#Food Safety Testing Market Reports

[ananya5400]

The global food safety testing in nutrigenomics and personalized nutrition market is poised for substantial growth, with its value expected to rise from USD XX.X billion in 2024 to USD XX.X billion by 2029, reflecting an impressive CAGR of X.X%.

[supriyab]

The food pathogen safety testing equipment and supplies market is estimated to be valued at USD 7.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 10.4 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2023 to 2028.

[foodagriculturenews]

The food pathogen testing market size is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% between 2023 and 2028, reaching a value of $22.7 billion by 2028 from a projection of $15.1 billion in 2023.

[thoughtportal]

When Simon Bogemann’s hand began cramping around the steering wheel in a claw position on his commute from Geelong to Melbourne, he began to worry.

Bogemann, then 43, was also getting pins and needles in his feet and fingers every night in bed, and while sitting down during short lunch breaks at work.

His GP put it down to a lack of magnesium and recommended a supplement, in addition to the multivitamin he was taking for a chronic condition.

Bogemann was unaware that both capsules contained added vitamin B6, too much of which could lead to the symptoms he was experiencing – a type of nerve damage known as peripheral neuropathy.

The wellness industry’s marketing of over-the-counter vitamins is leading to an increase in the number of people presenting with peripheral neuropathy linked to excessive vitamin B6 in their blood, Australia’s peak body for pathologists has warned.

Dr David Kanowski, a chemical pathologist at Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology in Brisbane, says most people are unaware they are consuming too much of the vitamin.

Bogemann certainly had no idea: “You buy an over-the-counter supplement, you just think that it’s going to be good for you, not bad for you.”

He says it has been a challenge to change his multivitamin to a product without B6.

“One thing that I have learned is that B6 seems to be added, for some reason, to a lot of over-the-counter supplements.”

It is also in some energy drinks, breakfast cereals, and protein and weight loss shakes.

Magnesium tablets, commonly recommended for cramp relief, often contain B6 because it can assist magnesium absorption. But a person who takes two magnesium tablets a day could consume more than 120mg of B6, far exceeding the recommended dietary intake for adults in Australia of 1.3mg to 2mg a day.

It was previously believed that peripheral neuropathy was caused by doses of hundreds of milligrams taken over periods of 12 months or more but cases have been known to occur at levels as low as 21mg.

The initial symptoms include numbness and pins and needles in the feet, which can spread up the legs. Muscle cramps and pain may be felt in the arms and hands.

In 2020 the Therapeutic Goods Administration released a safety advisory warning. Two years later, still concerned about a lack of awareness, the TGA lowered the limit at which products must display a warning label, from 50mg of B6 down to 10mg – and banned products with more than 100mg.skip past newsletter promotion

after newsletter promotion

Nevertheless, cases have continued to rise. Between January 2020 and October 2024 the TGA received 81 adverse event reports of peripheral neuropathy associated with medicines containing a vitamin B6 ingredient, with most of them reported in the past two years.

Kanowski says advertising on social and other media promotes the idea that taking more vitamins is good for health.

“It’s understood that if you want to counteract bad habits, like smoking or drinking too much, perhaps that can be counterbalanced with vitamins,” he says.

Kanowski says the TGA has been “fairly hands off” unless toxins are in a product.

Fiona Sammut, a dietitian based in Victoria, says it’s a big ask to expect consumers to read and interpret “tiny font” disclaimers and formulations.

People who see claims that vitamins will “boost their energy” may take several supplements thinking they are harmless, she says.

While foods are commonly fortified with vitamins for “specific evidence-based reasons”, such as vitamin B1 fortified bread, Sammut says there’s no similar reason for B6 fortification because there isn’t a high incidence of vitamin B6 deficiency.

Most people get enough B6 in their diets from foods including fish, non-citrus fruits and starchy vegetables, and high intakes of B6 from natural food sources have not been reported to cause adverse effects.

Sarah* had symptoms of peripheral neuropathy for years, but “never thought anything of it”, because she assumed they were related to her Crohn’s disease.

In hindsight, she says, the symptoms began about a year after she began taking a multivitamin that contained 60mg of B6 after weight loss surgery in 2011, in addition to the magnesium which contained 82mg she had been taking for years due to cramps in her legs.

She had been having yearly blood tests at her dietician’s recommendations but it was only in late 2021 that the pathology lab tested for B6 levels and found they were 15 times higher than the recommended range.

In most cases, once B6 levels return to normal, peripheral neuropathy will slowly improve within six to 12 months but in some severe cases it can be irreversible.

Prof Matthew Kiernan, the chief executive of Neuroscience Australia, has described a case he saw in his clinical practice of a 40-year-old patient who was worried he had motor neurone disease before the doctor linked the gym enthusiast’s symptoms to excessive vitamin B6 intake from the supplements he consumed as part of his fitness program.

Kiernan, who diagnosed more patients with peripheral neuropathy after his article on the case was published in the Medical Journal of Australia, believes there should be limits on the number of supplements people can buy because they are unnecessary for people eating a balanced diet.

“None of this is policed,” he says. “So, if you go down to the chemist and go down the vitamin aisle, they’re all there. You can get a whole shopping trolley full of them.”

[mariacallous]

"I’m going to let him go wild on health,” former president Donald Trump said of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at his Madison Square Garden rally in New York City this past weekend. “I’m going to let him go wild on the food. I’m going to let him go wild on the medicines.”

Kennedy, a former Democrat, suspended his presidential campaign in August and endorsed Trump. He has since launched the Make America Healthy Again campaign, an initiative focused on tackling chronic diseases that Trump has seemingly embraced in recent weeks. Given Kennedy’s anti-vaccination stance and conspiratorial leanings, some policy experts and former government officials are concerned about how his views could shape the nation’s health agenda.

Kennedy has long made false statements about the safety of vaccines and has touted disproven treatments for Covid-19, including ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine. On the campaign trail, he has railed against seed oils, blaming several chronic health conditions on their presence in processed foods.

How much influence Kennedy could have on national health policy will all depend on his role within a future Trump administration. Trump did not clarify his remarks at Sunday’s event, including what position he is considering Kennedy for. According to a CNN report that ran late Tuesday, Kennedy said Trump “promised him control of the public health agencies,” but in an email to WIRED on Wednesday, Steven Cheung, Trump’s campaign communications director, said that formal discussions of who will serve in a second Trump administration are premature.

