News Room

Press Releases

• CDPH Announces the Winners of California's First-Ever Contest for Anti-Smoking TV Commercials
  May 6, 2008 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health, today announced the winners of the 'Be a Reel Hero – Create. Direct. Save Lives,' a contest that offered Californians the opportunity to create the state’s next anti-tobacco television commercials." 

• California Department of Public Health Announces Annual Quarantine of Sport-Harvested Mussels
  May 6, 2008 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), announced that the annual quarantine on sport-harvested mussels taken from the ocean waters of California for human consumption is effective from May 1 through Oct.  31." 

• English Oaks Convalescent & Rehabilitation Hospital in Stanislaus County Receives Citation from the California Department of Public Health
  April 25, 2008 - "English Oaks Convalescent & Rehabilitation Hospital in Stanislaus County has received a "AA" citation, the most severe penalty under state law, and a $100,000 fine, the highest fine under state law, from the state of California..."

• Twin Oaks Health and Rehabilitation Center in Butte County Receives Citation from the California Department of Public Health
  April 24, 2008 - "Twin Oaks Health and Rehabilitation Center in Butte County has received a “AA” citation, the most severe penalty under state law, and a $100,000 fine, the highest fine under state law, from the state of California..."

• Marysville Care Center in Yuba County Receives Citation from the California Department of Public Health
  April 24, 2008 - "Marysville Care Center in Yuba County has received a “AA” citation, the most severe penalty under state law, and a $100,000 fine, the highest fine under state law, from the state of California..."

• Ember Health Care-Monte Vista in Los Angeles County Receives Citation from the California Department of Public Health
  April 22, 2008 - "Ember Health Care-Monte Vista in Los Angeles County has received a "AA" citation, the most severe penalty under state law, and a $90,000 fine from the state of California..."

• The Springs at Carlotta in Riverside County Receives Citation from the California Department of Public Health
  April 22, 2008 - "The Springs at Carlotta in Riverside County has received a "AA" citation, the most severe penalty under state law, and a $100,000 fine..."

• Palm Terrace Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Orange County Receives Citation from the California Department of Public Health
  April 18, 2008 - "Palm Terrace Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Orange County has received a “AA” citation, the most severe penalty under state law, and a $75,000 fine from the state of California..."

• California Department of Public Health Cautions Californians About Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases
  April 18, 2008 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health, today warned Californians who are participating in warm weather outdoor activities to take precautions to prevent tick bite-related ailments, such as Lyme disease."

• California Department of Public Health Warns Consumers Not To Eat Chaca Chaca Chacatrozo Candy Imported From Mexico ... Spanish
  April 17, 2008 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers not to eat Chaca Chaca Chacatrozo candy imported from Mexico after tests by CDPH found levels of lead that could cause health problems."

• California Department of Public Health Introduces Public Health Advisory Committee, Kicks Off National Public Health Week
  April 7, 2008 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health, today introduced the members of the new Public Health Advisory Committee and launched California’s Public Health Week."

• Consumers Warned Not To Chew The Gum Contained In Dulces Yosi Megapack Imported From Mexico  ... Spanish
  March 27, 2008 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers not to chew the gum included as part of the Dulces Yosi ‘MEGAPACK’..."

• California Department of Public Health Commemorates World TB Day, March 24, 2008
  March 21, 2008 - "Dr. Mark Horton, Director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today observed World Tuberculosis (TB) Day by reminding Californians that TB continues to be a significant health threat in California."

• California Department of Public Health Warns Consumers Not To Eat Kowalke Family Brand Alfalfa Sprout Products ... Spanish
  March 20, 2008 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers not to eat Kowalke Family brand alfalfa sprout products because they may be contaminated with Salmonella..."

• California Department of Public Health Issues Administrative Penalties To Eleven Hospitals ... (Details of each penalty.)
  March 20, 2008 - "The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced today that eleven California hospitals have been assessed administrative penalties of $25,000 per violation..."

• California Department of Public Health Warns Consumers Not To Eat Tamanlorin Candy and BarriChicle Mini Chewing Gum Imported From Mexico ... Spanish
  March 11, 2008 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers not to eat Tamanlorin Tamarind Candy or BarriChicle Mini Chewing Gum, which are imported from Mexico, after tests by CDPH found levels of lead that could cause health problems."

• California Department of Public Health Warns Consumers Not To Eat Three Brands of Alfalfa Sprouts
  February 29, 2008 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers not to eat certain brands of alfalfa sprouts because they may be contaminated with Salmonella, which can cause serious illness."

