Chris Infotainment

Ripe bananas usually soften and darken quickly, but one simple trick can help them stay firm for weeks: rinsing them in salt water before storage, according to a report. Start by mixing one tablespoon of salt with clean water. Then submerge the entire bunch of bananas in the solution, wash the peel gently and clean the stem thoroughly. Finally, remove the bananas and dry completely with a towel. Drying is necessary because excess moisture can cause mold to appear on the bananas. After drying, store the bananas in a cool and ventilated place. Bananas are a natural source of potassium. Photo by VnExpress/Bui Thuy The salt water rinsing method works through three mechanisms: First, it helps eliminate bacteria and mold. Banana peels carry various microorganisms and fungal spores. Salt has mild antiseptic properties that help remove agents that trigger rotting. Second, salt slows the enzymes that speed up ripening and the release of ethylene, the gas that makes fruit mature faster....

The Hidden Threat of Aflatoxin in African Agriculture When farmer Judith Nankunda harvested her sorghum last season in Serere District, Eastern Uganda, she hoped it would finally cover the school fees she had borrowed. However, the grain mill she supplied rejected her entire consignment. Laboratory tests revealed extremely high aflatoxin contamination, one of Africa’s most widespread and stubborn food hazards. “I cried,” she says quietly. “I had used all my savings for that crop. They told me it was unsafe for people and even animals.” Aflatoxin is a highly toxic, cancer-causing chemical produced by certain molds, mainly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus , that grow on crops like maize, groundnuts, sorghum, and tree nuts, especially in warm and humid conditions. When consumed through contaminated food, aflatoxins can cause liver cancer, weaken immunity, stunt growth in children, and lead to acute poisoning in severe cases. Beyond devastating health impacts, aflatoxi...

Escalation of Food Poisoning Outbreak in Ho Chi Minh City A significant food poisoning outbreak has been reported in Ho Chi Minh City, with nearly 300 individuals hospitalized after consuming banh mi from two outlets of the same chain. This incident marks one of the longest food poisoning outbreaks in recent years and has persisted for a week. As of November 11, a total of 299 people have been treated across 14 hospitals, an increase of 64 patients compared to the previous day. While most patients have recovered and been discharged, 82 individuals are still receiving hospital care, according to the city's Department of Health. Several hospitals have been heavily affected by the outbreak. Military Hospital 175 reported the highest number of cases, with 175 patients admitted, 25 of whom are still under treatment. Tam Anh General Hospital treated 30 people, with five remaining in the hospital. Gia Dinh People’s Hospital admitted 62 patients, 37 of whom are still being treated. Ba...

Outbreak of Salmonella Poisoning in Ho Chi Minh City More than 230 individuals have been affected by a suspected Salmonella outbreak in Ho Chi Minh City, with the source traced back to banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches) from two shops under the same chain. These establishments have since been sealed by local authorities as investigations continue. The first cases were reported last Friday, and over the past three days, hospitals have experienced a significant increase in patients presenting with symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. The situation has placed considerable strain on healthcare resources across at least eight hospitals in the city. Hospitals Struggling with Patient Surge Military Hospital 175 in Go Vap Ward has been the most affected, treating 131 patients. Of these, four are under further monitoring. Tam Anh General Hospital reported 22 cases, with 10 patients still hospitalized and one in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Doctors at this facility...

A Family Celebration Turned into a Health Crisis A family gathering at a Haidilao hotpot restaurant in Sengkang took an unexpected turn when one of the guests ended up in the hospital due to severe gastrointestinal issues. The incident, which occurred on October 11, involved a group of 12 relatives celebrating their grandaunt’s 80th birthday at The Seletar Mall branch. According to reports, four members of the family—Wang’s uncle, father, younger brother, and younger sister—experienced stomach pain and repeated bouts of diarrhea shortly after returning home from the meal. Wang, a 36-year-old man surnamed Wang, explained that only these four individuals had consumed the fruit plate served at the restaurant. This led the family to suspect that the fruit plate was the source of their illness. The most affected among them was Wang’s sister, who reportedly suffered from continuous diarrhea throughout the night. The next morning, she fainted due to dehydration and was rushed to the hospi...

The Complexity of Long-Distance Food Transportation Transporting food over long distances presents a significant challenge for businesses in the food and beverage industry. Ensuring that products remain fresh, safe, and of high quality throughout the journey is essential. Companies must navigate a variety of logistical and environmental obstacles to meet customer expectations and maintain compliance with safety regulations. With the expansion of global markets and the increasing popularity of online grocery services and meal delivery platforms, the need for dependable solutions has never been more critical. The Perishable Nature of Food Food items are inherently delicate and susceptible to spoilage. Even minor temperature changes, inadequate packaging, or delays during transit can lead to significant waste and financial losses. Businesses must balance the dual objectives of preserving product safety and adhering to stringent regulatory requirements. Consumers today demand that their...

The Growing Challenge of Seafood Fraud and the Role of Nuclear Technology Seafood fraud has emerged as a significant concern for both consumers and small-scale fishers, threatening the integrity of global seafood markets. As demand for seafood continues to rise, so too does the complexity of supply chains, making it increasingly difficult to ensure that what is sold is what is claimed. In response, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are turning to nuclear technology as a potential solution to detect and prevent fraudulent practices. Rising Consumption and the Need for Transparency Global seafood consumption has seen a steady increase over the decades. In 2021, the average per capita consumption reached 20.7 kilograms, compared to just 9.1 kilograms in 1961. This surge is attributed to factors such as rising incomes, urbanization, and advancements in food processing and preservation technologies. However, with increased deman...