Woman finds oven glove in bread

The baker of Hovis bread was fined £750 after a woman found part of an oven glove baked into a slice. The victim, from Northern Ireland, toasted the white bread and had begun to eat it when she noticed the material. The packet turned out to be full of shreds of the hessian-type cloth. Chairman of Omagh Council Paddy Magowan said: "The very fact that they have been fined quite a substantial sum should send out a warning to all other companies to be on your best behaviour and to be very careful about your processes and manufacturing." Herefordshire-based Hovis makers Premier Foods was prosecuted for selling food to the prejudice a purchaser at Omagh Magistrates' Court, Co Tyrone. District Judge Greg McCourt imposed the fine on January 8 and ordered the company to pay court costs of £85 after it had earlier pleaded guilty. The loaf had been bought from a local shop just before Christmas 2008. When the victim discovered the contamination she reported the matter to the environmental health section of the council. Chief environmental health officer at the council Barny Heywood said: "Environmental Health Officers work with food businesses to provide advice on complying with food safety laws. However, when they fail to follow that advice, formal action must be considered." A spokesman for Premier Foods said: "We go to great lengths to assure the quality of our great British brands but on this isolated occasion we have fallen short of our usual high standards and apologise for any distress caused to the customer."(my view)-This was mo accident..........come on!how blind do you have to be not to notice......okok! the dough(not cooked yet) may cover it up but once baked you can clearly see the glove....they do NOT CARE! enough said,this was no accident

RSD-Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), also called complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), is a chronic, painful, and progressive neurological condition that affects the skin, muscles, joints, and bones. The syndrome usually develops in an injured limb, such as a broken leg, or following surgery. However, many cases of RSD involve only a minor injury, such as a sprain. And in some cases, no precipitating event can be identified. RSD/CRPS is characterized by various degrees of burning pain, excessive sweating, swelling, and sensitivity to touch. Pain may begin in one area or limb and then spread to other limbs. In some cases, symptoms of RSD/CRPS diminish for a period of time and then reappear with a new injury.

Types

Two types of RSD/CRPS have been defined:

Type 1—without nerve injury

Type 2 (formerly called causalgia)—with nerve injury

Both types of RSD/CRPS share the same signs and symptoms.

Incidence and Prevalence

Millions of people in the United States may suffer from RSD/CRPS. This chronic pain syndrome affects both men and women, and also occurs in children. It can occur at any age, but usually affects people between the ages of 40 and 60 years. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS) reports that 2–5% of peripheral nerve injury patients and 12–21% of patients with paralysis on one side of the body (hemiplegia) develop reflex sympathetic dystrophy as a complication. The Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association of America (RSDSA) reports that the condition develops after 1–2% of bone fractures.

RSD/CRPS Causes and Risk Factors

RSD/CRPS appears to involve a complex interaction among the sensory, motor, and autonomic nervous systems, and the immune system. It is thought that brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) control over these various processes is somehow changed as a result of an injury. Causes and risk factors associated with the onset of RSD/CRPS include the following:

Cerebral lesions

Heart disease, heart attack

Infection

Paralysis on one side of the body (hemiplegia)

Radiation therapy

Repetitive motion disorder (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome)

Spinal cord disorders

Surgery

Trauma (e.g., bone fracture, gunshot and shrapnel wounds)

In 10–20% of cases, no direct cause for RSD/CRPS can be found. Injury that precedes the onset of the condition may or may not be significant.

Treatment

The goals of RSD/CRPS treatment are to control pain and maintain as much mobilization of the affected limb as possible. Treatment involves an individualized treatment plan, which often combines medications, physical therapy, nerve blocks, and psychosocial support. Medication Treatment for RSD/CRPS involves medications to control pain. The type of medication prescribed is determined by the type of pain experienced by the patient. Constant pain caused by inflammation is treated using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin). Due to potenially severe gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects, NSAIDs should only be used as instructed. Constant pain not caused by inflammation may be treated with central acting agents, such as tramadol (Ultram®). Sharp pain and pain that disrupts sleep may be treated with antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, doxepin, nortriptyline, trazodone) or anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazapine, pregabalin). In some cases, generalized, severe pain that does not respond to other medications may be treated with opioids (e.g., propoxyphine, codeine, morphine). Muscle cramps (spasms and dystonia) can be treated using clonazepam and baclofen. Localized pain related to nerve injury may be treated with Capsaicin® cream, but the effectiveness of this medication to treat RSD/CRPS has not been proven. Medications that affect the sympathetic nervous system such as clonidine (Catapres®) also may be useful in some cases. Muscle stiffness may be treated with muscle relaxants such as: Tizanidine (Zanaflex®) Baclofen Clonazepam (Klonopin®)

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy for RSD/CRPS involves daily range of motion exercises. Patients are advised to avoid activities that could accelerate osteoporosis or cause joint injury.