• State Issues New "Surge Capacity" Guidelines For Health Care Facilities
  February 18, 2008 - California state officials today released the nation's first comprehensive guidance for how hospitals, other health care facilities and local health departments should respond to a sudden increased demand for services following a catastrophic event."

• California Department of Public Health Launches Black Infant Health Week
  February 15, 2008 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health, today launched California’s Black Infant Health Week."

• California Department of Public Health Announces the State's First Reported Pediatric Death Associated With Influenza This Year ... Spanish
  February 15, 2008 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), announced today that California has its first pediatric death associated with influenza this year."

• California Department of Public Health Announces State Will Require Mandatory Reporting of Severe MRSA Cases
  February 14, 2008 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), announced today that California will require severe cases of staph infections, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), be added to the list of diseases reported to local health departments in the state."

• California Department of Public Health Warns Consumers Not To Eat Bibi Rainbow Chewing Gum Confection, Tamanzela Candies and Tarritos Candies Imported From Mexico ... Spanish
  February 6, 2008 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers not to eat Bibi Rainbow Chewing Gum Confection, Tamanzela candies and Tarritos candies, which are imported from Mexico, after tests by CDPH found levels of lead that could cause health problems."

• California Department of Public Health Warns Consumers Not To Eat Olivier Brand Parmesan & Asiago Dip With Garlic & Basil ... Spanish
  January 31, 2008 - "Dr. Mark Horton, Director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers not to eat Olivier brand Parmesan & Asiago Dip with Garlic & Basil, because of the possibility of contamination with Clostridium botulinum."

• California Department of Public Health Launches Pre-Teen Vaccine Week ... Spanish
  January 18, 2008 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), will launch California’s Preteen Vaccine Week at a youth soccer tournament in San Diego tomorrow."

• California Department of Public Health Warns Consumers Not To Eat Indy Mini Dedos Spicy and Sour Candy Imported From Mexico ... Spanish
  January 18, 2008 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers not to eat INDY Mini Dedos Spicy and Sour candy imported from Mexico after tests by CDPH found levels of lead that could cause health problems."

• "Smoke-Free Cars with Minors" Law Takes Effect ... Spanish
  January 3, 2008 - "California state health officials today commemorated the ten-year anniversary of smoke-free bars in California and highlighted a new law that protects Californians against the danger of secondhand smoke.  The “Smoke-free Cars with Minors” law, which took effect January 1, bans smoking in a car carrying a minor. ..."