Trump could be considering Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, which has 80,000 federal employees, or one of the agencies within it, such as the Food and Drug Administration or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It would be a departure from his previous top health picks, who had lengthy government or public health careers. For instance, Alex Azar, Trump’s HHS secretary, was deputy HHS secretary under George W. Bush and an executive at drugmaker Eli Lilly. Scott Gottlieb, a physician and investor appointed as FDA commissioner under Trump, had previously worked for the FDA and had served on the boards of pharma and biotech companies.

When asked to elaborate on Kennedy’s health priorities, Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, the former candidate’s campaign director and daughter-in-law, told WIRED: “Bobby aims to end conflicts and corruption at the agencies, ensure all testing is undertaken by scientists who have no financial interest in the outcome, and all results of all trials are released to the public. The free market will take care of it from there.” (The National Institutes of Health already requires results of clinical trials funded by the agency to be published to a government database.)

Jerome Adams, US surgeon general under Trump and current executive director of health equity initiatives at Purdue University, says that even if Kennedy were tapped to lead HHS, the FDA, or the CDC, it’s unlikely that he would ascend to one of those roles due to his lack of medical training and controversial views on public health issues. “Congressional approval is required for these positions, and his stances could be a barrier,” Adams says.

If Republicans control the Senate after next week’s election, though, that calculus could change. “The GOP has generally fallen into line in terms of supporting candidates that President Trump does,” says Genevieve Kanter, associate professor of public policy at the University of Southern California.

If chosen to be FDA commissioner, Kennedy would control the agency’s budget and priorities and could have a sizable impact by installing lower-level appointees who are sympathetic to his worldview. While the FDA commissioner does not single-handedly approve or authorize new drugs, Kantner says outside political pressure can certainly influence that process. Kennedy could also appoint members to FDA advisory committees, panels of outside experts that make recommendations to the agency on drug approvals and other regulatory matters. The FDA often follows the recommendations of advisory committees when making decisions on new drug approvals, but not always.

The FDA can also choose to not enforce some rules in certain circumstances—what’s known as enforcement discretion. Given his support for dubious and unproven therapies, such as stem cells and hyperbaric oxygen, an FDA under Kennedy, for instance, could choose to not go after companies that market unapproved treatments.

“When we think of the kind of person we want to be head of HHS or be FDA commissioner, someone ‘going wild’ isn’t exactly the first trait that comes to mind,” Kanter says. “It wouldn’t ease the public’s concern that we would see more food safety incidents and adverse events from poorly regulated drugs and devices from a lax administration that is known for embracing unscientific theories.”

Kennedy wouldn’t have free rein though. Existing laws and regulations govern how the agency works, and a new FDA commissioner wouldn’t be able to get rid of those quickly. “If you’re dealing with regulatory issues that have been long-standing and have lots of precedent, it’s just not possible to turn some of those things around or dismiss them overnight,” says a past leader of the FDA, who requested anonymity so that they could speak freely.

Likewise, even in a leadership role at HHS or the CDC, Kennedy wouldn’t be able to easily affect vaccine policy. Vaccine recommendations are made by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which comprises outside medical and public health experts. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, says Kennedy could try to stack that advisory committee with people who are sympathetic to his views on vaccination, but those members are chosen through a rigorous nomination process.

“He could certainly change policy that way, but it takes a while and it won't be a secret. There are ways in which the public can push back, including taking a case to court,” he says.

Kennendy could have influence in other ways beyond direct control of a public health agency. Trump could potentially bring Kennedy on as a White House adviser, which wouldn’t require approval by the Senate.

“Without congressional vetting and oversight, there is potential for unchecked impact. RFK's views could shape health policies, raising concerns about misinformation and harm,” Adams says.

Karoline Leavitt, national press secretary for the Trump campaign, told WIRED in an email that if reelected, Trump will establish a “special Presidential Commission of independent minds and will charge them with investigating what is causing the decades-long increase in chronic illnesses.” She did not say whether Kennedy would be chosen for that task force.

Kennedy has also been sizing himself up for another position in a potential Trump cabinet: agriculture secretary. A longtime environmental activist, Kennedy has promised to take on big farms and feedlots, reduce pesticides, and fix what he presents as a food system captured by corporate interests. “When Donald Trump gets me inside,” Kennedy said in a video shot outside the Department of Agriculture headquarters in Washington, DC, “it won’t be that way any more.”

This platform is a continuation of Kennedy’s long history as an antagonist against the agriculture industry. In 2018, Kennedy and a team of attorneys won an initial $289 million settlement against Monsanto, representing a groundskeeper who developed cancer after being soaked with a herbicide made by the agrochemical firm. He also attempted to sue the pig farming company Smithfield because of its production of hog manure, although that case was thrown out by a federal judge.

Kennedy’s past makes him an unlikely candidate for agriculture secretary, according to Daniel Glickman, who served in the role during Bill Clinton’s presidency. “It’s hard for me to imagine, given Trump’s traditional base in the heartlands, that he would pick somebody who was an advocate for breaking up large farms and breaking consolidated agriculture,” says Glickman.

Like top posts at HHS, the USDA secretary position would need to be confirmed by a Senate vote. “I don’t think [Kennedy] is a slam dunk,” says Glickman.

Trump’s pick for USDA chief during his first term was Sonny Perdue, a former governor of Georgia and founder of an agricultural trading company. Most agriculture secretaries either have a background in the industry or politics—two crucial constituencies for the person who will be in charge of a department that employs nearly 100,000 and is made up of 29 agencies, including forestry, conservation, and nutrition programs. “The difference between Sonny Perdue and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is like night and day,” says Glickman.

If Kennedy were to be confirmed as agriculture secretary, he might struggle to enact the most radical parts of his program. He is an outspoken critic of pesticides, but the USDA is generally not in charge of regulating those, says Dan Blaustein-Rejto, director of agriculture policy and research at the Breakthrough Institute. Rather, the EPA regulates pesticides with public health uses.

Although he may not be able to directly influence pesticide regulations, Kennedy has said he would try to “weaponize” other agencies against “chemical agriculture” by commissioning scientific research into the effects of pesticides. The USDA Agricultural Research Service has a nearly $2 billion discretionary budget for research into crops, livestocks, nutrition, food safety, and natural resources conservation.

There are other levers that an agriculture secretary could pull, says Blaustein-Rejto. The USDA is investing $3 billion through the partnership for climate-smart commodities—a scheme that’s supposed to make US agriculture more climate-friendly. A USDA chief might be able to put their thumb on their scale by influencing the selection criteria for these kinds of programs. The USDA also oversees the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), which has a $5 billion fund that it uses to support farm incomes and conservation programs, and to assist farmers hit by natural disasters. It’s possible that a USDA chief could influence how these CCC funds are distributed by the agency.

