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Coffee drinks give me a chance to stop & relax, which we all need.
1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
1-2 shots of expresso
1 TB raw cacao powder
1 TS pure maple syrup
1/4 TS teaspoon peppermint extract
In a small saucepan, warm the coconut milk to your desired temperature over medium to high heat.
Pour the warmed milk into a high-powered blender and add the espresso, cacao powder, maple syrup, and peppermint.
Blend until the drink is combined and slightly frothy, about 1 minute.
Pour into a mug and enjoy it immediately.
Serves 1
Double the recipe to make 2 servings.
Enjoy
Melinda
Reference:
The recipe is from Kristin Cavallari’s cookbook True Comfort.
It’s important to understand what glutens are and where to look for in order to establish a gluten-free lifestyle. As more people are diagnosed gluten intolerant more pre-made products will become available making choices much easier. I plan to write a number of post on the Gluten-Free lifestyle in the coming months. Below is a short list of items and ingredients you can eat. The Information is taken from Gluten Freedom by Alessio Fasano, MD. Founder and Director of the Center for Celiac Research at Massachusetts General Hospital Harvard Medical School. Melinda
Gluten is found in common foods such as breads, cereals, baked goods, and pasta. Because it’s used in processed foods as an additive or preservative, gluten is also found in a wide variety of foods and nonfood items from prescription medications to Play-Doh. If you are the food shopper in the family, you must learn to read labels very carefully to comply with gluten-free diet.
Things you can eat on the Gluten-Free Diet
Gluten-Free Grains, Flours, Seeds and Starches
Safe Ingredients List
Melinda
The product should be thrown away and not consumed, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
A food production company in Georgia has issued a nationwide recall for more than 60,000 lbs. of chicken that was shipped to restaurants across the United States.
The company, called Suzanna’s Kitchen, issued the recall on “approximately 62,550 pounds” of its eight-piece cut, fully-cooked, bone-in breaded chicken product “due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen,” per the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
The product contains soy, which is a known allergen, but it is not listed on the label, per FSIS.
The chicken was produced on Oct. 16, 2025, and has case code “P-1380 126237 B30851 23:11 K04” printed on the side of the packaging. It is shipped in 18 lb. cases containing four units.
FSIS is currently “concerned that some product may be in restaurant refrigerators or freezers,” and restaurants are urged to throw the chicken away should they have it, per the recall.
FSIS first became aware of the contamination when they were alerted to the issue by Suzanna’s Kitchen, which realized some of the chicken had been mislabeled, per the recall statement.
Melinda
Reference:
https://people.com/more-than-60000-lbs-chicken-recalled-nationwide-what-you-need-to-know-11868792
Another recall! Maybe it’s time to grow our own food and make everything from scratch.
Costco, which was among the impacted retailers, previously issued a warning in November
Thousands of cases of salad dressing have been recalled following concerns that a “foreign object” could be inside.
In a newly released exposure report from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the federal agency announced that 3,556 cases of various salad dressings from Ventura Foods had been affected in multiple states across the country.
The California-based company warned the public that “foreign objects (black plastic planting material) in granulated onion” might be found inside its products.
The alert was assigned a Class II label, which refers to “a situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
Impacted condiments include Creamy Poblano Avocado Ranch Dressing and Dip, Ventura Caesar Dressing, Pepper Mill Regal Caesar Dressing, Pepper Mill Creamy Caesar Dressing and Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch.
Two Caesar dressings specifically sold at Costco are also impacted.
“Costco and Ventura foods are announcing the recall of select Sell By dates of Item #19927 Caesar Salad and Item #11444 Chicken Sandwich w/ Caesar Salad due to the possible presence of plastic foreign material in the salad dressing of the items,” the brands said in a joint statement in November.
After sharing the “sell by” dates of the affected products, customers were urged to “Please stop eating the product and return the item to your local Costco for a full refund.”
In the most recent recall, the FDA said Ventura Foods had distributed the products to seven retail customers across 42 locations.
Affected states include: Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
Melinda
Reference:
This is a great hostess gift, great for parties, or makes an inexpensive gift for someone at the office.
Tea sachet/Cheesecloth
Spices
Dry red wine
Pot/Slow cooker
Orange slices
Honey/Sugar (optional)
For a cozy beverage to have by your side, fill the tea sachet (or a square of cheesecloth) with cloves, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and peppercorns to simmer in some wine. Or attach these sachets to a bottle of wine for a holiday gift.
To make spiced wine, pour a bottle of dry red wine into a pot or slow cooker, and place the sachet into the wine. Add a few orange slices and simmer on low, do not boil, for about 45 minutes. Sweeten the wine with a few tablespoons of honey or sugar, if desired.
