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Protect Your Family from E. coli

Due to a recent E. coli outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising the public not to consume any type of romaine lettuce. Retailers and restaurants are advised not to serve or sell products containing romaine lettuce.This food safety alert includes all types or uses of romaine lettuce, such as whole heads or hearts, and bags and boxes of precut lettuce and salad mixes. Learn what the potential health complications are from this infection, and who is most at risk. FTC Requests Public Comment on an Application from Praxair and Linde to Approve Sale of an Industrial Gases Plant to Celanese Ltd. The Federal Trade Commission is currently accepting public comments on an application from industrial gas suppliers Praxair, Inc. and Linde AG to divest a hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide gas plant to Celanese Ltd. The divestiture of the plant is required under the FTC’s October 22, 2018 proposed order, which requires Praxair and Linde to divest certain industrial gases assets to settle charges that the $80 billion merger of Praxair and Linde would violate federal antitrust law. The application proposes that Celanese Ltd. will acquire Linde’s hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide gas plant in Clear Lake, Texas. The Commission will decide whether to approve the application after a 30-day public comment period, which expires on Dec. 21, 2018. Comments on the application can be filed electronically, or sent to: FTC Office of the Secretary, 600 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington. (FTC File No. 171 0068. The staff contact is Eric Rohlck, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2681.) The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about how competition benefits consumers or file an antitrust complaint. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.   MedWatch - The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program A new MedWatch Safety Alert recall: Valsartan-containing products by Mylan: Due to detected trace amounts of an impurity, N-nitrosodiethylamine was just added to the FDA Recalls Web Page.   You can read the complete recall alert at: https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm626367.htm Mylan Initiates Voluntary Nationwide Recall of 15 Lots of Valsartan Tablets, USP, Amlodipine and Valsartan Tablets, USP, and Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets, USP, Due to the Detection of Trace Amounts of NDEA (N-Nitrosodiethylamine) Impurity Found in the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Mylan N.V. (NASDAQ: MYL) today announced that its U.S. based Mylan Pharmaceuticals business is conducting a voluntary nationwide recall to the consumer level of select lots of Valsartan-containing products, including six lots of Amlodipine and Valsartan Tablets, USP (including the 5mg/160mg, 10mg/160mg, and 10mg/320mg strengths), seven lots of Valsartan Tablets, USP (including 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg, and 320 mg strengths), and two lots of Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets, USP 320mg/25mg strength.  These products are being recalled due to detected trace amounts of an impurity, N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) contained in the API Valsartan, USP, manufactured by Mylan Laboratories Limited. NDEA is a substance that occurs naturally in certain foods, drinking water, air pollution, and industrial processes, and has been classified as a probable human carcinogen according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). First Source Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Pecan and Cashew in Chocolate and Nut Tray First Source of Tonawanda, NY, is voluntarily recalling Chocolate and Nut Tray because it contains undeclared tree nuts, pecan and cashew. People who have an allergy or sensitivity to tree nuts (Pecan & Cashew) run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. The recalled item was distributed to 98 Wegmans Food Markets in the states of MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA, and VA. The affected product was sold from November 8, 2018 to November 20, 2018. The product comes in a four-quadrant plastic tray, NET WT 37 OZ (2 LBS 5 OZ) 1.05KG, with UPC: 0 23637 43369 0, and Best Before Date of 07/09/19. No illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported to date. Wegmans will place automated phone calls to notify customers who purchased the product using their Shoppers Club Card of the recall.