Kennedy has also argued that corporate interests have captured the US’s dietary guidelines, and he pledged to remove conflicts of interest from USDA groups that come up with dietary guidelines. US dietary guidelines are developed jointly by the USDA and HHS and are updated every five years, giving the agriculture secretary limited opportunities to influence any recommendations.

“If RFK is in a high-level policy role, I expect to see a lot more talk about ultra-processed foods, but I’m not sure what that would actually entail when it comes to the dietary guidelines,” says Blaustein-Rejto.

The experts WIRED spoke with largely think Kennedy’s more extreme positions will likely be constrained by bureaucracy. But the message that elevating a vocal vaccine skeptic and conspiracy theorist would send remains a serious concern ahead of a potential second Trump administration.

[killed-by-choice]

“Sadie Roe,” 24 (USA 2013)

“Sadie” died after undergoing a chemical abortion. Her death was counted in the FDA Adverse Event Summary for the mifepristone/misoprostol abortion regimen, but despite investigation, it is still unknown which of her complications caused her death.

Sadie was 24 and had no known health problems. On or about August 15, 2013, she underwent the abortion. She began to feel sick afterwards and went to a doctor, who prescribed an antibiotic. It is unknown what kind of infection the doctor had diagnosed.

On August 20, someone found Sadie’s dead body. An autopsy was conducted to try to find out how a young woman went from healthy to dead in five days.

The autopsy results came back with a mystery. Although traces of cannabinoids and ibuprofen (most likely Sadie’s attempt to treat her pain) were detected, both were so inconsequential that the toxicology report cleared her as negative. Neither drug was in a concentration that could have killed her. Many people had already died of sepsis caused by Clostridium bacteria, so tissue samples were sent to the CDC for testing. The samples came back negative for the species tested.

However, several life-threatening problems were found at Sadie’s autopsy. She had retained part of the placenta from the abortion, which is a serious complication that risks infection. Her organs were damaged; she suffered “acute visceral and pulmonary congestion and edema.” Microbiology testing had come back negative for the Clostridium strain that had been investigated, but after less than a day the cultures grew streptococcus viridans.

So which of these killed Sadie? The coroner initially listed “unspecified natural causes,” but the CDC analyzed her case and tried to determine what the cause of death was. They finally concluded that the cause of death was undetermined, but included her in the count of pregnant people who died after chemical abortion.

Years later, six doctors reviewed Sadie’s case. They found the confirmation of retained placenta, her symptoms and the Streptococcal species in her lab cultures to be indicative of sepsis and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Viridans group streptococci can cause life-threatening infections and had been reported to have antibiotic-resistant strains, so this is also consistent with the Azithromycin prescription.

While we still do not have a definite answer on the precise cause of Sadie’s death (and sadly, we may never be sure), it can be assumed beyond reasonable doubt that side effects of the abortion played a highly significant role.

Individual Case Safety Report number 9587011-03-00-01, Danco Laboratories, LLC. Office of Post-marketing Drug Risk Assessment, Food and Drug Administration.

https://www.fda.gov/media/154941/download

[meret118]

Tainted CPAP machines and ventilators went to children, the elderly and at least 700,000 veterans despite internal warnings. Company insiders said the devices posed an “unacceptable” risk.

The first complaints landed at the offices of Philips Respironics in 2010, soon after the company made a fateful decision to redesign its bestselling breathing machines used in homes and hospitals around the world.To silence the irritating rattle that kept users awake at night, Philips packed the devices with an industrial foam — the same kind used in sofas and mattresses. It quickly became clear that something had gone terribly wrong.

The reports coming into Philips described “black particles” or “dirt and dust” inside machines that pump air to those who struggle to breathe. One noted an “oily-like” substance. Others simply warned of “contamination.”

Yet Philips withheld the vast majority of the warnings from the Food and Drug Administration, even as their numbers grew from dozens to hundreds to thousands and became more alarming each year.

. . .

Instead, as the complaints continued to pile up in company files, Philips waged aggressive global marketing campaigns to sell more machines, including new models fitted with the hazardous foam.The sales pitch worked: The devices went to infants, the elderly and at least 700,000 veterans. The company also promoted machines meant for some of the sickest people in the country, rolling out a new ventilator filled with the foam in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

. . .

All the while, people using Philips machines were suffering from illnesses that no one could explain: vomiting, dizziness and headaches, along with newly diagnosed cancers of the lungs, throat, sinuses and esophagus. One man in Philadelphia coughed so hard that he broke his ribs, and a Florida woman with a hacking cough was hospitalized for days and placed on oxygen.

. . .

Studies published in scholarly journals showed the foam broke apart in heat and moisture. The company used it anyway, even though the machines send air for hours at a time into the lungs of users.

. . .

As news of the problem spread, customers and others stepped forward by the thousands, describing emergency room visits and sudden illnesses in reports submitted to Philips and the government. The reports detailed nearly 2,000 cases of cancer, 600 liver and kidney illnesses and 17,000 respiratory ailments.

. . .

The company acknowledges that the foam tested positive for genotoxicity — its own experts described “uncontrolled cellular replication” — but said that a third-party assessment still concluded the machines are unlikely to cause harm.

The three experts consulted by the news organizations said that’s not possible. While safety thresholds for chemical emissions vary and findings can be open to interpretation, genotoxicity means that one or more chemicals are changing cells, the building blocks of the human body.

“You can’t make the argument that it’s safe. That’s bad science,” said the engineer familiar with the Philips testing. “It’s a real-life failure that shows you have a problem. There’s no ambiguity. There is unacceptable risk. Full stop.”

The company’s ventilators also tested positive for genotoxicity; Philips said the devices are still being assessed.

. . .

More details about the health risks are expected to emerge through the ongoing federal lawsuits in Pittsburgh. Earlier this month, the company reached a settlement in one of the cases, agreeing to pay at least $479 million to reimburse customers and others for the costs of the defective machines.

Other legal challenges are still ongoing, including more than 600 personal injury claims and a class-action suit seeking ongoing medical monitoring and research on the dangers posed by the devices.

------

They knew the foam would break down when they decided to use it. Tests within the company after complaints came in showed how dangerous the devices were, but they refused to even change the design for new sales, much less recall the old ones. For every official complaint, how many more people were harmed that weren't reported?

