Feb 2, 2010
Lancet retracts paper linking vaccines and autism
In an unusual reversal, The Lancet has published a statement in which it "fully retracts" a 1998 paper that linked measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine with the development of autism in children. Last week, the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom found that the paper's lead author, Dr. Andrew Wakefield, acted "dishonestly and irresponsibly" in arranging the research and taking advance payments from attorneys. The original paper, titled "Ileal-lymphoid-nodular hyperplasia, non-specific colitis, and pervasive developmental disorder in children," is widely held to be responsible for the now-widespread belief that vaccines cause autism, which has been disproved by multiple subsequent studies.
Victims in 2009 Salmonella outbreak to share $12 million
More than 120 victims in last year's widespread Salmonella outbreak linked to peanut butter will share $12 million from a settlement with the insurer of Peanut Corp. of America (PCA), the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported recently. The money, to be divided among 123 people who filed claims by last Oct 31, comes from a policy the now-bankrupt firm had with Hartford Insurance. Another $750,000 from the settlement will be used to pay administrative costs and lawyers' fees. Claimants' shares of the money will be based on their losses. Other lawsuits are pending against companies that used PCA products, including Kellogg Co. and King Nut Co., the story said. It noted that nine people died and more than 700 were sickened in the outbreak.
Jan 31 Journal-Constitution story
