Whole Foods Releases Its First-Ever Beauty & Wellness Trend Report for This Year

by Karly WoodMarch 14, 2019

In honor of its 5th Annual Beauty Week, Whole Foods has released its first-ever top beauty and wellness trend predictions for 2019. The report highlights the company’s global beauty buyers’ and experts’ picks for the coming year and will coincide with the Beauty Week Celebration.

Consumers can shop the trends in store during the sale from Mar. 27 through Apr. 2, where the entire selection of makeup, facial care, hair care, nail polish, perfume and makeup brushes will be 25 percent off—with an additional 10 percent off for Prime members! And starting Friday, Mar. 29, don’t forget to snag one of two limited-edition Beauty Bags (available in limited quantities) for $20 each. Now…onto the trends!

photo: Courtesy of Whole Foods

Superfood Beauty

Superfoods aren’t just for dinner anymore! When it comes to beauty products, Whole Foods predicts green foods like spirulina, avocado, green tea, matcha, kale will take center stage in face masks, body care and hair care. You may also be surprised that functional mushrooms could also find their way to topical beauty products like lotions and cosmetics.

Beauty from Within

Supplements for beauty continue to gain popularity and essential fatty acids (EFAs) and collagen are super popular in powders, chews and shots. Check out the brand Amazing Grass and its plant-based protein powder, Amazing Protein Glow Chocolate Rose Powder that makes beauty from within easy.

Vegan Cosmetics

With a bigger focus on increased consumer awareness around transparency, the emergence of vegan cosmetics is not a surprise. The increase in quality products is largely in part to improved pigments that last all day and rival traditional makeup brands. Why not go vegan?

photo: Annie Spratt via Unsplash

Sleep Supporters

Aromatherapy, essentials oils, bath bomb and sleep supplements are giving everyone easier access to creating soothing evening routines that promote restful sleep. Warming beverages like #moonmilk and golden milk that find their roots in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines to support sleep and decrease the effects of stress are also on the rise. Products that contain valerian root powder, passion flower powder, lavender and shea butter are all huge sleep supporters.

Microbiome-Friendly Beauty

Bacteria isn’t all bad, especially when it comes to “good” bacteria that include prebiotic and microbiome-friendly products. Topical beauty brands are taking a foray into low-ingredient recipes that help not to disturb the skin’s good bacteria and help you look your best. Expect to see all kinds of products in this genre, including moisturizers and sunscreen in the coming year.

––Karly Wood

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Butterball Recalls 78,000+ Pounds of Ground Turkey Tied to Salmonella Outbreak

by Erica LoopMarch 14, 2019

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service recently announced a Butterball turkey recall. More than 78,000 pounds of raw ground turkey products were recalled for possible Salmonella Schwarzengrund contamination.

Following a two-state, five-patient outbreak of Salmonella Schwarzengrund illnesses, the FSIS, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture determined that the now-recalled turkey was potentially at fault. Of the recall, Butterball spokesperson Christa Leupen said, “I do want to reiterate that because these products were packaged nine months ago, it is highly unlikely any of the product will be found in retail stores, but it is possible that consumers may have product in their freezers.”

Read on to learn more about the recall and what you can do about it.

#Recall: Butterball LLC Recalls Turkey Products Due to Possible Salmonella Schwarzengrund Contamination https://t.co/6sq2j5iHSX

— USDA Food Safety & Inspection Service (@USDAFoodSafety) March 14, 2019

Recalled Butterball Turkey Description

The recent recall is for Butterball raw ground turkey produced on Jul. 7, 2018. This includes Butterball, Kroger and Food Lion brands. For a full list of affected products, visit the FSIS website here.

Why the Turkey Was Recalled

The FSIS issued the recall out of a Salmonella Schwarzengrund contamination concern. This bacteria can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever for anywhere from four to seven days. Most Salmonella illnesses start within 12 to 72 hours after eating the item. Older adults and infants are particularly at risk for severe illness or complications from this infection.