They didn't recall them until 3,700 official complaints had been made. Until after they sold over 5 million life-threatening machines. There's no way to know how many people they killed.

If they think the products are so great, then they won't mind being forced to use them.

Companies will keep doing this until the financial cost of hurting people is greater than the profits from doing so.

Trigger warning for disturbing medical details, descriptions of suffering, and an image of a permanent feeding tube, in the article.

[marketreaders]

Food Safety Testing Market Industry Growth Forecast: Key Drivers and Market Trends to 2033

Food Safety Testing Market Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

Market Overview 

Rapid technical breakthroughs and changing market demands are driving a dynamic transformation inside the Food Safety Testing Market. This research offers a strategic roadmap for companies looking to take advantage of new opportunities by giving a thorough analysis of industry trends, important growth drivers, and potential roadblocks. Our comprehensive data-driven insights and expert research, which spans the years 2024–2033, emphasize important factors like pricing dynamics, adoption patterns, product innovation, and regional market penetration

Market Insights

Projection: Food Safety Testing Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.03% from 2024 to 2033.

Market Valuation: Estimated market value by 2033: USD 49.13 billion.

Key Influencing Factors: Technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and evolving consumer preferences.

Get Sample Research Report: https://marketstrides.com/request-sample/food-safety-testing-market

Key Trends Changing the Food Safety Testing Market Sector

Staying ahead in the Food Safety Testing Market requires a deep understanding of the evolving landscape. Here are some transformative trends reshaping the industry:

Smart technologies and digital disruption

Automation and analytics powered by AI are revolutionizing productivity and client interaction.

Companies that use IoT and big data are becoming more competitive.

Growing Interest in Personalization and Customization

Businesses are being pushed to innovate by consumers' growing preference for customized solutions.

Increasing the level of customisation in product offers is revolutionary.

Tougher Regulations and Compliance Requirements

Cost structures and operational strategies are being impacted by new government regulations.

For long-term viability, compliance criteria must be adjusted.

Competitive Landscape: Who’s Dominating the Food Safety Testing Market?

Making wise strategic decisions requires an understanding of the Food Safety Testing Market competitive dynamics. This section explores the major forces influencing the sector and provides a thorough SWOT analysis of the top three to five important businesses.

SGS SA

Intertek Group plc

Eurofins Scientific

Bureau Veritas

ALS Limited

Merieux NutriSciences Corporation

Neogen Corporation

3M Company

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Danaher Corporation

Romer Labs

Qiagen N.V.

Others

Important Points to Remember:

Strategic moves:Recent collaborations, acquisitions, and mergers are examples of strategic moves.

Analysis of Market Share: The ways in which the largest companies are growing their power.

Growth Potential: Finding unexplored possibilities for interested parties.

Browse Details of Food Safety Testing Market with TOC: https://marketstrides.com/report/food-safety-testing-market

Food Safety Testing Market Segmentation: Identifying High-Impact Sectors

Understanding market segmentation allows businesses to tailor their strategies effectively. Our research breaks down the Food Safety Testing Market based on:

By Test

Pathogen Testing

Allergen Testing

Pesticide and Chemical Testing

Microbiological Testing

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) Testing

Others

By Applications

Meat, Poultry, & Seafood Products

Dairy & Dairy Products

Processed Food

Beverages

Cereals & Grains

Others

Regional Market Demand: Where Are the Biggest Opportunities?

Each region presents unique growth opportunities and challenges. This section provides a detailed breakdown of demand trends, regional dynamics, and factors influencing market expansion across different geographies.

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

Latin America

The Middle East and Africa

Buy Now:https://marketstrides.com/buyNow/food-safety-testing-market

Why Trust Our Research?

Unparalleled Data Accuracy – Verified sources, rigorous validation techniques.

Holistic Research Approach – Primary research (interviews, surveys) + secondary analysis.

Industry-Specific Expertise – Domain specialists ensure actionable insights.

AI-Powered Analytics – Cutting-edge tools for precise market forecasting.

Transparent & Ethical Practices – Unbiased reporting you can rely on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the projected growth rate of the Food Safety Testing Market?

What are the key factors driving market expansion?

What challenges are hindering Food Safety Testing Market growth?

How is the market segmented, and which segments show the most potential?

Which regions lead in Food Safety Testing Market demand and why?

About Us

Market Strides is a trusted name in global market intelligence, offering research reports across diverse industries. We specialize in market sizing, competitive analysis, and trend forecasting, empowering businesses with the data-driven insights they need to make informed decisions.

Contact Us: sales@marketstrides.com

[waterbottlemanufacturer]

Supplier choice for water bottles, thermos bottles, and water campers is critical because businesses wish to offer high-quality products to the customers. When the supplier of the insulated bottles meets industry standards for durability and insulation performance in addition to its safety standards, it avoids producing defects and maintains customer satisfaction levels. Some essential steps in quality verification for suppliers of insulated bottles are discussed in the following.

Check on Material Quality and Safety Certifications The quality of an insulated water bottle mainly lies in the materials used for its manufacture. For thermos bottles and water campers, high-grade stainless steel, especially 304 or 316 stainless steel, is used due to its rust resistivity, durability, and food-and-beverage safety storage. In the case of plastics, any parts, whether the lid or inner linings, must be BPA-free so they do not leach chemical hazardous solutions into them.

A reliable distributor will be offering safety compliance documentations such as FDA, LFGB, and SGS proofs. Additionally, requesting an MSDS from suppliers will ensure checking the chemical substance composition used when producing the insulated materials. And if the said supplier cannot fulfill such request due to a reasonable reason, a red flag towards the quality criteria may have happened.

You can test their insulation by asking for some product samples, filling the bottles with hot or cold liquids, and measure how they can retain the temperature over a period of time to ensure whether the claims of the supplier about their products work in real life. Bad insulation may lead to dissatisfied customers and a high rate of returns; hence, this should be tested before making a large order.

Quality control in a supplier would mean a difference in the consistency and reliability in the water bottles and water campers. Companies which are true and reliable do maintain ISO 9001certified quality management systems, thereby subjecting the production of products to the stiffest standards available. Suppliers adopting GMP assure that their standards for hygiene efficiency at the producing line are also high.

factory audit or quality inspection reports review of a supplier provides insight into their defect management process. Suppliers that undertake pre-shipment inspections inspect for defective products, leakage, or inconsistency before shipping out the goods to hit the market are to be sought.