Serve in mugs with garnishes like cinnamon sticks or star anise.
Melinda
Refernce:
This recipe sounds so good, I could use one right now!
2 black tea bags
2 cups full-fat coconut milk
1 tsp. raw honey
1 tsp. pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cardamon
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Steep both tea bags in 1 cup of hot water for 5 minutes. Remove and discard
Meanwhile, warm the coconut milk in a small saucepan over medium-high heat to your discard bags
Pour the warm milk into a high-powered blender and add the brewed tea, honey, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla extract. Blend until the latte is combined and slightly frothy, about 1 minute
Pour into two cups and enjoy.
Melinda
Reference:
The recipe is from Kristin Cavallari’s cookbook True Comfort.
Repost
Following Ribana is an all encompassing journey of travel, book reviews, creating recipes and so much more. When she shares a recipe, she walks you through the process in words and incredable photos. Be sure to visit her blog and go hungry!
Melinda
YUMMY!!!!!!
2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus more for sprinkling
1 1/2 cups whole milk
2 to 4 shots espresso or strong coffee (1 shot for normal strength, 2 for strong)
* Whipped cream, for serving
To make the recipe vegan or dairy free you can use almond or other plant-based milk and top with coconut whipped cream.
Enjoy
Melinda
Reference:
https://www.foodnetwork.com/fnk/recipes/pumpkin-spice-latte-7936633
1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 4)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound), ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
12 ounces snow peas, trimmed (about 2 1/2 cups)
3 tablespoons apricot preserves
4 teaspoons dijon mustard
4 scallions, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
Yummy!
Melinda
Reference:
All animals big and small are important to our existence and since the beginning of mankind we have eaten meat for nourishment. The treatment of the animals and what they are feed came to my mind many years ago and I do still eat meat a couple of days a week.
When meat is on the menu including eggs, we buy organic, free-range, grass feed, non-GMO and anything else to make sure our food is clean and the animals were treated with care before death. Chickens are treated horribly, they live in crowded dirty cages and let’s not get started on what they are feed.
I choose to eat meat and care about the animals welfare at the same time. That will make sense to some and not others. To each his own.
Melinda
Leeks are a great side dish and are healthy. This dish is simple and doesn’t take long to cook, the perfect dish this holiday season. Best yet, it’s Gluten-Free.

2 large Leeks, tough green ends trimmed
1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Fresh ground black pepper
Pink Himalayan salt
Preheat the oven to 425F
Cut the leeks in half lengthwise. Rinse them liberally under cold water, removing all the dirt and sand from them while keeping the halves intact. Pat them dry.
Place leeks cut side up in a medium baking dish. Coat them with the olive oil and season with 2 big pinches of salt and 1 big pinch of pepper.
Roast until they are tender and golden brown, 35 minutes, and serve immediately.
Serves 4
I have more recipes and DIY projects on the way. Right now I’m working on a Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe.
Enjoy!
Melinda
The recipe is from Kristin Cavallari’s cookbook True Comfort
Repost
Nutritious vegetables and chunks of lean meat simmering in their own juices come together to create a simple yet hearty slow-cooker dish that’s perfect for chilly weather.
2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed
1 cup low-sodium beef stock1/2 cup red wine
One 15-ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, in juice
2 russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 celery stalks, diced
2 carrots, diced1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 bay leaves1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
Measuring cups
Liquid measuring cup
Measuring spoons
Chef’s knife Cutting board
Can opener Vegetable peeler
Resealable plastic bag
Large skillet
Tongs
6-quart slow cooker
Wooden spoon
Working in 2 batches, combine the beef and flour in a resealable plastic bag; seal and shake until the beef is completely coated with flour. Set aside.
Heat the 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (see Cook’s Note). Working in batches and adding more oil as necessary, add the beef in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until the beef is nicely brown on all sides, about 4 minutes. Transfer the beef to a 6-quart slow cooker.
Add the stock and red wine to the skillet and bring to a boil, scraping up the browned bits with a wooden spoon, and continue to boil until slightly reduced, about 1 minute. Transfer the liquid to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 6 hours. The beef and vegetables should be tender.
Alternatively, use a slow cooker that can be placed on a stovetop to sear the beef.
Yummy! Perfect cold weather meal.
Melinda
Reference:
The link takes you the recipe.
Melinda
Reference:
Several dietary supplements containing the popular moringa leaf powder have been recalled after multiple consumers contracted Salmonella.