The White House • November 21, 2018

President Trump’s Thanksgiving message to Americans It's that time of year again, as many Americans travel far and wide to be with loved ones over the Thanksgiving holiday. Gathering in places of worship and around family dinner tables, it is a time to give appreciation for all that we've been blessed with. "On Thanksgiving Day, we recall the courageous and inspiring journey of the Pilgrims who, nearly four centuries ago, ventured across the vast ocean to flee religious persecution and establish a home in the New World," President Donald J. Trump wrote in his 2018 Thanksgiving Proclamation. Facing dangerous conditions and uncertainty, the more than 100 Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth, Massachusetts, and "instilled in our Nation a strong faith in God that continues to be a beacon of hope to all Americans." In recognition of their journey, President George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving Proclamation on November 26, 1789. But it was under President Abraham Lincoln that the day became a true national celebration on the final Thursday of November each year. "We give thanks for the family, friends, neighbors and loved ones who enrich our lives, lift our spirits, and fill our days with joy. And we give thanks to God, who continues to shed his almighty grace upon this magnificent land that we all love so very much," President Trump said yesterday from the Rose Garden. "We are truly blessed to be Americans." Thanksgiving at the White House, then and now Watch: President Trump pardons this year’s National Thanksgiving Turkey! The White House Christmas Tree has arrived! On Monday, the President joined First Lady Melania Trump as this year's White House Christmas Tree arrived by horse carriage to the North Portico. "We received the @WhiteHouse Christmas tree yesterday! It will grace the Blue Room throughout the season – hope you will come to the People’s house to see it!" the First Lady shared on Twitter this week. Each year, standing between 18 and 19 feet tall, the tree serves as the centerpiece for the White House Christmas decorations. By tradition, the winning tree farmer is determined from the results of the highly competitive National Christmas Tree Contest. This year's great honor goes to Larry Smith of Mountain Top Fraser Fir in Newland, North Carolina. "It's like winning the Super Bowl," Smith said. Watch the arrival of the 2018 White House Christmas Tree. In photos: See more of this year’s Christmas tree arrival and setup Photo of the Day Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump receive the White House Christmas Tree | November 19, 2018

