Smokers who make the decision to quit will experience immediate health benefits, including a rapid reduction in their risk of atrial fibrillation (A-Fib), according to new research published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology. The study, conducted by Dr. Gregory Marcus, a cardiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, offers compelling evidence for smokers to quit, showing that it’s never too late to avoid the damaging effects of smoking on heart health.

Dr. Marcus, the senior author of the study, emphasized that A-Fib can be prevented even in individuals who have smoked for years. "The findings provide a compelling new reason to show current smokers that it’s not too late to quit, and that having smoked in the past doesn’t mean you’re ‘destined’ to develop A-Fib," Marcus explained. "Even for the current and longtime smoker, A-Fib can still be avoided."

What is Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib)?

"There’s strong evidence that smoking increases the risk of A-Fib," Marcus said. "But the benefits of quitting smoking have been less certain." With this in mind, his team sought to determine whether quitting could significantly lower a person’s risk of developing A-Fib, or if the risk would remain the same.

The research team analyzed data from over 146,700 current and former smokers, tracking their smoking habits and health over a 12-year period using data from the UK Biobank database. The results were promising: former smokers had a 13% lower risk of developing A-Fib compared to current smokers, while those who quit during the study saw an 18% reduction in their risk.

"This is likely a testament to the potency of reducing atrial fibrillation risk pretty shortly after quitting," Marcus said in a statement from the American College of Cardiology.

The findings highlight the importance of quitting smoking, not only for general health but specifically for reducing the risk of serious heart conditions like A-Fib.

Tips for Quitting Smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to lower the risk of A-Fib and improve overall heart health. While it can be challenging, the benefits of quitting are clear and immediate. Here are some tips to help you quit smoking successfully:

1. Choose a specific date to quit smoking and stick to it. Prepare yourself mentally and physically for this change.

2. Reach out to family, friends, or a support group to help keep you accountable. Sharing your goals with others can provide encouragement.

3. Options like nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges can help ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.

4. Identify situations that make you want to smoke, such as stress or social gatherings, and find healthy ways to cope with them.

5. Regular exercise can help distract you from cravings and improve your mood during the quitting process.

6. Drinking water can help flush nicotine out of your system faster, reducing cravings.

7. Activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help manage stress, a common trigger for smoking.

Quitting smoking offers immediate and significant benefits, particularly in reducing the risk of atrial fibrillation. The latest research provides smokers with more motivation to quit, showing that it's never too late to take control of their heart health.

The FSSAI recently issued notices to three food business operators over what it described as misleading claims and labelling violations. The companies that have received notices are Heritage Foods Ltd for its paneer, Dia Foods for La Casa Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Spread, and Cipzer Nutraceuticals for its juice capsules.

FSSAI Flags Down 3 Brands Over Misleading Claims

The food regulatory body directed the companies to provide explanations within seven days why action should not be initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The move is part of the regulator's broader ongoing crackdown on deceptive food packaging and marketing claims aimed at protecting consumers.

Also read: FSSAI Targets 6 Energy Drink Brands; Experts Link Them to Obesity, Liver Problems

Heritage Foods' Fresh Paneer Under FSSAI Scrutiny

FSSAI issued a notice to Heritage Foods, objecting to the use of the term “Fresh Paneer” on the packaging. It stated that the claim term does not meet the conditions laid down under Schedule V governing the use of the word “fresh”.

According to the regulator, the label “Fresh Paneer” is liable to mislead consumers because it does not satisfy the prescribed criteria for using the term.

La Casa Vegan Chocolate Spread Accused Of Misleading Claims

FSSAI also issued a notice to Dia Foods over its La Casa Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Spread, alleging that several claims displayed on the packaging could mislead consumers. Among the claims questioned are:

• "All Natural"

• "100% Organic"

• "Vegan"

The regulator further pointed out that the product uses the phrase "100% Organic & Vegan”, which could be misleading as it has not obtained approvals like organic and vegan food.

Further, according to FSSAI, the packaging does not display the mandatory organic certification marks, including the Jaivik Bharat logo required under Indian regulations.

It also objected to its use of “100%” as the food regulatory body has stated that it cannot be defined under FSS Act, 2006.

Also read: Popular Biscuit Brand Under FSSAI Scrutiny For Misleading ‘100% Atta’ & ‘No Added Sugar’ Claims

Cipzer Nutraceutical Also Got Served

A third notice was issued to Cipzer Nutraceuticals over its juice capsules. FSSAI said the product carries claims that violate food labelling and advertising regulations.