Request and test product samples This would mean that the supplier has samples to test with respect to the build and durability of the product as well as leak-proofing. A correctly manufactured thermos bottle should have a well-fitted lid, its casing should be hard and not leak or facilitate the conduction of heat.

This resistance in impact can also be evaluated while performing drop tests by dropping the water camper from a reasonable height. Inner coating, welding quality, and all finishing is examined to make sure that the bottle meets the highly aesthetic and functional standards.

Suppliers Reputation research and customer review A supplier’s reputation is an important factor when verifying their quality standards. Checking customer reviews, industry feedback, and trade references from other businesses can provide insights into the supplier’s reliability. Established suppliers with a history of working with well-known brands are more likely to deliver high-quality thermos bottles and water campers consistently.

Also evaluate whether the supplier can process large orders efficiently without affecting the quality control over the large bulk shipments. An attempt should be made to obtain samples from different production lots in order to check for uniformity and consistency in the process of manufacturing. Conclusion An insulated bottle supplier will need to be assessed on the quality standards by checking the quality of materials, good quality in the performance of the insulation, manufacturing methods, and the reputation of the supplier. This will help a business minimize risks while being assured that the supplier has industry certifications with good quality control and provides a sturdy water bottle to offer quality products to their clients. It is, therefore, sure that the thermos bottles and water campers provided from the supplier are safe and reliable and last long.

[ananya5400]

The food pathogen safety testing equipment and supplies market is experiencing significant global growth due to growing concerns about food safety and its impact on consumer health. Stricter regulations and high-profile foodborne illness outbreaks have increased public awareness, driving the demand for advanced testing solutions.

[onenettvchannel]

BALITANG TEKNOLOHIYA: BAN Toxics urges crackdown on Mercury-laden Skin Products on Social Media -- REPORT

TAGUIG, NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION -- Toxic watchdog group 'BAN Toxics' urges content creators and online sellers to remove social media content, free advertisements and listings, especially some active endorsers out there, promoting prohibited and banned skin-lightening beauty (SLP) products containing hazardous mercury.

Recent social media monitoring by this said watchdog group revealed that illegal skin-lightening products continue to be widely advertised and sold online through platforms like TikTok and Facebook Reels (both individually by outgoing 'ByteDance' and currently by owned 'Meta Platforms Inc', as well as e-commerce sites such as 'Lazada' and 'Shopee', part of 'Alibaba Group' and 'Sea Limited'). Many of these products contain mercury which can be harmful to both physical and online consumers.

Last year in 2024, the group bought 50 skin-whitening beauty products online and tested them using a 'Vanta C Series XRF' handheld chemical analyzer. 44 were positive for mercury, with levels ranging from 7 parts per million (ppm) to 67,400 ppm, which is way beyond the 1 ppm limit set by the ASEAN Cosmetics Directive. 33 of these products have public health advisories issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from 2013 to 2024 due to mercury content.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mercury is one of the top 10 chemicals of a major public health concern. Even small amounts of exposure can cause a lot of health problems, which can affect fetal development and early childhood. Mercury can also affect the nervous, digestive and immune systems, lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes.

Advocacy and Campaign Officer of 'BAN Toxics' named 'Mr. Thony Dizon' stated exclusively to OneNETnews: "We are dismayed that some content creators and online sellers continue to use social media platforms to advertise and sell prohibited beauty products despite existing chemical regulations in the country. The sale and promotion of mercury-laden beauty products must stop", he quoted.

After the House of Representatives (HR) probe spreading fake news on social media, 'BAN Toxics' is massively flagging up the misinformation on these toxic products. Despite being illegal due to its worst kind of mercury content, they are still being marketed with false claims that put Filipino consumers at risk.

The decision of Meta to remove fact-checking labels from both Facebook & Instagram replacing community notes for context had made the problem worse, allowing misinformation to spread without needing to be checked. Without stronger enforcement, deceptive marketing will continue at the wasteful expense of public health.

Effective immediately, 'BAN Toxics' calls to order all social media platforms, online sellers and content creators to stop spreading misinformation and take responsibility for consumer safety. They also call on regulatory agencies like the FDA and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to investigate and take immediate action against the said soc-med platforms & online shopping sites that seriously violate health and safety regulations and e-commerce laws.

FULL DISCLOSURE: Facebook is a parent social media firm on this Internet TV station and news organization of OneNETtv Channel and OneNETnews.

PHOTO and SCREENGRAB COURTESY: BAN Toxics & TikTok website via PR BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: Tegna

-- OneNETnews Online Publication Team

FINAL UPDATE: Minor corrections fixed from our editorial team.

[jesvira]

How Pharma Compliance Ensures Patient Safety and Industry Integrity

Pharma compliance is a critical aspect of the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring that companies follow all legal, ethical, and regulatory guidelines. Compliance plays a crucial role in maintaining patient safety, data integrity, and industry credibility. With strict rules in place, pharma companies must implement strong compliance strategies to avoid legal issues and ensure smooth business operations.

What is Pharma Compliance?

Pharma compliance refers to the adherence to laws, regulations, and guidelines set by authorities like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and EMA (European Medicines Agency). These rules cover various aspects, including drug development, manufacturing, marketing, sales, and data protection. Compliance ensures that pharmaceutical products are safe, effective, and marketed responsibly.

Importance of Pharma Compliance

Patient Safety – Compliance ensures that medicines meet safety and quality standards, reducing the risk of harmful side effects.

Regulatory Approval – Adhering to compliance laws helps companies gain necessary approvals, allowing their products to reach the market without legal obstacles.

Data Protection – Compliance regulations protect sensitive patient and research data from breaches and unauthorized access.

Ethical Business Practices – Companies that prioritize pharma compliance maintain integrity, ensuring transparency in marketing and sales.

Avoiding Legal Penalties – Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines, lawsuits, and even product recalls, damaging a company’s reputation and financial stability.

Key Areas of Pharma Compliance

Pharma companies must comply with various regulations across different stages of drug development and distribution. Some key areas include:

1. Research and Development Compliance

Before a new drug is approved, it must go through extensive clinical trials. Pharma compliance requires companies to follow Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, ensuring ethical testing, proper documentation, and accurate reporting of trial results.

2. Manufacturing Compliance

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards regulate how pharmaceutical products are produced. These guidelines cover hygiene, quality control, and proper labeling to ensure that medicines are safe and effective for patient use.