How to Tell If Your Turkey Was Recalled

For a full list of recalled turkey products, UPC codes, lot codes and sell by dates, visit the FSIS’s website. All affected products bear the establishment number “EST. P-7345” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

What Parents Can Do

Do not eat the turkey. Throw it out or bring it back to the place of purchase. Along with checking your fridge, make sure the product isn’t in your freezer. For additional questions, contact Butterball at 800-288-8372.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Niekverlaan via Pixabay

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Your Smartphone Has Way More Bacteria Than a Toilet Seat, Revolting Study Shows

by Karly WoodMarch 1, 2019

If you’re like most Americans, your cell phone is your constant companion. You use it while lounging on the couch, at the office, maybe even stopped at red lights and yes, even in the bathroom (c’mon, we all do it!).

According to a University of Arizona study, all that action means your smartphone has hundreds of times more bacteria per square inch than that toilet seat you’ve been sitting on—and why it’s imperative you should know how to clean your smartphone.

So why exactly are our phones such a cesspool for germs and bacteria? Modern society has us touching everything: doorknobs, light switches, self-checkout machines and ATMs—not to mention changing dirty diapers and the general shenanigans that motherhood has us handling. Every time you come into contact with an unclean item and then going back to answer that text, you’re transferring germs right onto your phone and then back to your hands, face and ears. Can you say gross!?

A 2011 study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that fecal matter can be found on 1 out of every 6 smartphones and even more studies have found that MRSA, E. coli and Streptococcus––serious pathogens––have also been linked to cell phones. Okay, so now that we’ve established how nasty our smartphones really are, here’s how you should clean yours.

photo: Aniket Bhattacharya via Unsplash

First, you’ll want to check your phone manufacturer because each maker has different recommendations when it comes to cleaning and coming into contact with moisture. You can find some suggestions for Apple, Motorola and the Google Pixel by visiting their websites.

Then, keep this list of the following products on hand to keep your smartphone germ-free:

Microfiber cloth
Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
Water
Cotton rounds
Cleaning gloves

If you have a waterproof or water-resistant phone, you can make your own cleaning solution with rubbing alcohol and distilled water inside a spray bottle. While wearing gloves or using just-washed hands, lightly spray the outside of your phone, wipe with a cotton round and allow to dry.

For non-waterproof phones, you can use disinfecting wipes and carefully use them to wipe down both the screen and back of your phone.

When it comes to how many times per day you should be cleaning your phone, we’ll leave that up to you. After all, only you know how many trips to the ATM (and the restroom) you’re making on the daily.

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12 Cleaning Mistakes You’re Probably Making

by Kaitlyn KirbyMarch 1, 2019

It might be time to rethink your house cleaning strategy. After all, there’s nothing worse than being in the mood to power clean—ready to put those Marie Kondo tips to good use—and realizing you’ve been committing cleaning mistakes that are actually leaving your home dirtier than before. Guilty as charged (we’ve all done it)? Don’t worry, because you’ll also find the best solutions to these cleaning faux pas below!

Cleaning Mistake: Thawing raw chicken in the sink

Solution: Allow chicken to thaw in the refrigerator for up to two days before cooking instead. You should never thaw chicken on the counter at room temperature or in the sink as bacteria will begin to grow when the meat reaches 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cleaning Mistake: Reusing your dish towels

Solution: Use a new paper towel each time you clean a surface or your hands. If you’re on a more eco-friendly cleaning spree, consider designating a towel for each task. For instance, a hand-drying towel, a dish-drying towel, a cleaning towel used to wipe down counters.

Cleaning Mistake: Not emptying your vacuum

Solution: When you notice that your vacuum receptacle is full of dust and dirt, empty it! You don’t want to risk the particles blowing back into your home or onto your floors. You’ll also want to remember to change or clean the filter as suggested to ensure your vacuum can still pick up dirt like it should.

Cleaning Mistake: Putting your wet toilet brush back into its holder

Solution: Many of us are guilty of this bathroom cleaning faux pas! You scrub the toilet and then place the brush back into its holder while it’s still wet. Oops! Without letting the brush dry completely before storing it, you allow for germs to stick to the holder and brush where they can then multiply.

