FDA Warns: Dried Apricots Contain Undeclared Sulfites Across 20 States

By
Bryan Seal
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Could a Simple Snack in Your Pantry Be Putting You at Risk? Urgent Recall on Dried Apricots Across Nearly 20 States

Health officials have issued an urgent recall for Floria Dried Apricots from Turkana Food Inc., after discovering dangerous levels of undeclared sulfites—a chemical additive that can cause severe allergic reactions and even life-threatening complications in sensitive individuals.

What’s Happening?

The affected dried apricots, with an expiration date of November 2026, have been sold in multiple states including Florida, New York, Texas, and California.

Despite sulfites being commonly used as preservatives in dried fruit, wine, and other foods, they must be clearly labeled due to potential health risks.

However, recent testing by the New York State Department of Agriculture revealed that these apricots lack the necessary sulfite warning—a violation of FDA regulations.

Why It Matters

While most people tolerate sulfites without issue, about 4% of Americans (around 13 million individuals) with asthma or sulfite sensitivity can experience:

Hives and swelling
Abdominal pain and diarrhea
Wheezing, coughing, chest tightness
Nasal congestion
In severe cases, life-threatening allergic or asthma attacks

How to Identify the Recalled Product

Look for dried apricots with:

LOT number: 440090478-15-333 (found on the bottom of the packaging)
UPC code: 2539560010 (on the top sticker)

What You Should Do

Do not consume these apricots.
Return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
If you have asthma or known sulfite allergies, be especially cautious.
Watch for symptoms of sulfite exposure, and seek medical help if you experience severe reactions.

Additional Context

The FDA banned sulfites in fresh produce in 1986 due to allergy risks, but sulfites are still allowed in preserved foods—with strict labeling rules.

This recall follows a recent similar incident involving mislabeled hot sauces in Texas, underscoring ongoing concerns about undeclared sulfites in food products.

Conclusion

This recall is a powerful reminder: even common pantry staples can hide serious health risks.
Always check labels carefully—especially if you or loved ones have allergies or asthma. Staying informed and vigilant is ket to protecting your family from unexpected dangers lurking from everyday foods.

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Mom, 47, diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease reveals the first symptoms she noticed

By
Monica Pop
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According to NHS, Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia in the UK. The exact cause of it is not fully understood, although medical professionals list potential factors that can lead to it, such as increasing age, untreated depression, a family history of the condition, and lifestyle factors and conditions related to cardiovascular diseases, among the rest.

Alzheimer’s is a “brain condition that slowly damages your memory, thinking, learning and organizing skills. It’s the most common cause of dementia. Symptoms usually first appear in people older than 65,” the Cleveland Clinic notes.

“People with memory loss or other Alzheimer’s symptoms may have difficulty recognizing changes in their own mind and body. These signs may be more obvious to loved ones,” the clinic’s website explains.

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While this disease affects everyone differently, common symptoms are weakened or complete elimination of memory, reasoning, language, personality and behavior, and spatial understanding.

Staci Marklin, a mother-of-one from Knoxville, Tennessee, shares her journey with early-onset Alzheimer’s and the first symptoms she experienced.

Namely, Marklin first noticed switching words around at the age of 47 but brushed it off believing it was due to being just a busy mom to a toddler. Speaking to Uniland, she recalled saying things like, “move the carpet,” instead of “move the curtain.”

SWNS

“There would be times when things would just disappear from my brain. Someone once asked me about a co-worker, and I had absolutely no idea who they were talking about. I could tell it was someone I should know by the way they were talking. It was a few days later when I realized it was a co-worker that I had worked really closely with.”

Marklin decided to consult with a doctor due to the fact that her grandmother also suffered from the disease. She was then told that although it’s rare for someone her age to have Alzheimer’s, it’s not impossible.

In 2024, she was diagnosed with the disease after an amyloid PET scan revealed amyloid plaques in her brain.

SWNS

Marklin and her family were well-aware that the diagnosis would change their lives, but Marklin accepted it and she’s very open about it, sharing her journey with her TikTok followers.

“People generally see this as an older person’s disease and view people with Alzheimer’s as if they can’t do anything for themselves,” she said. “It was difficult for me to get people to believe me and to trust the results I had gotten.”