Products manufactured using a single lot of recalled organic moringa leaf powder from Vallon Farmdirect of Johdpur, India, have been linked to at least 11 illnesses and three hospitalizations included in a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Cases have been reported in Florida, Kansas, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, and the affected products include Food to Live brand’s Organic Moringa Leaf Power (8-ounce, 1-pound, 2-pound, 4-pound, 8-pound, 16-pound, and 44-pound bags) and Organic Supergreens Power Mix (8-ounce, 1-pound, 1.5-pound, 3-pound, 6-pound, and 12-pound bags) with lot codes of SO-69006 through SO-72558.
Africa Import’s Organic Moringa Leaf Power (1-kilogram box) sold after June 5 is also affected, as are all Member’s Mark Super Greens dietary supplement powder products, regardless of lot codes and best by dates.
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The supplements were distributed nationwide through both retail and wholesale channels.
The FDA is now encouraging consumers and retailers to refrain from eating, selling or serving the recalled products and is instead urging that the products be thrown away, and that any surfaces or containers they may have touched be sanitized.
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Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis, according to the FDA.
Symptoms often begin to develop 12 to 72 hours after infection, and they may include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash and blood in the urine or stool. In some cases, it may become fatal.
After illnesses were reported in October, the Virginia Department of Health collected an open sample of Africa Imports moringa leaf powder from an affected individual’s home.
It later tested positive for Salmonella, based on a whole-genome sequencing that matched the strain causing illnesses in the outbreak.
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After more products, including an open sample of Member’s Mark Super Greens dietary supplement powder, yielded similar results, retailers ceased distribution and sales of the products and issued the voluntary recall.
According to the FDA, the investigation is ongoing and authorities are continuing to “determine what additional products were made with the implicated lot of moringa leaf powder.”
As more and more recalls happen, we have to be vigilant with our food safety.
Melinda
Improving your cooking skills is never a bad idea. Around 28% of Americans admit to having little or no skills in the kitchen. Everyone needs to eat, and preparing your own healthy, home-cooked meals can help you improve your health, reduce your reliance on junk or processed food and help you learn skills you can apply in other areas of your life too.
That being said, not everyone is a natural in the kitchen, and you only need to watch one of the many cooking shows to see the lack of skills some possess when it comes to whipping up meals. Hence, finding tips and hacks that can allow you to still eat well without the effort is an excellent way to build confidence in the kitchen to build on this and further improve your skills.
Read on for some tips to hack cooking and help you become a better cook and enjoy better meals and improved health.
Slow cookers are a great way to help you eat better and also cut down on the prep work involved while building up your skill set. You can use low cookers for a wide range of meals, from soups and stews to pasta dishes and even desserts. Why not try this chicken cacciatore for an easy go-to midweek meal? The beauty of slow cookers is that, generally, you put everything together and let it do its thing. There is physically minimal prep depending on the meal or dessert you are making.
While you need to know your way around a knife for cooking, different knives have different uses; in the early stages or to cut down on prep work using kitchen gadgets such as mandolins for slicing and chopping blenders can help you out in a pinch, and get the ingredients prepped while you get to grips with cutting and chopping. Multi-tools, chopping boards with measures on, splash guards, and more can all come in useful throughout your cooking journey.
If you are prepping for your meals and practicing your skills, try bulk prepping or meal prep to help you out for future cooks. It can be tricky initially to get your technique sorted or to make the right quantities, so making more on purpose not only gives you more practice but can also give you some bits ready-made that you can use to help your next creation a bit easier.
One of the best tips you can have when learning to cook or expanding your skills is to preheat. Preheat your pan, oven, grill, etc. Never pour your oil into a cold pan, and always check that your oven is at the right temperature before popping food in to ensure an even cook. It can be worth investing in a thermometer if needed for your cooking appliances and your food to ensure everything is at the right temperature.
A kitchen is a place where you can have fun and get creative, but learning the basics will go a long way in helping you to create some fabulous meals. Start simple, and build your way up to more complex dishes to really make a move from beginner to Masterchef.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Repost
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a nationwide alert, instructing consumers, retailers and distributors not to eat, sell or serve certain eggs after the recall of more than 6 million eggs produced by the Arkansas-based Black Sheep Egg Company due to potential Salmonella contamination.
According to the announcement posted by the FDA on Monday, Oct. 20, the recall includes 12- and 18-count cartons of the company’s Free Range Large Grade A Brown Eggs with Best By dates between August 22 and October 31, 2025, and UPC 860010568507 and 860010568538.
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The agency also classified the action as a Class I recall, the highest risk level, given that eggs could pose a serious health threat of Salmonella.
