Latest news with #Salmonella
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- Tom's Guide
Banish cockroaches with this $2 ingredient that experts say they 'cannot stand'
I don't like to think of myself as unwelcoming, but I prefer to keep critters out of my home. However, in the warmer months, when I have my doors and windows open wide to invite the fresh air in, I'm also giving an open invitation to pests. I refuse to shut all my doors and windows to prevent the likes of cockroaches from making themselves at home, and that's why I was intrigued to discover another way to encourage them to make a quick exit. Because I know they won't pay any attention when I tell them, 'Please don't bother to take off your shoes, you won't be staying.' With the warmer weather creeping in, cockroaches are emerging from their winter hiding spots and heading indoors in search of food, warmth and shelter. Their internal sat nav takes them straight to your kitchen, pantry, or behind your appliances, where they make themselves at home. But, according to Chris Hutton, storage expert and owner of Adams Selfstore, once they claim residence, they are hard to remove. Apart from being an unwelcome sight, they pose a serious health hazard and are known for carrying bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. What's more, if they infiltrate your food stores, they can leave behind more than the mess of damaged packaging. Cockroaches can cause gastrointestinal infections and allergic reactions. Calling in pest control needn't be your first resort, as there's one method that will send cockroaches packing. And all it will cost you is $2, saving you from forking out on expensive pest control. Inside this packet you'll receive 1 ounce of dried bay leaves. Apart from adding fragrance and a distinctive flavor to your food, the leaves can be used to deter cockroaches. Place the leaves around your home to keep the pests out. 'Cockroaches are an extremely hardy bug that can be quite difficult to remove from homes. However, they absolutely cannot stand the smell of bay leaves,' says Hutton. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. So, what is the secret power in bay leaves? Eucalyptol and terpenes are the natural compounds found in aromatic herbs that are often added to recipes to enhance flavor. These fragrant oils are known to repel insects. Hutton explains that the smell is overwhelming and unbearable to cockroaches, driving them to flee the area in search of a less offensive environment. 'Once a cockroach catches even the slightest whiff of bay leaves, they'll run in the opposite direction. It makes for a natural, chemical-free deterrent, and can save households hundreds in pest control costs.' Hutton recommends placing a handful of dried bay leaves in areas where cockroaches are likely to hide or enter. Think about the areas behind kitchen appliances, in cupboards, under your sink, or near cracks in walls. But once you've placed the bay leaves in these prime areas, don't just forget about them. Hutton recommends replacing them every couple of weeks to keep the scent potent and effective. Apart from using bay leaves, there are other ways to get rid of cockroaches, including maintaining good hygiene practices. Hutton suggests keeping food sealed and surfaces clean and wiping up any crumbs or spills promptly.
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Mice will scurry away for good if 1 natural repellent is placed in your home
While mice might be a delightful sight in the Irish countryside, or a cherished pet safely housed in a cage, they are less welcome when they decide to nest in your walls and under floorboards. Despite their adorable appearance, mice are a public health pest and can cause significant harm. Mice are known carriers of diseases such as Salmonella and Listeria, which they can transmit to humans through their urine, droppings and bedding. As they scuttle about on your countertops, cupboards and tables, they can spread dirt and bacteria. They also cause considerable property damage due to their compulsive need to gnaw, putting your electric cables, doors, skirting boards and floorboards all at risk. Fortunately, there is a clever natural solution that avoids the need to spend large sums on traps and helps keep them away from your home. Peppermint oil has gained popularity as a method for deterring mice from your home. Mice find the smell of peppermint overpowering and disorientating as the potent aroma masks their pheromones on their pathways. Consequently, it will discourage these pests from entering your house, according to lifestyle blogger The Kitchn, reports the Express. The blogger suggests mixing two teaspoons of 100% peppermint oil with every 230 ml of water in a small spray bottle. You can then spray this solution anywhere you have spotted mice. You can also apply the oil directly onto cotton balls and place these in areas prone to mice. You can purchase 100 ml bottles of peppermint essential oil on for a mere €9.99. However, it's worth noting that if mice have made themselves at home inside your property, the scent of peppermint alone won't be enough to persuade them to vacate their nest. More drastic measures may be required to get rid of these unwelcome visitors.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
The Major Cantaloupe Recall That Caused Six Deaths
The last thing consumers want after spending their time and hard-earned money buying groceries is a recall, or worse, an illness. However, recalls are often necessary to prevent the latter from happening. In the case of the widespread 2023 cantaloupe recall, the impact of the recall affected millions. In 2023, cantaloupes that were sold or distributed from September through early December of that year were recalled due to Salmonella. The recall spanned multiple brands and retailers and included both whole and pre-cut cantaloupe. Investigation of the salmonella outbreak led to the identification of several brands that bore labels reading "Malichita," "Rudy," and "405" as the tainted cantaloupe. Three companies that distributed those brands — Sofia Produce, Crown Jewels Produce, and Pacific Trellis Fruit — issued announcements regarding the fruit recall, which impacted 44 American states and regions of Canada. Salmonella outbreaks are one of the most common reasons for food recalls. The bacteria can cause a range of symptoms,including diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, and bloody stool. For some, the illness clears on its own, but in the case of the 2023 outbreak, the contaminated cantaloupe caused 407 illnesses, including 158 hospitalizations and six deaths. The Centers for Diseases Control announced an end to the mass outbreak on January 19, 2024. Read