A new study has found that a combination of two drugs could enhance the immune system to treat one of the most common types of cancer in the world, bowel cancer. Also known as colorectal cancer, despite its widespread presence, the treatment options for this condition are limited. What the study specifically found was that this procedure could shrink the tumours caused by this condition by around 60%.

What Are The Drugs Involved

The trial involved the use of two immunotherapy drugs, botancilimab and balstilumab. It is a monoclonal antibody that works to stimulate the body's immune system to attack cancer. The study is a rather significant find, as it’s the first time that a consistent and durable response to immunotherapy has been reported in patients with solid MSS mCRC tumours.

The study was divided into several phases for more than 6 months. In the US trial, around around 101 patients with microsatile stable metastatic colorectal (MSS-mCRC) tumours showed a decrease . Around 61% of the patients experienced tumour shrinkage or stabilization after combined treatment with votancilumab and balstilumab. When it comes to downsides, diarrhea and fatigue were found to be the most common side effects or side effects of this drug.

These results are interesting and open to exploration. To date, immunotherapy has not been effective in patients with CNS-mCRC tumors. This study demonstrates the potential of the combination of botenlimab and balstilimab in the treatment of CNS mCRC, providing new hope for people diagnosed with colon cancer.

What Could This Mean For Bowel Cancer Treatment In The Future

The study is currently in the final stages of clinical trials, and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hopes to quickly gain approval for its use because of the importance of this area that affects many people. The efficiency shown demonstrates the potential of botansilimab to contribute to broad antitumor immunity.

All in all, the combination of botensilimab and balstilimab represents a promising new direction in the treatment of colorectal cancer. This breakthrough could improve conditions for many patients worldwide and lights a new hope in the fight against this common disease. The results of this study show the effectiveness of immunotherapy in this field and how its potential to transform cancer treatment can only grow in the years to come.

The Cyclospora outbreak ongoing in the US since May this year has reached 17,180 cases, compared with 1,180 cases through August last year, according to the latest figures released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The cases, reported across 48 states plus the District of Columbia, include two deaths, while 922 people have been hospitalized.

In addition, the CDC is investigating 11,844 additional cases that have not yet been laboratory-confirmed. The federal agency added that the true number of people sick with cyclosporiasis is likely higher because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Cyclospora.

“Recent illnesses may not yet be reported due to the time it takes to identify and report Cyclospora cases. It can take about six weeks from the start of symptoms to when CDC receives the case information,” the CDC said.

Cyclospora Cases Expected To Dwindle

Historically, the cyclosporiasis season in the United States runs from May 1 through August 31, so cases should dwindle as summer ends, the CDC said.

The largest outbreak this summer was reported in Michigan. Last week, Michigan noted a 3% increase in cases, bringing the state's total to 14,277 cases.

Outbreak Linked To Iceberg Lettuce

The outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce, particularly lettuce produced by Taylor Farms de Mexico. The lettuce was sold at stores and at Taco Bell restaurants across the US before it was recalled.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by a parasite that spreads through food and water contaminated with infected human feces.

The Food and Drug Administration, which oversees food safety, has said it is “confident that all recalled iceberg lettuce related to this specific Cyclospora outbreak is off the market.”

While an average American reportedly eats about 18.3 pounds of lettuce each year, consumers purchased about 7.6 million fewer pounds of lettuce during the four weeks ending July 18 compared with the same period last year, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Is It Safe To Eat Lettuce Right Now?

Food safety experts noted that people can eat lettuce now, but should choose their greens wisely.

“Consumers should make informed choices rather than avoiding leafy greens altogether,” said Darin Detwiler, a professor at Northeastern University, Food & Wine reported.

Because the recalls so far are tied to specific products from one producer and have not expanded to include other lettuce producers, other products are likely OK, Detwiler said.

“Consumers should follow FDA and CDC recall information rather than assuming every leafy green product is unsafe,” he said.

Wade Syers, an extension specialist for food safety at Michigan State University Extension, said the ongoing Cyclospora investigation “does not mean all lettuce or all leafy greens are unsafe.”

How To Prevent Cyclospora Infection

To reduce the risk of infection, the CDC recommends:

• Wash your hands before handling food.
• Wash fresh produce under running water before eating, preparing or cooking it.
• Cook food to at least 158°F (70°C) to kill Cyclospora.
• Follow CDC and FDA recall notices and avoid recalled products.
• Avoid bagged salad mixes.

Food safety has become a serious concern in the US in recent months, with a large number of products recalled over contamination, bacterial infections, and other health risks.

The latest recalls involve rice over potential foreign material contamination and mini doughnuts over undeclared milk that may trigger allergic reactions.

Mini Donuts Recalled Over Undeclared Milk

Packages of mini donuts sold nationwide are being recalled after a consumer reported an allergic reaction linked to the product, USA Today reported.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Better Bakehouse Snack Company is recalling certain lots of Donutful Chocolate Dipped Vanilla Cake Donuts because they may contain undeclared milk.

