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Showing posts with label food and drink. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food and drink. Show all posts

Explore Bristol, Virginia: Music, Motorsports, and Beyond

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Explore the Musical Heritage of Bristol, Virginia

Bristol, Virginia, a city that lies on the border of Virginia and Tennessee, is a vibrant destination steeped in musical history, exciting motorsports, and diverse outdoor activities. Known as the “Birthplace of Country Music,” Bristol offers a unique blend of culture, adventure, and tradition. Whether you're a music lover, a sports enthusiast, or an outdoor adventurer, there's something for everyone in this charming city. Here are 10 must-visit attractions to help plan your next country music road trip.

Immerse Yourself at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum

No visit to Bristol is complete without exploring the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. This Smithsonian-affiliated museum delves into the story of the historic 1927 Bristol Sessions, which were pivotal in launching country music as a commercial genre. Through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia displays, visitors can uncover the roots of American popular music and gain a deeper appreciation for its legacy.

Experience the Thrill of Bristol Motor Speedway

For fans of motorsports, the Bristol Motor Speedway is a must-see. Known as “The Last Great Colosseum” and “The World’s Fastest Half-Mile,” this iconic track hosts major NASCAR events and drag races. Even when there are no races, the sheer scale and energy of the venue make it a memorable experience.

Catch a Show at Paramount Bristol

The Paramount Bristol is a beautifully restored Art Deco theater from the 1930s. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it now serves as a premier performing arts venue. It hosts concerts, plays, comedy shows, and films, making it a great spot for an evening of entertainment.

Explore the Depths of Bristol Caverns

Journey deep underground into the timeless beauty of Bristol Caverns. Paved, well-lit walkways guide visitors through vaulted chambers alongside an ancient underground river that carved these remarkable formations over millions of years. The caverns also have a rich history, once used by Native Americans.

Shop and Dine at The Pinnacle

The Pinnacle is a massive open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment destination located just outside downtown Bristol. With dozens of retail stores, various restaurants, and entertainment options like a movie theater, it's a great place for a day of retail therapy and leisure.

Hike or Bike the Mendota Trail

For outdoor lovers, the Mendota Trail offers a scenic 12.5-mile recreational corridor between Bristol and Mendota, Virginia. This converted rail trail provides a pleasant grade for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, winding through tranquil countryside, over creeks, and across a restored swinging bridge.

Relax at South Holston Lake & Dam

South Holston Lake is a popular destination for water activities such as bass fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and boating. The lake offers hundreds of miles of shoreline nestled between the Appalachian Mountains. The South Holston River is also renowned for world-class fly-fishing.

Discover Local Art at Benjamin Walls Gallery

Experience the work of internationally recognized artist Benjamin Walls at his signature gallery. A five-time Smithsonian exhibitor, Walls’ gallery showcases stunning photography and art, offering a unique cultural experience in downtown Bristol.

Enjoy the Outdoors at Sugar Hollow Park

Sugar Hollow Park is a 400-acre city park offering a variety of recreational opportunities. It features bike and hiking trails, a wetlands area perfect for birdwatching, camping sites, picnic areas, and sports fields. There's also a high-ranked disc golf course for enthusiasts.

Experience Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion (Seasonal)

If you're visiting in September, don't miss the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion. This annual three-day music festival celebrates Bristol’s musical heritage with over 120 bands performing across multiple stages downtown, alongside food and arts and crafts vendors. It's a vibrant celebration of Americana music.

Stay at The Sessions Hotel

When planning your visit to Bristol, consider staying at The Sessions Hotel. Named after the legendary 1927 Bristol Sessions, the hotel is situated at the State Street entrance to historic downtown, adjacent to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. Its design incorporates elements from the original 1915 Bristol Grocery Building, 1920 Jobbers Candy Factory, and 1922 Simply Grand Granary Mill, creating an ambiance where rustic industrial meets contemporary luxury.