more: 14 Foods You Should Never Freeze Consumers can't always protect themselves from dangerous bacteria like Salmonella, especially on a scale like the 2023 cantaloupe outbreak. But there are ways to mitigate the risks through proper food handling and storage. The journey from harvest to home is a long one, and the outside of a melon comes into contact with everything from soil to water to humans, raising the risk of foodborne illnesses. Before cutting a cantaloupe, always make sure to wash the produce thoroughly to prevent the spread of any stowaway bacteria that would otherwise wind up in the meat of the melon. Storing cantaloupe on the counter is okay for a few days, but ideally, once it starts to smell sweet or if you've cut it open, it should be kept in the fridge. A freshly harvested cantaloupe will last in the fridge up to 15 days. While these proper food safety measures are important for preventative purposes, it's important to note that proper storage and even freezing fruit like cantaloupe won't eliminate the danger of harmful bacteria like Salmonella. In the case of an outbreak, you should dispose of any cantaloupe that may have been impacted. For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
At least 7 in GA sickened in Salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a Salmonella outbreak connected to cucumbers has sickened at least seven people in Georgia. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The CDC and public health officials are investigating a multi-state Salmonella outbreak linked to recalled cucumbers. RELATED STORY: Georgia Grown cucumbers not impacted by recent recall, GA agriculture department says Those recalled cucumbers should be no longer for sale. As of May 23, the CDC reports there have been 45 cases and 16 hospitalizations in 18 states. No deaths have been reported. TRENDING STORIES: Delta flight with nearly 200 on board forced to turn back to Atlanta over pressurization issue North GA man accused of trying to force woman into his truck with crossbow 'Honestly, I just miss my wife': Alpharetta newlyweds separated after ICE arrests wife The health agency cautioned that the true number of sick people is likely much higher than the number reported. Many people recover without seeking medical care and without being tested for Salmonella. Salmonella bacteria can make people sick with an illness called salmonellosis, the CDC said. The bacteria is a leading cause of food-borne illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths. People who are young, old or have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk for severe infections, health officials say. Talk to your physician if you have concerning symptoms, including diarrhea and/or vomiting that lasts longer than two days, blood in your stool or urine, a fever higher than 102 degrees and signs of dehydration. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cucumber And Tomato Recalls Expand In U.S. Amid Salmonella Outbreaks
A salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers has prompted expanded recalls across multiple U.S. grocery chains, while a separate tomato recall has been classified as high-risk. Cucumber Outbreak Sickens 26 Across 15 States Cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers in Boynton Beach, Florida, and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales were tied to a salmonella outbreak that has sickened 26 people and hospitalized nine in 15 states, including Alabama, California, and New York. The FDA first announced a voluntary recall on May 19 for cucumbers sold at Bedner's Farm Fresh Market from April 29 to May 14. Environmental samples from Bedner Growers tested positive for salmonella, and the FDA said that they matched clinical samples from ill individuals. The outbreak has led to recalls of cucumber-containing products sold at retailers like Walmart, Kroger, and Harris Teeter. Albertsons Companies recalled three Greek salad products sold at ACME, Safeway, Shaw's, and other stores in 11 states and Washington, D.C., after Fresh Creative Foods, a division of Reser's Fine Foods, identified contaminated cucumbers in their deli items. The recalled salads, sold from May 20-24, include SALAD GREEK AUTHENTIC FS (UPC: 2930700000-00901), READYMEALS SALAD GREEK SS (UPC: 29248300000), and SALAD GREEK FS (UPC: 29232900000). Other recalls include PennRose Farms' repackaged cucumbers distributed to Restaurant Depot, Ukrop's Homestyle Foods' marinated cucumber salads sold at Food Lion and Kroger, and Walmart's Marketside Fresh Cut Cucumber Slices in Texas. Publix recalled loose cucumbers and various salads, while JFE Franchising and Supreme Service Solutions recalled sushi and veggie trays sold at Kroger and Weis Markets. The Coastal Companies also recalled 17 salsa and salad products under brands like East Coast Fresh and Wellsley Farms. The FDA advises consumers to discard cucumbers of unknown origin, and return recalled products for refunds. 'Following a recall initiated by Fresh Creative Foods, a division of Reser's Fine Foods, Inc., Albertsons Companies has voluntarily recalled three store-made deli items…due to possible Salmonella contamination,' the FDA said. Consumers with concerns should contact Albertsons at 1-877-723-3929. Tomato Recall Classified as High-Risk Separately, Williams Farms Repack LLC initiated a Class I recall on April 29 for fresh tomatoes potentially contaminated with salmonella, the FDA's highest risk level, indicating possible serious or fatal health outcomes. The recall, triggered after Southeast Tomato Distributors notified Williams Farms of contamination from H&C Farms, affects tomatoes shipped from April 23-28 to Georgia and the Carolinas. No illnesses have been reported. The recalled tomatoes include 5×6 25lb, 6×6 25lb, Combo 25lb, and other formats, with lot numbers R4467 and R4470. 'Generally speaking, picking and packaging produce at the farm and the facility can result in food contamination,' said Jeongmin Song, a microbiology professor at Cornell University, Newsweek reported. 'Even if there was Salmonella on the tomatoes, most contaminated bacteria can be eliminated by washing them before consumption.' Consumers should discard affected tomatoes or return them for refunds and can contact Jason Breland at 843-866-7707 for questions. Salmonella symptoms, including nausea, fever, and diarrhea, typically appear within six to 72 hours and can be severe in young children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems, the FDA warned. 'In some people, the illness may be so severe that the patient is hospitalized. Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other parts of the body,' the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated on its website.