EU: Publications Office newsletter

Publications Office newsletter N° 67 November 2018 ISSN 2315-0017 Spotlight on the EU–Asia relationship Strong EU relations with Asia, a diverse and dynamic region, have been of major importance to both the European Union and Asian countries. The two parties have already developed ties in a number of areas, from political dialogue, security, transport, environment, trade, investment and research to cooperation in community building. These ties are likely to increase in the coming years. In September 2018, the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy adopted a joint communication entitled 'Connecting Europe and Asia - Building blocks for an EU strategy'. This sets out the EU's vision for a new and comprehensive strategy to better connect Europe and Asia. Shortly after, the Council of the European Union adopted the conclusions of the joint communication and the proposals contributed to discussions at the 12th ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting)Summit that took place on 18-19 October in Brussels. As a deliverable of the summit, the European Commission presented the ASEM Sustainable Connectivity Portal. Find out more about EU-Asia relations in this month's newsletter along with some of the most interesting EU publications on several other topics, including research. PDF Connecting Europe and Asia Building blocks for an EU strategy This publication sets out the vision of a new and comprehensive strategy for sustainable connectivity between Europe and Asia. It is the Joint Communication which was adopted by the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Available in English PDF The EU - Japan Economic Partnership Agreement Study This report assesses the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, setting an ambitious framework to further liberalise and organise trade. Given its depth and breadth, and the fact that it is unprecedented in including provisions on corporate governance, small and medium-sized enterprises, and climate change, it is set to become a benchmark for future trade agreements. Joining two open economies with high income levels and regulatory standards, it is expected to generate benefits by boosting trade within sectors, minimising sectoral relocation and negative employment effects. Available in English PDF/PAPER Prevention better than cure The EU's quiet diplomacy in Asia This report examines the EU's role as a preventive diplomacy actor and explores how in pursuing this strategy it can contribute positively to security in the Indo-Pacific region. Preventive diplomacy, or the resolution of disputes by peaceful means, has been one of the foundations of the EU's foreign and security policy in Asia and beyond and is an expression of a rules-based international order. Available in English More on this topic PDF The EU in Central Asia The regional context Central Asia, straddling the borders of some of the world's most sensitive areas, offers economic opportunities but also remains insecure and troublesome. In these circumstances, what should the EU regional approach be? What are the shared interests and divergent objectives of the actors present there? What options does the EU have to strengthen its position in the region from a regional and geopolitical perspective? All of these questions, among many others, are addressed in this publication. Available in English PDF The transition of China to sustainable growth Implications for the global economy and the euro area This paper documents China's heavy reliance on investment and credit as drivers of growth, which has created vulnerabilities in a number of sectors and has been accompanied by increased complexity and leverage in the financial system. China's size, trade openness, dominant position as consumer of commodities and growing financial integration mean that its transition to sustainable growth is crucial for the global economic outlook. Available in English PDF An introduction to the European Union's international cooperation and development policy This publication presents the international cooperation and development policy of the European Union. Ending poverty has always been the main aim of the EU's development cooperation with partner countries around the world. However, an additional objective is to ensure that progress made to meet today's needs does not come at the expense of future generations' needs. Available in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish PDF Larger than tigers Inputs for a strategic approach to biodiversity conservation in Asia: regional reports This report highlights Asia's great natural capital and provides valuable information and analysis in support of a strategic approach to halting environmental degradation and biodiversity loss in the region. Vanishing species are important components of complex natural ecosystems that provide water and food, regulate climate, process waste products, pollinate crops, and support a growing tourism industry. Some of these services can only be replaced at a significant cost, while others are simply irreplaceable Available in English Also out recently PDF/PAPER State of the Union 2018 Every year in September, the President of the European Commission delivers his State of the Union address before the European Parliament, taking stock of the achievements of the past year and presenting priorities for the year ahead. This kick-starts the dialogue with the European Parliament and the Council to prepare the Commission work programme for the following year. This year's speech came in the lead-up to the 2019 European elections and the ongoing debate about the future of the European Union at 27. Available in all the official languages of the EU PDF/PAPER Annual report 2017 of the Court of Justice of the European Union The year in review The Court of Justice of the European Union is the judicial authority of the European Union. Its task is to ensure compliance with European law by overseeing the uniform interpretation and application of the treaties. It contributes to the preservation of the values of the European Union and, through its case-law, works towards the building of the EU. Its annual report presents key figures of its function and the most important judgements, as well as its important events and administrational highlights. Available in all the official languages of the EU except Irish Research PDF/PAPER Mental health, an undercover epidemic (Research*eu) This first special section of the newly revamped Research*eu magazine, raises awareness of mental health disorders and the individuals who struggle with them on a daily basis. It does this by showcasing some of the innovative EU-funded projects that have dedicated themselves to developing solutions (medical, technological and regulatory) to tackle the mental health crisis in Europe and worldwide. Available in English (Individual article also available in French, German, Italian, Polish and Spanish on the CORDIS website) You may also like PDF Forest fires in Europe, Middle East and north Africa 2017 This report contains the annual summary of the 2017 fire season with official figures provided by 33 contributing countries for the number of fires, burnt areas and fire prevention efforts, and the analysis of fire danger and areas mapped in the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS). If you want to find out more about forest fire risks, you can also look at the extensive data sets made available by the Joint Research Centre. Available in English PDF The cartoon introduction to digital ethics The European Data Protection Supervisor, through this innovative, entertaining and easy-to-assimilate publication, introduces digital ethics. A useful read for users, consumers, business administrators and anyone who wants some entertaining information on this topic. Available in English APP EU aid explorer The EU is collectively the biggest donor in the world, providing over €50 billion a year to help overcoming poverty and advance global development. It is committed to spending these funds as effectively as possible and to being accountable to EU citizens. The EU Aid Explorer application provides easy access to complete and accurate data on donor activities around the world. By making project information easily accessible, countries, beneficiaries, EU citizens and implementing partners can examine the use of donor funds, and donors themselves can improve coordination and planning.