Archive for August, 2009

31
Aug

WHO: “Second Wave” of H1N1 Could Be Worse

Filed under: Pandemic Flu — Michael Prather @ 9:05 am

From a report published Friday by the World Health Organization:

“WHO is advising countries in the northern hemisphere to prepare for a second wave of pandemic spread….Evidence from multiple outbreak sites demonstrates that the H1N1 pandemic virus has rapidly established itself and is now the dominant influenza strain in most parts of the world. The pandemic will persist in the coming months as the virus continues to move through susceptible populations….Large numbers of people in all countries remain susceptible to infection. Even if the current pattern of usually mild illness continues, the impact of the pandemic during the second wave could worsen as larger numbers of people become infected.”

Read the full report.

28
Aug

New pressures point to rising latex glove prices

Filed under: Pricing Trends — Michael Prather @ 9:27 am

Natural latex rubber prices have pushed upward in recent weeks, driven by surging oil prices.  Since synthetic rubbers alternatives are a by-product of crude oil, oil prices indirectly impact the cost of latex.  Demand has also risen in recent weeks, fueled by buyers at tire makers following record car sales in July in the US.  Supply is also believed to have dropped sharply in recent weeks, particularly in India, one of the world’s largest producers.

Already, latex glove manufacturers are warning of possible price increases if raw material costs continue to climb.  According to the CEO of one glove manufacturer, quoted in the Malaysia Star, ““The possibility of it moving upward is always there, similar to the oil price trend.”

27
Aug

Exam glove refusals decline after June surge

Filed under: Regulatory Compliance, Supply & Distribution — Michael Prather @ 1:45 pm

The number of containers of medical gloves refused by the FDA declined in July after surging to record highs in June.  Latex refusals reached a 12-month high in June before retreating slightly in July.  Vinyl glove refusals continued an up-and-down pattern, approaching records in June before scaling back in July.  Nitrile refusals remained far below record highs set in November 2008.

FDA Examination Glove Refusals - July 2009

Glove containers typically hold more than 2.5 million disposable gloves, resulting in potential market shortages when refusals peak unexpectedly.

26
Aug

Non-latex glove allergies

Filed under: Safety — Michael Prather @ 6:43 pm

Our customer service department recently fielded a question about allergic reactions when using non-latex gloves. Seizing the opportunity to help other customers or glove users who may have similar questions, we added new information to our training site today at GloveUniversity.com about the possible causes of a reaction and recommended solutions.

If you take a moment to check it out, let us know what you think with a reply.

25
Aug

CBP Outlines Importer Security Filing Requirements

Filed under: Regulatory Compliance, Supply & Distribution — Michael Prather @ 12:05 pm

US Customs and Border Patrol has released an informative brochure outlining importer security filing (ISF) and other carrier requirements.  The new security measures, commonly referred to as 10+2, were enacted earlier this year but will not be actively enforced until January 2010.  The requirements apply to all ocean freight entering the country.

While we take away the headaches of worrying about customs and other regulatory requirements, it is worth a look to see just one aspect of what goes into importing product into the United States.

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