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The truth behind the Adam Schiff story: what the evidence shows

By
Monica Pop
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Recently, a number of striking political headlines claimed that Senator Adam Schiff could face extremely serious consequences for allegedly leaking classified information. These headlines have raised concern among readers because they refer to large financial penalties and long prison sentences. The reality behind the story is far less dramatic, however, since plenty of these allegations have not been confirmed by any official sources.

The controversy started after a whistleblower who claimed to have worked for Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee for more than a decade claimed that during the height of the Trump–Russia investigation, Schiff approved the release of classified information to certain members of the media in order to damage the reputation of President Donald Trump.

Further, the whistleblower claimed Adam Schiff expected to be appointed CIA Director if Hillary Clinton had won the 2016 election, which added another layer of political intrigue to the accusations.

According to the whistleblower, they objected to Schiff’s alleged action, referring to the plan as unethical and possibly harmful to national security. After some of the colleagues tried to convince them that the plan would remain out of the sight of the public eye and brushed off the concerns, he turned to the FBI.

Adam Schiff

Based on what they stated, they contacted the bureau in 2017 and again in 2023 and was later dismissed from his job. Although these details make a dramatic story for the media, the allegations were never confirmed by any officials.

Having in mind that anything related to the Trump–Russia investigation ignites strong public reactions, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Schiff’s story received that much attention by the media despite the lack of evidence.

There is also the simple fact that a headline stating a senator could face twenty years in prison attracts far more views than explaining that the penalties mentioned are only theoretical possibilities found in general federal law. At the moment, there is no active case in which these penalties would apply to Schiff. They represent the maximum punishment that could be handed out in classified-information cases in general, not a punishment being considered for him.

Part of the story also involves the whistleblower’s claims about the FBI. According to them, the bureau ignored their reports and senior officials refused to act. As of now, none of this has been verified. The FBI has not confirmed the whistleblower’s account, and it has not released any statements that support or dispute the claims.

Without confirmation from the bureau itself, there is no way to know whether the whistleblower’s account reflects what actually happened or whether the FBI even considered his concerns credible.

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Schiff has denied accusations of leaking classified information many times in the past. He has said repeatedly that these claims are politically motivated and designed to harm his reputation. Although he has not released a detailed response to this particular whistleblower report, his earlier statements make it clear how he views accusations of this kind.

The harsh penalties people mention for leaking classified information do not apply to Adam Schiff because he has not been charged and no investigation has been announced. Legal experts often discuss theoretical punishments, but none relate to his situation. Members of Congress also have constitutional protections that make prosecution difficult.

Right now, the only confirmed facts are that a whistleblower made accusations, some outlets reported them, and Schiff has denied similar claims before. No federal agency has verified the allegations, so the story remains unproven. Until there is official confirmation, the claims should be treated as allegations rather than established fact.

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Gallbladder removal: what happens next and 3 risks to watch for

By
Monica Pop
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The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located just under the liver. It’s function is to store and release bile, a greenish-colored fluid that helps your body digest fats.

This tiny but significant organ can be affected by several conditions – one of the most common ones being gallstones. Also, the gallbladder can be affected by acute cholecystitis, gallstone pancreatitis, and rarely, gallbladder cancer. 

When any of these conditions affect the organ, it results in pain that can also be felt on other parts of the body, including the back or chest. At the same time, gallbladder issues can cause fever, itching, tiredness, feeling bloated, and feeling like throwing up.

Most of these conditions are treated by a complete removal of the gallbladder, which isn’t considered an essential organ.

Following the surgery, people continue living a normal life, but as per the Mayo Clinic, there are certain side effects that appear right after surgery, such as diarrhea caused by an irritated bowel due to the bile that without a gallbladder flows directly into the intestines, and bloating.

Complications, that are relatively rare since the procedure is considered safe, are bleeding, injury of the bile duct, bile leakage, deep vein thrombosis, or injuries to the intestine, bowel and blood vessels.

Post surgery, patients are advised to avoid greasy and fatty foods.

The changes in diet lead to weigh loss at a great number of patients.

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Doctors advice that during the first days post-surgery patients consume liquids, gelatine, broth. They should move to small portions of solid food gradually.

