Latest FDA Findings and Investigations
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has pulled together several notable updates spanning consumer products, food safety, and medical technology. Taken together, they show how the agency is moving on two fronts at once: acting when a product may put people at risk, and digging deeper with research to better understand potential harms. Here’s what the FDA has flagged, studied, and required—so you have the full picture.
Warning Letter to Naternal
The FDA issued a warning letter to Root Bioscience Brands LLC, which does business as Naternal, over the unlawful sale of products containing cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN) for both people and animals. According to the agency, Naternal promoted these products with claims that they could treat serious conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and autism—claims the FDA considers unfounded. The company also asserted that its hemp extract oil products for pets could address issues like pain and anxiety. Those claims were likewise unsubstantiated.
Legal Status and Next Steps for the Company
Because of these disease-treatment claims, the products are considered unapproved drugs, which violates the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The FDA has directed Naternal to respond within 15 business days with a detailed plan explaining how it will correct the violations and bring its operations into compliance.
Evaluating Metals in Tampons
Separately, the FDA announced an independent literature review and a laboratory study to assess the presence of metals in tampons. The aim is straightforward: determine whether metals are present, and if so, whether their presence could pose a health risk during typical use.
What the FDA Will Examine
The literature review will map what’s already known about chemicals—including metals—found in tampons. In parallel, the lab studies will measure how much metal, if any, may be released during regular use. Together, these efforts are meant to sharpen the FDA’s understanding of potential risks and support ongoing oversight across the product’s lifecycle.
Salmonella Outbreak Investigation
The FDA has also been investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to eggs. As of early September, the investigation was active and had identified numerous infections across several states. The illnesses were traced back to Milo's Poultry Farm LLC. During an on-site inspection, the FDA confirmed the presence of the outbreak strain in egg samples collected from the farm.
Actions Taken by the Farm and the FDA
Following the findings, Milo's Poultry Farm voluntarily recalled all of its eggs due to the potential health risk. The FDA is continuing to monitor the situation to help prevent additional illnesses and to safeguard consumers.
Update on Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Devices
The FDA has updated its list of authorized medical devices that use Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies. With more devices coming through review, the agency reports a total of 69 AR and VR medical devices now authorized. It’s a clear sign that these tools are becoming more common in medical settings.
What to Expect as Adoption Grows
As AR and VR see broader use in healthcare, the FDA anticipates continuing to update its lists and refine relevant regulatory practices. The goal remains the same: support innovation while maintaining a high bar for public safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the FDA do about Naternal?
The FDA sent a warning letter to Root Bioscience Brands LLC (Naternal) for selling CBD, CBG, and CBN products for people and animals with unproven treatment claims, including claims about Alzheimer’s disease, autism, pain, and anxiety. The agency asked the company to submit a corrective plan within 15 business days.
What exactly is the FDA studying about tampons?
The FDA is conducting an independent literature review and running lab studies to look for metals in tampons and to measure how much metal might be released during typical use. The goal is to assess potential health risks and guide ongoing oversight.
What triggered the egg recall at Milo’s Poultry Farm?
An active Salmonella outbreak investigation, as of early September, traced multiple infections across several states to Milo’s Poultry Farm LLC. The FDA then found the outbreak strain in egg samples from the farm, and the company voluntarily recalled all its eggs.
How many AR and VR medical devices has the FDA authorized?
The FDA has authorized 69 medical devices that use Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technology.
What’s the FDA’s role in these updates?
The FDA’s role is to protect public health by enforcing the law, investigating outbreaks, studying potential risks in consumer products, and authorizing medical devices that meet safety and effectiveness standards.
