Are Tomatoes Safe to Eat Now? A Look at Food Safety Concerns​

In recent years, more people are asking, “Are tomatoes safe to eat now?” And that concern is valid. Supermarket tomatoes often travel thousands of miles before reaching your plate, making them susceptible to contamination along the way. From harmful pesticides to bacteria like Salmonella, it's become clear that not every tomato is grown under safe conditions.

Recalls and foodborne illness outbreaks related to tomatoes have occurred multiple times in the last decade. In 2025, there are three FDA Recalls including Tomato Recall due to Salmonella. Contaminated water, poor hygiene during harvesting, or unsafe handling during transport can all introduce risks to your health. While washing produce helps, it doesn’t always remove invisible chemical residues.

In fact, tomatoes consistently rank high on the Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” list—foods most likely to contain pesticide residues. So if you're concerned about what’s in your food, growing your own tomato plant could be the safest—and tastiest—solution.

Popcorn is one of the world’s favourite snacks, but it raises a common question: Can Popcorn expire? Does popcorn expire? Does popcorn go bad? While it might not spoil like milk or bread, popcorn does have a shelf life. Whether you’re dealing with unpopped kernels, microwave bags, or a bowl of buttery popped goodness, how you store your popcorn plays a big role in how long the popcorn lasts.

Let’s break down the science and storage solutions behind popcorn’s longevity.

Imagine a captivating blend of floral sweetness and tropical tang, like a cross between a grape and a rose, with hints of strawberry and watermelon. Mouthwatering! And this is what lychee tastes like. Today, we're going to learn about -- Lychee!

A fresh, whole apple is safe to store at room temperature for about one week, but once you cut it, it must be refrigerated, unless it is cooked into a pie. Then you can store it at room temperature for up to two days.

These varying storage conditions for fresh produce are dependent on several things, including:

• Pathogens. Some produce is more likely to harbour pathogens, so it is recommended that it be refrigerated to limit their growth. Apple, for example, should be stored in the refrigerator because it is more likely to allow pathogens to grow than many other types of produce.

• Humidity. Some types of apples lose water quickly and need a low-humidity level to help them retain their water, such as in the produce drawer of the refrigerator.

• Ethylene content. Ethylene causes apples to ripen fast, and cold storage decreases the release of ethylene. Storing apples in the refrigerator, therefore, will just extend their shelf life.

• Cool temperatures. This can prevent some apples from achieving a good flavour or texture. For example, apples can lose their flavour when refrigerated or bananas turn black and do not ripen properly.

🧊 How Long Do Apples Last in the Fridge?​

1. Whole apples stored in a refrigerator's crisper drawer (around 30–35°F) generally stay crisp and tasty for 6 to 8 weeks, and some hardier varieties may last even longer.

2. Specific varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, McIntosh, and Cosmic Crisp often hold up well for 2 to 3 months when conditions are ideal.

3. On the countertop, apples typically remain fresh for about 1–2 weeks before becoming soft or mealy.

4. Cut apples should go into an airtight container, be lightly coated with lemon juice to prevent browning, and be consumed within 3–5 days with optimal freshness.

🍏 Overview Table: Storage Life by Apple Type & Situation​

Check the Overview of Apple Storage Recommendations​

Gardening might feel a bit overwhelming at first—there's soil to prep, plants to choose, and care routines to learn. But don't worry! With a little encouragement and the right guidance, anyone can create a flourishing garden.

In this guide, you'll discover easy-to-follow gardening tips for beginners, learn how to plant a garden from scratch, and nurture a variety of stunning garden plants. Ready to grow? Let's dig in! 🌿

Overview: How to Plant and Take Care of Different Types of Plants​

Food waste is a big problem. It hurts our wallets and the environment. But there's a simple solution: kitchen composters. These handy devices turn your food waste into nutrient-rich compost, reducing landfills and creating valuable fertilizer for your plants.

In this article, we'll explore the top 5 kitchen composters on the market. We'll look at their introductions, features, and benefits to help you choose the perfect one for your needs. Let's dive in and discover which one is your favourite!

In 2025, the United States has experienced several food recalls due to Salmonella contamination. Now, it’s egg recall due to Salmonella. This recall raises concerns among consumers about food safety. This article aims to provide clear, actionable information about egg recalls, Salmonella, and how to protect yourself and your family.

Every year, people all across the United States come together to celebrate a sweet and sticky holiday known as National Donut Day. In 2025, this delightful day falls on Friday, June 6th.

While composting is generally a good practice for reducing waste and enriching soil, it's important to be cautious when dealing with potentially contaminated materials. The FDA Tomato Recall Salmonella outbreak highlights the need to take extra precautions to protect your health and prevent the spread of salmonella.

On May 23rd, 2025, GEME had the pleasure of participating in the 40th Anniversary International Conference of the European Parents’ Association (EPA) — a milestone event held at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in Brussels.