• California Department of Public Health Warns Consumers Not To Drink Metromint Flavored Water ... Spanish
  December 5, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers not to drink Metromint brand flavored water because it may be contaminated with a bacterium called Bacillus cereus, a microorganism that may cause vomiting or diarrhea."
• California Department of Public Health Cites Sky Harbor Care Center in Death of a Resident
  December 4, 2007 - "Sky Harbor Care Center in San Bernardino County has received a "AA" citation, the most severe penalty under state law, and a $100,000 fine..."
• California Department of Public Health Cites Pacific Coast Manor in Death of Resident
  December 4, 2007 - "Pacific Coast Manor, a skilled nursing facility in Santa Cruz County has received a “AA” citation, the most severe under state law, and an $100,000 fine from the state of California..."
• California Department of Public Health Cites Citrus Nursing Center in Death of Resident
  November 29, 2007 - "Citrus Nursing Center in San Bernardino County has received a "AA" citation, the most severe penalty under state law, and a $100,000 fine, the highest fine under state law..."
• California Department of Public Health Cites Beverly Living Center in Death of Resident
  November 29, 2007 - "Beverly Living Center in Napa County has received a "AA" citation, the most severe penalty under state law, and a $100,000 fine, the highest fine under state law..."
• California Department of Public Health Offers Food Safety Tips for Holiday Feasts ... Spanish
  November 19, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), reminded Californians today about the importance of safe food handling during the holiday season to prevent food borne illness."
• California Department of Public Health Cautions Californians About Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases
  November 5, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned individuals who are working or playing outdoors in the fall and winter months to be on the alert for ticks that may carry bacteria that cause Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses."
• California Department of Public Health Lifts Annual Quarantine for Sport-Harvested Mussels
  November 1, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), announced today that the statewide annual quarantine on mussels taken by sport harvesters from the ocean waters of California for human consumption ended today."
• California Department of Public Health Issues Administrative Penalties to Nine Hospitals
  October 25, 2007 - "The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced today that nine California hospitals have been assessed administrative penalties from the state of California..."
• Health Risks Associated with Smoke from Southern California Fires
  October 22, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today urged individuals who live near areas affected by the Southern California fires to stay alert to changing smoke levels."
• California Department of Public Health Cites Winsor House Convalescent Hospital Skilled Nursing Facility in Death of Resident
  For more information, read the Statement of Deficiencies
  October 18, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), announced today that Winsor House Convalescent Hospital Skilled Nursing Facility in Solano County has received a “AA” citation, the most severe penalty under state law, and a $100,000 fine, the highest fine under state law..."
• California Department of Public Health Commemorates National Latino AIDS Awareness Day  ... Spanish
  October 15, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today urged all Californians to get involved in fighting HIV/AIDS by observing the fifth annual National Latino AIDS Awareness Day."
• California Department of Public Health Warns Consumers Not To Eat American Chef's Selection Angus Beef Patties
  October 11, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers in California not to eat  American Chef’s Selection Angus Beef Patties purchased at Sam’s Club stores in the state because the products could be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 and may cause serious illness."
• California Department of Public Health Warns Consumers Not To Eat Certain Brands of Pot Pies
  October 11, 2007 - "Consumers should not eat certain frozen Banquet or generic store brand chicken and turkey pot pies because they may be contaminated with Salmonella, Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), warned today."
• California Department of Public Health Warns Consumers Not To Eat Certain Brands of Ground Beef
  October 5, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers in California not to eat certain brands of ground beef products because the products could be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7..."
• California Department of Public Health Warns Consumers Not To Eat Soy Deli Tofu Products Identified in Expanded Recall
  October 3, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health, today warned consumers not to eat Soy Deli brand tofu products identified in an expanded recall because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacterium that may cause serious health problems."
• California Department of Public Health Urges Californians To Get Immunized Against the Flu ... Spanish
  October 2, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today urged Californians who want protection from the flu to get immunized..."  
• California Department of Public Health Warns Consumers Not To Eat Soy Deli Tofu Products
  September 24, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health, today warned consumers, particularly infants, young children and pregnant women, not to eat the following Soy Deli brand tofu products manufactured by Quong Hop and Co...."
• California Department of Public Health Health Advises Consumers Not To Use CDPH Lunch Boxes ... Spanish
  September 20, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today urged consumers to stop using lunch boxes, which have been distributed as CDPH nutrition educational items, after testing showed elevated levels of lead in three lunch boxes."
• California Department of Public Health Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Giving Baby's Bliss Gripe Water - Apple-Flavored to Children
  September 19, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers, especially parents of infants, to immediately stop giving Baby's Bliss Gripe Water - Apple Flavored to children ..."
• California Department of Public Health Warns Consumers Not to Eat Jovy Shaiky Tamarind Lollipops and Indy Cerillos Spicy & Sour Watermelon Lollipops Imported From Mexico  ... Spanish Version
  September 7, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers not to eat JOVY Shaiky Pop tamarind hard candy lollipops with chili powder and INDY Cerillos Spicy & Sour Candy Lollipops-watermelon flavor..."
• CDPH Commemorates World Rabies Day
  September 7, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today observed World Rabies Day by urging Californians to protect their family and pets from rabies by taking simple precautions such as avoiding contact with wild animals that may be infected with the deadly virus..."
• California Department of Public Health Warns Consumers Not to Eat Indy Dedos Spicy and Sour Candy Imported From Mexico ... Spanish
  August 31, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers not to eat INDY Dedos Spicy and Sour candy imported from Mexico after tests by CDPH found levels of lead that could cause health problems..."
• CDPH Statement on Metz Fresh Recall of Bagged Spinach
  August 28, 2007 - "Yesterday afternoon (August 28, 2007) Metz Fresh, LLC of Kings City, Ca. notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and California Department of Public Health (CDPH) of a positive test for Salmonella found during routine company testing of their Metz Fresh bagged spinach product..."
• California Department of Public Health Warns Attendees at the USA Gymnastics National Congress and Trade Show in San Jose of Possible Exposure to Hepatitis A
  August 27, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, Director of the California Department of Public Health, today warned of possible hepatitis A exposure to Californians who consumed complimentary smoothies at the JumpSport booth at the USA Gymnastics National Congress and Trade Show..."
• California Department of Public Health Warns Consumers Not To Eat Bagged Baby Carrots Distributed By The Los Angeles Salad Company
  August 23, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers not to eat bagged, fresh baby carrots distributed to Kroger/Ralphs and Trader Joe’s stores in California by the Los Angeles Salad Company. The product may be contaminated with Shigella..." 
• California Department of Public Health Celebrates 15th Anniversary of the California Smokers' Helpline ... Spanish
  August 23, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health, today celebrated the fifteen-year anniversary of the California Smokers’ Helpline and debuted new Helpline features that will make it easier for California smokers to quit..." 
• California Department of Public Health Encourages Parents To Have Their Children Immunized With Start Of The School Year ... Spanish 
  August 23, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today urged parents to have their children immunized with the start of the school year..." 
• California Department of Public Health Warns Consumers Not to Eat Barrilito and Miguelito Candies Imported from Mexico ... Spanish
  August 22, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers not to eat Barrilito and Miguelito candies imported from Mexico after tests by CDPH found levels of lead that could cause health problems..." 
• California Department of Public Health Launches Breastfeeding Awareness Month (PDF, Opens New Window) ... Spanish (PDF, Opens New Window)
  August 7, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today launched California’s Breastfeeding Awareness Month..."
• California Department of Public Health Announces Fifth Death this Year due to West Nile Virus (PDF, Opens New Window)
  August 3, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today announced that a Kings County woman has died after being exposed to West Nile virus (WNV). She is the fifth WNV fatality in California this year..."
• California Department of Public Health Announces Third and Fourth Deaths Due to West Nile Virus (PDF, Opens New Window)
  July 31, 2007 - "California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today announced the third and fourth deaths in 2007 of Californians due to complications associated with West Nile virus (WNV). An elderly San Joaquin County man and an elderly Colusa County woman have both died of West Nile neuroinvasive disease..."
• California Department of Public Health Releases Preliminary Research into Autism Spectrum Disorders among Children of Mothers Living near Agricultural Pesticide Application (PDF, Opens New Window)
  July 30, 2007 - "California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today released a study that suggests a possible connection between autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and maternal exposure to pesticides."
• California Department of Public Health Warns Consumers Not to Eat Fresh Ginger From China (PDF, Opens New Window)
  July 29, 2007  – "California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director Dr. Mark Horton warned consumers not to eat fresh ginger imported from China after the California Department of Pesticide Regulation’s residue monitoring program detected the presence of aldicarb sulfoxide in some batches of imported ginger."
• California Department of Public Heath Announces San Diego Botulism CasePossible Association with Recalled Chili
  Product (PDF, Opens New Window)
  July 27, 2007  – "California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director Dr. Mark Horton today announced that a 51-year-old San Diego County woman has a confirmed case of botulism, a rare illness..."
• California Department of Public Health Announces Second Death From West Nile Virus in 200& (PDF, Opens New Window)
  July 24, 2007 - "California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director Dr. Mark Horton today announced the second death in 2007 of a Californian due to complications associated with West Nile virus (WNV). The fatality was an 85-year-old Kern County man. The first fatality, an elderly Kern County woman, was announced on July 13..."
• California Department of Public Health warns consumers not to eat De La Rosa Pulparindo Candy (PDF, Opens New Window) ... Spanish (PDF)
  July 20, 2007 - "California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director Dr. Mark Horton today warned consumers not to eat to De La Rosa Pulparindo candy imported from Mexico after tests conducted by CDPH found high levels of lead that could cause health problems..." 