The post-surgery diet should be rich in low-fat foods such as beans, oatmeal, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and fat-free dairy products. A couple of days after the surgery, patients can introduce foods that are high in fiber, such as prunes, oat bran, chickpeas, beets, and okra. Also, they can consume foods high in soluble fiber such as wheat germ, legumes, carrots, nuts, potatoes, and spinach. 

Foods to avoid post-surgery include high-fat foods such as lard, butter, bacon fat, hot dogs, salami, processed baked goods, and pork. Also, try to avoid high-sweetened foods and caffeine.

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Most people return to work and their everyday activities two weeks to a month after the gallbladder removal surgery.

Certain diseases that may follow after this surgery include:

1. Reflux Gastritis
After the gallbladder is removed, bile becomes weaker and less concentrated. Eating heavy or fatty foods can trigger bloating, diarrhea, and even bile reflux, which may lead to reflux gastritis.

2. Colon Cancer
Gallbladder removal raises secondary bile acids, which can irritate the colon and increase colon cancer risk. Research shows people without a gallbladder have a slightly higher chance of developing colon cancer, so surgery should be a last resort.

3. Common Bile Duct Stones
With no gallbladder to store bile, the common bile duct takes over and becomes more pressured and stretched. Over time, stagnant bile can lead to bile duct stones.

*Disclaimer: This information is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or healthcare provider with any questions about your health or medications. Do not disregard professional advice based on this information.

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Tom Cruise breaks silence on Nicole Kidman’s divorce with brutal response

By
Monica Pop
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Back in the day, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman were one of the most popular Hollywood couples. At the time, the Top Gun star was more popular than Kidman and was considered a heartthrob many loved both for his immense acting talent and his incredible looks.

The two first met on the set of Days of Thunder after Cruise convinced the producers to make her his co-star in the film. Apparently, he noticed her in the 1989 flick Dead Calm and was eager to meet her in person ever since.

Cruise was married to actress Mimi Rogers but the chemistry between him and Kidman was too strong to ignore.

“I had three very strong relationships before I met Tom. But I was never going to get married. Never. But he was just the most incredible, unusual man I’d ever met,” Kidman said.

The two married during a private ceremony which lasted around 30 minutes. Only few people from both sides were invited.

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The two resembled a match made in Heaven and that is the reason why everyone was left in shock when Cruise filed for divorce after 11 years of marriage.

He cited irreconcilable differences as a reason for his decision.

Kidman was also shocked. She said the divorce wasn’t something she expected and added it came out of the blue.

“Our life together was perfect. It took me a very long time to heal. It was a shock to my system. That was a great relationship. I think it ran its course. I was really damaged and not sure whether love and marriage were ever going to happen again to me,” Kidman said at the time.

Many believed the reason behind the split was Kidman’s unwillingness to convert their children, Conor and Isabella, to Scientology. 

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Tom Cruise went on to have a daughter, Suri, with Katie Holmes, with whom he split in 2012, and, sadly, the father is now estranged from both of them.

Kidman married musician Keith Urban, but as of recently, they are also divorced, and allegedly, Cruise had a comment to share about his ex’s failed marriage.

Namely, recently, a clip from the time when Kidman and Cruise split went viral. In it, Kidman was asked about Cruise during the Late Night with David Letterman.

“I heard you’re getting divorced, how’s that going?” Letterman asked, suggesting Kidman would not have done the talk show if “things were not alright.”

Kidman responded, “I’d probably still be here.

“I get a lot of questions,” she continued before saying with a smirk, “Well, I can wear heels now.” It sparked applause from the audience and laughter from Letterman.

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And now, according to the Mirror, when Cruise learned of Nicole’s split from Keith Urban, he said it was “karma” for the way she treated him during their divorce.

He was said to have followed the news of the Kidman/Urban split “closely.”

“When Tom and Nicole split, he caught all the blame and she got all the sympathy. He was painted as the bad guy … that stuck with him for years,’ an insider told International Business Times.

“Tom was really stung by the way Nicole handled their break-up. She went on TV, made digs about his height, and painted herself as the victim, while he stayed silent and took the hits.”

The insider continued, claiming that Cruise felt “proven right” as Nicole split from Keith Urban.

