Health and Me

Ishita Roy

What Is The 'Asian Glow'? Is It Just Body's Reaction To Alcohol Or Something More Dangerous?

Commonly nicknamed the “Asian glow” or “Asian flush,” <span>alcohol</span> flush reaction is a physical response to drinking alcohol seen predominantly in people of East Asian descent. 

This condition is marked by a reddening of the face, increased heart rate, and sometimes nausea or headaches shortly after consuming alcohol.

About 560 million people worldwide, which makes it roughly 8% of the global population, carry a genetic mutation called ALDH2*2 that causes this reaction. An estimated 45% of East Asians experience flushing when they drink, and many use antihistamines to mask the symptoms. 

But researchers warn that these visible reactions are more than just a cosmetic issue, they’re a red flag indicating a heightened vulnerability to serious diseases. We spoke to Dr Gaurav Mehta, Consultant, Gastroenterology/Hepatology and Transplant Hepatology, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, who explains that the use of antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine or loratadine) to mask alcohol flush is medically discouraged. These medications may suppress visible symptoms like redness and discomfort, but they do not reduce acetaldehyde accumulation or its systemic toxic effects.

"By concealing early warning signs, individuals may consume more alcohol than they should, leading to increased toxic load, liver stress, and potential long-term complications. Additionally, combining alcohol with antihistamines can impair cognitive and motor functions, increasing the risk of accidents, sedation, and drug interactions," he says.

The root cause of alcohol flush reaction lies in how alcohol is metabolized in the body. 

Normally, alcohol is broken down in two steps.

<ul><li>First, it is converted into acetaldehyde, a compound far more toxic than alcohol itself. </li><li>Then, acetaldehyde is quickly broken down into acetate by an enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), which the body can safely eliminate.</li></ul>

However, in people with the ALDH2*2 mutation, this second step is impaired. Their version of the ALDH2 enzyme has little to no activity, causing acetaldehyde to accumulate in the bloodstream. This toxic buildup is what leads to the flushing and other symptoms.

The World Health Organization classifies acetaldehyde as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is strong evidence that it causes <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">cancer</a></span> in humans. Even with moderate alcohol intake, such as two beers, the acetaldehyde levels in people with this mutation can reach carcinogenic levels.

From an oncological standpoint, explains Dr Mehta, this is highly alarming. "Acetaldehyde is both mutagenic and genotoxic it damages DNA, interferes with DNA repair mechanisms, and promotes inflammation, all of which can drive carcinogenesis. The risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is significantly higher in ALDH2-deficient individuals who consume alcohol, even in small amounts."

The danger is further compounded by the fact that these individuals often develop visible flushing reactions, which are frequently misunderstood or dismissed. In many cases, people attempt to suppress the symptoms using antihistamines or continue drinking socially, unaware that they are exposing their bodies to a carcinogenic environment.

While many consider alcohol flush reaction an inconvenience, the health risks it signals are far more serious. Experts have linked the ALDH2*2 mutation with significantly elevated risks for several life-threatening conditions if alcohol consumption continues.

Dr Mehta explains, "While this reaction may appear harmless or cosmetic, it is a clinical marker of impaired alcohol metabolism. Persistent exposure to elevated acetaldehyde levels is linked to cellular damage, inflammation, and increased risk for certain cancers. Thus, the flush reaction can indicate a deeper metabolic vulnerability rather than a simple sensitivity."

People with the mutation who drink moderately (defined as two drinks per day for men and one for women) have a 40 to 80 times higher risk of developing esophageal cancer compared to those without the mutation. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed, making it a dose-dependent danger.

<h4>The mutation is also associated with higher risks of:</h4>

<ul><li>Head and neck cancers</li><li>Gastric (stomach) cancer</li><li>Coronary artery disease</li><li>Stroke</li><li>Osteoporosis</li></ul>

Importantly, these elevated health risks are not seen in non-drinkers with the same mutation, highlighting that alcohol intake is the trigger.

Many young people, particularly college students, take over-the-counter antihistamines like Pepcid AC or Zantac to reduce the visible symptoms of alcohol flush reaction. While these drugs may lessen skin flushing by reducing blood vessel dilation, they do nothing to prevent the dangerous accumulation of acetaldehyde in the bloodstream.

