Food safety concerns are up and front in the country again, with recent recalls hitting the retail shelves of organically grown carrots, slivered onions, and liverwurst sold by brands that include Boar's Head and McDonald's. Some question whether these high-profile incidents herald deeper challenges for the U.S. food safety system. But experts caution not to panic-and they point to improvements in detection and response as reasons why recall news is so prominent.

While the increase in recalls may alarm, it could be a sign that foodborne illnesses are increasingly being found and handled faster rather than a sign of a failing system. Rutgers University food science department chair Don Schaffner said the tools of whole genome sequencing now allow health officials to pinpoint and track an outbreak with precision in a way that simply wasn't possible before. That quick identification allows public health officials to move fast-to interview victims, trace sources of contamination-when a problem surfaces.

Public health expert Craig Hedberg at the University of Minnesota comments that many of these outbreaks would have otherwise gone undetected. Advanced surveillance and laboratory analysis allow small clusters of illness to be linked directly to a source, so recalls can be issued and public advisories can be released on time.

"When these outbreaks are identified and investigated, steps can be taken to protect public health," Hedberg says. "That's why there's a strong interest in keeping the public informed." Food Recalls Are on the Rise, but is it Necessarily Bad News?

Outbreaks of foodborne illnesses are by nature hard to predict. According to Schaffner, the recent clustering of high-profile incidents could simply be coincidental and not indicative of a systemic problem.

The eating habits and food production also make their contribution to the changes in food safety. Food safety expert Darin Detwiler from Northeastern University points out that the more people choose ready meals and restaurant meals, the greater the complexity of food supply chains becomes. Ingredients travel further, go through multiple processing steps, and change hands several times before consumers get them, and the possibilities of contamination increase.

Is the patchwork approach to blame for food safety regulation?

The U.S. food safety system operates on an intricate network of agencies, each covering different aspects of regulation; the USDA focuses on meat and poultry, while the FDA monitors most other food items, including overseeing recalls. In outbreak situations, the CDC works in conjunction with local health departments to investigate and contain the spread of illnesses.

Despite this overall framework, gaps in food safety can occur. Civil litigation serves as a safety net when food-borne diseases slip through regulatory cracks. According to Timothy Lytton, a professor at Georgia State College of Law, liability suits compel food producers to adhere to strict safety standards. Insurance companies, which cover potential risks, will also help through counseling and the promotion of incentives to minimize the risk involved.

Protecting Yourself from Foodborne Illness

As regulatory agencies and companies continue to work on the safety of food, it also remains crucially important for consumers to be proactive at home. Here are some steps:

1. Monitoring Food Recalls: Stay on top of recalls through FDA updates and remove affected products from your kitchen.

2. Hygiene and Its Practices: Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching and after handling food.

3. Wash Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Even those that are pre-washed should still be washed under running water to remove unseen bacteria, especially from crevices or wounded areas.

4. Prevent Cross-Contamination: Separate cutting boards and utensils must be used for raw meat and fresh fruits and vegetables.

5. Cook Food Properly: Meat, Poultry, and Seafood must be cooked to a safe internal temperature to kill harmful microorganisms.

While food recalls can be scary, they are also a reflection of advances in monitoring and responding to food safety. For instance, due to advances in technology and surveillance, outbreaks may now be detected and contained faster than ever before, thus mitigating the potential risks to public health.

Meanwhile, the increased complexity of the food industry underscores that vigilance needs to be taken at every step of the supply chain. With knowledge, safe food-handling practices, consumers can participate actively in protecting themselves and their families from foodborne diseases.

In the end, the increasing profile of food recalls is as much a story of solutions as of problems — reminding one and all that protecting our food supply is a shared responsibility that involves regulators, producers, and consumers.

In modern days, people are choosing vegan alternatives for sources of protein rather than dairy products.

Paneer and tofu are both foods sold in white blocks that can be added to dishes spanning many Asian cuisines. The production of both foods involves curdling and pressing. Each has a mild taste on its own yet absorbs the flavours of its marinades.

Paneer is made by curdling hot milk with an acidic substance like lemon juice, vinegar, or curd, whereas tofu is made from soy and does not contain animal-based ingredients.

However, scientists say tofu is a superior, lower-calorie, and cholesterol-free alternative to paneer for weight management, offering 75 percent less fat and higher iron.

Here is why:

Heart Health

Coronary artery disease, which is caused by plaque build-up up and inflammation in the blood vessels, is one of the leading causes of heart attacks and strokes in the country. However, eating tofu can reduce chances of developing coronary artery disease.

Unlike other dairy sources of protein, tofu is low in saturated fat and significantly lowers the risk of bad cholesterol, which is a leading factor for heart problems.

Prevents Chronic Diseases

It contains antioxidants that prevent cells from damage that can lead to cancer. Research suggests that regular intake may reduce chances of breast, prostate and colon cancer.

Maintains Bone Health

Isoflavones in tofu may reduce bone breakdown, particularly in postmenopausal women who are more prone to osteoporosis.

Rich In Nutrients A detailed nutrient comparison reveals that 100 grams of tofu has only about 70–80 calories and around eight grams of protein. Paneer, in comparison, has roughly 265–300 calories and 12–15 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams.