Nerve Block

Sympathetic nerve block interrupts the transmission of pain signals from a group of nerve cell bodies (called a ganglion). Nerve block should be performed by a physician who is familiar with the technique. This procedure involves inserting a needle into the appropriate location (e.g., alongside the windpipe [trachea], in the lower [lumbar] spine) and injecting an alpha adrenergic antagonist (type of anesthesia) into the ganglion. When treating an upper extremity, this treatment is called a stellate ganglion block. The effects of the nerve block are monitored over time.

Sympathectomy

RSD/CRPS patients who have a good but temporary response to nerve block may be candidates for a surgical procedure called sympathectomy. This procedure involves cutting and sealing (cauterizing) a portion of the sympathetic nerve, which runs down the spine. The goal of treatment is to suppress sympathetic nervous system activity in the affected area. The role of sympathectomy to treat RSD/CRPS is controversial and in some cases, the procedure worsens symptoms.

TENS Unit

A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit may be used to treat the affected area in patients who have RSD/CRPS. In some cases, a spinal cord stimulator is permanently implanted. This device supplies low-intensity impulses to a location in the spinal cord to interrupt the pain signals that are being transmitted to the brain.

Psychosocial Support

RSD/CRPS patients often become depressed and anxious because of chronic pain and reduced physical ability. Counseling, support groups, and chronic pain center programs can help patients learn coping strategies and can provide emotional and psychological support.

Patient Information about RSD/CRPS

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), also called complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or causalgia, is a chronic, progressive nerve disorder. Patients who have RSD/CRPS experience severe pain and other symptoms (e.g., changes in skin temperature, color, or sensitivity, swelling), often with no known cause. In some cases, the disorder develops following an injury. RSD/CRPS usually affects the arms, legs, hands, and feet, but it can occur in any part of the body.RSD/CRPS can be difficult to diagnose and the course of the disorder often is unpredictable. Symptoms of reflex sympathetic dystrophy/complex regional pain syndrome may worsen over time and can be disabling. It is important for patients with RSD/CRPS to work with their health care team to develop an effective treatment plan. Here are some questions to ask your doctor (e.g., neurologist, pain management specialist) about RSD/CRPS. Print this page, check off the questions you would like answered, and take it with you to your doctor appointment. The more knowledge you have about RSD/CRPS, the easier it is to make important decisions that can help reduce your pain and other symptoms.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor about RSD/CRPS

What is RSD/CRPS?

Why do you suspect that I have reflex sympathetic dystrophy/complex regional pain syndrome?

What other conditions might be causing my symptoms?

Which diagnostic tests will be performed to determine if I have RSD/CRPS and to rule out other causes for my symptoms?

What do these tests involve?

How should I prepare for these diagnostic tests and procedures?

Should I see a doctor who specializes in RSD/CRPS? Why or why not?

What type of RSD/CRPS do I have? Is my condition classified as type I or type II?

Might lifestyle changes help reduce my symptoms? If so, what modifications do you recommend?

What treatment(s) do you recommend to reduce my RSD/CRPS symptoms?

Why do you recommend these treatments?

What are the possible benefits, risks, and complications of treatment?

Do you recommend physical therapy? Why or why not?

Will medication be used to treat my RSD/CRPS? If so, which medications?

How will these medicines be administered?

What are the common side effects of these medications? What should I do if I develop severe side effects? Telephone number to call:

If my symptoms continue to worsen in spite of treatment, what other treatment options are available?

Might I require surgery to treat my RSD/CRPS? Why or why not?

What does surgery to treat reflex sympathetic dystrophy/complex regional pain syndrome involve?

Are there any clinical trials available for patients with RSD/CRPS? If so, do you recommend that I participate in a clinical trial? Why or why not?

Can you recommend a local or online support group for patients, family members, and caregivers?

Can you recommend additional resources for information about RSD/CRPS?

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of RSD/CRPS often progress in three stages—acute, dystrophic, and atrophic. The acute stage occurs during the first 1–3 months and may include burning pain, swelling, increased sensitivity to touch, increased hair and nail growth in the affected region, joint pain, and color and temperature changes. The dystrophic stage may involve constant pain and swelling. The affected limb may feel cool to the touch and appear bluish in color. Muscle stiffness, wasting of the muscles (atrophy), and early bone loss (osteoporosis) also may occur. This stage usually develops 3–6 months after onset of the disorder. During the atrophic stage, the skin becomes cool and shiny, increased muscle stiffness and weakness occur, and symptoms may spread to another limb.