The symptoms, which include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, can usually last four to seven days and can be experienced 12 to 72 hours after ingesting the contaminated food. Vulnerable demographics — children under the age of five years old, those with comparable immune systems and the elderly — are subject to experiencing more severe infections.
As the notice explains, the alarm was raised after 40 environmental samples collected at the company’s processing facility tested positive for Salmonella, including seven different strains known to cause human illness.
While no illnesses have yet been reported and the FDA has no current evidence linking the firm to an outbreak, the recall is being handled as a precaution.
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Although the eggs were originally shipped to retail and wholesale locations in Arkansas and Missouri, they may have been further distributed and repackaged before reaching other states.
That broader footprint extends the recall beyond the immediately identified region. A related Oct. 16 recall by the Texas-based brand Kenz Henz, which sold eggs sourced from Black Sheep in Houston, further underscores the distribution reach.
Retailers and food-service operators have been instructed to halt sales and distribution of the suspect eggs immediately. Consumers are advised to check any egg cartons in their refrigerators for the affected codes and dates, and either discard or return them to the location of purchase. Surfaces and containers that came into contact with the contaminated eggs should be thoroughly washed and sanitized.
Anyone who has consumed the recalled eggs and develops symptoms is encouraged to contact a health-care provider and report the situation to the FDA for further investigation.
Not again?
Melinda
Reference:
https://people.com/over-6-million-eggs-have-been-recalled-by-fda-amid-salmonella-risk-11834683
A few changes can lead to significant benefits. This also applies to our health. Making some changes in our daily life we can put the first elements in motion for a complete rebirth. If you suffer with a chronic illness, it is even more important to start looking after your health and boosting your immune system. If you have a disability, even if you use a mobility scooter, you still try to move, only gently, if possible. Mobile scooters give disabled people the independence that they deserve and coupled with excellent diet and lifestyle, you can start to regain some confidence and happiness.

Vegetables are divided into two categories: starchy and non-starchy. Starchy vegetables are potatoes, corn and beans, non-starchy are spinach and other leafy vegetables, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower. Starchy vegetables have more calories than non-starchy ones. So by filling half the plate with non-starchy vegetables you ensure that you will receive all the necessary nutrients, water and fiber, but without many extra calories. It’s an easy strategy not to bother with calorie and portion counting. Processed carbohydrates, have almost no nutrients and no fiber. The only thing they have is calories that can make you gain weight.
In fact, a diet rich in processed carbohydrates – white bread, buns, white pastries, sweets, etc. – can increase the risk of developing type II diabetes and heart disease. Get rid of the bad habits! Unprocessed carbohydrates such as brown rice and whole grains enhance your diet with “good” calories, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Fatty fish such as salmon are an excellent source of omega – 3 fats, which are essential for good heart health and reducing inflammation in the body. They also enhance mental health. Drink green tea because this is going to be important to those with disabilities as it helps work as a toxin remover.
Quality sleep is the alpha and omega for health. And one of the things that destroys it is technology. Devices that emit “blue light”, a type of wave that is common during the day, “confuse” the brain, making it think it is morning. So by avoiding screen time before bed, you can improve the quality of sleep.
In addition to poor sleep quality, many people have trouble sleeping. This is largely due to poor rest planning. Having a specific time when you fall asleep, you train your body clock so that you can fall asleep more easily. At the same time, scheduled bedtime has a positive effect on concentration and memory.
t may seem very low on the list of things you have to do, but it is important to keep up with those regular health checks. Whether that is booking a hearing check at your local hearing center, or heading to the optician to get your eyes checked, these things are important to keep up the quality of life that you have.
Even a little negativity is enough to get you down. Try to spend more time with happy and optimistic people. If you have negative people in your inner circle, try to convey some of your positive thinking to them and change the direction. The rest is up to you and how you treat yourself. Don’t be hard on yourself and appreciate all the little things. Remember self-care is not selfish.
Collaborative Post
Melinda
Repost
Protein powders and shakes! What’s next? Recall after recall makes me question what is safe to eat. The study is from Consumer Reports which is a highly respected organization.
Earlier this year, a January report also found that protein powders used to build muscle mass can contain harmful heavy metals like cadmium and lead
A new report continues to highlight the “troubling” presence of lead in some protein powders and shakes as the products’ popularity remains high.
Earlier this year, a Clean Label Project report found that well over half of the plant-based protein powders, organic protein powders and chocolate-flavored protein powders tested were over the California Proposition 65 safety thresholds for toxic metals. Now, a study from Consumer Reports reaffirms the high presence of lead in many protein powders, calling the results “troubling.”
