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So What Is Actually Contained In That Cold Meat Sandwich?

Yuka App: A Growing Tool for Health-Conscious Consumers, As We Previously Discussed in Earlier Exchanges.

The increasingly popular Yuka mobile application, which we have examined in previous discussions, continues to make significant inroads with consumers seeking clearer, more transparent information about the food and cosmetic products they purchase.

How to download the Yuka Application unto all phones.

To download the Yuka App, simply visit the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store and search for Yuka, [ https://yuka.io/en/ ]. From now on do take a little time with your shopping and use your Smartphone to scan barcodes on packaging and instantly learn if any intended item should be purchased.

Developed in France and now widely used across Europe, Yuka allows shoppers to scan product barcodes and instantly receive an overall health rating, presented through an easy-to-understand colour system. Each item is scored from 0 to 100, with green indicating positive nutritional or ingredient quality, orange signalling a mediocre rating, and red warning of poor or concerning elements.

For food products, Yuka’s analysis is based on three weighted pillars: nutritional quality (60%), the presence and safety of additives (30%), and organic certification (10%). Cosmetic products, meanwhile, are assessed ingredient-by-ingredient, with the app highlighting potential allergens, endocrine disruptors, and other risk factors.

One feature that has contributed to Yuka’s growing influence is its independence. The developers do not accept funding from brands or industry groups, allowing the app to position itself as an unbiased guide for consumers. When a scanned product receives a low score, Yuka provides suggestions for healthier or safer alternatives, giving shoppers practical options rather than simply pointing out shortcomings.

The app has also gained attention for its broader impact. Retailers and manufacturers in several markets have adjusted product formulations in response to shifting consumer behaviour driven by Yuka’s ratings. With millions of items now included in its database, coverage continues to expand.

Yuka’s user base has grown steadily, driven by its simplicity, transparency, and educational value. Its premium version offers additional features including offline scanning, ingredient search tools, and customised dietary filters.

As we noted in previous conversations, Yuka represents a modern shift in how the public engages with everyday products, part consumer guide, part public health tool, and increasingly a catalyst for industry change.

Product.Yuka App. Description.Quality.Rated.Retailer.
Chicken Breast, Green Farm.No Hazardous Additives & low impact Salt.Excellent90/100.Dunnes Stores.
Slow Cooked Irish Angus Beef.No Hazardous substances & low impact Salt.Excellent84/100.Dunnes Stores.
Divilly Brothers Traditional Ham.Contains 1 Limited Risk additive. A bit too much sodium.Good.63/100.Dunnes Stores.
Peppered Irish Beef.Contains 1 Limited Risk additive. A bit too much sodium.Good.63/100.Dunnes Stores.
Roast Turkey Slices.No additives, Low Salt, Low sugar, Low Saturated Fats.Excellent.84/100.Dunnes Stores.
Roast Irish Beef.Contains 1 Limited Risk additive. A bit too much sodium.Good.63/100.Dunnes Stores.
Pork.Onion And Tomato Roll.Contains 13 risky additives & too much Sodium.Bad.9/100.Aldi.
Brannans Chicken Breast pieces Roasted.Contains 2 risky additives.Poor.49/100.Aldi.
Brannans Roasted Turkey Shaving.Contains 3 risky additives.Poor.49/100.Aldi.
Brannans Deli Style Crumbed Irish Ham.Contains 3 risky additives & too much Sodium.Poor.39/100.Aldi.
Brannans Aldi Turkey slices.Contains 2 risky additives.Poor.49/100.Aldi.
Hand Crumbed Irish Ham Slices.Contains 5 risky additives.Poor.45/100.Aldi.
Irish Oven Baked Ham Shavings.Contains 2 risky additives & too much Sodium.Poor.42/100.Aldi.
Tripple Oak Smoked Ham.Contains 2 risky additives Contains 2 risky additives & too much Sodium.Bad.8/100.Lidl.
Irish Ham.Contains 5 risky additives & no salt.Poor.49/100.Lidl.
Angus Topside Beef.A bit too much Sodium.Good.72/100Lidl.
American Style Honey Roast Sliced Ham.Contains 2 risky additives, too much Sodium.Poor.36/100.Lidl.
Irish Carved Peppered Turkey Breast.Contains 2 risky additives. Poor.49/100.Lidl.
Traditional Irish Ham.Contains 4 risky additives, too much Sodium.Poor.36/100.Lidl.
Glensallagh Irish Roast Beef.Contains 4 risky additives too much Sodium.Poor.39/100.Lidl.
Lidl Chicken Breast Slices with Herbs.Contains 2 risky additives too much Sodium.Poor.39/100.Lidl.
Irish Carved Ham.Contains 2 risky additives, too much Sodium.Poor.42/100.Lidl.
Glensallagh Crumbed Irish Ham.Contains 3 risky additives, too much Sodium.Poor.49/100.Lidl.
Glensallagh 8 Wafer Thin Cooked Turkey Slices.Contains 3 risky additives, too much Sodium.Poor.49/100.Lidl.
Simply Cooked Ham Slices.Contains 4 risky additives, too much Sodium.Poor.39/100.Lidl.
Lidl Irish Ham.Contains 5 high-risk additives & no Salt.Poor.49/100.Lidl.
Brannans Crumbed Irish Ham Slices.Contains 4 risky additives & no salt.Poor.39/100.Lidl.