The hotel offers 70 luxury boutique guest rooms and suites, each uniquely designed with exposed brick, wood floors, and modern furnishings. Guests can expect premium amenities like plush Kingsdown mattresses, Molton Brown toiletries, luxurious Boca Terry bathrobes, 55-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Indulge at Southern Craft, the hotel’s upscale wood-fired smokehouse restaurant, serving award-winning barbecue and classic comfort food. For evening relaxation, the Rooftop Bar & Lounge offers cocktails, a cozy fire pit, and stunning views of the city.

Beyond dining, the hotel features a full-service Vision Salon and Day Spa for invigorating treatments, a 24-hour front desk, a business center, four meeting rooms, and a gift shop. It's also pet-friendly and offers complimentary self-parking.

Its central downtown location means you're just steps away from State Street’s shops, restaurants, and attractions, including the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and Paramount Bristol. The hotel frequently hosts live music and events in its indoor and outdoor venues, further immersing you in Bristol’s vibrant music scene.

10 Essential Facts Rwandans Should Know About Antigua and Barbuda Post-Deal

10 Essential Facts Rwandans Should Know About Antigua and Barbuda Post-Deal

On July 17, Rwanda and Antigua and Barbuda signed a series of agreements designed to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two nations in areas of mutual interest. The agreements were signed by Rwanda's new ambassador to the United Nations, Amb. Martin Ngoga, and Amb. Walton Webson from Antigua and Barbuda, in New York. Here are 10 key facts about Antigua and Barbuda: 1. A twin-island country in the Caribbean Antigua and Barbuda spans 442 square kilometers and consists of two main islands, Antigua and Barbuda, along with several smaller ones. It is an independent state with its capital, Saint John's, located in the Lesser Antilles of the eastern Caribbean Sea, at the southern end of the Leeward Islands chain. The nation is a constitutional monarchy with a British-style parliamentary system and is represented by an appointed Governor General as the head of state. 2. Home to 365 beaches If you love the beach, Antigua might be your ideal destination. Antigua has over 365 beaches, all pristine with white sand and surrounded by turquoise waters. These beautiful beaches, along with coral reefs and clear waters, make the country a top global tourism spot. Some of the most famous beaches include Dickenson Bay, Half Moon Bay, Pigeon Point Beach, Ffryes Beach, Jolly Beach, and Long Bay Beach, known for their soft, white sand, clear turquoise waters, and various water activities such as snorkeling, swimming, and watersports. 3. English is widely spoken Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Commonwealth since 1981, the same year it gained independence from the United Kingdom. The primary language spoken by the people of Antigua and Barbuda is Antiguan and Barbudan Creole. However, due to the country’s history as a former British colony, English is also widely spoken and serves as the official working language. English is the official language of Antigua. Spanish is also spoken by more than 10,000 inhabitants. 4. Population of 104,000 people With a population of over 104,000 people, it's one of the smallest countries in the world. However, it makes a significant impact in diplomacy, tourism, and sports. The population includes both residents and those temporarily abroad. Life expectancy is approximately 75.6 years for men and 80.1 years for women. The majority of the population is of African descent, and two-thirds are Christian, with the largest proportion being Anglican. 5. Citizenship by investment Antigua and Barbuda offers a Citizenship by Investment Program, which attracts foreign investors. Although not related to the visa waiver, it is a well-known economic strategy in the region. According to the country's Citizenship by Investment website, the top-ranked Caribbean passport program grants lifetime citizenship to international investors who contribute at least $100,000 (donation option from October 2020) or invest $200,000 in real estate. Processing is typically quick, taking three to four months. The passport is valid for five years initially and can be easily renewed later for a modest fee of $350 (approximately Rwf500,000). 6. Tourism is the biggest economy driver According to the National Bureau of Statistics in Antigua and Barbuda, the country's tourism industry plays a significant role in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), contributing more than half of the GDP. Reports indicate that the tranquil island, a favorite retreat for Hollywood stars, is not a destination for budget travelers, as even the cheapest hotels are above average prices compared to other locations. 7. Fungee and Pepperpot is a common dish Antigua and Barbuda cuisine reflects the traditional foods of the twin Caribbean islands. The national dish is fungee (pronounced foon-jee) served with pepperpot. Fungee is mainly made from cornmeal and resembles Italian polenta. Other popular local dishes include ducana, seasoned rice, saltfish, and lobster from Barbuda. Traditional sweets include sugar cake, fudge, raspberry and tamarind stew, and peanut brittle. While many of these dishes are native to Antigua and Barbuda and found in other parts of the Caribbean, the country's cuisine has expanded to include foods from neighboring islands—like Jamaica’s jerk meats and Trinidad’s roti—along with other regional specialties. 8. Education is free and compulsory In Antigua and Barbuda, education is free and mandatory for children aged 5 to 16, with the nation boasting a high adult literacy rate of around 99%. To assist the government in covering education-related expenses such as school supplies, transportation, and maintenance, a levy is applied to all basic wages, ensuring that the costs of schooling are fully supported by the state. 9. Sailing is big in Antigua With its winding coastline and numerous ports and docking facilities, Antigua has become an ideal destination for sailing. Antigua Sailing Week is a premier annual event that attracts professional sailors from around the world to participate in yacht racing. This amazing atmosphere marks the end of the high season in Antigua, offering an opportunity to party and enjoy the island vibes. 10. The national sport is cricket While football is also popular, the main sport in Antigua and Barbuda is cricket. And it's worshipped like a religion. Even with such a small population, some of the world's best cricket players are Antiguans, among whom Sir. Viv Richards is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards, one of Antigua's national heroes, is a retired Antiguan cricketer who represented the West Indies cricket team between 1974 and 1991. Cricket is deeply ingrained in the culture and considered more than just a sport, almost a way of life.