“He’s following the divorce news closely, and a part of him feels badly for her, since he knows how much she’s hurting. At the same time, he’s also allowing himself a little pat on the back and telling people close to him that this is karma doing its thing,” they said. “Bottom line: He thought they were a hyped up couple who clearly had very little in common from the get-go — now he’s been proved right.”

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Shots Reported at Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital – Investigation Underway

By
Monica Pop
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Something Broke the Silence: A Sudden Crisis at Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital

It began like any other quiet morning. The stillness before sunrise, the soft hum of medical monitors, and the faint shuffle of night-shift nurses at Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital. But then, the stillness shattered—flashing red and blue lights streaked across the walls,
emergency sirens pierced the dawn, and a word no hospital ever wants to hear echoed through the halls: shooter.

Located just 24 miles north of Detroit, this suburban hospital became the epicenter of a rapidly unfolding emergency in the early hours of Thursday morning. First came the whispers—unconfirmed chatter on social media of possible gunfire.

Then came the confirmation: police units had locked down the facility, treating the situation as a potential active shooter event.

What Happened Behind Those Doors?

Details remain scarce and tightly guarded. Law enforcement has yet to publicly confirm the full scope of what occurred inside the emergency department. What is known is this: something serious triggered a full-scale response. Police cordoned off the hospital, conducted sweeps, and began an intensive investigation into the incident.

No official statements have clarified whether shots were fired, or if injuries were sustained. But the very presence of armed response teams and the temporary paralysis of a major healthcare center was enough to spark concern throughout the community.

A Community Rattled

For the patients under care, the nurses on night duty, and the families anxiously waiting in nearby rooms, the hospital—once a symbol of healing—was suddenly transformed into a space of fear and confusion.

It’s a jarring reminder of how quickly normalcy can rupture. Even places of refuge and recovery are not immune to the rising tide of instability that shadows many public spaces today.

Moving Forward

Authorities continue to investigate. Security protocols remain elevated. And while no clear motive or suspect has been publicly confirmed, the incident has left both staff and residents deeply unsettled.

In a world increasingly marked by sudden disruptions, Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital now joins the list of institutions forced to reckon with the unexpected.

As facts come to light, one truth remains: for a brief, terrifying window, safety felt fragile—and silence was broken by something no one saw coming.

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Millions at Risk? Common Drug Linked to Significant Rise in Dementia Cases

By
Monica Pop
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Dementia can be caused by a number of factors. According to Dementia UK, those factors include genetics, age, brain changes, the person’s lifestyle, as well as other health conditions. The condition develops when brain cells are damaged and fail to communicate with each other, which leads to shrinking of different areas of the brain.

A recent research published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine explored the link between gabapentin and the risks of dementia.

Gabapentin represents a prescription drug approved by the FDA that is widely used to treat nerve pain and control seizures. It is also commonly prescribed off-label for conditions such as fibromyalgia, sciatica, insomnia, anxiety, hot flashes, and lower back pain. What makes this drug a preferable choice over other drugs that offer the same or similar effects is that it is considered a less addictive alternative.

However, like any medication, gabapentin comes with potential side effects, including nausea, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, memory problems, and speech difficulties.

The research mentioned has raised concerns about its long-term use, with the results showing that people who had six or more prescriptions for gabapentin to treat lower back pain faced a higher risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia.

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It analyzed data from over 26,000 adults in the TriNetX health research network and involved people dealing with chronic pain, including conditions like lower back pain and lumbar radiculopathy. Researchers compared those taking gabapentin with a similar-sized group who weren’t. Participants were then sorted into five age ranges and followed for ten years to see whether they went on to develop mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s, or vascular dementia.

“Currently, there is a discrepancy on whether taking gabapentin increases a patient’s risk for developing dementia,” said Nafis B. Eghrari, the study’s first author and a fourth-year medical student at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, in an interview with Medical News Today. “Moreover, there lacks a strong understanding of how gabapentin impacts cognitive function and whether it contributes to neurodegenerative processes. Previous studies have shown mixed findings on this topic. Thus, we decided to explore this gap in the field.”

According to the study, people with six or more gabapentin prescriptions faced a 29% higher risk of dementia and an 85% higher risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

“The significance of this finding is an association between gabapentin prescription and dementia on a nationwide level,” Eghrari explained. “Though this does not imply causation, this warrants further investigation on the drug’s long-term effects.”