People with a milk allergy or severe sensitivity to milk could face a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the affected product, the FDA said.

The food regulator noted that the consumer who suffered the allergic reaction has fully recovered. The manufacturer has identified the cause of the mislabeling and taken corrective measures.

Also read: From Dog Food To Fruit Bars: Over 10 Products Recalled In US Over Contamination

Which Doughnuts Are Being Recalled?

The recalled doughnuts are limited to a specific lot manufactured and distributed in March 2026. The product was shipped to retailers nationwide and sold through Amazon.

Consumers should check the following details to determine whether they have the recalled product:

• Product: Donutful Chocolate Dipped Vanilla Cake Donuts, 10 Mini Donuts
• Package: 7.05-ounce carton containing five 1.41-ounce (40g) pouches
• UPC: 3 50041 39210 3
• Best If Used By: September 15, 2026
• Lot Code: 26078

The FDA advises consumers to dispose of the affected product and obtain a refund from the point of purchase with a receipt, or return the product for a refund.

54,648 Pounds of Rice Recalled Over Foreign Material

An FDA update on August 25 provides more details about an April 2026 rice recall involving Lundberg Family Farms.

The company's Jasmine white rice was recalled because of potential contamination with foreign materials.

According to the FDA, 27,324 packages of 32-ounce rice were recalled, totaling 54,648 pounds. Lundberg-branded rice was also part of the recall initiated by the FDA in April this year.

The recalled rice was distributed in:

• California
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Illinois
• North Carolina
• New Hampshire
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Vermont
• Washington
• Wisconsin

Consumers can identify the affected products using these details:

• UPC: 073416040281
• Lot/Best Before: 260201MA, 01FEB2027; 260202MA, 02FEB2027

The expiration dates are February 1 and February 2, 2027. Consumers who were unaware of the earlier recall announcements may still have the affected product at home.

What Is the Risk From the Recalled Rice?

The recall follows the FDA's May 7 Class II classification.

According to the FDA, a Class II recall involves a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the likelihood of serious adverse health consequences is remote.

Belgium has been hit by a Salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated eggs, with more than 300 people falling ill, according to the country’s food safety agency. The outbreak comes after similar Salmonella outbreaks linked to contaminated eggs were reported in the US and UK.

Eggs Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

According to the Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC), the outbreak has been linked to eggs produced by Laerco, a company based in Geel in northern Belgium.

“Salmonella is relatively common in Belgium, but we never had such a broad cluster with so many people hit,” an AFSCA spokesperson said.

No deaths have been reported in connection with the Belgian outbreak. However, officials warned that the actual number of cases could be higher, as some people may have experienced mild or no symptoms and did not seek medical testing, BOL News reported.

Eggs Recalled Across Europe

Also read: UK Food Agency Warns Vulnerable Groups to Avoid Runny Eggs: Who Is At Risk And Which Foods To Avoid

Salmonella was first detected at Laerco’s Geel facility at the end of April. In May, a large-scale recall was launched, with all eggs from the site withdrawn from the market.

The affected products were distributed through several major supermarket chains, including Colruyt, Delhaize, Aldi and Carrefour.

The precautionary recall was also extended to Luxembourg. FASFC notified several other European countries that may have received the eggs, including the Netherlands, France, Italy and Portugal.

As many as 2 million potentially contaminated eggs may have been sold, according to authorities.

Poultry Farm Closed

AFSCA first discovered the contamination in May and responded by recalling the affected eggs and closing one henhouse at the farm in Flanders.

However, additional cases were reported in the following months. Officials expanded the investigation and closed the entire farm. The poultry were subsequently destroyed after a second egg recall was issued on August 10.

Secondary testing found that the bacteria had spread across multiple sheds despite initial isolation efforts, Euronews reported.

UK, US Report Salmonella Cases

Read More: From Dog Food To Fruit Bars: Over 10 Products Recalled In US Over Contamination

The Belgian outbreak comes after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) linked two deaths and 474 illnesses to three separate Salmonella Enteritidis clusters across the UK.

The US is also experiencing a Salmonella outbreak linked to eggs. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) upgraded the recall to its highest risk level and classified nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs as “Class I”, its most serious category for products that could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

The multistate Salmonella outbreak has been linked to Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. person.

What Is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a bacterial infection that commonly causes diarrhea and gastrointestinal illness.

Common symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting
• Fever

Symptoms usually begin six hours to six days after swallowing the bacteria.

Most people recover from Salmonella infection without medical treatment. However, children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems may develop serious illness requiring medical care.

It can spread through contaminated food, including:

• Eggs
• Poultry
• Meat
• Unpasteurized dairy products
• Fresh produce

The bacteria can also spread through contact with contaminated environments or from person to person.

How To Stay Safe

Health officials have advised consumers to follow recall instructions and avoid eating affected eggs. UK officials also urged vulnerable people to avoid undercooked or runny eggs, especially when dining out.

• Refrigerate items promptly
• Cook eggs thoroughly
• Wash your hands
• Sanitize surfaces
• Check for recalls
• Wash before use.