Like the Clean Label Project report, Consumer Reports also found that plant-based products were the worst offenders for elevated lead levels.
For testing, Consumer Reports anonymously bought multiple samples of the products over a three-month period starting in November 2024. The purchases were made from online retailers like Amazon, as well as at supermarkets like Whole Foods in New York state. The organization notes that because “the results are based on an average of these samples, which were collected over a specific period of time, they may not mirror current contaminant levels in every product.”
About 70 percent of the 23 products tested by Consumer Reports contained over 120 percent of 0.5 micrograms per day of lead, which is the organization’s “level of concern.”
Consumer Reports outright recommended against consuming two products based on their heavy metal presence — Naked Nutrition’s Mass Gainer powder and Huel’s Black Edition powder.
In response, Naked Nutrition said in a statement that the brand takes “our customers’ health and product transparency extremely seriously and have reviewed the findings closely.” Naked Nutrition said, in part, “While Consumer Reports did not share its complete lab data, we reviewed the available information and verified results through independent third-party testing, which confirmed that no heavy metals exceeded FDA reference intake levels for adults, including for sensitive groups such as women of childbearing age.”
Huel also responded to the claims with a statement and provided further comment to PEOPLE.
“Trace minerals such as lead occur naturally in our planet; crops and plants absorb them from the soil. The levels of lead in the Consumer Reports study is below the amount present in many everyday food items, including fruits and vegetables,” Huel said.
“The Consumer Reports article is based on California’s Proposition 65, which uses an ultra conservative threshold of 0.5 micrograms of lead per day,” a “uniquely cautious regulation rather than an internationally accepted measure of consumer safety.”
The statement continued: “Over the past three years, we have carried out 17 independent tests on Huel Black Edition powder alone, with results consistently showing lead levels between 1.5 and 2.2 micrograms per 90 g serving. These results are well within all recognised safety limits. Huel has also recently been accredited by NSF, the gold standard for product safety and quality, and the most recent NSF report showed undetectable levels of lead.”
Other products Consumer Reports suggested be limited to once a week, or only taken occasionally. See the full list of the 23 products they tested, here.
The FDA said it will be reviewing the findings from Consumer Reports testing, though the administration notably has a higher threshold for daily lead consumption than California (on which Consumer Reports based their recommendations). According to The New York Times, the FDA finds that 2.2 micrograms of lead per day in children, and 8.8 micrograms per day in women of childbearing age, could cause health concerns. In general, dietary supplements live in a “regulatory gray area,” Consumer Reports notes.
Rose Goldman, MD, an associate professor of medicine and physician at Cambridge Health Alliance in Medford, Mass., told Consumer Reports that repeated or continuous exposure to lead causes the greatest risk of danger. Goldman also noted that no amount of lead can technically be considered safe.
Some of the health risks from chronic lead exposure include immune suppression, reproductive problems and kidney damage, among other things.
“It’s very important to overall try to keep lead exposure to the lowest possible based on eating healthy foods and avoiding products like supplements that add unnecessary lead to your diet,” Pieter Cohen, an associate professor at Harvard medical school and a general internist at Cambridge Health Alliance, told CBS News after reviewing the study’s results.
Consumer Reports specified, though, that many of the protein products tested are fine to be consumed occasionally — and even those with the highest lead levels will not cause immediate harm.
Beware!!!!!
Melinda
Reference:
https://people.com/lead-in-popular-protein-powders-new-study-reaffirms-11830994
The recalled product was distributed throughout the United States
Two types of frozen spinach have been recalled.
Sno Pac Foods’ Del Mar 35 Lb. Bulk Organic Frozen Spinach and Sno Pac 10 Oz. Organic Frozen Cut Spinach have been recalled due to potentially being contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (commonly known as listeria), according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The product was distributed in stores throughout the United States.
Several grocery stores and retailers, including Foodtown, Lincoln Market, HarvesTime Foods and Midamar, appear to sell the product. General distributors listed on Sno Pac’s website include Ace Natural, Azure Standard, Iowa Food Hub, Kehe and UNFI.
The frozen spinach product comes in a 35-lb. box with lot codes 250107A, 250107B, 250107C, 250107D, 2501071 and 2501073 with a Jan. 7, 2027, expiration date; or in a 10-oz. retail package marked with lot codes SPM1.190.5 with a July 9, 2027, expiration date, SPC1.160.5 with a June 9, 2024, expiration date, SPC2.160.5 with a June 9, 2027, expiration date and SPM1.097.5 with an April 7, 2027, expiration date.
The recall was issued after a case of spinach from the company’s supplier tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The company has suspended the production of the product during its investigation.
