Ground beef sold at Whole Foods may be tainted with E. coli, USDA says
Officials on Tuesday issued a public health alert for 1-pound, vacuum-packed packages of Organic Rancher beef, produced on May 22 and May 23, by NPC Processing Inc., of Shelburne, Vermont. The products have use-by dates of June 19 and June 20.
The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service did not request a recall because the products are no longer available for purchase. However, they may still be in consumers' refrigerators or freezers.
The meat was produced in Australia or Uruguay and processed in the U.S. It was sent to distributors in Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois and Maryland and then to Whole Foods stores nationwide. The problem was discovered when company officials notified FSIS that they had shipped beef products that tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, a type of bacteria that can cause serious illness.
To date, no illnesses linked to the product have been reported, officials said. Consumers who have the product should throw it away or return it to the store.
E. coli bacteria can cause infections with symptoms that include dehydration, diarrhea and cramps. Most people recover within a week, but some people can become severely ill and develop a dangerous kidney condition. Children under age 5 and older adults are most at risk.
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New York Times
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Why Do Screens Keep You Up? It May Not Be the Blue Light.
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Yahoo
a day ago
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Over 100 people being investigated for vape offences, say MOH and HSA
SINGAPORE – More than 100 people are under investigation for offences involving vapes, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) on Aug 14. In a joint statement, MOH and HSA said 18 individuals are facing charges in court for offences under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act involving the sale, advertising or import of e-vaporisers. As at Aug 14, five people have been charged over the sale or importation of etomidate-laced e-vaporisers. HSA is also investigating about 65 cases involving the possession, sale or importation of etomidate-laced e-vaporisers. Another 100 are under investigation for offences involving non-etomidate e-vaporisers under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, said the authorities. They said: 'MOH and HSA have been intensifying enforcement actions against etomidate-laced e-vaporiser offences in Singapore.' Under the Poisons Act, those convicted of possessing, importing or selling pods containing etomidate can be jailed for up to two years and/or fined up to $10,000. MOH and HSA said etomidate will soon be classified as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Offenders caught using etomidate-laced e-vaporisers will be subject to mandatory supervision and rehabilitation. Repeat offenders are liable to be prosecuted and subject to jail for at least a year. More severe penalties apply to those selling, distributing or importing these devices, including imprisonment of up to 20 years and caning. 'Users of e-vaporisers, particularly those consuming etomidate, are strongly urged to cease consumption immediately,' said MOH and HSA. The increase in enforcement numbers comes after The Straits Times launched its anti-vaping campaign called Vaping: The Invisible Crisis on July 13. Etomidate is meant for use only during medical procedures. When vaped, etomidate enters the lungs directly, potentially triggering spasms, breathing difficulties, seizures and even psychosis. If etomidate is listed as a Class C drug, abusers can be subjected to supervision and mandatory participation in a rehabilitation programme or committed to drug rehabilitation centres, similar to what drug abusers undergo. Under current laws, possessing, using or buying vapes carries a maximum fine of $2,000. Those found in possession of or using pods containing etomidate can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to $10,000. The measures listed in the MOH-HSA joint statement are among the latest the authorities have taken to tackle the vape scourge in Singapore. On Aug 13, HSA said it was working with Hong Kong's Department of Health (DOH) to tackle vaping by exchanging information and expertise with each other. HSA signed a memorandum of understanding with the DOH for cooperation in healthcare regulatory matters involving health products. Also on Aug 13, ST reported HSA had recently advertised job openings for investigators specifically to crack down on Kpods. As at Aug 14, more than 500 people have applied for the job. The public can report vaping offences to the Tobacco Regulation Branch on 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 9pm daily, or online at Those who need help to quit vaping can join the Health Promotion Board's I Quit programme by calling the QuitLine on 1800-438-2000. The authorities have said those who voluntarily seek support to quit vaping will not face any penalties for doing so. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
Cosmopolitan
3 days ago
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Ranked: The 7 healthiest milks you should be drinking—from cow's milk to oat milk
If you take a cursory look at any supermarket shelf, you'll find that we really can – and will – turn pretty much anything into milk these days. Gone are the days of blue, green or red topped options straight from the cow, there are now an increasing amount of options to pour on top of your cereal, spanning from oat to coconut to even hemp. But with so many different options to choose from, and with some milks becoming more 'fashionable' than others (it's now thought that as many as a third of British households now have a dairy-free alternative milk in their fridges), how can we be sure which milk is best for us nutritionally? Well, fear not. Cosmopolitan UK has sought the help of Alison Bladh, clinical supervisor on nutrition at the University of West London, to share her expertise on which milk is the best. The classic option is still favoured by most people in the UK (a 2024 study found semi-skimmed milk is the best-selling milk in Britain). But it can cause digestive issues for many – and not just those who are lactose intolerant, explains Bladh. 'Dairy milk contains proteins like casein and whey, which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals,' she explains. 'The allergenic potential of dairy milk can vary depending on the type of milk and the individual's immune response. For example, whole milk contains more fat and protein than skimmed milk, which may slightly increase its allergenic load in sensitive individuals.' Full fat milk has previously been lambasted as being unhealthy (however, whole milk sales have started to rise again in more recent months – perhaps as a result of our newfound protein obsession?). Bladh adds its reputation is slightly unfair, particularly as it's a good source of vitamins as well as protein. 