Cleaning Mistake: Spraying cleaner directly onto a surface

Solution: Spray onto a cleaning cloth before wiping down surfaces. Not only will your cleaner last longer this way, but you will avoid leaving any residue behind that comes with a build-up of cleaning product.

Cleaning Mistake: Not cleaning the sink

Solution: Think about it—you wash food particles off your dishes in the sink, but not every last bit makes it down the drain. Your sink is a moisture haven where food particles can easily stick, leading to germ and bacteria growth. So don’t call it a day yet, just remember to wipe out the sink after you’re finished!

Cleaning Mistake: Thinking rinsed sponges are clean

Solution: Sponges can hold oodles of germs and bacteria and rinsing them is simply not enough. Even cleaning a dirty sponge can give bacteria a boost, according to a recent study! It is recommended that you use a new sponge every week, but since that isn't always practical, consider running your sponge through the washing machine and then transferring it to another place in the house. Or instead of a using a sponge at all, switch to a dishcloth that can be washed.

Cleaning Mistake: Washing cutting boards with dish soap

Solution: Did you know that the cuts and grooves made in cutting boards can hold food particles? If not cleaned properly, they can become a cozy home for bacteria! Instead of using dish soap, which will only clean superficial residue from the board, soak them in hydrogen peroxide before rinsing and drying.

Cleaning Mistake: Vacuuming pet fur without a wand

Solution: If your vacuum has a pet hair attachment, don’t be afraid to use it! Regular vacuuming will blow as much pet hair as it collects which will only make more work for you. If your vacuum has an attachment, this can be just as efficient to eliminate rogue hair and fur balls.

Cleaning Mistake: Not soaking dishes

Solution: Get yourself into the habit of rinsing food out of pots and pans right after you use them—or at least after you’re finished eating. If you leave them to sit with food inside, it will only make it harder to remove the remnants later. Soak dishes in warm, soapy water for easier dish-doing!

Cleaning Mistake: Putting dryer sheets in your HVAC vent

Solution: It may seem like a fresh scent would happily disperse throughout your house when dryer sheets are in your HVAC vents, but instead of clean aromas, you'll end up spreading chemicals. You're better off lighting your favorite clean-smelling candle or diffusing an essential oil to give your home's scent a refresh.

Cleaning Mistake: Using wood polish on your furniture

Solution: Unless you're cleaning antique furniture without a finish, wood polish could actually make that coffee table more dull in appearance. There are dozens of non-polish formulas you can mix up right in your kitchen—with magic ingredients like vinegar and lemon oil—to clean effectively without ruining the finish.

Recall Alert: Green Bean & Butternut Squash Recall Affects 9 Southern States

by Erica LoopFebruary 27, 2019

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued a voluntary green bean and squash recall. Following notification from a raw material supplier that routine tests for food contact surfaces tested positive for the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, Southern Specialties Inc. announced the recall for Marketside brand bagged green beans and butternut squash products.

A spokesperson for Southern Specialties Inc. provided the following statement to Red Tricycle via email:

“The health and wellness of those who consume our products is paramount. Anyone who lives in the nine Southern states listed on our website should check to see if they have the recalled bags. No illnesses have been linked to this recall, but we are still asking that people not consume and instead dispose of or return the recalled products to the place of purchase. We regret that disposing of or returning the recalled product may be inconvenient, but food safety is our priority.”

If you bought one of the affected products, or think you may have, read on for more information.

photo: Courtesy of Southern Specialties, Inc.

Recall Description: Marketside Bagged Green Beans and Butternut Squash

The current recall includes Marketside brand bagged green beans in 32-ounce and 12-ounce packages as well as bagged butternut squash in 16-ounce packages. The full list of recalled UPC codes, use by dates and lot codes is available from the FDA website here.

Why the Bagged Veggies Were Recalled

Following routine testing, a raw materials supplier (used by Southern Specialties Inc.) notified the company of the presence of Listeria monocytogenes on food preparation surfaces. Listeria monocytogenes is a potentially harmful bacteria that can cause diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, fever, stiffness and headaches. The bacteria can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.

How to Tell If Your Marketside Product Is Part of the Recall
Visit the FDA’s website for the full product and code listings to verify whether you have the affected products or not. While most of the recalled veggies were retrieved prior to retail distribution, some may have reached stores in the following southern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

What Parents Can Do

If you have one of the recalled Marketside products don’t eat it. Throw out the veggies or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions or concerns can reach Southern Specialties Inc. at 1-954-876-2453 or by visiting the company’s website.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Karolina Grabowska via Foodiesfeed

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Bacteria Can Hide in Breast Pumps, Researchers Warn. Here’s How to Clean Yours

by Karly WoodFebruary 14, 2019

A recent study by the University of Manitoba, Canada has found that breast milk from breast pumps contains higher levels of bacteria than milk straight from the breast. As a result, a baby who has increased exposure to pathogens also has a risk of developing a respiratory infection.

Since busy moms feed babies in a variety of ways, it’s important to know how to clean your breast pump to keep your breast milk as liquid gold as possible. Before we get into the nitty-gritty of cleaning, let’s explore what the study discovered.

photo: Courtesy of Lansinoh

In short, researchers studied breast milk samples from 393 healthy mothers and found that those taken from a breast pump contain higher levels of potential pathogens. It compared those samples to those taken from the infant’s gut from direct breastfeeding without a pump, and studied the microbes and bacteria present.

While the research did not yield definitive information on how exactly the bacteria arrived in the gut, there was a sizable difference in the pathogens present between breastfed babies and those fed breastmilk from a bottle.

photo: Courtesy of Medela

So, what does all that mean? You need to clean your pump! We culled the best information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on keeping your breast pump clean and bacteria free:

1. Always check your manual for the best method of removing parts and understanding which pieces can be cleaned.

2. Every piece of your pump that touches breast milk should be rinsed in cool water as soon as possible after pumping. Rinse each piece that comes into contact with breast milk in cool water as soon as possible after pumping.

3. Use liquid dishwashing soap and warm water to wash each piece separately, then rinse in hot water for at least 10-15 seconds.

4. Place parts on a clean paper towel or in a clean drying rack and allow to air dry. (Don’t use fabric cloths––they carry bacteria!)

5. Re-assemble dry parts before you store it or use it.

6. Avoid touching the inside of any parts that will come in contact with your breast milk.

You got this, mama!

––Karly Wood

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This Robot Zaps Germs in Your Hotel Bed—& Fits in Your Suitcase, Too

by Shahrzad WarkentinFebruary 4, 2019

You can never have too many wet wipes or Purell when traveling with kids. Now, thanks to a robot (yes, seriously) you can have one less thing to worry about on your next family vacation. Meet the CleanseBot, which zaps bacteria in hotel rooms so you can stop saying “don’t touch that” 24/7.

Launched on IndieGoGo last year, the CleanseBot is a tiny, packable bot that sanitizes and disinfects surfaces, including the hotel bed. It is built with a UV-C light that promises to prevent the spread of airborne viruses and according to the campaign page, a study found that the pint-sized bot actually kills 99.99 percent of E.coli.

The CleanseBot, which can run for three hours without needing to be charged, has three different modes. The first is an auto setting which will clean the surface of the bed underneath the blanket for 30 to 60 minutes. The second mode is a hand-held setting that allows you to clean smaller items, like the alarm clock or TV remote. The third mode turns CleanseBot into a portable charger allowing you to charge your devices using the USB-C port.

IndieGoGo backers can currently score this amazing little robot for $99. It is still in the prototype phase, but it is scheduled to deliver in April 2019. The original price is set at $259, which means the CleanseBot will likely jump to that cost when the product actually launches, so act fast if you want to score a deal.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: CleanseBot via YouTube

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Hedgehogs Are Super Cute & All—But Stop Cuddling Them, Says CDC

by Shahrzad WarkentinFebruary 1, 2019

If you’ve got a prickly pet at home, you’re going to want to cool it with the pet PDA. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning about hedgehogs that surprisingly has nothing to do with those sharp quills.

After a multi-state salmonella outbreak, the CDC is putting out an APB against kissing hedgehogs. Ten out of 11 patients infected during the recent outbreak reported having contact with a hedgehog. Although these prickly pets are popular, they still pose a health risk and should be handled with care.

photo: amayaeguizabal via Pixabay

Hedgehogs can carry salmonella bacteria without appearing sick themselves—and easily spread it around. The CDC says it’s important to always wash your hands after handling your hedgehog and to always keep them out of the kitchen. Avoid bathing your hedgehog in the kitchen sink and bringing them into your bed. Keep their toys and cage clean.

If all else fails, get a dog instead ;)

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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Recall Alert: Peaches Sold at Costco, Walmart, Aldi & More Could Have Listeria

by Karly WoodJanuary 29, 2019

On Jan. 24, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Adminitration issued a notice that fresh peaches, plums and nectarines have been recalled from Walmart, Costco, Aldi and several other grocers. The cartons of fruit have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. Representatives from Jac. Vandenburg Inc. of Yonkers, New York (the fruit supplier) did not immediately return Red Tricycle’s request for comment.

The recall includes 1,727 cartons of peaches, 1,207 cartons of nectarines and 365 cartons of plums in 18 states. Here’s what you need to know.

Photo: Valerie Hinojosa via Flickr.

Recall Description: Fresh Peaches, Nectarines & Plums

The current recall affects fresh peaches, nectarines and plums sold at Walmart, Costco, Aldi, Fairway Market, Hannaford and Market Basket stores in Alabama, California, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia and Virginia.

For a full list of which items were sold at specific grocers, visit the FDA’s website here.

Why the Fruit Was Recalled

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the packing house, which found certain products contained the bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes. Currently, there have been no reports of illnesses in connection with this recall.

How To Tell If Your Peaches, Nectarines or Plums are Recalled

The peaches and nectarines sold as a bulk retail produce item with PLU sticker #4044, 3035, 4378, showing the country of origin of Chile.

The peaches, nectarines and plums sold at ALDI are packaged in a 2-pound bag with the brand Rio Duero, EAN #7804650090281, 7804650090298, 7804650090304.

The nectarines sold at Costco are packaged in a 4-pound plastic clamshell with the brand Rio Duero, EAN#7804650090212.

Visit the FDA’s website for a full list of stores, states and product information.

What Parents Can Do

If you have have purchased fresh peaches, fresh nectarines and fresh plums included in the recall you can return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Jac. Vandenburg Inc. at compliance@jacvandenberg.com with any questions.

––Karly Wood

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The FDA Issues New Warning about Avocados

by Erica LoopJanuary 13, 2019

The FDA would like to remind you to please wash your avocados before cutting them. Well actually, the FDA wants you to wash all fruit—but a two-year sampling surveillance program may have found that the green goodness of avocados might come with something that you definitely don’t want in your kitchen: food-borne illnesses.

Between 2014 and 2016, the FDA collected and tested whole fresh avocados, testing the skins and flesh for Salmonella and Listeria. Of the 1,615 samples, only 0.74 percent tested positive for Salmonella on the skin. While that’s not a crazy-high number, any presence of a bacteria on the skin means that cutting into the fruit can spread the microorganisms into the flesh—and ultimately, into your system.

Photo: Matthew Henry via Burst

When it comes to Listeria and avocados, the FDA testing found that more than 17 percent of the fruit tested did have Listeria on the skin—but only 0.24 percent had the pathogen inside. While Listeria doesn’t typically cause illness in healthy adults, it can be especially dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly and anyone with a compromised immune system.

So what does this mean for all of you avocado enthusiasts out there? Quite simply: wash your fruit! The easiest way to avoid contaminating the inside of your avocado with anything that’s on the outside of the peel is to clean and thoroughly dry it before cutting.

—Erica Loop

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