Characteristic signs and symptoms of sympathetic nervous system involvement include the following:

Burning pain Extreme sensitivity to touch Skin color changes (red or bluish) Skin temperature changes (hot or cold) Pain caused by RSD/CRPS usually in not proportionate to the degree of injury. It can be triggered by disuse of the affected limb or by stress and can be spontaneous or constant.

Symptoms associated with an immune reaction include:

Joint pain Redness Swelling (edema) Frequent infections

Signs of motor system dysfunction include the following:

Difficulty starting movement Increased muscle tone, stiffness Muscle spasm Tremor Weakness

Other symptoms of RSD/CPRS include the following:

Dermatitis, eczema (inflammation of the skin) Excessive sweating Fatigue Migraine headache

Complications

Patients with any chronic illness, including RSD/CRPS, often suffer from depression and anxiety. Skin, muscle, and bone atrophy (wasting) are possible complications of this syndrome. Atrophy may occur because of reduced function of the affected limb.

RSD/CRPS Diagnosis

RSD/CRPS can be difficult to diagnose. Diagnosis often involves taking a thorough medical history and performing a neurological examination and requires excluding other conditions that produce similar symptoms (called differential diagnosis). During the neuro exam, the clinician may notice that the response to mild sensory stimuli produces severe pain. Physical examination involves observing the skin color and temperature, any swelling, vascular reactivity, overgrown and grooved nails, swollen and stiff joints, and muscle weakness and atrophy. Other conditions are ruled out with appropriate testing, such as triple phase bone scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan), a full laboratory panel, electrophysiological studies of the nerves and muscles (e.g., EMG, NCV), and a thermogram (test that uses an infrared video camera to measure the emission of heat from the affected limb). EMG and NCV tests can be used in combination and are often referred to as EMG/NCV studies.

Pinched Nerve

Differential diagnosis for RSD/CRPS sometimes involves ruling out a pinched nerve. Pinched nerves occur when surrounding tissues, such as bones, muscles, or tendons, place too much pressure on a nerve, resulting in nerve compression or nerve entrapment. Conditions like diabetes, osteoarthritis, and obesity, as well as repetitive motions and overuse, can increase the risk for nerve disorders (neuropathies), including pinched nerves. Nerve compression can affect any nerve in the body and cause symptoms similar to those caused by RSD/CRPS. Compression of one of the nerves of the spine (called spinal nerves) can cause pain that radiates (spreads) from the neck, upper back, or lower back to the arm(s) or leg(s); decreased sensation; numbness and tingling; and muscle weakness. Compression of a spinal nerve can result from a herniated disc, arthritis of the spine, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), or bone spurs (bony protrusions in the spine). Conditions that involve nerve compression in other areas of the body include carpal tunnel syndrome (caused by a compressed nerve in the wrist), Morton’s neuroma (caused by nerve compression in the foot), and cubital tunnel syndrome (caused by a compressed nerve in the elbow). Diagnostic tests that may be used to detect a pinched nerve include electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction velocity (NCV) studies, and imaging tests (e.g., computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging). EMG and NCV help evaluate nerve and muscle function. CT scan and MRI scan are used to create detailed images of internal tissues to help locate areas of nerve compression. Treatment for a pinched nerve depends on the cause and severity of the condition. In many cases, conservative treatment, such as resting the affected, applying ice, and taking medications (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], muscle relaxants) helps to reduce pinched nerve symptoms. Physical therapy, stress management techniques, chiropractic adjustments, and cortisone injections also may be helpful. In severe cases, surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve may be necessary. The type of surgery performed depends on the location of the pinched nerve.

Cadbury's Has Sold Out To US Bid

Cadbury's chairman has confirmed to the BBC that job losses are an "inevitability" at the company after its takeover by US giant Kraft Foods. Without estimating how many positions would be affected, Roger Carr said jobs would go at Cadbury's head office in Uxbridge, London. However, he added that he saw Kraft both supporting and developing Cadbury's UK production facilities. Mr Carr was speaking after Cadbury's board backed a £11.5bn bid from Kraft. Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the government was "determined" to ensure that Cadbury jobs were secure. "We are determined that the levels of investment that take place in Cadbury in the United Kingdom are maintained and we are determined that, at a time when people are worried about their jobs, that jobs in Cadbury can be secure," he said.

Shareholder vote

Cadbury's directors have advised the firm's shareholders to accept the offer, which represents 840 pence per share. Investors will also get a 10p per share dividend. Shareholders now have until 2 February to back the deal which, led by Cadbury's large institutional investors, is expected to be a formality. Kraft's offer consists of 500 pence in cash, with the rest made up of Kraft shares. The US group will borrow £7bn ($11.5bn) to finance the deal. The announcement that Kraft and Cadbury had reached agreement on a takeover was made on Tuesday after Kraft increased its previous hostile offer of $10.5bn, which Cadbury had rejected.