Why These Above Tabled Additives Are Labelled As Risky.

Producers continue to use certain additives, particularly nitrites and nitrates, in processed meat products, because they play a critical role in food safety, preservation and consumer colour appeal. These substances inhibit the growth of dangerous bacteria such as (1) Clostridium botulinum, (2) extend shelf life, and (3) help maintain the pink colour and cured flavour that shoppers expect. While widely used across the industry for both practical and economic reasons, these additives can form potentially harmful compounds when consumed in excess, leading to ongoing public-health concerns and calls for safer alternatives.

Although effective, nitrites can form nitrosamines when exposed to high heat or certain chemical conditions. Nitrosamines are considered potentially carcinogenic, particularly linked to colorectal cancer risk when consumed frequently. This is why public health bodies recommend limiting the intake of processed meats.

Remember, Yuka’s information and recommendations should not replace a healthy balanced diet. Always consult a GP for advice on the best diet for you, as an individual.

Garda Síochána – Thurles, Co. Tipperary, Missing Child – Public Appeal.

Gardaí are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 12-year-old Master Tristan McCabe, who was reported missing in Thurles, Co. Tipperary on Saturday, November 15th last, 2025.

Tristan is described as approximately 5ft 2in (1.5748) meters tall, with slim build, blonde hair and blue eyes.

When last seen, he was wearing a blue Montirex tracksuit and a black puffer jacket.

Thurles Gardaí are concerned for his well-being.

Anyone with any information on Master Tristan McCabe’s whereabouts is asked to contact: Thurles Garda Station: Tel: 0504 25100; The Garda Confidential Line: Tel: 1800 666 111; or indeed any Garda station.

All parents are being asked to check with their own children, for any information that might lead to locating his current or known whereabouts.

NEWS UPDATE:
We are happy to report that Master Tristan McCabe, aged 12 years, who was reported missing from Thurles, Co Tipperary on Saturday, November 15th 2025, has been located safe and well.

An Garda Síochána would like to thank the media and the public for their assistance in this matter.

In an update issued last night, gardaí said it was believed that Tristan may have travelled to the greater Dublin area. He has since been located safe and well and the missing person appeal has been stood down.

FSAI Recall Nutrilean Chocolate Brownie Overnight Oats.

Food Safety Authority of Ireland recall of a batch of Nutrilean Chocolate Brownie Overnight Oats, due to presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

Alert Summary dated Thursday, November 20th 2025

Category 1: For Action.
Alert Notification: 2025.64.
Product Identification: Nutrilean Chocolate Brownie Overnight Oats; pack size: 180g.
Batch Code Best before: 25.11.2025.
Country Of Origin: United Kingdom
.

Message: The above batch of Nutrilean Chocolate Brownie Overnight Oats is being recalled due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Recall notices will be displayed at point-of-sale.

