Research Expired COVID Tests Before You Toss Them

 

I ordered every free COVID test I could when the government was
offering them. I used a few tests, but I have a lot left. The FDA has

extended some of the expiration dates, so don't get rid of your ex-

pired tests until you look at the FDA's website to see if your tests 

are still good.

I have a box that says the test expired in 2022, but on the inside the

test liquid says it expires in 2024! So, open up the box and read the

actual product to see if it's still usable.

If you're sick, even if it feels like a cold, go ahead and test yourself.

You need to know if it's COVID in case you begin to feel worse, and

you need to stay away from others, so you won't make them ill too.

Tag and Box Obsession Poem

 

Tag and Box Obsession Poem

I can't help it...I have an obsession with tags
I also keep boxes and fabric bags

Plastic containers and bubble wrap

And the thing shower curtains come in with the plastic snap

And every ribbon wrapped around anything

I could use this again...I could make a sling!

I read every box, and even the fine print

Did you know they put chemicals in this mint?

This clear zip-up pouch is really neat

I can use it again...it will be a treat

Deodorant containers are interesting to read

And food labels tell you how many they'll feed

You probably think my fascination is strange

But it's something I don't expect I'll ever change.

Why is Xanthan Gum in A Lot of Food?

 

Over the past two years, I've noticed xanthan gum is in a lot of food
products. I've seen it in salad dressing, potato salad, barbeque sauce,
and even Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce. 

According to webmd.com, xanthan gum is made by fermenting

simple sugars. It's also used for conditions such as diabetes, consti-

pation, and dry eye. In manufacturing, xanthan gum is used as a 

thickening agent and stabilizing agent in foods. Webmd.com also

mentions that xanthan gum can cause intestinal gas and bloating.

So, if you've been feeling extra bloated and gassy lately, it's a good

idea to read your food labels to find out if xanthan gum is listed in

the ingredients. 

Human Food and Dog Food Together in the Freezer

On a recent visit to the grocery store, I was confused and surprised to 
see Michelina's TACO BITES beside Bil-Jac FROZEN DOG FOOD. 
This world keeps on getting stranger and stranger... 

If I had a dog, I wouldn't want my dog's food taking up my valuable 

freezer space. Do pet parents who buy frozen dog food have a separate

freezer for their precious dog? I went to Bil-Jac's website to find out

more about this dog food. The descriptions are kind of amusing: They

say it's "gently cooked", "delicious", and "easy to chew soft bites".

Maybe the Michelina's TACO BITES are beside the dog food, because

they're also gently cooked, delicious, and easy to chew soft bites.

Are You Eating Acrylamide?

If it wasn't for a coworker of mine giving me Better Made Potato
Sticks, I don't know when I would've learned about acrylamide. After 
reading the WARNING on the back of the package, I almost didn't
want to eat the potato sticks. But when I looked up acrylamide, I read
that it's in a lot of food that I eat every day. 

According to fda.gov, acrylamide is a substance that forms through a 

natural chemical reaction between sugars and asparagine, an amino

acid, in plant-based foods, including potato and cereal-grain-foods. I

remember learning about the four food groups in school, but then 

schools starting teaching kids about the food pyramid. On en.wikipe-

dia.org, notice how bread, cereal, rice and pasta were recommended as 

the largest food group you should consume. It's no wonder that people 

have become unhealthier. Their website also says that on June 2, 2011,

MyPlate replaced the food pyramid. Here's another page from fda.gov

where you can see their Survey Data on Acrylamide in Food.