Sales See a Boost in April

2010-05-18T10:56:00.003-04:00

According to a new U.S. Census Bureau report, retail and food services sales experienced a nearly 9% increase in April of this year, compared to the same period one year ago. This bodes well for the North American retail sect - and specifically Canadian retail sales as well - since consumers are starting to spend again as the economy recovers from the recession. Interesting stats from the Census Bureau's report shed light on the fact that in the pharmacies and drug stores sector, and the health and personal care stores, sales were up.

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U.S. retail sales see boost in April

By Allison Cerra

WASHINGTON (May17) U.S. retail and food services sales had a near 9% boost in April, compared with the year-ago period, the Census Bureau revealed Friday in a new report.

Total sales were $366.4 billion, a 0.4% increase from March and an 8.8% increase from the year-ago period. Total sales for the February through April 2010 period were up 7.3% (±0.3%) from the same period a year ago.

In the pharmacies and drug stores sector, the Census Bureau said sales stayed in the $18 million range for the month, citing that the agency did not have "sufficient statistical evidence to conclude that the actual change is different than zero." In March 2010, total sales were $18.42 million. The estimate was adjusted for seasonal variations and holiday and trading-day differences, but not for price changes.

Meanwhile, health and personal care stores sales were nearly $21.9 million for the month and alost $86 million for a four-month period, a 2.9% increase from the same period last year. For this estimate, the total was not adjusted for seasonal variations, holiday and trading-day differences and price changes.

SOURCE: Drug Store News

INDUSTRY NEWS: Enzymotec krill obtains Novel Food status

2010-05-18T10:45:00.002-04:00

Enzymotec's kirll oil has obtained Novel Food status in Europe. This is the fourth krill approval of its kind in Europe. For more on the krill oil criticisms in the news recently, check out the next issue of ihr magazine for our Feature News stories.

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Enzymotec krill gets Novel Food status

By Lorraine Heller, 18-May-2010

Krill oil as a food ingredient has received another boost in Europe, with Israeli firm Enzymotec announcing its krill product line has obtained Novel Food status.

Krill oil, rich in omega-3, phospholipids and antioxidants, is derived from the planktonic family of crustacean.

Enzymotec entered the market for krill oil in 2007. The firm’s range includes phosphatidylserine-based ingredients it markets for cognitive development, lipids for infant formulas, as well as pure krill oils. The novel foods status granted to Enzymotec’s product is the fourth krill approval of its kind in Europe.

Novel food

Europe's Novel Food regulation was introduced in 1997 and requires any food or ingredient not commonly consumed in the EU prior to May 1997 to undergo safety assessment before it can be sold across the EU's 27-member bloc.

It is a notoriously long-winded and unpopular process that has been much criticised by industry for stalling innovation, but the European Commission has mooted that it will be simplified or streamlined or both.

Sustainability

Krill are tiny shrimp commonly eaten by whales, and which form the largest animal biomass in the world. Omega-3 rich krill oil harvested for human purposes accounts for less than one per cent of that biomass.

The minute crustaceans have been in the public eye of late, over concerns that certain krill fishery was not being conducted in a sustainable manner.

US-based natural foods retailer Whole Foods pulled krill supplements from its shelves, stating that “declines of some predator populations in the areas where the krill fishery operates suggest that fishery management needs to better understand how to evaluate the prey requirements of other marine species in order to set sustainable catch levels for krill.”
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Enzymotec confirmed its krill products are sustainably harvested. It sources its products only from vessels and facilities monitored by Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), it said.

"We are inspecting and verifying that each Krill shipment is harvested within the limits of the zone and dates for which the specific fishing vessels had received its fishing license from CCALMR," said Neta Scheinman Enzymotec's Director of QA.

Demand prompts expansion

Last year, Enzymotec announced the expansion its krill capacity in a move that would consolidate its production in a new 200,000 sq ft facility. This was in response to increased customer demand, the firm said at the time.

In 2008, the firm also expanded its product line to include a krill oil with modified phospholipids and omega-3 content, which it sells at a "significantly lower price" to its high-grade version.

Having a two-tier pricing system for its krill offerings, in addition to its other lipid ingredients, allowed the company to better compete with the likes of global krill market leader, Canadian-based Neptune Technologies & Bioressources.

SOURCE: Nutra-Ingredients

BUSINESS NEWS: Walmart FY 11 First Quarter Earnings Exceed Guidance

2010-05-18T10:08:00.001-04:00

Walmart has reported first quarter earnings. Net sales for the quarter were $99.1 billion, an increase of 6 percent. onsolidated operating income for the first quarter was $5.8 billion, up more than 10 percent from last year, with a significant contribution from Walmart U.S. The company -- all three operating segments and corporate -- leveraged operating expenses for the first quarter.