Experts caution that using antihistamines this way is risky. By masking the body’s warning signals, individuals may end up drinking more than they should, unknowingly increasing their health risks.

Despite the potentially deadly consequences, awareness of the ALDH2*2 mutation remains low. 

The variant is believed to have originated from a single individual in Southeast China 2,000 to 3,000 years ago. Today, its prevalence is highest in Taiwan (49 percent), Japan (40 percent), China (35 percent), and South Korea (30 percent). Yet, alcohol consumption in East Asia continues to rise.

Between 1990 and 2017, alcohol use in East Asia increased from 48.4 percent to 66.9 percent. The region now bears the highest burden of alcohol-attributable cancers globally, with 5.7 percent of all cancer cases linked to alcohol, nearly double the rate in North America.

Many people still believe that facial flushing from alcohol is harmless or even a sign of a strong liver. In fact, it’s a clear signal of toxicity and should not be ignored.

<h4>Raising Public Education and Health Literacy</h4>

Efforts to raise awareness are growing. In Taiwan, researchers and health advocates founded the Taiwan Alcohol Intolerance Education Society, which collaborates with government agencies to educate the public. The group launched National Taiwan No Alcohol Day on May 9, with “5-9” sounding like “no alcohol” in Mandarin, a clever linguistic nudge toward abstinence, as reported by the Washington Post.

Research also suggests that personalized health information can help. A study conducted among Asian American young adults found that those who were informed about their genetic risks related to the ALDH2*2 variant reduced both their drinking frequency and volume over the following month.

Experts emphasize that the message is clear: if you experience alcohol flush reaction, your body is sounding an alarm. Ignoring it may come at a serious cost.