Get Ready for Balraj at Cafe Underpass: Punjabi Night 2025!

PNNNew Delhi [India], July 10: If you enjoy fast-paced Punjabi music and excellentnightlife, mark your calendar for Saturday, July 26, 2025 (11:00 PM).Cafe Underpassin New Delhi will serve as the hostBalrajOne of the most thrilling events of the year.Balrajis recognized for his emotive voice and popular songs such as "Jaan TayBani." He will present a live show that will have you dancing throughout the night. Cafe Underpass has emerged as a major force in Delhi'snightlife. It is recognized both locally and globally for its distinctive approach and exceptional quality. Since its opening five years ago beneath the Defence Colony Flyover, the club has evolved from a secret treasure to a well-known establishment.nightlifespot. It is recognized for its vibrant ambiance, exceptional security, and dedication to quality. Key Achievements of Cafe Underpass:-Best Nightclub in Delhi: The place has received numerous accolades, including the honor of being the best nightclub in Delhi NCR. It has been highlighted by more than 60 media sources, such as The Print, ANI News, and MSN.-Sold-Out Concerts & Major Live Performances: Cafe Underpass is well-known for organizing full-house performances by leading Indian artists. Recent events featuring Shamsher Lehri and Gulam Jugni have drawn large audiences. They have energized music lovers in Delhi.-Cultural Influence: The club blends local music with popular international tracks. This fosters a welcoming environment. It draws a wide range of visitors from the city. It influences trends and transforms the nightlife in the capital.-Luxurious Experience: The club features high-quality audio systems. It provides outstanding service. The setting is secure and thrilling, encouraging guests to come back.-Expansion and Innovation: Cafe Underpass is thriving. They intend to launch a new high-end nightclub named KOKKINIA in Green Park. This will enhance its position in Delhi's entertainment industry.These accomplishments have positioned Cafe Underpass as more than justnightlifehotspot, as well as a cultural symbol in Delhi. It continuously provides unforgettable experiences and sets new standards in the industryWhy You Can't MissBalrajLive Performance at Cafe Underpass - Date and Time: Saturday, July 26, 2025 | Starting at 11:00 PM - Location: Cafe Underpass, Defence Colony, New Delhi - Artist:Balraj, well-known for Punjabi songs such as "Jaan Tay Bani" and "Ikk Vaari Hor Soch Lae"What to Expect:-A vibrant environment with excellent audio and lighting-A playlist filled withBalrajHis most popular tracks and fan favorites - a combination of heartfelt ballads and dance songs to maintain high energy Whether you are a bigBalrajWhether you're a fan or simply looking for an enjoyable evening in Delhi, this event is perfect for you.

