The Ecology Center and the Washington Toxics Coalition (WTC) have been testing children's toys for lead and other harmful chemicals. Experts at WTC test the toys by using an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer to look for the presence of chemicals such as lead, cadium, arsenic, and chlorine (the latter to determine the presence of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC plastic). Results of the testing can be found by following this link. In addition to identifying toys and other items (such as toothbrushes) that contain contaminants, the site provides a list of lead-free toys.

Mom Rising has developed a text messaging system that provides access to the HealthyToys.org database. Using their cell phones, parents can simply text "healthytoys" and the name of a particular toy, the name of a type of toy, or the name of a toy manufacturer or retailer to 41411 to find out whether a toy is toxic. Moms Rising will respond instantly with a message based on comprehensive tests of the more than 1,200 toys featured at HealthyToys.org. For more information, click on the link above.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- May 2, 2008 -- Little Bay Baking Company of Newmarket, New Hampshire is recalling all bags of CORN BREAD AND MUFFIN MIX sold before May 2, 2008 because it contains undeclared soy. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. (Click on link for full article)

WASHINGTON, May 3, 2008 – Gourmet Boutique, L.L.C., a Jamaica, N.Y., firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 286,320 pounds of fresh and frozen meat and poultry products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today. (Click on link for full article)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Elgin, IL -- May 2, 2008 Hydrox Labs, Elgin, IL has issued a voluntary recall of Cardinal Health labeled alcohol-free mouthwash. As a result of this recall, Cardinal Health is initiating a voluntary recall of the same alcohol-free mouthwash. The FDA has been apprised of the action. The mouthwash has been tested and been found positive for Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia). The CDC has confirmed hospital illnesses in one state associated with the use of the affected mouthwash. (Click on link for full article)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- May 6, 2008 -- Cedar Crest Specialties, Inc., Manitowoc, Wisconsin announced on Friday, May 2nd 2008 a recall on one lot code of Lezza Blue Raspberry Italian Ice because, it may contain milk allergen protein that is not listed in the product’s ingredient statement. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk may experience a potentially serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. (Click on link for full article)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 10, 2008- If you smoke and would like to quit, or know someone who wants to quit, call the Illinois Tobacco Quit Line toll-free at 1-866-QUIT-YES (1-866-784-8937) to enroll in our "Break the Habit" program. The McDonough County Health Department, The Illinois Department of Public Health, and The Illinois Tobacco Quit Line which is operated by the American Lung Association have partnered together to provide this program. "Break the Habit" is a program that will provide counseling to the smoker and offer nicotine patches to the McDonough County resident at a reduced fee. Please call the Quitline at 1-866-784-8937 to enroll today.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 28, 2008- According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, as of January 1, 2008, the Smoke-Free Illinois Act requires that public places and places of employment must be completely smoke-free inside and within 15 feet from entrances, exits, windows that open and ventilation intakes. This includes but is not limited to:
• Public places and buildings, offices, elevators, restrooms, theaters, museums, libraries, educational institutions, schools, commercial establishments, enclosed shopping centers and retail stores
• Restaurants, bars, taverns and gaming facilities
• Lobbies, reception areas, hallways, meeting rooms, waiting rooms, break rooms and other common-use areas
• Concert halls, auditoriums, enclosed or partially enclosed sports arenas, bowling alleys, skating rinks, convention facilities, polling places and private clubs
• Hospitals, health care facilities, health care clinics, child care, adult care or other similar social service care
• No less than 75 percent of hotel or motel sleeping quarters rented to guests
• Public conveyances, government-owned vehicles and vehicles open to the public
If you have any questions please contact the McDonough County Health Department at (309) 837-9951 and ask to speak with the Tobacco Coordinator.

During the month of March 2008, 6 initial food sanitation inspections were performed by the McDonough County Health Department. Inspections are performed based on the requirements of the Illinois Food Service Sanitation Code and three risk categories.

The following Category I* facilities received 90 percent or higher and no critical violations on the initial inspection: Buffalo Wild Wings, Everly House and Wesley Day Care.

These Category II* facilities received 90 percent or higher and no critical violations on the initial inspection: NONE

These Category III* facilities received 90% or higher and no critical violations on the initial inspection: Family Video.


*Category I: Presents a high risk of causing foodborne illness based on the large number of food handling operations performed and the type of population served by the facility. Example: a full service restaurant, nursing home, or day care.

*Category II: Presents a medium risk of causing foodborne illness based upon the few food handling operations performed at the facility. Example: some fast food type facilities.

*Category III: A facility that presents a low risk of causing foodborne illness based on no handling operations that would be implicated in a foodborne outbreak. Example: convenience stores that also sell milk.

The next regular meeting of the Board is February 13, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at the McDonough County Health Department, located at 505 East Jackson Street, Macomb, Illinois.