Listeria infections can be life-threatening for older adults, pregnant people, newborns and those with weakened immune systems.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, confusion, loss of balance and seizures.
On Oct. 6, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a health alert after spinach used in HelloFresh ready-made meals tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) published the warning after FreshRealm, a California-based company that produces meals for HelloFresh, reported that routine testing found traces of listeria. This bacterium can cause serious illness in vulnerable populations and was found in the spinach used in two products.
The products named in the announcement were the Cheesy Pulled Pork Pepper Pasta and Unstuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey. The meals, which were shipped directly to customers, are part of a wider concern about listeria contamination across several ready-to-eat food brands.
That outbreak, traced to Nate’s Fine Foods in Roseville, Calif., has sickened at least 20 people and resulted in four deaths, according to CBS News.
Check out what’s in your freezer if you buy frozen spinach or purchase Hello Fresh meals containing spinach.
Melinda
Reference:
Customers are encouraged to either destroy the product or return it for a full refund
A ready-to-eat pasta dish sold across the United States has been recalled due to possible Listeria contamination.
FreshRealm is voluntarily recalling three of its chicken fettuccine Alfredo products, the brand and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service(FSIS) shared in respective statements on June 17. The recall applies to all products manufactured before the recall date.
The contamination was found by FSIS in a routine sample collection of FreshRealm’s chicken fettuccine Alfredo in March of this year. According to FSIS, the strain of Listeria found in the sample is the same strain linked to three deaths, one fetal loss and 17 instances of illnesses, across 13 states, from August 2024 to May 2025.
FreshRealm determined via purchase records that two ill people had bought chicken fettuccine Alfredo products from the brand, while two other sick individuals “verbally described chicken fettuccine Alfredo products they purchased,” per FSIS.
“Consumption of food contaminated with Lm [Listeria monocytogenes] can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns,” the FSIS announcement states. “Less commonly, people outside these risk groups are affected.”
Listeriosis is often associated with fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, gastrointestinal symptoms and/or convulsions.
FreshRealm states that the investigation into the root source of the contamination is ongoing.
The following products — sold at Walmart and Kroger — are being recalled, per FreshRealm’s announcement:
For those who have any of the three products, either in their refrigerator or freezer, FreshRealm recommends that they either destroy the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Fresh Relm is also responsible for recent spinach recalls.
Several products have been recalled recently for Listeria. What concerns me is that no one knows the products are contaminated until there is a recall. It’s unsettling.
Melinda
Reference:
Metal can cause ‘traumatic injury including laceration and perforation’ in digestive organs
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Tru Fru snacks are being recalled for a possible presence of metal.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on Sept. 29 that Georgia Nut Company, a third party manufacturer for Tru Fru, had issued a voluntary recall of some of its freeze dried products. The product — which is sold nationwide at stores like Albertson’s, CVS, Food Lion, H-E-B, Hungryroot, Ingles Markets, Kroger, Stew Leonard’s and Target — was recalled for a possible metal contamination.
The presence of possible metal could contribute to “traumatic injury including laceration and perforation of tissues” in digestive organs, including in the mouth, stomach and intestine, per the FDA. As of Sept. 29, no injuries or illnesses were reported.
The recall was implemented after a customer notified the company about the possible contamination.
Specific Tru Fru freeze dried products are part of the recall. The FDA lists the products’ names, item numbers, UPCs and the first four digits/letters of the manufacturing code. The affected products are as follows.
Consumers with an affected product should dispose of the product and not consume it, and seek reimbursement here. Any questoins should be directed to (888) 293-7748 or contact trufru@rqa-inc.com.
Scary!
Melinda
Reference:
https://people.com/tru-fru-snacks-recalled-for-potential-metal-contamination-11823205
The announcement comes about a month after Walmart and Southwind Foods of California announced recalls of frozen shrimp products
More frozen shrimp has been recalled for potential radioactive contamination.
On Saturday, Sept. 21, AquaStar Corp recalled nearly 70,000 bags of frozen shrimp from Kroger stores across the United States due to a potential contamination with cesium-137, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The announcement comes about a month after Walmart and Southwind Foods of California issued recalled frozen shrimp products for the same reason.
The latest recall affects about 49,920 bags of Kroger Raw Colossal EZ Peel Shrimp and about 18,000 bags of Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp. The company also recalled about 17,264 bags of AquaStar Raw Peeled Tail-on Shrimp Skewers.
The company stated in the announcement that the frozen shrimp was recalled “because [it] may have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby they may have become contaminated with cesium-137.”