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Walmart FY 11 First Quarter Earnings Exceed Guidance and First Call Consensus
Pre-Recorded Phone Call

Highlights
- Walmart reports first quarter earnings per share of $0.88, three cents above the company's latest guidance and the First Call consensus estimate.
- Net sales for the quarter were $99.1 billion, an increase of 6 percent.
- Walmart International remains the fastest-growing segment, with net sales up more than 21 percent on a reported basis and almost 9 percent on a constant currency basis.
- Consolidated operating income for the first quarter was $5.8 billion, up more than 10 percent from last year, with a significant contribution from Walmart U.S.
- The company -- all three operating segments and corporate -- leveraged operating expenses for the first quarter.
- Walmart U.S. comparable store sales for the first quarter 13-week period declined 1.4 percent. Sam's Club posted a comparable club sales increase, without fuel, of 0.7 percent.
- The company ended the quarter with return on investment of 19.1 percent for the trailing 12 months ended April 30, 2010, up from 18.7 percent for the comparable period last year. (1)
- The company added 3.6 million square feet of retail selling space this quarter and expects to have a significant number of new store openings in the second and third quarters.
(1) See additional information at the end of the release regarding non-GAAP financial measures.

BENTONVILLE, Ark., May 18, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) today reported record first quarter sales and earnings for the period ended April 30, 2010. Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal year 2011 were $99.1 billion, an increase of 6.0 percent from $93.5 billion in the first quarter last year. Net sales for the first quarter included a currency exchange rate benefit of $2.5 billion. Income from continuing operations attributable to Walmart for the quarter increased to $3.3 billion from $3.0 billion in the first quarter last year.

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to Walmart ("EPS") for the first quarter of fiscal year 2011 were $0.88, with a benefit of approximately $0.02 from currency exchange rates. This compares to EPS of $0.77 in the first quarter last year.

"Walmart kicked off the fiscal year with record first quarter net sales and earnings, and I'm pleased that earnings exceeded guidance," said Mike Duke, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. president and chief executive officer. "Our teams around the world delivered on our commitment to the productivity loop. We leveraged operating expenses for the second consecutive quarter and improved the profitability of our business.

"Our customers, particularly in the United States, are still concerned about their personal finances and unemployment, as well as higher fuel prices," Duke added. "Our commitment to reducing prices and managing expenses positions us well across the retail landscape."

Walmart will continue to grow worldwide, with a significant number of store openings expected for the second and third quarters.

The company ended the first quarter with negative free cash flow of approximately $1.6 billion.(1) Free cash flow for the quarter was affected by the lower inventory position at the end of fiscal year 2010. Inventory levels rebounded by the end of the quarter, but still remain at levels in line with the company's improved inventory management. This inventory increase negatively impacted free cash flow by more than $2 billion.

Net Sales

Net sales were as follows (dollars in billions):

Three Months Ended
April 30,
-------------------------------
Percent
2010 2009 Change
---- ---- ------
Net Sales:
Walmart U.S. $62.324 $61.627 1.1%
Walmart International 25.030 20.621 21.4%
Sam's Club 11.743 11.223 4.6%
---
Total Company $99.097 $93.471 6.0%

First quarter Walmart International net sales were $25.0 billion, an increase of 21.4 percent from last year. The increase in Walmart International net sales includes a $2.5 billion positive impact from currency exchange rate fluctuations. On a constant currency basis, Walmart International net sales were up 8.9 percent to $22.5 billion from last year's first quarter results.

Segment Operating Income

Segment operating income was as follows (dollars in billions):

Three Months Ended
April 30,
---------------------------
Percent
2010 2009 Change
---- ---- --------
Segment Operating Income:
Walmart U.S. $4.638 $4.391 5.6%
Walmart International 1.095 0.857 27.8%
Sam's Club 0.429 0.393 9.2%

(1) See additional information at the end of the release regarding non-GAAP financial measures.

Walmart International reported operating income for the first quarter that included a currency exchange rate benefit of $119 million. On a constant currency basis, Walmart International operating income increased 13.9 percent to $1.0 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the same period in fiscal year 2010. On a reported basis, Walmart International operating income increased 27.8 percent, to $1.1 billion compared to the same period in fiscal 2010.

Consolidated operating income for the first quarter was $5.8 billion, up 10.6 percent from last year and up 8.4 percent on a constant currency basis.

U.S. Comparable Store Sales

The company reports U.S. comparable store sales in this earnings release based on its 13-week retail calendar periods ended Apr. 30, 2010 and May 1, 2009, as follows:

Without Fuel With Fuel Fuel Impact
----------------- -------------------- -------------------
Thirteen Weeks Thirteen Weeks Thirteen Weeks
Ended Ended Ended
04/30/10 05/01/09 04/30/10 05/01/09 04/30/10 05/01/09
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------

Walmart U.S. -1.4% 3.6% -1.4% 3.6% 0.0% 0.0%
Sam's Club 0.7% 4.2% 3.9% -0.5% 3.2% -4.7%
--- --- --- ---- --- ----
Total U.S. -1.1% 3.7% -0.5% 2.9% 0.6% -0.8%

Data in the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this news release are based on the fiscal quarters ended Apr. 30, 2010 and 2009.