Vegan Alternative Tofu is a lighter, plant-based alternative suitable for those seeking better heart health, weight control, or a vegan diet.

Being dairy-free, it is suitable for vegans, lactose-intolerant individuals, and those who avoid animal-based foods for ethical, health, or religious reasons.

Diverse Dishes

While morning sun beams are said to be a productive and a consistent start to the day, evening workouts are known for reducing stress after a monotonous routine.

But while experts have dividing views on which time is better for a session, research shows that both have their own benefits.

Here’s why getting a quick workout done before work is good for you:

1. Improve Cognitive Function And Productivity

Morning exercises also stimulates the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine (feel-good) and norepinephrine (fight-to flight), increasing blood flow which keeps you attentive throughout the day.

2.) Reduced Muscle And Joint Stiffness

Seated knee extensions, hamstring stretches and mini squats ease inflammation in knees and joints, which further improves mobility.

3.) Boost Metabolism and Positive food choices

By utilising store fat as fuel, exercising in the early hours stabilizes blood sugar and reduces cravings for unhealthy food. Workouts also allow muscles to absorb glucose from the blood preventing spikes after breakfast and during the day, preventing the development of Type-2 diabetes in the future.

4.) Positive Psychological Impact

You will feel a sense of accomplishment and achievement before starting the day which can boost overall brain health.

However, evening workouts also have many advantages including:

1.) Enhanced Physical Performance

This leverages the body's natural circadian rhythm in the evening which increases flexibility, strength and potentially allows for more vigorous workouts.

Research shows that individuals may take up to 20 percent longer to reach exhaustion, allowing time for heavy weightlifting and intense cardio effective for weight loss.

2.) Promotes Better Sleep

Exercising in the evening, improves blood vessel elasticity and reduce vascular resistance that overall helps to regulate cardiovascular health.

Consistent evening exercise stabilises heart health, experts observe that workouts can keep blood pressure lower for up to 24 hours.

3.) Increased Calorie Burn

In the evening, the body is better able to absorb and transport oxygen to active muscles leading to improved energy during exercise.

4.) Appetite Regulation

High-intensity evening exercises can reduce levels of ghrelin, the hormone that triggers hunger, which manages calories and regulates appetite.

AI-generated videos with deep, dramatic voiceovers are flooding TikTok and Instagram, promising that a spoonful of chia seeds in water can fix digestion, melt fat and transform gut health almost overnight. The clips look slick, confident and science-backed. But experts say this latest wellness trend needs a reality check.

The chia seed challenge and the social media hype

The so-called chia seed challenge has exploded online, with millions of views across platforms. Health and wellbeing influencers, along with AI creators, are pushing the tiny seeds as a cure-all for weight loss and bloating. While chia seeds are not new to nutrition science, dieticians and media experts warn that social media often stretches the truth.

With so much content out there, it has become harder to tell what is genuine health advice and what is exaggerated clickbait.

What exactly are chia seeds?

Chia seeds come from the flowering plant Salvia hispanica, which resembles lavender. Native to Mexico, chia was a staple in the Aztec diet and has since been introduced to parts of Australia, including the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia’s Ord Valley in the Kimberley.

They are commonly added to smoothies, overnight oats, puddings and even homemade jams. Found in supermarket health aisles, chia seeds can be black or white, with no nutritional difference between the two.

Are chia seeds actually good for you?

Amelia Harray, a dietician at the University of Western Australia, told ABC News, chia seeds deserve their reputation as a nutritious food, just not the miracle status social media gives them.

“Like lots of nuts and seeds, chia seeds are absolutely superfoods,” Dr Harray said. “They are about 24 per cent protein and they are a complete protein source, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids.”

Chia seeds are also high in fibre, around 33 per cent, including both soluble and insoluble fiber. According to Dr Harray, fibre supports gut health, helps lower cholesterol and keeps you feeling full for longer.

However, she warned against suddenly consuming large amounts. “If someone has a very low-fiber diet and then starts eating lots of chia seeds, they might experience bloating or abdominal cramps,” she said.

Read: Superfood Chia Seeds Can Also Be Risky For Some, Know Who They Are

Do you need to soak chia seeds first?

One popular claim online is that chia seeds must be soaked to “activate” their benefits. Dr Harray says that is not true.

“We know you do not need to soak chia seeds to get the nutritional benefits,” she said. “That idea is not supported by evidence.”

Chia seeds can be eaten soaked or unsoaked, sprinkled over yoghurt or cereal. When soaked, they form a gel, which some people find easier on digestion. Dr Harray does caution against eating dry chia seeds by the spoonful, as they can swell and become a choking risk.

Why you should question viral health videos

Tama Leaver, a professor of internet studies at Curtin University, says the chia trend is part of what he calls the “wellness loop.”

“Some creators stick close to health advice, but others push it as a miracle cure,” Professor Leaver said. “That exaggeration is how they get clicks and make money.”

He added that AI-generated videos make it even harder to trust what you see. “We cannot take anything at face value,” he said, urging users to check who is behind the content and whether claims are backed by real evidence.

In short, chia seeds can be a healthy addition to your diet. Just do not believe every booming AI voice that promises they will change your life overnight.