• California Department of Public Health advises consumers not to eat certain brands of Castleberry Hot Dog Chili Sauce, Chili, and Corned Beef Hash (PDF, Opens New Window)
  July 20, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers not to eat certain canned products manufactured by Castleberry Foods due to possible contamination with the toxin that causes botulism poisoning..."

• California Department of Public Health cites Applewood Care Center in Sacramento County in death of a resident (PDF, Opens New Window)
  July 19, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), announced today that Applewood Care Center in Sacramento County has received the most severe penalty under state law..."

• California department of public health announces first death from West Nile Virus in 2007 (PDF, Opens New Window) ... Spanish (PDF, Opens New Window)
  July 13, 2007 - "Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), announced today that West Nile virus (WNV) has claimed the life of an elderly woman in Kern County..."

• State public health department issues warning about hantavirus following first case in 2007 (PDF, Opens New Window)
  July 11, 2007 - "A Mono County man has been confirmed with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a disease spread by rodents, prompting California Department of Public Health Director Dr. Mark Horton to remind Californians to take precautions ..."

• State public health department cites beverly healthcare center in stockton in death of resident (PDF, Opens New Window)
  July 9, 2007 - Beverly Healthcare Center in Stockton has received a "AA" citation, the most severe under state law, and an $80,000 fine ..."

• State public health department cites pleasant care convalescent of petaluma in death of resident (PDF, Opens New Window)
  July 5, 2007 - "Pleasant Care Convalescent of Petaluma skilled nursing facility in Sonoma County has received a "AA" citation, the most severe under state law, and a $100,000 fine ..."

Other News 

• FDA Recalls and Alerts 
• Archive Press Releases

For more information you may contact us at:

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