Cesium-137, abbreviated to Cs-137, is a “man-made radioisotope of cesium,” per the FDA.
In addition to Kroger, the affected frozen shrimp products were sold at Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Foodsco, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Gerbes, Jay C, King Soopers, Kroger, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Pay Less Supermarkets, Pick ‘n Save, Ralphs, Smith’s and QFC stores in 31 states, per the FDA.
Those states include Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia and Wyoming.
The products were sold between June 12 and Sept. 17.
The recalled Kroger Raw Colossal EZ Peel Shrimp is sold in a clear printed bag with a thick blue band across the top with yellow and red details. The products have a UPC of 20011110643906 with lot codes 10662 5085 10, 10662 5097 11, 10662 5106 11, 10662 5107 10, 10662 5111 11, 10662 5112 10, 10662 5113 10, 10662 5113 11, 10662 5114 10 and 10662 5114 11. The best buy dates on the affected products range from March 26, 2027 to April 24, 2027.
The Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp, has clear plastic packaging with a white label with green stripes on the top. The products have a UPC of 011110626196 with lot code 10662 5112 11 and a best buy date of Oct. 22, 2027 or 10662 5113 10 with Oct. 23, 2027.
Additionally, the recalled AquaStar Raw Peeled Tail-on Shrimp Skewers; net wt. 1.25 lbs., has a white bag with a black top and a blue bottom. The bag has a photo of the shrimp skewers. The products have a UPC of 731149390010 with lot codes 10662 5127 10, 10662 5128 11, 10662 5133 11 and 10662 5135 10. The best buy dates range from Nov. 7, 2027 to Nov. 15, 2027.
Those who purchased the aforementioned frozen shrimp products “should not consume the product and should dispose of or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund,” according to the FDA.
The agency stated that it is currently investigating reports of Cs-137 contamination in shipping containers and frozen shrimp products processed by Indonesian company PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati.
The FDA previously recalled three lots of frozen raw shrimp sold at Walmart locations in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virginia.
Mere days later, Southwind Foods of California issued a recall for 13 shrimp products sold under the brand names Sand Bar, Best Yet, Great American, Arctic Shores and First Street. The bags of frozen shrimp were distributed to retailers, distributors and wholesalers in Alabama, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia and Washington.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies Cs-137 as “a soft, flexible, silvery-white metal that becomes liquid near room temperature.”
“Internal exposure to Cs-137 through ingestion or inhalation allows the radioactive material to be distributed in the soft tissues, especially muscle tissue, which increases cancer risk,” the EPA website states.
Radioactive? I haven’t seen a recall for a radioactive food products before. Each recall is more concerning, how do we know our food is safe? Is skipping frozen food the answer?
Melinda
Reference:
The FDA says even small amounts of lead consumed over time can elevate blood lead levels
With the holiday baking season quickly approaching, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers to check their spice cabinets.
Over 10 ground cinnamon products sold under different brand names have been recalled nationwide after testing showed they may contain higher-than-safe levels of lead.
The latest announcement, issued Friday, Sept. 12, expands on earlier alerts from March 2024 and July 2025. The FDA says the newly recalled products were distributed by several retailers across the U.S. and could be sitting in home kitchens, which may affect seasonal holiday gatherings.
Brands newly flagged include Jiva Organic, Super Brand and Asli, among others. The products tested at retail locations in multiple states, including California, Arkansas, Virginia and Connecticut, showed lead concentrations ranging between roughly 2.03 to 7.68 parts per million (ppm).
According to the agency, lead is not naturally found in cinnamon, but can enter food through contaminated soil, water or during processing. Health experts stress that even small amounts of lead exposure can be dangerous over time, particularly for children and pregnant people, where it may impact neurologic development.
“Long-term exposure (months to years) to elevated levels of lead in the diet could contribute to adverse health effects,” the FDA noted in its updated guidance. “Consumers should avoid using the affected products and discard them immediately.”
The alert lists more than a dozen brands and packaging sizes, many of which were sold in discount stores, local groceries and through online retailers. In addition to urging people to throw away recalled items, the FDA is advising anyone who suspects they may have been exposed to speak with a healthcare provider about testing for lead.
The affected products are listed below:
The FDA notes that the agency will continue its “activities at import to prevent unsafe cinnamon from reaching consumers in the U.S.,” which will include adding firms and products to import alerts when appropriate.
This is not the first time spices have been flagged for contamination. Earlier this year, cinnamon was also at the center of recalls after lead was linked to contaminated applesauce pouches. Regulators are now taking additional steps to monitor imported spices more closely.
A full list of recalled cinnamon products, along with photos of packaging and additional health information, is available on the FDA’s website.