In its notice, it said that the product carried the claim “FSSAI-approved” which could imply that FSSAI specifically endorsed it.

Other reasons listed in the complaint stated that the product boasted of claims like “Boost your immune system” and “remove toxins from your body”, which had no scientific backing. It also said the product’s packaging depicted pictures of various vegetables that were listed in the ingredient list.

The regulatory body added that the product also claimed the presence of Vitamin C and Vitamin E but failed to substantiate it scientifically.

The makers also claimed that the capsules are “made from organic vegetables”. FSSAI said that it could mislead the consumers as it does not carry the prescribed organic certification, including Jaivik Bharat Logo.

FSSAI’s Recent Crackdowns

The latest notices are part of FSSAI's ongoing crackdowns against misleading food claims. In recent weeks, the regulator has issued notices to several food companies over the use of terms like “100%,” “healthy,” “organic,” “natural,” and “fresh” as they do not comply with food labelling and advertising regulations.

The regulator has maintained that such claims can influence consumer purchasing decisions and must be scientifically substantiated and legally compliant.

Prominent brands that faced FSSAI scrutiny includes Red Bull Energy Drink, PepsiCo – Adrenaline Rush Energy Drink, Reliance Consumer Products – Campa Energy Gold Boost, Sting Energy Drink, Hell Energy, Coca-Cola-backed Monster, Eat Fit Digestive Biscuits, Emami (Healthy & Tasty), Health Aid, Troovy, The Healthy Factory, Healthy Master, Healthy Choice, Plan B Foods, and Neuherbs.

Violation Of Food Safety In India

Also read: FSSAI Tightens Food Safety Norms, Mandates Food-Grade Knives, Cutting Tools

HealthandMe had reported food contamination from Indore's Bhagirathpura, the same place that was the epicenter of water contamination that claimed many lives. HealthandMe also reported the news of Horlicks adulteration in Odisha.

In another news, bacteria were found in Amul milk packages, along with Mother Dairy and Country Delight. Eggoz, too, landed in a controversy, when a YouTube video went viral claiming that the sample tested positive for Nitrofuran.

MicrobioTx, a Bengaluru-based gut health startup, tested samples from urban populations across 9 Indian states and 14 cities and found that people are significantly exposed to pesticides, insecticides, antibiotics, steroidal growth regulators, and forever chemicals.

The independent study reported the following findings:

• 78% were exposed to pesticide residues, with 36% exposed to three or more pesticides, indicating cumulative exposure that may pose serious health risks.

• 54% showed presence of antibiotics, linked to antimicrobial resistance, harder-to-treat infections, and disruption of the gut microbiome that may contribute to metabolic disorders.

• 39% were exposed to steroids, compounds that may cause endocrine disruption, and increased carcinogenic risk.

• 38% tested positive for forever chemicals, persistent toxins that may cause cancer risk, reduced fertility, thyroid disease, hormone suppression, high cholesterol, liver damage, and ulcerative colitis.

• 17% of the samples had 10 or more toxins in their blood across 3 categories, indicating hidden chronic exposure.

The cyclospora parasite outbreak in the US is continuing to grow, with cases nearing 900, according to local health officials.

While infections have been reported in about 18 states, Michigan and Ohio continue to see the highest number of cases of the intestinal infection.

As of July 6, 678 cases of cyclosporiasis had been confirmed, an official from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) told ABC News. This is an increase from roughly 300 cases reported last week. The state annually records up to 50 cases, but the current outbreak is about 13.5 times higher than average.

According to Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, an infectious disease physician, epidemiologist, and the chief medical executive for the state of Michigan, the figure is a "moving target," meaning cases are likely to continue rising.

"There is a significant lag time between exposure to contaminated produce or contaminated materials and development of symptoms," she told ABC News. "So it can take a week, sometimes even two weeks between exposure and development of symptoms."

In Ohio, there were 177 cases of cyclosporiasis as of July 2, Ken Gordon, press secretary for the Ohio Department of Health's communications office, was quoted as saying.

Cases have been confirmed across 43 counties in Ohio so far this year, according to Gordon. Nearly 171 cases have been reported since June 20.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 145 cases had been detected in 17 states since May 1, excluding Michigan, as of June 16, with at least 20 people hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

The CDC said cases ranged in age from 5 to 86 years, with a median age of 42. About 61 per cent of patients were female.