3. Marketing and Advertising Compliance

Pharma compliance laws prevent misleading advertisements and false claims about drug benefits. The FDA and other regulatory bodies strictly monitor how pharmaceutical products are promoted to healthcare professionals and consumers.

4. Data Privacy Compliance

The pharmaceutical industry handles vast amounts of sensitive patient data. Regulations like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) require companies to protect patient information and ensure secure handling of data.

5. Anti-Bribery and Corruption Compliance

To maintain ethical standards, pharma compliance includes rules against bribery and corruption. Companies must ensure transparency in their interactions with healthcare providers and regulatory agencies.

Challenges in Pharma Compliance

Despite its importance, pharma compliance presents several challenges:

Constantly Changing Regulations – Laws and regulations frequently evolve, requiring companies to stay updated to remain compliant.

High Costs of Compliance – Implementing compliance measures requires significant financial investment in staff training, technology, and audits.

Complex Global Regulations – International pharmaceutical businesses must comply with different regulations in multiple countries, adding to the complexity.

Data Security Risks – With increasing cyber threats, ensuring the protection of sensitive data is a major challenge.

Best Practices for Ensuring Pharma Compliance

Pharmaceutical companies can adopt the following best practices to enhance compliance:

Regular Training and Education – Employees must be trained on the latest pharma compliance regulations and ethical guidelines.

Robust Compliance Programs – Establishing a dedicated compliance team helps monitor regulatory changes and implement best practices.

Advanced Technology – Using compliance management software can automate reporting, documentation, and risk assessments, reducing human errors.

Internal Audits and Monitoring – Regular audits help identify and fix compliance gaps before they become major issues.

Strong Data Security Measures – Implementing encryption, secure access controls, and regular security audits protect sensitive information.

The Future of Pharma Compliance

The landscape of pharma compliance is evolving, with digital transformation playing a major role. Artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology are improving data security, reducing compliance risks, and streamlining regulatory reporting. Pharma companies must stay proactive and embrace innovative solutions to navigate the complex world of compliance.

Conclusion

Pharma compliance is an essential pillar of the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring that companies operate ethically, legally, and safely. By following strict regulatory guidelines, pharma businesses can build trust, avoid legal troubles, and contribute to better patient outcomes. As regulations continue to evolve, companies must remain vigilant and committed to compliance to sustain success in the industry.

[best-testing-lab-uae]

How Plastic Testing Labs in Abu Dhabi Ensure Compliance with Global Safety Standards? | +971 554747210

The plastic industry plays an essential role in modern manufacturing, impacting sectors from packaging to automotive to healthcare. However, ensuring that plastic products meet global safety and quality standards is no small feat. This is where plastic testing labs in Abu Dhabi come into play. These laboratories ensure that plastic products not only meet local regulatory requirements but also comply with international standards that guarantee their safety, durability, and environmental compliance.

In this blog, we’ll explore how plastic testing lab in Abu Dhabi ensure compliance with global safety standards, the different types of tests they conduct, and why manufacturers must leverage these testing services to remain competitive and compliant in today’s global market.

1. The Role of Plastic Testing Labs in Compliance

Plastic products are used in a wide range of applications, including food packaging, medical devices, automotive parts, toys, and construction materials. To ensure that these products are safe, reliable, and durable, it is crucial that they meet global safety standards, including ISO certifications, REACH regulations, and RoHS guidelines. Plastic testing labs in Abu Dhabi play an essential role in testing these products to ensure compliance with the following areas:

1.1 Regulatory Requirements

Global markets have varying safety and quality standards. For example, Europe's REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation aims to protect human health and the environment from chemicals, including those in plastics. Similarly, RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) regulations limit the use of certain hazardous materials in electrical and electronic products.

In Abu Dhabi, manufacturers need to meet the requirements of the UAE Standards (ESMA), and international standards are often necessary for market access in the US, Europe, and Asia. Plastic testing labs help businesses comply with these regulations by conducting extensive testing and reporting the results in line with specific guidelines. These certifications not only assure manufacturers that their products are compliant but also enhance their reputation in the marketplace.

1.2 Product Quality Assurance

In addition to compliance, testing labs also verify the overall quality of plastic products. High-quality plastic materials must withstand the demands of their respective industries. Whether it’s a medical device, food packaging, or automotive part, plastic products must maintain structural integrity and ensure they do not pose any risk to consumers.

Testing for various qualities such as strength, flexibility, chemical resistance, and thermal stability ensures that plastic products can handle environmental stressors, temperature fluctuations, and daily wear and tear. By undergoing rigorous tests, manufacturers can be confident that their products perform as expected and meet international standards for safety and durability.

2. Key Safety Standards for Plastic Products

Plastic products must comply with various safety standards to be deemed safe for consumer use. Testing labs in Abu Dhabi perform comprehensive tests to meet global safety standards, including:

2.1 ISO 9001 Quality Management System

ISO 9001 is an internationally recognized standard that defines quality management system (QMS) requirements for organizations to ensure they consistently meet customer expectations. For plastic manufacturers, this means that their production processes, including material selection, manufacturing, and post-production testing, must adhere to strict quality control protocols.

Plastic testing labs in Abu Dhabi help manufacturers comply with ISO 9001 by conducting precise tests that assess product quality and ensuring that each batch of plastic products adheres to the required specifications.

2.2 ISO 14001 Environmental Management

The ISO 14001 standard focuses on environmental management, helping organizations improve their environmental performance by reducing their carbon footprint, managing waste, and minimizing resource consumption. This is particularly relevant for plastic manufacturers as they are under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices.

Plastic testing labs in Abu Dhabi test materials to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, such as verifying that products are recyclable, contain low amounts of toxic substances, and meet sustainability requirements. Labs also test for eco-friendly certifications such as UL 2809 (Recycled Content Certification), which ensures that plastic products are made from recycled materials.

2.3 REACH and RoHS Compliance

The REACH regulation (EU) ensures that chemicals used in manufacturing, including those in plastic, do not harm human health or the environment. Similarly, RoHS restricts the use of certain hazardous materials like lead, cadmium, and mercury in electrical and electronic products.

Plastic testing labs in Abu Dhabi conduct chemical analysis to determine whether plastic materials contain harmful substances that exceed allowable limits. This testing ensures compliance with REACH and RoHS regulations, protecting manufacturers from costly penalties and reputational damage in international markets.

