The Union Health Ministry implemented a ban on 156 "irrational" FDC medicines, effective immediately. These medicines, including widely used antibiotics, painkillers, and multivitamins, were commonly used to treat fever, cough, and infections. The ban was imposed due to the associated health risks and lack of therapeutic justification for the ingredients in these FDCs.

What are FDC medicines?

FDCs or fixed-dosed combinations, also known as "cocktail drugs," are medications that combine multiple drugs in a single pill. They are designed to treat multiple symptoms or conditions simultaneously. While they offer convenience, they can pose significant risks. These risks include the possibility of overdose, adverse interactions between the drugs, and the development of antibiotic resistance. Additionally, many FDC medicines lack sufficient scientific evidence to support their safety and efficacy.

Expert opinions on FDC medicines

Experts have raised concerns about the use of FDC medicines. They believe that many of these combinations lack sufficient scientific evidence to support their safety and effectiveness. Additionally, the combination of multiple drugs in a single pill can increase the risk of adverse side effects and interactions with other medications.

Experts have also found that FDC medicines may not be as effective as individual drugs in treating certain conditions. It is important to note that safer and more effective alternatives are available for most of the medical conditions that FDC medicines were used to treat. One particular concern is the inclusion of antibiotics in some FDCs. Overuse of antibiotics can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance, a major public health threat.

The risks of FDC medicines

The use of FDC medicines can lead to adverse effects, including serious ones. Additionally, safer alternatives, tested in clinical trials, are available to treat the same medical conditions. Experts recommend prescribing drugs individually based on a patient's clinical symptoms rather than combining them in FDCs.

The ban on irrational FDC medicines by the Union Health Ministry can be seen as a positive step towards promoting rational drug use and protecting public health. The goal is to eliminate unnecessary and potentially harmful drug combinations. This is a step forward in reducing the risks associated with medication and ensure safer and more effective treatment options for patients.

Endometriosis, a painful condition that affects around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK, takes an average of more than nine years to diagnose. That could soon change.

Based on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's (NICE) draft guidance, the NHS will roll out two non-invasive tests — the saliva-based Endotest and the gut sensor-based EndoSure — to help speed up the diagnosis of endometriosis in England and Wales.

NICE's draft early use healthtech guidance recommends the use of EndoSure and Endotest in the NHS during a three-year evidence generation period while additional data is collected on how well they work.

“The tests can be used to diagnose endometriosis in primary care, where current diagnostic accuracy can be limited by the availability of other tests and variation in expertise,” NICE said.

“A diagnosis of endometriosis can for some women take the best part of a decade, with the UK average standing at 9 years and 4 months, and rising to 11 years for those from ethnically diverse communities. That delay means living with chronic pelvic pain that affects daily life, relationships and work," said Dr. Anastasia Chalkidou, HealthTech Programme Director at NICE.

“The new technologies offer a less invasive, faster approach to receiving a diagnosis that does not rely on ultrasound operator expertise, potentially enabling earlier decision-making and reducing the need for unnecessary invasive investigations,” Chalkidou added.

Also read: Emma Barnett: It Took 21 Years To Diagnose My Endometriosis

What Is Endometriosis?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause severe pelvic pain and make it difficult to conceive.

The condition can begin with a person's first menstrual period and last until menopause. It most commonly affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes and intestines, with pelvic pain and menstrual irregularities among the most common symptoms.

Diagnosis currently relies on ultrasound scans, MRI or laparoscopy, in which a camera is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen. Yet despite these diagnostic tools, women in England and Wales often wait as long as a decade for a diagnosis.

Those eventually diagnosed with endometriosis have reported that delays contribute to increased suffering, prolonged ill health and disease progression that can become more difficult to treat.

How Do EndoSure And Endotest Work?

READ: This Is Endometriosis, A Short Film On Debilitating Health Condition Wins BAFTA Award 2026, Know More

Endotest analyses a saliva sample to identify tiny biological markers called microRNAs that can indicate whether endometriosis is likely to be present. The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis, and the results are returned to the treating healthcare professional to help guide diagnosis and care.

EndoSure is a non-invasive test that detects endometriosis by measuring electrical signals in the gut using sensor pads placed on the abdomen. Patients fast for six to eight hours before the test and drink water until full during the 45-minute procedure to help the device accurately record gut activity. Results are available immediately after the test.

“These technologies have the potential to change that by giving primary care professionals better non-invasive tools to identify endometriosis earlier, allowing earlier and better treatment,” Chalkidou said.

