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Health and Drug Highlights: July 27, 2011

Here are some of the most recent health and medical drug news:

McDonald’s Announces Healthy Effort

Beginning in September, the fast food giant will include a fr

uit or a low-fat dairy option in all their Happy Meals. McDonalds says they are taking steps to improve the nutrition of their meals.

The Wall Street Journal reported the new Happy Meals will contain about 20 percent fewer calories and less fat.

McDonalds announced their plan on July 26 to offer more nutritional foods.

Popular Drug Prices Set to Fall

The Associated Press reported the price of a number of extensively used drugs are expected to decrease in the next few years as brand name patents expire and generic versions become available.

Over the next 14 months, patents on seven of the world’s 20 best-selling drugs will expire. The AP says that list consists of the two leading sellers, the cholesterol medication Lipitor and the blood thinner Plavix,

Generic versions of other best-selling medications for asthma, depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, HIV, bipolar disorder and high triglycerides will also be launched in the market.

Mexican Papayas Linked to Food Poisoning

A food-poisoning outbreak in the U.S. that’s affected more than 90 people in 23 states may be the result of tainted papayas from Mexico.

A South Texas company is recalling papayas imported from Mexico that could be contaminated with salmonella bacteria. The Chicago Tribune reported the recall covers Blondie, Yaya, Mananita and Tastylicious brand papayas sold before July 23.

Their have been a total of 90 reported food-poisoning cases. 17 have occurred in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health said patients had to be hospitalized in eight of the 17 cases.