Secure Your SpotTickets for BalrajThe performance at Cafe Underpass is selling quickly. Don't overlook the opportunity to experience this incredible Punjabi music event. Purchase your tickets now via well-known platforms and prepare for lasting memories. Don't miss out.BalrajLive performance at Cafe Underpass this July--Delhi'snightlifeis about to improve further! What Sets Cafe Underpass Apart? Cafe Underpass is located in the center of South Delhi'snightlife. It is renowned for its fashionable ambiance, renowned performers, and exciting gatherings. It's an ideal spot for music enthusiasts and partygoers seeking the finest in Delhi's nightlife. Cafe Underpass offers a variety of musical genres. They feature EDM, Bollywood, techno, hip-hop, trance, and Haryanvi music on specific evenings. The club's event schedule comprises:-Bollywood Nights (traditional beats)-EDM Thursdays (local and international DJs)-Haryanvi music nights-Music Time Machine events (various eras and styles every week)-Live performances by well-known DJs and artistsKey Points:-Cafe Underpass distinguishes itself by offering a blend of commercial, underground, and local music, attracting a wide audience.-Underpass differs from high-end venues.-While upscale venues emphasize international acts, Underpass features weekly themes.-It also organizes regional music nights.-This showcases Delhi's rich cultural diversity.-Its budget-friendly pricing and welcoming events draw a youthful and varied crowd, setting it apart from more exclusive clubs.In conclusion, Cafe Underpass boasts one of the most varied event schedules in India. It combines mainstream, underground, and regional music, ensuring there's something for every music lover.Exciting Update: Kokkinia Nightclub to Open in August 2025Delhi'snightlifeis increasing, and the newKokkiniaA nightclub is set to open in August 2025. Keep an eye out for news about this exclusive entertainment venue, offering amazing music and memorable evenings. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided byPNN. ANI will not be held responsible for the content in any manner)


Hong Kong’s Iconic Super Star Seafood Closes Final Outlet, Leaving Staff Owed $760K

36-year-old Hong Kong's Super Star Seafood Restaurant has suddenly closed its final branch, leaving around 50 employees seeking to recover HKD6 million (US$764,000) in unpaid salaries and severance.

The closure notice was posted at the company’s last remaining outlet in the Moko shopping centre in Mong Kok on Wednesday. "In recent years, the catering industry in Hong Kong has been facing structural challenges," it said.

A notice announcing the closure of Super Star Seafood Restaurant was displayed at its Moko shopping centre location in Mong Kok on Wednesday, South China Morning Post reported.

"In recent years, the catering industry in Hong Kong has been facing structural challenges," the notice stated.

"The local consumer market has continued to be weak, and there has been a fundamental change in tourists’ consumption patterns. The business of our company has inevitably been affected."

A dish at Super Star Seafood Restaurant in Hong Kong. Photo by Instagram/moko_super_star

The notice explained that the company attempted to negotiate relief measures, such as rent adjustments or suspensions, with landlords but could not reach an agreement.

The unexpected closure has left 50 affected workers in uncertainty and they are currently working with the Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Labour Unions to resolve employment issues with the restaurant operator, according to The Standard.

The employees were only informed of the closure around 11 p.m. the day before. It is expected that the number of impacted workers may increase.

Outstanding payments amount to approximately HKD6 million, according to authorities.

Among the affected workers, who are dealing with one and a half months of unpaid wages from two months ago, as well as unclaimed annual leave and payment in lieu of notice, the union highlighted that 15 employees have sufficient tenure to be eligible for severance payments.