Health Conditions A-Z

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Commonly nicknamed the “Asian glow” or “Asian flush,” alcohol flush reaction is a physical response to drinking alcohol seen predominantly in people of East Asian descent. This condition is marked by a reddening of the face, increased heart rate, and sometimes nausea or headaches shortly after consuming alcohol.About 560 million people worldwide, which makes it roughly 8% of the global population, carry a genetic mutation called ALDH2*2 that causes this reaction. An estimated 45% of East Asians experience flushing when they drink, and many use antihistamines to mask the symptoms. But researchers warn that these visible reactions are more than just a cosmetic issue, they’re a red flag indicating a heightened vulnerability to serious diseases. We spoke to Dr Gaurav Mehta, Consultant, Gastroenterology/Hepatology and Transplant Hepatology, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, who explains that the use of antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine or loratadine) to mask alcohol flush is medically discouraged. These medications may suppress visible symptoms like redness and discomfort, but they do not reduce acetaldehyde accumulation or its systemic toxic effects. "By concealing early warning signs, individuals may consume more alcohol than they should, leading to increased toxic load, liver stress, and potential long-term complications. Additionally, combining alcohol with antihistamines can impair cognitive and motor functions, increasing the risk of accidents, sedation, and drug interactions," he says.What Causes It?The root cause of alcohol flush reaction lies in how alcohol is metabolized in the body. Normally, alcohol is broken down in two steps.First, it is converted into acetaldehyde, a compound far more toxic than alcohol itself. Then, acetaldehyde is quickly broken down into acetate by an enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), which the body can safely eliminate.However, in people with the ALDH2*2 mutation, this second step is impaired. Their version of the ALDH2 enzyme has little to no activity, causing acetaldehyde to accumulate in the bloodstream. This toxic buildup is what leads to the flushing and other symptoms.The World Health Organization classifies acetaldehyde as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is strong evidence that it causes cancer in humans. Even with moderate alcohol intake, such as two beers, the acetaldehyde levels in people with this mutation can reach carcinogenic levels.From an oncological standpoint, explains Dr Mehta, this is highly alarming. "Acetaldehyde is both mutagenic and genotoxic it damages DNA, interferes with DNA repair mechanisms, and promotes inflammation, all of which can drive carcinogenesis. The risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is significantly higher in ALDH2-deficient individuals who consume alcohol, even in small amounts."The danger is further compounded by the fact that these individuals often develop visible flushing reactions, which are frequently misunderstood or dismissed. In many cases, people attempt to suppress the symptoms using antihistamines or continue drinking socially, unaware that they are exposing their bodies to a carcinogenic environment.Why It’s DangerousWhile many consider alcohol flush reaction an inconvenience, the health risks it signals are far more serious. Experts have linked the ALDH2*2 mutation with significantly elevated risks for several life-threatening conditions if alcohol consumption continues.Dr Mehta explains, "While this reaction may appear harmless or cosmetic, it is a clinical marker of impaired alcohol metabolism. Persistent exposure to elevated acetaldehyde levels is linked to cellular damage, inflammation, and increased risk for certain cancers. Thus, the flush reaction can indicate a deeper metabolic vulnerability rather than a simple sensitivity."People with the mutation who drink moderately (defined as two drinks per day for men and one for women) have a 40 to 80 times higher risk of developing esophageal cancer compared to those without the mutation. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed, making it a dose-dependent danger.The mutation is also associated with higher risks of:Head and neck cancersGastric (stomach) cancerCoronary artery diseaseStrokeOsteoporosisImportantly, these elevated health risks are not seen in non-drinkers with the same mutation, highlighting that alcohol intake is the trigger.Why Antihistamines Don’t HelpMany young people, particularly college students, take over-the-counter antihistamines like Pepcid AC or Zantac to reduce the visible symptoms of alcohol flush reaction. While these drugs may lessen skin flushing by reducing blood vessel dilation, they do nothing to prevent the dangerous accumulation of acetaldehyde in the bloodstream.Experts caution that using antihistamines this way is risky. By masking the body’s warning signals, individuals may end up drinking more than they should, unknowingly increasing their health risks.A Problem of AwarenessDespite the potentially deadly consequences, awareness of the ALDH2*2 mutation remains low. The variant is believed to have originated from a single individual in Southeast China 2,000 to 3,000 years ago. Today, its prevalence is highest in Taiwan (49 percent), Japan (40 percent), China (35 percent), and South Korea (30 percent). Yet, alcohol consumption in East Asia continues to rise.Between 1990 and 2017, alcohol use in East Asia increased from 48.4 percent to 66.9 percent. The region now bears the highest burden of alcohol-attributable cancers globally, with 5.7 percent of all cancer cases linked to alcohol, nearly double the rate in North America.Many people still believe that facial flushing from alcohol is harmless or even a sign of a strong liver. In fact, it’s a clear signal of toxicity and should not be ignored.Raising Public Education and Health LiteracyEfforts to raise awareness are growing. In Taiwan, researchers and health advocates founded the Taiwan Alcohol Intolerance Education Society, which collaborates with government agencies to educate the public. The group launched National Taiwan No Alcohol Day on May 9, with “5-9” sounding like “no alcohol” in Mandarin, a clever linguistic nudge toward abstinence, as reported by the Washington Post.Research also suggests that personalized health information can help. A study conducted among Asian American young adults found that those who were informed about their genetic risks related to the ALDH2*2 variant reduced both their drinking frequency and volume over the following month.Experts emphasize that the message is clear: if you experience alcohol flush reaction, your body is sounding an alarm. Ignoring it may come at a serious cost.

what is the 'asian glow'? is it just body's reaction to alcohol or something more dangerous?

Flu Season In 2025 Is Here To Stay, Here's How You Can Disinfect Your House

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (<span>CDC</span>) has issued its 2025-26 outlook, predicting a respiratory virus season with similar peak hospitalizations from COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as last year. The agency also warns that COVID-19 hospitalization rates could rise if a variant with moderate immune-escape properties emerges.

While avoiding sick individuals is the first line of defense against the <span>flu</span>, cleaning and disinfecting your home after someone recovers is equally important to prevent the virus from spreading to others.

<h2>Cleaning vs. Disinfecting: Understanding the Difference</h2>

Before tackling flu germs, it’s crucial to understand the difference between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning removes visible dirt, dust, and germs using soap and water, while disinfecting targets remaining germs with products like sprays, wipes, or bleach. Experts recommend cleaning first, then disinfecting, for maximum effectiveness.