'Bitter sweet'

In an interview with BBC business editor Robert Peston, Mr Carr admitted that the decision to accept Kraft's improved offer was a "bittersweet moment". However, he said the deal represented good value for Cadbury shareholders, which was what he was paid to focus on. Although "there will clearly be some cost savings they have to make", Mr Carr said he hoped Kraft would take on some of Cadbury's senior team. "People are the key to successful businesses, they need to be cared for, and I'm sure Kraft understands that," he said. "I shall miss not being chairman of Cadbury, but I'm sure those that own it now will develop it as a strong company, respecting its British routes, but growing it as a global company."

Cost cuts

Kraft has already said it expects to achieve "meaningful cost savings" as a result of the merger. While it has given no specific assurances over the future of 4,500 UK jobs, it says it wants to invest in Cadbury's Bournville site in Birmingham, and maintain production at Somerdale, near Bristol, also known as Keynsham. David Cumming, head of UK equities at Cadbury shareholder Standard Life, said that he would be backing the takeover. "I won't go against the view of Cadbury's management," he told the BBC. "Kraft are getting a good deal. It's sad that Cadbury is gone, but business is business." Irene Rosenfeld, the chairman and chief executive of Kraft Foods, said the deal was good news for shareholders and staff. "We have great respect for Cadbury's brands, heritage and people," she said. "We believe they will thrive as part of Kraft Foods."

Kraft-Founded in Illinois in 1903 Vs Cadbury-Founded in Birmingham,UK in 1824

LUKE PARKER, 20, from West Heath

Mr Parker works on the Cadbury Roses brand. He said: "This is the last industry Britain has got. It's a mistake. A really big mistake, but it's nothing to do with us - it's money and greed. "At the end of the day, jobs are going to go. All people inside are talking about is selling their shares."

DAVIC DUSAN, 84, from Kings Norton

Mr Dusan worked at the Bournville factory for 35 years from 1949, after arriving in England from the former Yugoslavia. He was employed in a variety of roles from a cleaner to a shift supervisor. The firm paid for his son Andrew's studies. He said: "It's a disgrace. Unbelievable. It's British heritage and history, and the Cadbury family - there's nothing to touch them. "They are not a factory, they are a family. I am sad, and my family is sad."

ALAN GARDNER, 70, from Bournville

Mr Gardner has family connections to Cadbury going back to 1908 when his grandfather, Arthur Robins, began working there. Since then, his father-in-law and mother have both worked at the factory. He said: "I just think it's so sad that such a successful company is sold down the river. "There's a strong emotional link, I was born and brought up with it. The Cadbury family built the village (Bournville) so that the people of Birmingham could have better health. A very sad day."

KIRAN AMBEKAR, 35, Cadbury IT contractor

Mr Ambekar came to work for Cadbury from Mumbai, India, and is worried how the Kraft bid will affect his job. He said: "I remember Cadbury as a name growing up. It hurts - it's a heritage company for the country. "The question is, how long am I going to stay? Everyone is worried about the future, even us contractors."

ALAN SHRIMPTON, 62, from Redditch

Both Mr Shrimpton's father and grandfather worked at Cadbury. He lives in Redditch but gives history tours around Bournville. He said: "We are talking about a firm that has been in Birmingham for 186 years. This is a brand we have grown up with and loved. "It's another iconic British firm going to American hands. It does seem a shame that we cannot run our own businesses anymore. "I am sorry but on the other hand...it's entirely possible that Kraft will grow the business. There's a market for our chocolate in America. It could be good news."(my view)-Your fucking kidding me,when i read this this morning i was sick(actually vomiting)i know that sounds stupid,but it sickens me to my core,OUR country has been and is continuelly being invaded by america...by the take over of companies and THIER culture.....don't get me wrong....i like america BUT this is our final instution the was not taken over.......AND NOW IT HAS,to make it worse,the people in charge of cadbury HAS sold us all down the river,i hoped that BEING english that they would NEVER sell out.....how could cadbury do this to us all....their coutry to!cadbury has REAL chocolate in...which is the original ingrediant....but now as we know kraft waters down and introduce a fake tasting ingrediant into their SO-CALLED-REAL CHOCHOLATE to fake the senses and the fake ingrediant produces headaches and vomiting......THIS IS THE END OF ENGLAND YOU GREEDY PARASITES..i'm sorry if there errors in "my view" i'm so upset and angy-so do not judge me!

Don't Eat It

MY DINNER'S BEEN SPIKED CHECK OUT THE DATE IN THE PHOTO