Health Highlights: Dec. 4, 2009

Dec. 5 -- Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

10 Million Slim-Fast Drinks Recalled

Possible bacterial contamination has prompted a recall of 10 million cans of Slim-Fast ready-to-drink meal replacements in the United States and Canada.

The products may be contaminated with Bacilus cereus, which can cause vomiting or diarrhea. But the likelihood of a serious reaction to the bacteria in the Slim-Fast drinks is remote, CBS News reported.

The recall includes cans sold individually or in cartons containing four, six or 12 cans that are 11 ounces each.

No other Slim-Fast products, such as meal and snack bars or powdered shakes, are involved in the recall, CBS News reported.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration spokeswoman Rita Chappelle said the recall affects 10 million cans distributed in the United States. Unilever, the maker of Slim-Fast, said Friday that it is still in the process of identifying and correcting the production problem that led to the possible contamination at the company's production facility in Covington, Tenn., CNN reported.

For more on the recall, visit the FDA.

-----

Cattle Vaccines May Reduce E. coli Outbreaks in Humans

Vaccinating cattle against E. coli bacteria could significantly improve the safety of beef and reduce the number of people who become sick and die from tainted beef, according to scientists.

It's believed that E. coli vaccines for cattle could reduce the number of animals carrying the dangerous bacteria by 65 to 75 percent, The New York Times reported.

Two vaccines have been developed commercially, including one made by Minnesota-based Epitopix that received preliminary approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in March. The approval means the vaccine can be sold while research continues. About 300,000 head of cattle will be given the vaccine in the coming months as part of a series of studies, said Epitopix general manager James. D. Sandstrom.