Viruses can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours and on unwashed hands for about an hour. High-traffic areas in your home are most likely to harbor germs. Prioritize disinfecting:

<ul><li>Doorknobs and drawer handles</li><li>Light switches</li><li>Stair rails</li></ul>

If someone was sick in a vehicle, disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as steering wheels, door handles, seats, and seat belts. Disinfecting wipes are convenient, but always follow manufacturer instructions and wash your hands afterward.

In the kitchen, wash all utensils, dishes, and glasses in hot, soapy water or a dishwasher. Then disinfect:

<ul><li>Countertops and cabinets</li><li>Refrigerator handles</li><li>Sinks and faucets</li><li>Coffee makers, microwaves, and ovens</li><li>Garbage cans</li></ul>

<ul><li>Toilets, sinks, and faucets</li><li>Doorknobs and light switches</li><li>Shower and bathtub surfaces</li><li>Soap dispensers and toilet paper holders</li><li>Floors and overlooked areas like toothbrush holders</li><li>Consider replacing toothbrushes to prevent lingering germs</li><li>Laundry and Bedroom Surfaces</li></ul>

Flu viruses can survive on soft surfaces like clothing, bedding, and towels. Wash all laundry in the hottest water recommended on care labels and dry thoroughly. Also, disinfect laundry baskets or hampers.

In bedrooms, disinfect doorknobs, bedside tables, bed frames, and drawer handles. Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors. For children, machine-wash soft toys and clean hard toys with soap and disinfectant.

Mobile phones, keyboards, tablets, and remote controls can carry harmful microorganisms. Clean screens with a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with soapy water, or use disinfecting wipes carefully, avoiding alcohol-based products that may damage electronics. Consider wipeable covers for easier disinfecting.

Open windows if outdoor temperatures are comfortable. Fresh air reduces airborne germs and helps when using disinfecting products. Proper ventilation ensures that lingering viruses don’t continue to spread indoors.

<h2>Recovery First, Deep Cleaning Later</h2>

If you are still recovering from the flu, wait until you feel well before doing intensive cleaning. Recovery typically takes a week, but may take longer for those with underlying conditions or complications. Enlist help from family, friends, or professionals to avoid overexertion.

Flu is highly contagious, particularly when people spend more time indoors. Cleaning and disinfecting your home after recovery is vital to prevent spreading the virus. Start with high-traffic areas, then move to kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and electronics. Always wear gloves and a mask when using disinfectants and follow instructions carefully.

By taking these precautions, you help protect your household and visitors from catching the flu, ensuring a safer and healthier home this season.

unique symptoms

unique symptoms flu 2025

flu 2025

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued its 2025-26 outlook, predicting a respiratory virus season with similar peak hospitalizations from COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as last year. The agency also warns that COVID-19 hospitalization rates could rise if a variant with moderate immune-escape properties emerges.While avoiding sick individuals is the first line of defense against the flu, cleaning and disinfecting your home after someone recovers is equally important to prevent the virus from spreading to others.Cleaning vs. Disinfecting: Understanding the DifferenceBefore tackling flu germs, it’s crucial to understand the difference between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning removes visible dirt, dust, and germs using soap and water, while disinfecting targets remaining germs with products like sprays, wipes, or bleach. Experts recommend cleaning first, then disinfecting, for maximum effectiveness.Focus on High-Traffic SurfacesViruses can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours and on unwashed hands for about an hour. High-traffic areas in your home are most likely to harbor germs. Prioritize disinfecting:Doorknobs and drawer handlesLight switchesStair railsIf someone was sick in a vehicle, disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as steering wheels, door handles, seats, and seat belts. Disinfecting wipes are convenient, but always follow manufacturer instructions and wash your hands afterward.Kitchen and Bathroom CleaningIn the kitchen, wash all utensils, dishes, and glasses in hot, soapy water or a dishwasher. Then disinfect:Countertops and cabinetsRefrigerator handlesSinks and faucetsCoffee makers, microwaves, and ovensGarbage cansFor bathrooms, disinfect:Toilets, sinks, and faucetsDoorknobs and light switchesShower and bathtub surfacesSoap dispensers and toilet paper holdersFloors and overlooked areas like toothbrush holdersConsider replacing toothbrushes to prevent lingering germsLaundry and Bedroom SurfacesFlu viruses can survive on soft surfaces like clothing, bedding, and towels. Wash all laundry in the hottest water recommended on care labels and dry thoroughly. Also, disinfect laundry baskets or hampers.In bedrooms, disinfect doorknobs, bedside tables, bed frames, and drawer handles. Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors. For children, machine-wash soft toys and clean hard toys with soap and disinfectant.Electronics Are Germ HotspotsMobile phones, keyboards, tablets, and remote controls can carry harmful microorganisms. Clean screens with a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with soapy water, or use disinfecting wipes carefully, avoiding alcohol-based products that may damage electronics. Consider wipeable covers for easier disinfecting.Ventilate Your HomeOpen windows if outdoor temperatures are comfortable. Fresh air reduces airborne germs and helps when using disinfecting products. Proper ventilation ensures that lingering viruses don’t continue to spread indoors.Recovery First, Deep Cleaning LaterIf you are still recovering from the flu, wait until you feel well before doing intensive cleaning. Recovery typically takes a week, but may take longer for those with underlying conditions or complications. Enlist help from family, friends, or professionals to avoid overexertion.Flu is highly contagious, particularly when people spend more time indoors. Cleaning and disinfecting your home after recovery is vital to prevent spreading the virus. Start with high-traffic areas, then move to kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and electronics. Always wear gloves and a mask when using disinfectants and follow instructions carefully.By taking these precautions, you help protect your household and visitors from catching the flu, ensuring a safer and healthier home this season.

flu season in 2025 is here to stay, here's how you can disinfect your house

Aarushi Bhadury

Fatty Liver Risk Rising? Harvard Doctor Says These 3 Everyday Foods Could Be To Blame

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A disease that slowly creeps in and affects one of the vital organs, may sound terrifying and rare, but it is more common than we realize. Fatty liver diseases are one of the most common form of liver diseases in children, and this number has doubled in the past 20 years. 

According to the <span>American Liver Foundation</span>. About 100 million people in the US have MASLD, or Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, which was previously known as <span>NAFLD</span>. This happens when the percentage of fat in the liver is more than 5%-10% of the liver’s weight. While you may think that it doesn’t affect your health as much, but it can actually cause you a lot of issues. 

<h2>How Does Fatty Liver Affect Your Health? </h2>

Your liver is a vital organ that processes food and waste in your body. A healthy liver should contain very little fat. Over time, too much fat can lead to scarring of the liver, a serious condition called cirrhosis. Fatty liver is common, affecting about one in three adults, according to Australian Healthdirect. 

<span>Fatty liver disease</span> often has no symptoms. However, if symptoms do appear, they may include feeling tired or unwell, having pain in the upper right part of your stomach, or losing weight without trying. More serious signs that the disease has progressed and caused liver damage include: 

<ul><li>Jaundice: When your skin and the whites of your eyes turn yellow.</li><li>Bruising easily.</li><li>Dark-colored urine.</li><li>A swollen stomach.</li><li>Vomiting blood or having black stools.</li><li>Itchy skin. </li></ul>

<h2>What Should We Avoid To Make Our Liver Healthy? </h2>

Cases of fatty liver disease are on the rise, largely due to poor dietary habits and a reliance on processed foods. While this condition can lead to serious health issues over time, making a few simple changes to what you eat can significantly reduce fat buildup in the liver and lower your risk of liver disease. Gastroenterologist Dr. <span>Saurabh Sethi</span>, who is trained at top universities, recently shared his top three food choices that can harm your liver. According to Dr. Sethi, you should avoid the following three common foods to protect your liver: 

Dr. Sethi calls sugary drinks like sodas and juices "liquid poison" because they are full of empty calories. Drinks that contain high-fructose corn syrup can overwhelm the liver, causing it to turn the extra sugar into fat. This process contributes directly to fatty liver disease. Instead, Dr. Sethi recommends sticking to water, tea, or coffee. 

Foods that are deep-fried, especially in unhealthy oils, should be avoided. They contain high amounts of unhealthy fats that can lead to fat buildup and inflammation in the liver. This can cause liver damage and contribute to obesity and <span>non-alcoholic fatty liver</span> disease. 

Items like chips, candies, hot dogs, and instant noodles are highly processed and harmful to your liver. These foods are full of unhealthy fats, added sugars, and artificial ingredients that put a strain on your liver, leading to inflammation and an unhealthy gut. 

Dr. Sethi stresses that making these simple dietary changes can make a big difference in protecting your liver's health.

fatty liver disease

saurabh sethi

american liver foundation

nafld

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver

Liver Cirrhosis

liver health

health news

Food to avoid for Liver Health

food that ruin liver health

A disease that slowly creeps in and affects one of the vital organs, may sound terrifying and rare, but it is more common than we realize. Fatty liver diseases are one of the most common form of liver diseases in children, and this number has doubled in the past 20 years. According to the American Liver Foundation. About 100 million people in the US have MASLD, or Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, which was previously known as NAFLD. This happens when the percentage of fat in the liver is more than 5%-10% of the liver’s weight. While you may think that it doesn’t affect your health as much, but it can actually cause you a lot of issues. How Does Fatty Liver Affect Your Health? Your liver is a vital organ that processes food and waste in your body. A healthy liver should contain very little fat. Over time, too much fat can lead to scarring of the liver, a serious condition called cirrhosis. Fatty liver is common, affecting about one in three adults, according to Australian Healthdirect. Fatty liver disease often has no symptoms. However, if symptoms do appear, they may include feeling tired or unwell, having pain in the upper right part of your stomach, or losing weight without trying. More serious signs that the disease has progressed and caused liver damage include: Jaundice: When your skin and the whites of your eyes turn yellow.Bruising easily.Dark-colored urine.A swollen stomach.Vomiting blood or having black stools.Itchy skin. What Should We Avoid To Make Our Liver Healthy? Cases of fatty liver disease are on the rise, largely due to poor dietary habits and a reliance on processed foods. While this condition can lead to serious health issues over time, making a few simple changes to what you eat can significantly reduce fat buildup in the liver and lower your risk of liver disease. Gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi, who is trained at top universities, recently shared his top three food choices that can harm your liver. According to Dr. Sethi, you should avoid the following three common foods to protect your liver:           View this post on Instagram            A post shared by Saurabh Sethi MD MPH | Gastroenterologist (@doctor.sethi)]]>Sugary Drinks Dr. Sethi calls sugary drinks like sodas and juices "liquid poison" because they are full of empty calories. Drinks that contain high-fructose corn syrup can overwhelm the liver, causing it to turn the extra sugar into fat. This process contributes directly to fatty liver disease. Instead, Dr. Sethi recommends sticking to water, tea, or coffee. Deep-Fried Foods Foods that are deep-fried, especially in unhealthy oils, should be avoided. They contain high amounts of unhealthy fats that can lead to fat buildup and inflammation in the liver. This can cause liver damage and contribute to obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Ultra-Processed Foods Items like chips, candies, hot dogs, and instant noodles are highly processed and harmful to your liver. These foods are full of unhealthy fats, added sugars, and artificial ingredients that put a strain on your liver, leading to inflammation and an unhealthy gut. Dr. Sethi stresses that making these simple dietary changes can make a big difference in protecting your liver's health.

fatty liver risk rising? harvard doctor says these 3 everyday foods could be to blame

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Gina Marie Bakery, a company located in Connecticut, has issued a voluntary recall for several of its cookie products. The recall was announced after the company discovered a major issue with its packaging: it failed to list some important ingredients. 

Specifically, the cookies may contain almonds, sesame, and several food colorings without declaring them on the label. The company is taking this action to ensure customer safety and has stopped all sales of the affected products until the problem is completely fixed. 

<h2>How Dangerous Are Allergens In Food? </h2>

The recall is a serious matter because of the health risks involved. For people with allergies to nuts, sesame, or certain food dyes, eating these cookies could cause a severe or even life-threatening allergic reaction. 

Reactions can range from mild symptoms like hives and lip swelling to a dangerous condition called anaphylaxis, which can make it hard to breathe and can be fatal. Thankfully, no illnesses have been reported so far. This recall is a proactive step to prevent anyone from getting sick due to the incorrect labeling. 

