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Florida Grapples with Unregulated Peptide Craze Fueled by Social Media Influencers

Florida Grapples with Unregulated Peptide Craze Fueled by Social Media Influencers

Florida is experiencing a surge in the use of therapeutic peptides, largely driven by social media influencers and promoted by medical spas, fitness studios, and longevity clinics. These influencers claim peptides offer a range of benefits, including easing joint pain, weight loss, improved sleep, increased libido, enhanced tanning, and anti-aging effects. While some peptides, like insulin and GLP-1 drugs (e.g., Ozempic), are FDA-approved and have undergone rigorous testing, many of the compounds being promoted lack robust scientific data and FDA approval for their advertised uses. Dr. Lewis Nelson, dean at the Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, notes that peptides are not typically viewed as conventional medications, yet people are injecting them for various reasons. The market for these unapproved peptides is fueled by online vendors and influencers who sell them with a 'for research use only' disclaimer, bypassing federal drug regulations. This allows direct marketing to...

Florida Times-Union

Florida cyclosporiasis cases hit 450 as infections slow in Jacksonville

Florida cyclosporiasis cases hit 450 as infections slow in Jacksonville

A cyclosporiasis outbreak has spread to 45 of Florida's 67 counties, totaling 450 cases since May. Here's a closer look at cases in Northeast Florida.

FDA Elevates Publix Frozen Berry Recall to Highest Risk Level Due to E. coli Contamination

FDA Elevates Publix Frozen Berry Recall to Highest Risk Level Due to E. coli Contamination

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded the recall of Publix's GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries to a Class I recall, its most severe classification. This upgrade signifies that consumption or exposure to these products could lead to serious health problems or death. The initial recall in July involved one lot of frozen blueberries due to potential E. coli contamination, which Publix later expanded to include all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries. The berries have been linked to a multistate E. coli outbreak that has sickened a dozen people, with four hospitalizations. While illnesses have been reported in Florida and Georgia, no cases have been confirmed in North Carolina. The affected products include 10-ounce and 48-ounce bags of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries (UPC 41415-06453 and 41415-12053) and GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries (UPC 41415-06753 and 41415-12153). Consumers are advised to discard these products or return t...

FDA Issues Class 1 Recall for Frozen Blueberries and Mixed Berries Due to E. coli Contamination

FDA Issues Class 1 Recall for Frozen Blueberries and Mixed Berries Due to E. coli Contamination

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded a recall of frozen blueberries and mixed berries sold at Publix grocery stores to a Class 1 recall, the highest health risk level. This action was taken due to E. coli contamination in the products. Publix initially recalled the affected items on July 29. The recalled products include GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries in 10-ounce and 48-ounce packages, and GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries in 10-ounce and 48-ounce packages. These products were distributed in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, twelve people in two states have been infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli, though no deaths have been reported.

Alfalfa sprout linked to food-poisoning outbreak in 15 states, health officials say

Alfalfa sprout linked to food-poisoning outbreak in 15 states, health officials say

U.S. health officials say a food-poisoning outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts has sickened people in 15 states

FDA Upgrades Publix Frozen Blueberry Recall to Class 1 Due to E. coli Risk

FDA Upgrades Publix Frozen Blueberry Recall to Class 1 Due to E. coli Risk

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has elevated the recall of frozen blueberries distributed by Publix stores to a Class 1 risk level. This is the highest classification, indicating a reasonable probability that consumption or exposure to the product could lead to serious adverse health consequences or death. The recall specifically targets GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries (10-ounce, UPC 41415-06453; 48-ounce, UPC 41415-12053) and GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries (10-ounce, UPC 41415-06753; 48-ounce, UPC 41415-12153). These products were distributed to Publix stores across Florida, North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The initial recall began in early July and has since been expanded to include additional blueberry products. Currently, at least 12 individuals have been sickened, with four requiring hospitalization due to E. coli infections linked to these products.

