- Smuggled Capsules Contain Flesh of Dead Babies: S. Korean Officials
- 14 People in U.S. Sickened by Tainted Dog Food
- Vogue Pledges to Only Use Healthy-Looking Models
Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:
Smuggled Capsules Contain Flesh of Dead Babies: S. Korean Officials
Thousands of capsules filled with powdered flesh from dead babies have been seized by the South Korean Customs Service since last August.
More than 17,000 capsules have been confiscated by the service as it thwarted 35 smuggling attempts. Customs officials said people take the capsules -- which come from China and are disguised as stamina boosters -- because they believe they are a cure-all for disease, the Associated Press reported.
The babies' bodies are chopped into small pieces and dried on stoves before being turned into powder, according to the customs service. Citing possible diplomatic problems with China, South Korean officials refused to say where the dead babies came from or who made the capsules.
They officials warned that the capsules contain bacteria and other harmful ingredients, but said there have not been any reported illnesses linked with the capsules.
Last year, Chinese officials ordered an investigation into the production of drugs made from dead fetuses or newborns, the AP reported.
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14 People in U.S. Sickened by Tainted Dog Food
A 74-year-old woman and a four-month-old baby are among at least 14 people in the United States who have been sickened by tainted dog food, according to health officials.
No deaths have been reported, but five people have been hospitalized in connection with the recalled dog food made by Diamond Pet Foods, Agence France-Presse reported.
Pet owners should wash their hands before and after handling pet foods and treats, touching or feeding their pet, and before preparing or eating their own food, officials advised.
"Humans can become ill by handling pet products contaminated with salmonella, and by coming in contact with pets or with surfaces that have been contaminated," Ohio's health department said in a statement, AFP reported.
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Vogue Pledges to Only Use Healthy-Looking Models
The fashion magazine Vogue will no longer use models who appear to have an eating disorder or models under the age of 16.
The pact, made by the editors of the 19 international editions of the magazine, was announced Thursday, CBS News reported.
"Vogue editors around the world want the magazines to reflect their commitment to the health of the models who appear on the pages and the well-being of their readers," Conde Nast International chairman Jonathan Newhouse said.
The change will take effect in the June issues of all the international editions of Vogue, CBS News reported.
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