Operating Segments Review and U.S. Comparable Store Sales Expectations

Walmart U.S. had operating income of $4.6 billion for the first quarter, up 5.6 percent from last year. For the first quarter, the structural changes implemented earlier this year enabled the business to leverage expenses and deliver strong profitability. Walmart U.S. comparable store sales declined 1.4 percent due to soft customer traffic, partially offset by an increase in average ticket, compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2010.

Walmart U.S. expects comparable store sales without fuel during the 13-week period from Sat., May 1, through Fri., July 30, 2010 to be negative 2.0 percent to positive one percent, as compared to a 1.5 percent decline for the comparable period last year.

Sam's Club delivered 0.7 percent comparable club sales without fuel for the first quarter. The clubs had strong sales from fresh foods and health and wellness categories, as well as home and apparel. Sam's Club leveraged operating expenses. Operating income grew at a faster rate than sales, increasing 9.2 percent.

Sam's Club expects comparable club sales without fuel during the second quarter 13-week period to be flat, plus or minus one percent, which compares to a 0.6 percent increase without fuel in the comparable period last year.

Both Walmart U.S. and Sam's Club will report comparable sales for the 13-week period on Aug. 17, 2010, when the company reports second quarter results.

As part of an operational realignment, the Walmart units and Sam's Clubs in Puerto Rico moved from the Walmart International segment to the respective Walmart U.S. and Sam's Club segments, effective this fiscal year. Walmart International now consists of the company's operations outside the United States and Puerto Rico.

Walmart International ended the first quarter of fiscal year 2011 with more than $25 billion in net sales, with currency exchange rate fluctuations benefitting sales by $2.5 billion. On a constant currency basis, sales were up 8.9 percent. Mexico, Canada, Brazil and China drove the strong sales performance. On a constant currency basis, first quarter operating income for Walmart International grew faster than sales, despite a $26-million charge, net of insurance, related to the Chilean earthquake. Walmart International leveraged constant currency operating expenses for the fifth consecutive quarter.

SOURCE: Walmart Corporate Website

INDUSTRY/RESEARCH NEWS: Study: Retail clinics save nonemergency patients money

2010-05-17T10:15:00.002-04:00

According to a study conducted by HealthCore, allergy suffers can save money and still receive convenient, quality care by visiting a retail-based clinic. Further, the study found that few patients who visit retail clinics need follow-up care for their ailments. This information sits well for any retail outlets who currently house areas for on-site treatment and care by health professionals.

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Study: Retail clinics save nonemergency patients money

By Antoinette Alexander

INDIANAPOLIS Allergy sufferers can save money and receive quality, convenient care by skipping the emergency room and instead visiting a retail-based or urgent-care clinic, according to a recent study.

The study conducted by HealthCore, WellPoint’s outcomes research subsidiary, found that patients can save anywhere from $50 to $400 in out-of-pocket costs per visit by skipping the ER and heading to a retail health- or urgent-care clinic when they are unable to see their primary care physician.

“When possible, we recommend that our members visit their primary care physicians for non-emergency treatment,” stated Dr. Manish Oza, WellPoint medical director and emergency room physician. “If that’s not an option, in cases where patients are looking for treatments related to allergies and colds -- such as sinus infections, sore throats, ear infections and bronchitis -- it just makes more economic sense to go to a retail health clinic or urgent-care clinic.”

In addition, the study found that few patients who received care at retail health clinics or urgent-care clinics needed follow-up care for their ailment, implying that they received the appropriate level of care, stated John Barron, HealthCore director for health-plan research.

The study of members in WellPoint’s affiliated health plans in 14 states found that nearly 1-in-5 ER visits (19.4%) were for non-emergencies, including conditions such as upper respiratory infections, sore throats or urinary tract infections. This is during a time when ER visits have increased 31% in 2005 compared with 1995, and ER waits to see a physician have increased from 38 minutes in 1997 to 56 minutes in 2005, according to federal government statistics provided by WellPoint.

Bronchitis, one of the more expensive conditions to treat, cost $646 to treat in the ER, compared with $97 for an urgent-care visit and $54 for a retail health-clinic visit, according to the study. Average costs for ER visits for all conditions studied ranged from $441 for the ER to $98 for urgent care and $52 for retail care. These costs represent total costs, including the portion paid by the health plan member.

The study showed that for every member treated at retail health clinics, about 15 others are treated in the ER for the same conditions.

The study also looked at overall costs to treat individual episodes over a two-week period for ailments associated with allergy, cold and flu, along with conjunctivitis and urinary tract infections. In this case, ER episodes cost an average $500, while urgent care cost $150 and retail health clinic cost $90.

SOURCE: Drug Store News

BUSINESS NEWS: Reliv International Declares Dividend

2010-05-17T10:14:00.000-04:00

Reliv International Declares Dividend

CHESTERFIELD, Mo., /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Reliv International, Inc. (Nasdaq: RELV), a nutrition and direct selling company, announced Friday that the Board of Directors has declared a dividend of $0.02 per share to all holders of record as of May 24, 2010, to be paid on or about June 3, 2010.

Reliv currently pays dividends twice a year, and this represents the company's first dividend in 2010.

SOURCE: Reliv International Press Release