(August 22, 2008 - Insidermedicine) From Washington - Two years after a widespread E. coli outbreak, the FDA has approved the use of ionizing radiation for fresh spinach and lettuce. The irradiation process can help control harmful bacteria and give leafy greens a longer shelf-life. To date, several foods have been approved for radiation treatment including meat, poultry, spices, and some types of shellfish. The foods must carry a special logo to indicate that they have been treated with radiation.

From Toronto - According to research in the journal Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, breastfeeding mothers taking codeine after childbirth may be putting their baby at risk. Researchers have discovered that about 1 in 20 women "ultra-metabolize" codeine, converting it into an excessive amount of the potent narcotic morphine, which can end up in breast milk. The researchers indicate that doctors and medical organizations may need to consider a change in prescribing practice.

And finally, from Sweden - According to a study in the journal Respiratory Research, snoring may be linked to various factors in childhood. In a study of nearly 16,000 people, researchers found that being hospitalized before the age of 2, suffering from ear infections as a child, growing up in a large family and being exposed to a dog in the home as a newborn were all independent risk factors for snoring in later life. The researchers note that snoring is more than just a nuisance, as those who snore have an increased risk for heart attack, stroke and early death.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.