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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.

A Song For A Sunday.

Beyond The Rainbow’s End.

The song, “Beyond the rainbow’s end” symbolizes a place of hope, promise, and spiritual reunion, representing heaven.

Singer Lisa McHugh.

Lyrics: Country and Irish folk singer, songwriter, and television presenter, Francis Noel O’Donnell, MBE.
Vocals: Scottish-Irish country and pop singer Lisa McHugh.

Beyond The Rainbow’s End

I have gone from sight but I am waiting,
Waiting just beyond the rainbows end.
I′m happy in this place that I have come to,
Because I’m here with my forever friend.
Now all your thoughts of me let them be joyful,
Of things we′ve done and happy times we’ve shared,
So don’t be sad dear ones because I′ve left you,
Please laugh and talk of me as if I′m there.
Just look up in the sky I am the sunshine,
I’m the mist that rises on a summers morn,
I′m the gentle breeze that cools the autumn evening,
When the birds sing in the trees I am there song.
This journey I have made one day you′ll make it,
You still will be with my forever friend,
It’s then once more that we will be together,
I′ll meet you just beyond the rainbows end.
It’s then once more that we will be together,
I’ll meet you just beyond the rainbows end.
Yes I′m waiting just beyond the rainbows end.

END.

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.

Death Of Kate O’Neill, Formerly Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Thursday 20th November 2025, of Mrs Kathleen (Kate) O’Neill (née Morrissey), Donnybrook, Dublin and formerly Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by her beloved husband Dan, and her cherished brother Tim; Mrs O’Neill passed away peacefully, while in the care of staff at St Vincent’s University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4.

Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; loving daughters Ann-Marie and Catherine son Donal, daughter-in-law Karen, son-in-law Rory, granddaughter Alex, grandson Daniel, brothers Nicholas and Pat, sisters-in-law Eileen and Ursula, nieces, nephews, superb carers, neighbours and wide circle of friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mrs O’Neill will repose at Fanagans Funeral Home, No.19 The Crescent, Monkstown, Dublin, (Eircode A94 XK28), on Monday afternoon, November 24th, from 4:00pm until 6.00pm same evening.
Her remains will be received into the Church of the Sacred Heart, Stillorgan Road, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, (Eircode D04 HW82), to further repose for Requiem Mass on Tuesday morning, November 25th at 11:00am, followed by a family service of cremation in the Victorian Chapel, Mount Jerome Cemetery, Harold’s Cross, Dublin, (Eircode D6W HY98).

The extended O’Neill and Morrissey families wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.

Suspected Cocaine Seized In North Tipperary Garda Operation.

€17,000 Worth Of Suspected Cocaine Seized In Nenagh Garda Operation.

Gardaí attached to the North Tipperary Divisional Drugs Unit carried out a planned search of a property in Nenagh on Wednesday, November 19th, under warrant.

During the course of the operation, officers recovered suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of €17,000, along with as yet a public undeclared quantity of cash.

A man was arrested at the scene and detained at Nenagh Garda Station. He was subsequently charged and appeared before Nenagh District Court yesterday, Thursday, November 20th. The identity of the man arrested has not yet been publicly reported.

The suspected drugs have been sent for forensic examination, and a file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.