Health roundup

By Torcia Velthuizen

 

Recalls

 

A variety of Iron Vegan Sprouted Protein bars have been recalled due to the possible presence of metal pieces. A full list of what flavours should be returned or thrown out can be found on Health Canada’s website.

 

Due to a burn hazzard, Whirlpool Corporation has recalled their KitchenAid Electric Kettle. The plastic handle can loosen and seperate from the metal body of the kettle and cause the contents to spill. The product can be identified by the model and serial numbers listed on Health Canada’s website. So far, there have been 19 reported incidents of handle detachment and one reported burn incident.

 

No Name brand meat lasagna has been recalled due to the presence of rubber in the food. The product was sold nationally from Loblaw Companies Limited and was pulled from the shelves on Feb. 20. The product can be identified with the UPC code 0 60383 89870 0.

 

New drug for multiple sclerosis patients

 

Roche Canada released the news that Health Canada has approved the use of the drug OCREVUS® for patients with early primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS).

 

Dr. Karen Lee, Vice-President of Research at the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, said in a release, “There have been no disease modifying therapies for people living with progressive MS. The approval of Ocrevus is a much-needed treatment for the PPMS community because, for some people living with PPMS, Ocrevus may help control, and even slow disease progression.”

 

The progression of PPMS can result in difficulty walking as well as shrinking of the brain or spinal cord.

 

According to the MS Society of Canada, Canada has the highest rate of MS in the world, with an estimated 100,000 people living with the disease.