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What stood out most was the 35–49 age group, where dementia risk doubled and MCI risk tripled. Eghrari dubbed the finding unexpected, since neurodegeneration is usually something doctors see after age 65.

Study Limitations and Criticisms

Of course, the study isn’t without its limits. It didn’t look at other health issues or medications participants may have had, and dementia risk depends on many factors. Tara Spires-Jones, director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, told Medscape, “One very important factor that was not examined in this study is levels of physical activity. People with chronic pain requiring gabapentin may have been less physically active, which is a known risk factor for developing dementia.”

Ian Maidment, a clinical pharmacy professor at Aston University in Birmingham, England, also pointed out that the analysis didn’t control for treatment duration or dosage. He added that other recent studies have failed to find a link, stating, “The jury is out on whether gabapentin causes dementia.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Neel Anand, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon not involved in the study, stressed that proving a direct cause would require comparing patients who use only gabapentin with those who don’t, while making sure the drug is taken as prescribed. Still, he noted that it’s important to be aware of possible cognitive risks tied to long-term use.

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Despite the study’s limitations, the authors recommend caution when prescribing gabapentin.

“In terms of clinical significance, I recommend that physicians prescribing gabapentin for chronic pain perform cognitive exams on a regular basis when seeing patients,” Eghrari advised. He also encouraged patients to report any cognitive changes, such as confusion, memory problems, or slowed thinking, to their doctors.

Eghrari concluded, “We hope to carry this research forward and explore whether there is a true causative relationship between gabapentin and cognitive impairment. We also plan to investigate the underlying mechanisms of how the drug may impact cognition.”

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only.

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Trump Promises $2,000 ‘Tariff Dividend’ for All Americans: Says Opposing Tariffs Is Foolish

By
Monica Pop
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Speculation Becomes Reality

All week, whispers circulated about a bold new economic move that could shake the nation—and on Sunday morning, President Trump made it official. Through a post on Truth Social, he revealed that every American might receive $2,000 as a “tariff dividend,” funded by tariffs his administration has placed on countries worldwide. Supporters applauded the plan, but critics immediately raised doubts about its feasibility and legality, questioning both the timing and the true intentions behind the announcement.

The Announcement and Its Context

Trump’s announcement arrives just days after the Supreme Court scrutinized whether his administration can legally invoke emergency powers to impose sweeping tariffs on nearly every nation. The president stressed that the dividend would go to all Americans, “not the rich ones,” and would come directly from the revenue generated by these tariffs.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later clarified on ABC’s This Week that the $2,000 might not be delivered as direct cash, but could instead appear in the form of tax reductions. Meanwhile, Trump touted the tariffs as a financial success, claiming they had already produced “trillions” in revenue, pushed 401(k)s to record highs, and—contrary to critics’ warnings—caused “NO inflation,” while labeling opponents of tariffs as “FOOLS!”

The Numbers and Political Implications

Between April and October, U.S. import duties generated roughly $151 billion, with projections of $500 billion or more annually. By comparison, the $2,000-per-person stimulus plan during the pandemic would have cost around $464 billion.

Trump has previously floated the idea of a tariff dividend, but this announcement comes after a tough week for Republicans, following Democratic victories in key blue-state races fueled by voter frustration over rising living costs.

Skepticism remains high. Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno commented, “It’ll never pass. We’ve got $37 trillion in debt.” The Supreme Court’s review of Trump’s emergency tariff powers, with a decision expected by next June, could force billions in refunds if the tariffs are struck down.

Some tariffs—such as those on steel, aluminum, and automobiles—appear to be safe for now. Trump has also used these duties strategically in foreign policy negotiations, adding another layer to the plan’s complexity.

Looking Ahead

Whether the $2,000 tariff dividend ever reaches Americans’ wallets, the announcement highlights the tension between political promises, legal constraints, and economic realities. It underscores the challenge of balancing voter appeal with national debt management and
international trade strategy. For citizens, the episode is a reminder that headlines may dazzle with bold claims—but the underlying details, legality, and practical logistics are far more nuanced than any single social media post can convey.

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