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* Bruce Dold, the publisher and editor in chief of the Chicago Tribune, wrote an unusual clarification late yesterday afternoon about the Tribune’s Sterigenics coverage. Excerpt…
Some articles have discussed industry research that shows there are other, potentially safer methods that could replace ethylene oxide across the medical equipment industry. To clarify, some devices are currently approved for use only if they are sterilized with ethylene oxide. Under current FDA approvals, Sterigenics and other companies are required to use ethylene oxide to sterilize those devices.
A story published online Jan. 25 and in print the next day has been updated with the following sentence:
Despite readily available alternatives that industry research shows are potentially effective, Sterigenics and Medline Industries note that ethylene oxide is currently the only FDA-approved option to fumigate certain medical equipment used in surgeries and other medical procedures.
A story published online Oct. 26 and in print the next day discussed pollution control at the plant, stating: “Federal officials say the company released uncontrolled amounts of ethylene oxide from building vents for more than 30 years.”
There’s more, so go read the whole thing.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Mar 13, 19 @ 9:31 am
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==Under current FDA approvals, Sterigenics and other companies are required to use ethylene oxide to sterilize those devices.==
So one part of government says they must use ethylene oxide to fumigate certain medical equipment and another part of government says they must not use ethylene oxide and shut them down completely. Where does this put the people and operations that rely on these specific devices and how does this get resolved in both the short and long term?
Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Mar 13, 19 @ 9:51 am
This is a great example of how the Tribune and its mission in reporting and the Editorial Board are far different things.
That’s not a slam, so stop.
It is a recognition that the arm that aids in informing and reporting does its business in a respectable and professional way.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 13, 19 @ 10:04 am
That’s a clarification? Then why am I not certain what the pushback is from Sterigenics and what the Tribbies are scared about?
A double-secret-probation clarification might be helpful.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Mar 13, 19 @ 10:12 am
Guessin’ GovJunk’s PoisonPlant threatened to sue.
BTW anyone ever get a look at a receipt for the sale of GovJunk’s share in the outfit. or are we just letting him jive us again?
Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Mar 13, 19 @ 10:15 am
In the General Assembly this would be called a trailer bill.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Mar 13, 19 @ 10:18 am
Seems odd that the publisher had to do this. Libel suit threat or Dold’s friend called him to complain?
Were newsroom folks not comfortable with this clarification so Dold had to write it himself under his own byline?
Comment by Robert the Bruce Wednesday, Mar 13, 19 @ 10:38 am
The “correction” is still not accurate. There are many medical devices that have no alternative sterilization method. period. Packaging configurations, critical material compatibility, density etc are all factors that weigh in on the choice of sterilization. Any changes to devices to make them compatible with other sterilization methods may take years of development and ultimately cost more to manufacture (if possible at all).
Comment by Sterile John Wednesday, Mar 13, 19 @ 10:41 am
I cant find much info on this operation. Trying to find out; number of employees, union/non-union, pay level.any one have the scoop?
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Wednesday, Mar 13, 19 @ 10:42 am
–Seems odd that the publisher had to do this. –
Speculation, based on past newsroom experience:
Sterigenics demanded a “correction” on something from reporters and immediate supervising editors and were turned down.
They appealed upstairs and somehow got Dold to split the baby and issue a “clarification,” likely satisfying noone.
Note to Bruce: You’re not supposed to actually split the baby in a Solomon-like decision.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Mar 13, 19 @ 11:28 am
The clarification was useful.
Comment by Keyser Soze Wednesday, Mar 13, 19 @ 5:42 pm