“Our draft guidance reflects our commitment to getting promising innovations to patients quickly, while making sure the evidence to support their wider use is built in a rigorous way.”

Who Can Use the Tests?

Both tests are intended to be used alongside standard clinical practice to support diagnosis, referral and management. They are not standalone diagnostic tests.

They should only be used in women in whom endometriosis is still suspected despite a normal clinical examination and either negative or inconclusive imaging results, or where imaging is unsuitable or unacceptable. The tests must be used by a healthcare professional.

Early economic modelling suggests both technologies could be cost-effective. During the evidence generation period, they will be funded through core NHS funding. The companies are responsible for organizing the evidence generation activities, and NICE will review progress annually.

A third test, DotEndo, needed more research before it could get the green light, Nice said.

Experts Welcome The Move

Endometriosis UK welcomed NICE's announcement, calling it "a major step forward in reducing disease impact and supporting those with endometriosis to live well with the disease."

The charity also said the rollout should be accompanied by better education for GPs and Practice Nurses to ensure prompt access to testing, earlier recognition of symptoms, and improved understanding of endometriosis, adenomyosis and other menstrual health conditions.

Dr Gail Busby, consultant gynecologist at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, called the tests "game-changer because they give us answers much earlier, without the need for invasive surgery, and that means we can start the right treatment sooner".

The FSSAI recently issued notices to three food business operators over what it described as misleading claims and labelling violations. The companies that have received notices are Heritage Foods Ltd for its paneer, Dia Foods for La Casa Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Spread, and Cipzer Nutraceuticals for its juice capsules.

FSSAI Flags Down 3 Brands Over Misleading Claims

The food regulatory body directed the companies to provide explanations within seven days why action should not be initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The move is part of the regulator's broader ongoing crackdown on deceptive food packaging and marketing claims aimed at protecting consumers.

Also read: FSSAI Targets 6 Energy Drink Brands; Experts Link Them to Obesity, Liver Problems

Heritage Foods' Fresh Paneer Under FSSAI Scrutiny

FSSAI issued a notice to Heritage Foods, objecting to the use of the term “Fresh Paneer” on the packaging. It stated that the claim term does not meet the conditions laid down under Schedule V governing the use of the word “fresh”.

According to the regulator, the label “Fresh Paneer” is liable to mislead consumers because it does not satisfy the prescribed criteria for using the term.

La Casa Vegan Chocolate Spread Accused Of Misleading Claims

FSSAI also issued a notice to Dia Foods over its La Casa Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Spread, alleging that several claims displayed on the packaging could mislead consumers. Among the claims questioned are:

• "All Natural"

• "100% Organic"

• "Vegan"

The regulator further pointed out that the product uses the phrase "100% Organic & Vegan”, which could be misleading as it has not obtained approvals like organic and vegan food.

Further, according to FSSAI, the packaging does not display the mandatory organic certification marks, including the Jaivik Bharat logo required under Indian regulations.

It also objected to its use of “100%” as the food regulatory body has stated that it cannot be defined under FSS Act, 2006.

Also read: Popular Biscuit Brand Under FSSAI Scrutiny For Misleading ‘100% Atta’ & ‘No Added Sugar’ Claims

Cipzer Nutraceutical Also Got Served

A third notice was issued to Cipzer Nutraceuticals over its juice capsules. FSSAI said the product carries claims that violate food labelling and advertising regulations.

In its notice, it said that the product carried the claim “FSSAI-approved” which could imply that FSSAI specifically endorsed it.

Other reasons listed in the complaint stated that the product boasted of claims like “Boost your immune system” and “remove toxins from your body”, which had no scientific backing. It also said the product’s packaging depicted pictures of various vegetables that were listed in the ingredient list.

The regulatory body added that the product also claimed the presence of Vitamin C and Vitamin E but failed to substantiate it scientifically.

The makers also claimed that the capsules are “made from organic vegetables”. FSSAI said that it could mislead the consumers as it does not carry the prescribed organic certification, including Jaivik Bharat Logo.

FSSAI’s Recent Crackdowns

The latest notices are part of FSSAI's ongoing crackdowns against misleading food claims. In recent weeks, the regulator has issued notices to several food companies over the use of terms like “100%,” “healthy,” “organic,” “natural,” and “fresh” as they do not comply with food labelling and advertising regulations.

The regulator has maintained that such claims can influence consumer purchasing decisions and must be scientifically substantiated and legally compliant.