So far, no cases have been linked between states, and health officials are still investigating whether there is a common source of the outbreak in Michigan.

Also read: Cyclospora Parasite Spreads to More US States: Foods to Avoid Right Now

How to Prevent Cyclospora Infection

The CDC recommends following safe food handling practices to reduce the risk of infection:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
• Produce labeled "prewashed" does not need to be washed again.
• Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
• Cut away any bruised or damaged areas before eating.
• Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables within two hours.

The parasite spreads through food or water contaminated with human feces and is not spread directly from person to person.

According to Dr. Darien Sutton, an emergency medicine physician, proper handwashing is very important.

"This type of parasite doesn't easily go away with alcohol-based hand sanitizer. So, good old handwashing is really key here," said the ABC News medical correspondent.

What Is Cyclospora cayetanensis?

Read More: Bryan Johnson Blames Sugary Cereals, Soda and Stress for His Autoimmune Disease; Shares Treatment Plan

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, a form of food poisoning.

People can become infected through contaminated food or water. The infection causes watery diarrhea and other intestinal symptoms.

A Cyclospora infection can be mild or severe and may last for weeks or even months. It is typically treated with antibiotics.

People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or cancer, are at greater risk of severe disease.

Symptoms of Cyclospora Infection

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis usually begin within a week of exposure to contaminated food or water and include:

• Watery or explosive diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Bloating and gas
• Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
• Low-grade fever
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting.

The launch of the weight-loss drug Wegovy has sparked fresh concerns among pharmacists in the UK, who warn that the new tablet format could make it easier for manufacturers to produce and sell counterfeit medicines.

Wegovy Demand Sparks Counterfeit Concern

The once-daily semaglutide pill, developed by Novo Nordisk, recently became available through private high street and online pharmacies after receiving approval from the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

While the pill is expected to help patients who are reluctant to use injections, experts fear it may also increase the risk of a growing black market for fake weight-loss drugs.

According to a survey conducted by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) with 310 pharmacies, 97% believe that the weight loss tablet could lead to an increase in counterfeit products being sold unlawfully.

Olivier Picard, chairman of the National Pharmacy Association said, “As this survey shows, pharmacies are concerned about a dangerous and growing black market for weight loss medicines, with tablet form of medication likely to be easier for criminals to counterfeit.”

He said that all patients must visit an authorised pharmacy for Wegovy pills.

He added: “Patients should only ever obtain weight loss medication from a regulated pharmacy after an appropriate consultation with a healthcare professional. Fake medicines pose a serious risk to health because they may contain harmful ingredients or incorrect doses.”

Also read: Wegovy Weight Loss Pill Available in UK Pharmacies From Today: All You Should Know

Global Concern

Unlike injectable medications of GLP-1, tablets often require less sophisticated manufacturing equipment, which makes it easier to make counterfeits.

As the medicated weight loss market is rising after the popularity of GLP-1 medications increased, criminals can produce fake pills on a large scale, using simple equipment.

Counterfeit GLP-1 medicines have already become a growing global concern. In September 2025, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said that there had been a sharp rise in illegal forms of semaglutide and other GLP-1 medicines online.

The agency also warned that these fake medicines may contain no active ingredient, improper doses, or harmful substances that can lead to failure of treatment or serious health complications.

Demand for GLP-1 medicines such as Wegovy and Mounjaro has soared worldwide as studies continue to demonstrate significant weight loss benefits.

Also read: Can Ozempic-Like GLP-1 Drugs Slow Aging, Boost Longevity?

Clinical trials of the oral Wegovy tablet have shown participants taking the highest dose lost approximately 14% to 17% of their body weight over 64 weeks when combined with diet and exercise. However, pharmacists say the popularity of these treatments has also created opportunities for fraudsters.

Experts urge consumers to avoid purchasing weight-loss medicines from unofficial online sellers or social media advertisements, regardless of how attractive the prices appear.

Genuine GLP-1 medicines require a medical consultation and prescription, and authorised pharmacies carry out necessary clinical checks before selling them.

About Wegovy

The semaglutide (Wegovy) tablet is the first oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medicine approved in the UK for weight loss.

It can be prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for adults who have obesity (BMI of 30 or above), or are overweight (BMI between 27 and 30), and have at least one weight-related comorbidity