Established in 1989, the Super Star Group once operated 16 branches across the city, but the Moko branch was its last remaining location.

Many Hong Kong restaurants have closed in recent months amid high rents and low consumer spending.

Four Point Gold Restaurant chain also announced Tuesday its closure of one of its two remaining restaurants.

"Can't stand up to times, can't stand up to the current market," the restaurant said in an announcement.

Last month, Hong Kong’s popular restaurant operator King Parrot Group, founded in 1992, closed nine eateries, reportedly owing staff more than HKD1 million in pay and benefits.

**Chinese Pig Intestine Coffee Latte Stirs Buzz with Polarizing Reviews**

A Sichuan coffee shop's latte, made with broth from stewed pig intestines, has gone viral, quadrupling sales and sparking debate across Chinese social media with its savory-sweet flavor.

Located in Jiangyou City, Sichuan Province, the café offers an unusual drink: a latte mixed with broth from stewed pig intestines. It is priced at 32 yuan (US$4.47) per cup and is served with a skewer of stewed intestines, according to Chinese publication Cover News .

Shop owner Zhang Yuchi told the South China Morning Post : "Red-braised pork intestine is a popular cuisine in Jiangyou. I thought of combining it with coffee to promote both my shop as well as this delicious food of our city."

The café sources cooked intestines from a local restaurant and extracts the broth to mix into the coffee. After experiments, they settled on adding 6 grams of broth per cup.

A photo shared on Weibo shows a cup of coffee in China served with a skewer of stewed intestines.

As noted by SCMP , the drink has three taste levels: beginning, middle, and end. The intestine flavor gets stronger as you go through each level.

Zhang described the flavor as salty and sweet, somewhat like salty cheese.

Since the drink went viral on social media in early June, the café's sales have quadrupled, with about 80% of customers coming to try this coffee.

Customers' reactions vary. A woman from Chengdu said, "I am a coffee lover. When I saw someone recommending this pig intestine coffee, I was curious and decided to try it," according to Cover News .

Another customer from northern China, where pig intestines are less commonly eaten, said the drink tasted "just fine" and added, "Many people in northern China don't eat pork intestines, but I think they could accept this kind of coffee."

This is not the first unusual coffee in China. Before, a café in Jiangxi added fried chili and spicy pepper powder to lattes, and another in Yunnan became known for coffee with fried crispy worms.

How food giants are using same tricks as tobacco industry

A wise person once said: “Humans are the only species intelligent enough to cultivate their own sustenance – and foolish enough to consume it.” To validate the accuracy of this statement, take a look at your reflection in the mirror. Indeed, you are overindulging in food, and you’re fully aware of the necessary modifications you must make to your diet to be healthier: cut out all superfluous calories and sugar; refrain from treats, junk snacks, or frozen desserts. Simply stop purchasing those detrimental products.

But then you go to the shopping mall and fill your shopping cart with the very items you've concluded you should no longer consume. It's as if an unseen force is leading you to select soft drinks, potato chips, and chocolate.

At home, you say to yourself: 'I should eat a carrot. But is one bar of chocolate so bad...?' So, you give in to temptation, and immediately feel guilty. You criticize yourself for lacking self-control, thinking of yourself as weak and hopeless - a complete failure. And in response, you just keep eating more.

It's a familiar situation for many of you, I'm sure.

As a health coach with thousands of clients, I can confirm that this behavior is all too commonplace among many individuals.

I'm troubled not only by the unnecessary personal distress this causes, but also because I believe it's largely unrelated to individual self-discipline. Significant economic interests are at play, urging you to indulge in unhealthy habits that undermine your resolve to make healthy decisions.

They do so for the straightforward reason that they're not earning a single cent from carrots or broccoli.

Highly processed imitation food – similar to real food but with more flavor, fat, salt, and sugar – is a very profitable business. For large food companies, whose 25 biggest players generated £1.4 trillion in revenue in 2023, profit is the top priority, and what sells well is fast food and products with a lot of sugar.