2.4 ASTM and ISO Testing for Mechanical Properties

ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and ISO standards provide testing protocols for measuring the mechanical properties of plastic materials. These tests determine a plastic's strength, flexibility, and impact resistance. For instance, the tensile strength test checks how much force a plastic material can withstand before breaking, while impact resistance tests determine how well a product can absorb sudden shock or impact.

Plastic testing labs in Abu Dhabi conduct these mechanical tests to ensure that plastic materials meet industry requirements. For products used in industries like automotive and construction, these properties are critical for ensuring safety, durability, and performance under real-world conditions.

3. Types of Tests Performed by Plastic Testing Labs in Abu Dhabi

Plastic testing labs in Abu Dhabi offer various tests to ensure compliance with global safety standards. Some of the key tests include:

3.1 Chemical Analysis

Plastic testing labs perform chemical testing to identify harmful substances in plastics, such as lead, mercury, and other toxic elements. The chemical migration test is also performed to assess whether harmful chemicals leach into food or beverages when plastic packaging is used. This is especially important for food-grade plastic materials, which must be safe for human consumption.

3.2 Flammability Testing

Plastics used in construction, automotive, and electrical products need to undergo flammability testing to determine how they behave in the event of a fire. Tests such as limiting oxygen index (LOI) and burn rate tests measure the material’s resistance to ignition and its ability to resist the spread of fire.

3.3 Thermal and Environmental Stress Testing

Thermal and environmental testing ensures that plastics can withstand temperature changes, humidity, and environmental stressors. For example, heat deflection temperature testing measures the point at which plastic begins to soften under heat. These tests are crucial for plastics used in outdoor applications, automotive parts, and electrical components exposed to extreme conditions.

3.4 Mechanical Testing

Tests like tensile strength, impact resistance, and flexural testing are conducted to measure the mechanical properties of plastic products. These tests determine how the plastic will perform under physical stress, ensuring that the products can withstand normal wear and tear without breaking or deforming.

3.5 Biodegradability and Recycling Testing

With the increasing global emphasis on sustainability, many manufacturers are looking for biodegradable or recyclable plastic materials. Testing labs assess the biodegradability of plastic products and determine whether they can be recycled. They also test the efficiency of recycling processes and assess whether the plastic material meets environmental standards.

4. The Benefits of Plastic Testing Labs in Abu Dhabi

Plastic testing labs in Abu Dhabi offer several key benefits for manufacturers:

Regulatory Compliance: Testing ensures compliance with local and international regulations, preventing fines, recalls, and reputational damage.

Market Access: Adhering to global safety standards makes it easier for manufacturers to access international markets, especially in Europe, the US, and Asia.

Enhanced Product Safety: Rigorous testing helps identify potential defects and hazards, ensuring that products are safe for consumers.

Sustainability: Labs help manufacturers meet eco-friendly standards, reducing their environmental impact and improving their sustainability efforts.

Quality Assurance: Testing ensures that plastic products meet the necessary performance standards, reducing the risk of product failure and increasing consumer satisfaction.

5. Conclusion

Plastic testing labs in Abu Dhabi play a vital role in ensuring that plastic products meet global safety standards. Through comprehensive testing, these labs help manufacturers comply with regulations such as REACH, RoHS, ISO, and ASTM. Testing also guarantees product quality, durability, and environmental compliance, enabling manufacturers to succeed in a highly competitive and regulated global market. By partnering with accredited plastic testing labs, manufacturers can ensure that their products are safe, reliable, and compliant with the highest industry standards.

[silvereye01]

BIS Certification

BIS Certification: A Comprehensive Guide to Ensuring Product Quality and Compliance

Introduction

In today’s competitive market, ensuring the quality, safety, and reliability of products is crucial for both businesses and consumers. One of the most recognized certifications in India that guarantees product quality and compliance with standards is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Certification. Whether you are a manufacturer, importer, or business owner, obtaining a BIS certification is essential for market credibility and regulatory compliance.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about BIS certification, its benefits, procedures, and why hiring a BIS consultant can streamline the certification process for your business.

What is BIS Certification?

BIS certification is an approval mark granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national standards body of India. This certification ensures that products conform to Indian safety and quality standards, protecting consumers from substandard or hazardous products. The certification is mandatory for specific products, while it remains voluntary for others.

Why is BIS Certification Important?

BIS certification plays a significant role in regulating product quality and preventing counterfeit goods in the market. Here’s why it is important:

Legal Compliance: Certain products, such as electrical appliances, cement, and steel, require mandatory BIS certification to be sold in India.

Consumer Safety: Certified products ensure safety, reducing the risk of malfunctions, accidents, or health hazards.

Market Credibility: Businesses with BIS-certified products gain customer trust and a competitive edge in the market.

Global Acceptance: BIS certification aligns with international quality standards, helping manufacturers expand to global markets.

Protection Against Liability: Certification minimizes the risks of legal action due to defective or unsafe products.

Types of BIS Certification Schemes

BIS offers various certification schemes depending on the type of product and industry:

ISI Mark Certification – The most recognized certification, mandatory for products like electrical appliances, steel, and cement.

Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) – Required for electronic and IT products such as LED lights, laptops, and mobile phones.

Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) – Necessary for foreign manufacturers selling products in the Indian market.

ECO Mark Scheme – For environmentally friendly products that meet ecological standards.

Hallmarking Scheme – Ensures the purity of gold and silver jewelry.

Products That Require Mandatory BIS Certification

Certain products cannot be legally sold in India without BIS certification. Some of the key product categories include:

Electrical appliances (e.g., LED lights, switches, batteries)

Cement and concrete products

Steel and metal products

Food and water-related items (e.g., packaged drinking water)

Automotive components

Pressure cookers and gas stoves

Toys and child safety equipment

BIS Certification Process

The BIS certification process involves multiple stages, from application to final approval. Below is a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Application Submission

Manufacturers need to submit an application via the BIS online portal, providing details about the product, manufacturing process, and testing reports.

2. Product Testing

Products must undergo testing in BIS-approved laboratories to ensure compliance with Indian standards. The test reports are submitted along with the application.

3. Factory Inspection

BIS officials conduct an on-site inspection to assess manufacturing facilities, quality control measures, and adherence to BIS standards.

4. Grant of Certification

Once the inspection and testing meet the BIS standards, the certification is granted, and the manufacturer can use the BIS mark on their products.

5. Renewal and Surveillance

BIS certification requires periodic renewal, and BIS conducts surprise inspections to ensure continued compliance.