Nature Of Danger: Symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes infection can include mild flu-like symptoms, or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. In rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications. Some people are more vulnerable to Listeria monocytogenes infections, including pregnant women, babies, and people with weakened immune systems, including the elderly. The incubation period (time between initial infection and first symptoms appearing) is on average 3 weeks but can range between 3 and 70 days.

Action Required: Manufacturers, Wholesalers, Distributors, Caterers & Retailers:
Retailers: Same are requested to remove the implicated batch from sale and display recall notices at point-of-sale.
Wholesalers/Distributors: Same are requested to contact their affected customers and recall the implicated batch and provide a point-of-sale recall notice to their retailer customers.
Consumers: Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batch.

Israeli Biotech Unveils First Human Implant Of Lab-Grown 3D Cornea.

Israel-US Biotech Restores Sight with World’s First 3D-Bio-Printed Human Cornea.

In a major medical breakthrough, Precise Bio has successfully implanted the world’s first fully 3D-bio-printed corneal implant into a human patient, restoring vision for a person who had been legally blind in one eye.

Professor Michael Mimouni.

Precise Bio is a clinical-stage company developing 3D-bio-fabricated human tissues and organs. Its lead project, PB-001, is the world’s first bio-printed cornea to reach human trials. The company has operations in both Israel and the U.S.

The surgery, conducted on October 29th last, 2025 at Rambam Medical Center in Haifa, Israel, used PB-001, a lab-grown cornea made from human corneal. Unlike conventional grafts, which rely on donor tissue, PB-001 is printed using advanced robotics in a GMP-certified facility.

“This Israeli breakthrough is hugely promising,” says Professor Thomas Ritter, a leading ophthalmologist and scientist at the University of Galway, who heads the EU-funded RESTORE VISION consortium tackling rare eye diseases. “Across Europe, we face a critical shortage of donor corneas, and a technology that can produce bio-printed corneas at scale could be truly transformational. In Ireland in particular, demand for corneal transplants is growing, but we rely on imported donor tissue. If we can get to a point where lab-grown corneas are reliable and safe, it could redefine eye care and reduce the burden on transplant waiting lists.”

There is a global shortage of donor corneas. Precise Bio believes its technology could dramatically increase supply: one donated cornea might generate hundreds of implants. The implant is designed for long-term storage, it can be cryopreserved and shipped pre-loaded on surgical devices.

The ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial, (at Rambam, Haifa, Israel), aims to enrol 10-15 patients with corneal dysfunction. Six-month results are expected in the second half of 2026.

What the Experts Say.
Aryeh Batt, CEO of Precise Bio stated, “This is a turning point for regenerative ophthalmology — real hope for millions with corneal blindness. For the first time, a corneal implant grown entirely in the lab has been safely implanted in a patient.”
Professor Michael Mimouni, who led the surgery stated, “We have witnessed, for the first time, a cornea made from living human cells bring back sight. It was an unforgettable moment, a glimpse of a future where donor scarcity no longer condemns people to darkness.”
Dr. Anthony Atala, Co-Founder of Precise Bio stated, “PB-001 could become a standardised, scalable solution, safe, effective, and ready on demand. It may reshape how we think about transplants.”

Food Allergen Alert.

Undeclared milk in a batch of 1922 Viani Salumificio Salsiccia Toscana Al Peperoncino sausage.

Alert Summary dated Wednesday, November 19th 2025.

Allergy Alert Notification: 2025.A43.
Allergen: Milk.
Product Identification: 1922 Viani Salumificio Salsiccia Toscana Al Peperoncino; pack size: 300 g.
Batch Code: L12526508P; best before date: 29/11/2025.
Country Of Origin: Italy
.

Message: Casein (milk protein) was detected in the above batch of 1922 Viani Salumificio Salsiccia Toscana Al Peperoncino sausage. The product is labelled as “free from milk and its derivatives” and milk is not declared on the list of ingredients. This may make the affected batch unsafe for consumers who are allergic to or intolerant of milk and therefore, these consumers should not eat the implicated batch.

The affected batch is being recalled.