Prominent brands that faced FSSAI scrutiny includes Red Bull Energy Drink, PepsiCo – Adrenaline Rush Energy Drink, Reliance Consumer Products – Campa Energy Gold Boost, Sting Energy Drink, Hell Energy, Coca-Cola-backed Monster, Eat Fit Digestive Biscuits, Emami (Healthy & Tasty), Health Aid, Troovy, The Healthy Factory, Healthy Master, Healthy Choice, Plan B Foods, and Neuherbs.

Violation Of Food Safety In India

Also read: FSSAI Tightens Food Safety Norms, Mandates Food-Grade Knives, Cutting Tools

HealthandMe had reported food contamination from Indore's Bhagirathpura, the same place that was the epicenter of water contamination that claimed many lives. HealthandMe also reported the news of Horlicks adulteration in Odisha.

In another news, bacteria were found in Amul milk packages, along with Mother Dairy and Country Delight. Eggoz, too, landed in a controversy, when a YouTube video went viral claiming that the sample tested positive for Nitrofuran.

MicrobioTx, a Bengaluru-based gut health startup, tested samples from urban populations across 9 Indian states and 14 cities and found that people are significantly exposed to pesticides, insecticides, antibiotics, steroidal growth regulators, and forever chemicals.

The independent study reported the following findings:

• 78% were exposed to pesticide residues, with 36% exposed to three or more pesticides, indicating cumulative exposure that may pose serious health risks.

• 54% showed presence of antibiotics, linked to antimicrobial resistance, harder-to-treat infections, and disruption of the gut microbiome that may contribute to metabolic disorders.

• 39% were exposed to steroids, compounds that may cause endocrine disruption, and increased carcinogenic risk.

• 38% tested positive for forever chemicals, persistent toxins that may cause cancer risk, reduced fertility, thyroid disease, hormone suppression, high cholesterol, liver damage, and ulcerative colitis.

• 17% of the samples had 10 or more toxins in their blood across 3 categories, indicating hidden chronic exposure.

The cyclospora parasite outbreak in the US is continuing to grow, with cases nearing 900, according to local health officials.

While infections have been reported in about 18 states, Michigan and Ohio continue to see the highest number of cases of the intestinal infection.

As of July 6, 678 cases of cyclosporiasis had been confirmed, an official from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) told ABC News. This is an increase from roughly 300 cases reported last week. The state annually records up to 50 cases, but the current outbreak is about 13.5 times higher than average.

According to Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, an infectious disease physician, epidemiologist, and the chief medical executive for the state of Michigan, the figure is a "moving target," meaning cases are likely to continue rising.

"There is a significant lag time between exposure to contaminated produce or contaminated materials and development of symptoms," she told ABC News. "So it can take a week, sometimes even two weeks between exposure and development of symptoms."

In Ohio, there were 177 cases of cyclosporiasis as of July 2, Ken Gordon, press secretary for the Ohio Department of Health's communications office, was quoted as saying.

Cases have been confirmed across 43 counties in Ohio so far this year, according to Gordon. Nearly 171 cases have been reported since June 20.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 145 cases had been detected in 17 states since May 1, excluding Michigan, as of June 16, with at least 20 people hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

The CDC said cases ranged in age from 5 to 86 years, with a median age of 42. About 61 per cent of patients were female.

So far, no cases have been linked between states, and health officials are still investigating whether there is a common source of the outbreak in Michigan.

Also read: Cyclospora Parasite Spreads to More US States: Foods to Avoid Right Now

How to Prevent Cyclospora Infection

The CDC recommends following safe food handling practices to reduce the risk of infection:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
• Produce labeled "prewashed" does not need to be washed again.
• Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
• Cut away any bruised or damaged areas before eating.
• Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables within two hours.

The parasite spreads through food or water contaminated with human feces and is not spread directly from person to person.

According to Dr. Darien Sutton, an emergency medicine physician, proper handwashing is very important.

"This type of parasite doesn't easily go away with alcohol-based hand sanitizer. So, good old handwashing is really key here," said the ABC News medical correspondent.

What Is Cyclospora cayetanensis?

Read More: Bryan Johnson Blames Sugary Cereals, Soda and Stress for His Autoimmune Disease; Shares Treatment Plan

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, a form of food poisoning.

People can become infected through contaminated food or water. The infection causes watery diarrhea and other intestinal symptoms.

A Cyclospora infection can be mild or severe and may last for weeks or even months. It is typically treated with antibiotics.

People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or cancer, are at greater risk of severe disease.

Symptoms of Cyclospora Infection

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis usually begin within a week of exposure to contaminated food or water and include:

• Watery or explosive diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Bloating and gas
• Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
• Low-grade fever
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting.