Samantha Bonar

As of Tuesday, Aug. 5, gluten-free foods must really, really be gluten-free. A new Food and Drug Administration rule that took effect yesterday states that any food labeled gluten-free must now contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten (which is found in wheat, rye and barley). That amount......

In the wake of a virulent salmonella outbreak at Foster Farms’ California plants that went on for over 16 months, the United States Department of Agriculture has decided to overhaul its poultry plant inspection protocol for the first time in nearly 60 years. (The Centers for Disease Control announced July......

In a stroke of confectionary genius worthy of Willa Wonka, a Spanish scientist has come up with an ice cream that changes colors (but unfortunately not flavors) as you lick it. It’s already on the market in Spain, at an ice cream shop called IceXperience in Blanes, Girona, north of......

In news that is sure to burst the soda industry’s bubble, a new Gallup poll shows that 63% of Americans now “actively avoid” the fizzy drinks. While 41% percent of those polled in 2002 said that they try to steer clear of soda, 12 years later, that number has now......

In case you were getting all worked up about ebola, we’ve got something a little closer to home to worry about: A local produce company has voluntarily recalled several of its products after two cases of food-borne botulism were reported, according to the California Department of Public Health. That’s right,......

In case you’re an efficient eater and want to get all of your daily calories in just one meal – not to mention a week’s worth of saturated fat – the Center for Science in the Public Interest has helpfully released a list of the highest-calorie restaurant meals. In generous......

A new study suggests that coffee and other sources of caffeine might make hot flashes and night sweats worse in menopausal women. (Note: Do not email this story to your mom. Being told that she should give up her coffee or Diet Coke is the last thing a grouchy menopausal woman needs......

Peaches, nectarines, plums and pluots sold at Costco, Trader Joe's, Sam’s Club and Walmart stores are being recalled for potential listeria contamination. The fruit was processed by Wawona Packing Co. at its Cutler, Calif. warehouses between June 1 and July 12. The recall is nationwide, according to the U.S. Food and......

Every year, Charlie Boghosian, aka Chicken Charlie, tries to outdo himself with his deep-fried concoctions sold at California fairs. The man began his arterial onslaught modestly several years ago with deep-fried Twinkies and deep-fried Snickers bars. Seeking ever greater challenges, he took on deep-fried Oreos, deep-fried cookie dough, deep-fried Spam,......