Lee County Sheriff's Office Arrests Man on Drug Charges After Traffic Stop and Foot Chase

Lee County Sheriff's Office Arrests Man on Drug Charges After Traffic Stop and Foot Chase

A man was arrested by deputies from the Lee County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) in Lee County, Florida, following a traffic stop that escalated into a foot chase. The incident occurred near Palm Beach Boulevard and Marsh Avenue after an LCSO Narcotics Team Detective observed a traffic violation. During the initial stop, deputies discovered a suspected bag of marijuana and another baggie containing a white substance on the passenger, later identified as Jorge Valle Armijo, 41. Armijo then pulled away from deputies and attempted to flee on foot. Deputies pursued him and deployed a stun gun to apprehend him. Armijo was subsequently taken into custody with assistance from officers of the Fort Myers Police Department.

New Yorkers Grapple with Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Amid Food Safety Concerns

New Yorkers Grapple with Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Amid Food Safety Concerns

New York City is experiencing a surge in cyclosporiasis cases this summer, a severe form of food poisoning caused by a tiny parasite transmitted through fresh fruits and vegetables. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that cyclosporiasis can cause weeks of gastrointestinal symptoms, including explosive diarrhea. Over 800 cases have been reported in New York state and more than 500 in the five boroughs since May. While the number of lab-confirmed cases has been trending down since mid-July, health officials in New York City and state have yet to identify the specific foods responsible for the outbreak. This uncertainty has led to varied responses among New Yorkers, with some continuing their usual eating habits, while others are taking precautions such as avoiding leafy greens, cooking vegetables, or opting for local produce. Outbreaks in other states have been linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, which has since been recalled, though New York was not initially on t...

Westchester County Journal News

'Explosive diarrhea' parasite cases climb in New York, nearing 1,000

'Explosive diarrhea' parasite cases climb in New York, nearing 1,000

New York has reported 973 cyclosporiasis cases this year, including 41 additional cases in the latest weekly update.

Multiple Food Recalls Issued Across US for Contamination and Uninspected Products

Multiple Food Recalls Issued Across US for Contamination and Uninspected Products

Several food recalls have been issued across the United States due to various safety concerns, including contamination and products entering the country without proper inspection. Approximately 29,628 pounds of raw beef products imported from Argentina were recalled in Florida and Texas because they did not undergo required inspections by the Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Additionally, some Outshine Fruit Bars distributed nationwide have been voluntarily recalled due to potential glass contamination. Indus Foods, operating as Gangothri Foods, recalled 1,626 pounds of pickled goat and chicken products that were not properly inspected. Frankie's Organic issued a recall for its 4-ounce bags of Organic Plant-Based Vegan Cheddar Puffs due to undeclared milk products. Lastly, a Lidl spice mix, Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix, was recalled over potential Salmonella contamination. These recalls affect various states and product categories, highlighting ongoing food safety...

New Yorkers Grapple with Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Amidst Unidentified Food Source

New Yorkers Grapple with Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Amidst Unidentified Food Source

New York City is experiencing a significant surge in cyclosporiasis cases this summer, a severe form of food poisoning caused by a tiny parasite transmitted through fresh fruits and vegetables. Over 800 cases have been reported in New York state, with more than 500 in the five boroughs since May. While the number of lab-confirmed cases in the city has been trending down since mid-July, health officials in both the city and state have yet to identify the specific food sources responsible for the outbreak. This uncertainty has led to varied responses among New Yorkers, with some altering their eating habits by avoiding raw vegetables, opting for frozen produce, or seeking out local farmers' markets, while others continue to eat fruits and vegetables as usual. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that cyclosporiasis can cause weeks of gastrointestinal symptoms, including explosive diarrhea. Although outbreaks in other states have been linked to recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor ...

South Heat Wave to Break Records with Triple-Digit Temperatures

South Heat Wave to Break Records with Triple-Digit Temperatures

A persistent heat wave is gripping the southern United States, with temperatures soaring into the triple digits in states like Texas and Oklahoma. According to The Weather Company (2026-08-20), a heat dome is causing extreme heat and humidity, pushing heat indices above 105°F (40.5°C) and even 110°F (43.3°C) in areas such as southern Georgia, coastal South Carolina, the Florida Panhandle, and the mid-South region around Memphis. While some parts of the Southeast may experience slightly lower humidity this weekend, temperatures in cities like Tampa, New Orleans, Atlanta, and Raleigh are expected to remain high. Cooler and drier air from the Great Lakes is forecast to reach the interior Southeast by early next week, but the heat wave is expected to persist in Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida through much of the following week.