'Whole milk retains all its natural fat, which can help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K,' she says. 'Whole milk may help with satiety, making you feel fuller for longer, and some studies have linked it to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and healthier weight outcomes compared to low-fat versions, likely because it's less processed and more satisfying, helping to reduce overall snacking and cravings.' Reduced and low-fat cow's milk have similar benefits, Bladh adds, but would be better for those mindful of calorie intake or saturated fat consumption. Unpasteurised, or 'raw' milk has gained traction in some circles (see American 'crunchy moms' for details). This is effectively milk that hasn't been heat-treated to kill harmful bacteria, with some claiming it's more nutritious than milk that has been processed. Bladh, however, is wary, and explains the health dangers: 'Raw milk can harbour dangerous bacteria like Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella, which are especially risky for pregnant women, children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems,' she says. 'In the UK, raw cow's milk can legally be sold by registered farms directly to consumers (e.g. at the farm gate, via a farmer's market, or through a delivery scheme) but must carry a warning label.' She continues: 'As a nutritional therapist, I advise caution. If you're considering raw milk, make sure it's from a reputable, regularly tested source, and understand the potential risks. 'For most people, pasteurised milk remains the safer, more reliable option especially when you're looking to meet your nutritional needs without compromising food safety.' Not all dairy milk comes from cows; you may have indulged in goat's cheese before, so why not give goat milk a go? Bladh explains it may generally be better for those who struggle with cow's milk. 'Goat's milk has a different protein structure and lower lactose content, which makes it slightly easier to digest. 'It also contains slightly more calcium and certain medium-chain fatty acids, which are more readily used for energy. However, it's still a dairy product and not suitable for those with true dairy allergies or following a vegan diet.' Made from processing soy beans, this plant-based alternative is considered to be the milk most nutritionally similar to dairy. As well as being high in protein and having strong calcium, it is also cholesterol free. Bladh argues this is a strong option for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant – but warns it may not work for everyone. 'Some people may be sensitive to soy, and it's not always well tolerated by those with IBS due to its fermentable fibre content,' she says. 'For soya milk, I recommend choosing organic when possible. This helps avoid genetically modified (GM) soy, which is common in conventional production, and often means fewer pesticide residues.' Almond milk is made from almonds and water, meaning it tends to have fewer calories than traditional dairy milk. However, Bladh warns, almond milk can sometimes have very high sugar content – particularly in sweetened versions – and has low protein. 'Fortified versions can provide calcium and vitamin D, but nutritionally it's not a like-for-like dairy replacement unless enriched,' she says. 'Still, it can be a good base for smoothies or as a light alternative in tea or coffee. It's best for general use, rather than as a protein source.' Currently the most popular plant-based milk in the UK (annual sales of oat milk have reached £275 million), its creamy texture and and pleasant, naturally sweet taste has seen it become a staple in both kitchens and plush coffee shops alike. While there are some health benefits (It's well tolerated for those with milk allergies, and is often fortified with calcium, B vitamins and vitamin D, Bladh says) it is very starchy and carb-heavy , so it may not be suitable for those closely monitoring blood sugar. Simply made from milled rice and water, Bladh touts rice milk as the best type of milk if you have many food intolerances. However, compared to dairy and other plant-based alternatives, it contains few dietary benefits. 'It has a high glycaemic index and offers very little protein,' she says. 'Although often fortified, it's not ideal as a standalone nutritional replacement for dairy.' This flavourful alternative tends to be light in both texture and carbs – but high in saturated fats. 'It may be fortified with calcium and vitamin D but isn't naturally nutrient-dense,' Bladh says. 'It can be a flavourful addition to drinks or dishes, but its limited nutritional content means it should be used more as a complement than a key dietary source of nutrients. 'Best suited for occasional use in smoothies, teas or curries, especially for those following low-carb or plant-based diets who enjoy its flavour.' Made from hemp seeds and water, hemp milk contains omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, making it unique among plant milks. 'It's typically low in protein but often fortified with calcium, vitamin D and B12,' Bladh says. 'It's naturally free from nuts, soy, and gluten, and has a slightly nutty taste. Some people find its flavour strong, but it blends well into smoothies or porridge. 'It's best suited for individuals with food allergies who are looking to boost their intake of essential fatty acids, particularly those following plant-based or anti-inflammatory diets.' Bladh argues there is no one size fits all approach to finding the best or healthiest milk. 'The healthiest option depends entirely on your individual health goals, dietary needs, tolerance, and lifestyle,' she says. 'If you're looking for a nutrient-dense, natural source of protein, calcium, and B vitamins, and you tolerate dairy well, then whole milk from grass-fed cows can be an excellent choice especially when consumed as part of a balanced, whole-food diet. 'If you're trying to reduce saturated fat or manage heart disease risk, then reduced-fat or low-fat dairy can still offer valuable nutrients with fewer calories and less fat 'For those with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or following a plant-based diet, unsweetened, fortified, organic soy milk is the closest nutritionally to cow's milk, especially in protein. Other plant-based options like hemp, oat, and almond milk have their place, but vary widely in nutrient content. 'It's essential to choose fortified, unsweetened versions and be mindful of added sugars and processing.' This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Kimberley Bond is a Multiplatform Writer for Harper's Bazaar, focusing on the arts, culture, careers and lifestyle. She previously worked as a Features Writer for Cosmopolitan UK, and has bylines at The Telegraph, The Independent and British Vogue among countless others.