Large corporations such as Nestle, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Mondelez (which owns well-known brands such as Oreo and Philadelphia), and JBS, the world's largest meat producer, primarily allocate their research and development funds to optimizing the profit potential of their key products.

As a consequence, their sales efforts become more effective with each passing time, resulting in increased demand.

As this cycle continues, we, the consumers, are confronted with a steadily increasing tide of products that are detrimental to our health and contributing to our obesity.

Research indicates that in the UK, nearly 60 per cent of daily calories for adults originate from ultra-processed foods, while this percentage rises to as high as 65 per cent for younger individuals. We find ourselves engaged in a struggle between maintaining healthy eating habits and the significant influence exerted by the food industry on our purchasing decisions.

The article states that large food companies, whose annual revenues surpass many nations' GDPs, have been busy identifying specific moments when consumers, including you and I, are at a vulnerable point in our decision-making process. They utilize these discoveries to employ various tactics to influence our choices. Additionally, they invest significant amounts in social media campaigns, collaborating with influential personalities to publicize their views on what constitutes healthy food and dismissing those who have differing opinions.

If an individual publishes research results that portray their products in a negative manner, they often commission their own reputable researchers to swiftly publish a study that contradicts and disproves the initial findings.

These multinational food corporations wield significant influence over the highest echelons of power, with their influence extending into the creation of national dietary guidelines, which are intended to serve as advice for the general public, thereby enabling them to shape our eating habits in subtle but profound ways that often go unnoticed.

This influences our opinions, both personal and global, regarding food.

By having doubts about which food is truly healthy, it becomes simpler to persuade you, thereby making you a more attractive customer.

I have an intimate understanding of the industry I'm about to critique, having previously been a part of it for an extended period.

I worked for Lidl, the German hard-discount supermarket chain, in Norway and was subsequently assigned to Germany to gain knowledge of conducting business with key suppliers, such as Nestle, Coca-Cola, and Danone.

I learned how food could be manufactured at the lowest possible cost, and how advertising and loss-leader pricing, a marketing strategy where products are sold at a loss to attract customers, were used to bring people into the stores.

Fast-moving consumer goods such as soda, frozen pizzas, prepared meals, ice cream, chocolates, and alcoholic beverages were the top-selling items – products that I was initially wary of due to their potential negative impact on one's health. In a naive attempt to balance the product range, I sought to introduce more wholesome options. However, my German supervisors dismissed my idea, predicting that these healthier alternatives would not generate sales. And they were proven correct – authentic, loss-leading quickly made fast food consistently outsells its more costly, nourishing, and wholesome counterpart.

After three years, I left, dissatisfied with what I had observed behind the scenes at Lidl and all the other supermarket chains. This was an industry that refused to take any responsibility for the impact of its products on public health. Everything the companies did was focused on maximising sales, a cynical priority.

The products, the pricing, the multi-buy promotions, and the placement of the products in the store and on the shelves were carefully designed to persuade people to buy foods that were detrimental to their well-being.

I chose to take action and launch my own supermarket chain back home in Sweden, one that specifically focuses on offering and promoting genuine, locally sourced, and organic food products, while rejecting the sale of ultra-processed convenience items.

We blacklisted over 200 unwanted additives, ingredients and raw materials, ensuring that only healthy, genuine food would be available in our stores. Our first store opened in Stockholm in June 2015, followed by three more. Customers appreciated the assurance that every item had been thoroughly vetted before being sold in our stores.

The established supermarkets tried to prevent us from succeeding, employing every deceitful tactic they could. When we looked to expand into additional locations, a local real estate agent revealed that he had been deterred from working with us by one of the major chains.

However, we were able to start making a profit in two out of the four stores after a relatively brief period – only for the Covid pandemic to heavily impact our revenue overnight and ultimately lead to our bankruptcy.

Despite facing challenges, I remained committed to my mission against the unhealthy food industry. Therefore, I decided to shift my professional path and acquired the necessary expertise to become a nutrition coach, aiming to advocate for balanced eating habits.

For the large food industry, the draw of ultra-processed foods is that they have a long shelf life, low production costs, and almost no inconsistencies in manufacturing. Artificial foods, to put it simply, appear flawless, always have the same taste, and are sold at significantly lower prices than natural food.

They are designed to boost sales and maximize profits by fostering excessive consumption.

But they are the product of industrial processes in which raw materials are broken down at a molecular level and then restructured to give the exact properties desired in terms of texture, flavour and appearance.

Highly processed foods often include preservatives, flavour enhancers, colour addictions and sweeteners. They are usually high in calories and low in nutritional value.

When ingested excessively, they can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes and other long-term health issues.

These products are intentionally designed by Big Food's team of neuroscientists, chemists, and other experts to be highly addictive.

When developing new products, they use MRI scans to study how the brain's reward centers react to various combinations of salt, sweet, and fat in order to maximize dependence. In the lab, additives are then combined to create imitative food items that we will find nearly impossible to resist.

It is a disturbing revelation that much of the information being used by the big food industry today stems from research conducted by the former big tobacco corporations years ago to extract the addictive properties of nicotine.

Today, almost everyone recognizes that smoking is detrimental to one's health. However, for a considerable period, the tobacco industry vehemently argued the opposite. Similarly, the Big Food industry is working to safeguard its interests, despite the fact that the health risks associated with highly processed fake food are thoroughly documented.

In the past, tobacco was the leading cause of lifestyle-related illnesses and premature death. However, ultra-processed food has overtaken this unfortunate number one position. It is estimated that annually, over 11 million people succumb to health issues stemming from unwholesome diets, in comparison to approximately 8 million deaths attributed to tobacco.

The world is battling a significant challenge with regards to our eating habits and our well-being. Big Food is urging us to discard our personal notions of what constitutes a healthy diet, to make us believe that their products are the top choice.

It occasionally attempts to deceive us by making ridiculous assertions about one's health.

I remember seeing a granola labeled as having "no sugar added" on the front of the packaging, but when I looked at the other side, I found that it contained almost 25 per cent sugar. There’s only one explanation for health claims like this: they are used to increase sales.

My basic guideline therefore is to avoid all food products that feature health claims on the front. If you read something to the effect of 'high fibre content' or 'X grams of protein', you can confidently assume that this message is an attempt to divert your attention from the product's unbalanced nutritional value or excessive calorie density. Genuine food never carries health claims.

It's situations like these that leave consumers increasingly unsure about how to eat healthily, making them prone to seeking "evidence-based" research for answers. But frequently, this research is either financed or created by Big Food itself.

For instance, take Coca-Cola, which has employed a marketing strategy of redirecting blame from its own products to the lifestyle choices of its consumers.

It has been discovered that the company has employed prominent scientists to publish articles in medical journals, attend conferences, and create social media posts that promote the idea that physical exercise is the key to combating obesity, rather than reducing the consumption of sugary drinks.riebon

In 2015, it was reported that Monsanto, a major food conglomerate, which is now owned by Bayer, attempted to sway scientists' opinions to depict their products in a more positive light.

In 2022, it was disclosed that the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the US's most renowned association of dietitians and nutritionists, had received millions of dollars in sponsorships from notable companies such as Nestle, PepsiCo, Hershey, Kellogg's, and General Mills, which also produces products like Haagen-Dazs ice cream.

These companies were funding misleading research in an attempt to deflect criticism and increase sales for their products. The academy had minimized the hazards of sugar and processed foods in its guidelines, despite a wealth of evidence to the contrary.

When it comes to research, it is essential to critically examine any information presented as scientifically-based. Whenever you see claims that contradict the health risks associated with ultra-processed foods, ask yourself from where the funding for the research originated and who might stand to gain from this message.

A similar cautious approach is necessary for food scares involving bacteria or toxins in natural or organic food, as they often unfairly prejudice people against the organic food industry.

It unsettles me that reports about salmonella outbreaks in chicken or pesticide residue on vegetables often inadvertently justify opting for the supposedly safe, pre-packaged, and durable alternatives that big food producers provide.

It is often suggested that environmental toxins in fish and other natural food sources are a justification to select industrially produced alternatives, effectively steering us away from natural, healthy foods.

The truth is that Big Food prefers you to buy packaged, processed goods instead of healthy, locally sourced food for a family meal. They would rather you be idle on the couch with a steady supply of junk food, such as chips and soda.

They are well aware of just how stressed out parents can be, and they know exactly which hot buttons to push to make us more susceptible to giving in to our cravings.

That's why a great deal of advertising effort is devoted to making us value relaxing together after a long week by snacking in front of the television, and viewing this as 'quality' family time. Happy families are often portrayed as sharing potato chips, soft drinks, pizza and other highly processed products.

The food industry has capitalized on our desire to unwind and relax by creating a cultural tradition that no Friday night is complete without plenty of snacks and fast food. We are also troubled by the fact that our children are also quickly learning this.

  • Adapted from "Unprocess Your Diet in 30 Days" by Johannes Cullberg, available now, published by Little, Brown Book Group, priced £16.99. To order a copy at £15.29 (valid until February 8, 2025), with free shipping on UK orders over £25, go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937.

Lidl issues urgent product recall for popular snack

Food items such as wasabi and cayenne pepper-coated nuts or puffed rice are also known to deliver a burning sensation in the mouth.

Due to concerns that they are not safe for consumption.

Lidl UK has informed us that the 140g bags of Alpenfest Salted Mini Pretzels in milk chocolate and dark chocolate, with batch code number 8535, should not be consumed.

The impacted items have a best before date of June 30, 2025.

In a product recall announcement, the retailer stated: 'Lidl GB is recalling the aforementioned product because it cannot be ruled out that, upon consumption, this product may potentially cause a feeling of burning in the mouth.'

Please note that this product was last available for purchase on October 17, 2024.

If you have acquired this product, we recommend that you refrain from consuming it.

'This product can be returned to the nearest store where a full refund will be issued.'

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and are grateful for your understanding.

For additional information, customers are advised to reach out to Customer Care at customer.care@lidl.co.uk or 0203 966 5566.

The recall is just days after Coca-Cola removed their products from UK supermarket shelves due to health worries over increased levels of chlorate in their products.

Coca Cola's British division confirmed that a 'small number' of their products have been removed from supermarkets, restaurants, and cafes.

The beverage company reported that a limited quantity of Appletiser multipack cans had been recalled from stores, while cans of Sprite Zero, Coca-Cola, as well as zero-calorie and diet variants of the product, had been removed from some restaurants and cafes.

It has come to light that the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed that there was a "limited distribution" of Coca-Cola soft drinks with higher levels of chlorate in the UK, following a recall in certain European regions earlier this week.

A Coca-Cola spokesperson said, "Following an ongoing dialogue with the UK Food Standards Agency, we are recalling a small number of imported 6x250ml Appletiser multipacks that were sent exclusively to supermarkets in the UK."

We are also removing a smaller quantity of tall, imported cans of Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, and Sprite Zero, which were temporarily distributed to cafes and restaurants.

All affected containers have production codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE, which can be located at the bottom of the container.

The majority of Coca-Cola products, including standard cans, and all glass and plastic bottles sold in the United Kingdom are not affected.

They revealed the 'likelihood of any associated risk' related to these beverages is 'very low', and are reassuring their customers that 'no other' UK Coca-Cola products have been impacted by this issue.

Manufacturers urge customers affected by this issue to contact their customer service team at 0800 227711.

Chlorate is a product of the breakdown of disinfecting agents and chlorine chemicals, which are often used to purify water.

The chemical is governed by legally set maximum residue limits for several food items, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, but it can lead to iodine deficiency, as stated by FSA Scotland.

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