Melinda
A couple of months ago I was making the most delicious sounding cookies, I followed the instructions, had everything set up before I started and had confidence they would turn out as good as the previous recipe I made. Karma had a different idea, part of the recipe required mixing several items together in a bowl, after mixing I put the bowl just to the side of the mixer. Unfortunately, when it came time to add the bowl was not in my line of site and I forgot it. It wasn’t until the cookies were baking that I saw the mixture. A failure and a learning experience.
Melinda
I was a picky eater until turning 30 when I started traveling and experiencing food from other countries, then I became excited to try different food. I remember a meal in Cozumel where we ate pasta with Octopus ink on top, can’t say I liked it but I was up for the adventure. Some the best meals where in St. Petersburg, Russia, each came with caviar on top, yummy. Salmon was particularly good in a sauce and caviar on top. This is not part of the question but I had the best milk ever while their, pure whole fat milk, what an indulgence.
I’ve always had a good when traveling but I love the food I grew up on which is fried chicken, fried sweet potatoes, ribs, canned fresh green beans, and fresh canned plum jelly.
Melinda
The basics of human nutrition are much the same for everyone. The practicalities of achieving good nutrition can, however, vary widely according to your age and lifestyle. With that in mind, here are some tips to help you understand nutrition for older adults.
Food is basically fuel for your body. From babyhood through puberty, your body needs food for mental and physical development. As an adult in your prime, you need food to fuel your lifestyle. This is likely to be at least moderately active.
As a senior, however, your activity levels are going to be lower than they were. Even if you keep yourself super-fit for your age, you’re still not going to be able to take the sort of vigorous exercise you could when you were younger. Your appetite will probably drop to reflect this.
The key point to take away is that the less food you eat, the more important it is that what you do eat delivers maximum nourishment. Of course, you can still have the occasional treat. For the most part, however, you really need to focus on nutrient-rich food.
Your ability to perceive color, texture, and scent can decrease as you age. Medications can also interfere with it. This can negatively impact your ability to taste food. In the past, dental issues could make it more difficult to chew or swallow. Modern dental care means that this is much less of an issue. It can, however, still be a consideration.
This means that meals for seniors generally need to be full of contrast, strong textures, and lively scents. Older people often enjoy food with plenty of herbs and spices. This may come as a surprise if you hated them when you were younger.
Making all this happen while maintaining nutritional value can be very challenging. It’s likely to be particularly difficult if you live alone. This can lead to older people skipping meals, which can bring all kinds of problems. Batch cooking is one potential solution to this issue. It may, however, be more convenient to use DeliverLean CARE.
Adding salt and sugar can be a quick way to pep up a meal. Unfortunately, neither is a particularly healthy approach even when you’re a younger adult. The impact on seniors can be even worse. Salt can impair your kidney function. Sugar is empty calories and can lead to dental issues.
Fiber plays a huge role in keeping your digestive system healthy. It’s important for everyone and particularly important for seniors. In simple terms, if your digestive system gets out of sorts, it will almost certainly impact your whole body. This can create a downward spiral and that can be especially dangerous for older adults.
Calcium is the building material for bones, teeth, and nails. Protein is the building material for muscle. You need to make sure to get plenty of both to maintain your strength and vigor in your later years.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Repost
Many of the go to comfort foods today are the same since childhood. Mac & cheese, chicken & potato soup, peanut butter & jelly sandwichs, chocolate cake and my daily Cherrios top the list. My Gramps made the best homemade chicken soup and a mean job on potato soup.
Melinda
This is the perfect year-round recipe and it’s so easy to make.
This recipe is from True Comfort by Kristin Cavallari, all the recipes are free of glutens and refined sugar.
2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
4 cups full-fat coconut milk
2 bananas sliced
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Pink Himalayan salt
2 TB pure maple syrup
Serves six
In a slow cooker, combine oats, coconut milk, bananas, and 2 cups of water with the vanilla, cinnamon, and a big pinch of salt. Stir together, and cook on a low setting for 8 hours.
In the morning or when it’s ready to be served, add maple syrup to the oatmeal. Stir to combine and serve warm.
Melinda
The summer is in full swing. We may not be going out as much, but the heat is here and in this blog post I want to share with you 5 Anti-Inflammatory Summer Foods to fight the heat and pain.
Stay cool and fight the pain with these 5 Anti-inflammatory Summer Foods and don’t forget the sunblock!!
What are some of your favorites? Send us your suggestions and if chosen you will be featured in our social media and win a free Aromalief Cream. Send submissions to info@aromalief.com
Melinda
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