Role of a BIS Consultant

The BIS certification process can be complex and time-consuming. This is where hiring a BIS consultant can prove beneficial. A BIS consultant provides expert guidance, ensuring a hassle-free certification process. Here’s how they help:

Application Assistance – Helping with accurate and error-free application submission.

Product Testing Coordination – Liaising with BIS-recognized laboratories for product testing.

Documentation Support – Ensuring all required documents are correctly submitted.

Factory Inspection Preparation – Preparing manufacturers for BIS inspections.

Follow-ups & Compliance Management – Handling correspondence with BIS authorities and ensuring timely certification renewal.

Challenges in Obtaining BIS Certification

While BIS certification offers numerous benefits, businesses may face certain challenges during the process:

Lengthy Approval Process – The certification process can take several weeks or months.

Strict Compliance Requirements – Failure to meet quality standards results in application rejection.

High Costs – Testing, inspection, and renewal fees can be expensive.

Regulatory Changes – Frequent updates in BIS regulations require businesses to stay informed and adapt accordingly.

How to Overcome BIS Certification Challenges

To overcome these challenges, businesses should:

Engage a BIS Consultant – Professional consultants streamline the certification process.

Ensure Pre-Testing – Conduct internal quality checks before submitting products for BIS testing.

Maintain Proper Documentation – Organize and submit accurate documents as per BIS requirements.

Stay Updated – Keep track of regulatory changes to ensure ongoing compliance.

Cost of BIS Certification

The cost of obtaining BIS certification varies depending on the product type, testing requirements, and factory location. The major cost components include:

Application Fees – Varies based on product category.

Testing Fees – Charged by BIS-approved laboratories.

Inspection Fees – Applicable for factory visits.

Annual License Fee – Paid for maintaining certification validity.

Conclusion

BIS certification is a crucial requirement for businesses operating in India, ensuring product safety, market acceptance, and regulatory compliance. Whether you are a manufacturer, importer, or seller, obtaining BIS certification enhances product credibility and consumer trust.

Navigating the certification process can be challenging, but with the expertise of a BIS consultant, businesses can secure their certification efficiently and avoid unnecessary delays. Investing in BIS certification not only ensures compliance but also strengthens your brand’s reputation in the competitive market.

If you are looking to obtain BIS certification for your products, consider consulting industry experts like Silvereye Certification, who specialize in hassle-free BIS consulting services tailored to your business needs.

[mariacallous]

Today the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments in a consequential case that threatens to curb access to medication abortion across the country.

A central issue in the case is the safety of the drug mifepristone, the first in a two-pill regimen used to induce an abortion. The drug blocks a hormone needed for pregnancy and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration since 2000.

That FDA approval is being challenged by a coalition of antiabortion doctors and activists, the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, which is asking for the pill to be removed from the market. The group has alleged that mifepristone is dangerous to patients, citing a 2021 study that found higher rates of emergency room visits following medication abortion. However, that study was retracted in February after an independent review found problems with how the authors analyzed and presented the data.

During Tuesday’s arguments, a major line of questioning from justices was about ER visits following mifepristone use and whether the FDA’s loosening of regulations on the drug in recent years has resulted in an increase in these visits.

“I think ER visits are definitely the wrong measure when looking at safety,” says Michael Belmonte, an ob-gyn and fellow at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “It’s important to recognize that the vast majority of people that go to the emergency room are going just for reassurance rather than a true safety concern.”

Belmonte says the more important measure is serious adverse events, which are extremely rare with medication abortion. “Adverse events happen with any medication or procedure and, quite frankly, the adverse events that occur with these medications are extremely rare in comparison to things that we use every day,” he says.

Significant adverse events include hospital admission, blood transfusion, infection, and death. A 2013 peer-reviewed study found that, among 233,805 medication abortions provided in 2009 and 2010, these significant adverse events or outcomes were reported in 1,530 cases, less than 1 percent.

“Many women might go [to the ER] because they’re experiencing heavy bleeding, which mimics a miscarriage, and they might just need to know whether or not they’re having a complication,” said US Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, who is defending the FDA, in oral arguments on Tuesday.

Belmonte says it’s worth noting that the abortion pill regimen is meant to cause bleeding and cramping. While those effects may be troubling to some patients, it’s a function of the medication and a sign that it’s working. “Mifepristone really just prepares the uterus for evacuation, and so, inherently, mifepristone alone doesn’t tend to cause any bleeding, cramping, or other side effects,” he says. Misoprostol, the second drug used in a medication abortion, is what causes bleeding and cramping.

Ushma Upadhyay, a public health social scientist at the UC San Francisco who studies medication abortion, says many patients who visit an emergency department after a medication abortion are alarmed by the bleeding the medication causes, but that doesn’t mean they’re experiencing a serious adverse event. “When people have a medication abortion they’re experiencing it alone, and they don’t have a provider with them to ask questions,” she says. “People are going to the ER to understand whether the bleeding that they’re experiencing is normal and to assess whether the medications worked.”

She says some patients just want an ultrasound to confirm they are no longer pregnant, since pregnancy hormones stay in the body for several weeks after an abortion, and thus an over-the- counter pregnancy test may not be accurate.

One factor that seems to influence ER visits after a medication abortion is greater distance traveled to obtain that abortion, according to research published by Upadhyay in 2017. She says that’s likely because those patients don’t have an abortion clinic nearby or a reproductive health clinic nearby that they can go to with questions.

“It is rare for a patient to experience even a minor complication from a medication abortion, and the risk of death is so small as to be nearly nonexistent,” wrote Jack Resnick, immediate past president of the American Medical Association, in a March 15 statement. “Continuing a pregnancy poses far greater danger; the risk of death during or after childbirth is approximately 14 times higher than the risk of death from abortion-related complications.”

As of December 2022, the FDA reported that approximately 5.9 million women have used mifepristone in the US for medical termination of pregnancy, and 32 women have died after taking it. The agency cautions that “these events cannot with certainty be causally attributed to mifepristone” because not enough information is known about the patients’ health, care they received, or other drugs they were taking at the time.

Ultimately, the Supreme Court case may hinge not on the question of the drug’s safety but on a technicality called “standing”—that is, whether the plaintiffs are the right party to bring this case to the court. Plaintiffs must show that they are the aggrieved or injured party in order to sue.

The Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine argues that physicians could be harmed by treating patients who suffer adverse health effects after taking mifepristone. Much of the justices’ questioning on Tuesday focused heavily on whether this group had proven such harm. If the justices find that the plaintiffs do not have standing, the case would be dismissed. The court is expected to rule by the end of June.