<h2>What Were The Major Allergens In Gina Marie Bakery? </h2>

The recall includes several types of cookies sold in 1-pound and 2-pound plastic containers. The specific products are Italian Mixed Vanilla Cookies, Italian Sesame Cookies, and several others, all of which were distributed to various stores in Connecticut and parts of Massachusetts. If you have any of these cookies in your home, it's very important that you do not eat them. Instead, you should return them to the store where you bought them for a full refund. If you have any questions or concerns, you can call the company directly at 203-596-8007. Here are the specific products listed 

<ul><li>Italian Mixed Vanilla Cookies</li><li>Italian Sesame Cookies</li><li>Vanilla Chocolate Dipped Cookies</li><li>Vanilla with Apricot Jam Cookies</li><li>Toasted Almond &amp; Cherry Biscotti</li><li>Vanilla Cookies with Raspberry Peach Jam</li></ul>

<h2>How To Respond During Emergency Allergic Reaction </h2>

In case you have consumed an allergen or believe you are having an allergic reaction, ensure that you take proper steps for the best outcomes. Anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergy reactionm is a very serious allergic reaction and a medical emergency. It requires immediate treatment with an adrenaline (epinephrine) injector, as a delay can be fatal. It’s important to know the difference between a mild reaction and a severe one. 

<ul><li>Swelling of the lips, face, or eyes</li><li>Hives or welts on the skin</li><li>A tingling feeling in the mouth</li><li>Stomach pain or vomiting (especially after an insect sting)</li></ul>

If you see these signs, stay with the person and call for help. Get the adrenaline device ready in case the reaction gets worse. A mild reaction might not always happen before a severe one begins. 

<h3>Signs of Severe Allergic Reaction </h3>

Anaphylaxis is life-threatening. Look for any one of these signs:

<ul><li>Breathing Trouble: Noisy breathing, a persistent cough, or wheezing.</li><li>Throat and Mouth Swelling: A swollen tongue or a feeling of a tight throat.</li><li>Voice Changes: A hoarse voice or difficulty talking.</li><li>Dizziness or Collapse: Feeling dizzy, fainting, or collapsing.</li><li>In Children: A young child may become pale and limp.</li></ul>

<h2>What To Do When A Person Is Having An Allergic Reaction? </h2>

<ol><li>You must ensure that you act immediately if someone is having an allergic reaction in front of you.</li><li>Lay the person flat. Do not let them stand or walk. If they are unconscious, put them on their side. If they are pregnant, lay them on their left side. If they have trouble breathing, let them sit with their legs out straight.</li><li>Use the adrenaline device. Give the person their adrenaline shot right away.</li><li>Call for an ambulance.</li><li>Call their emergency contact. Let their family or contact person know what is happening.</li><li>Give another shot if needed. If the person doesn't improve after five minutes, you may need to give a second dose of adrenaline.</li><li>Go to the hospital. Even after the reaction seems to stop, the person must be taken to the hospital and watched for at least four hours.</li><li>If the person becomes unresponsive or is not breathing normally, commence CPR</li></ol>

FDA Food Recall

Popular Cookies recalled

Gina Marie Bakery products recalled

Gina Marie Bakery cookies

Gina Marie Bakery cookies recalled

allergens in cookies

how to deal with allergic reaction

can you die due to allergy

Gina Marie Bakery, a company located in Connecticut, has issued a voluntary recall for several of its cookie products. The recall was announced after the company discovered a major issue with its packaging: it failed to list some important ingredients. Specifically, the cookies may contain almonds, sesame, and several food colorings without declaring them on the label. The company is taking this action to ensure customer safety and has stopped all sales of the affected products until the problem is completely fixed. How Dangerous Are Allergens In Food? The recall is a serious matter because of the health risks involved. For people with allergies to nuts, sesame, or certain food dyes, eating these cookies could cause a severe or even life-threatening allergic reaction. Reactions can range from mild symptoms like hives and lip swelling to a dangerous condition called anaphylaxis, which can make it hard to breathe and can be fatal. Thankfully, no illnesses have been reported so far. This recall is a proactive step to prevent anyone from getting sick due to the incorrect labeling. What Were The Major Allergens In Gina Marie Bakery? The recall includes several types of cookies sold in 1-pound and 2-pound plastic containers. The specific products are Italian Mixed Vanilla Cookies, Italian Sesame Cookies, and several others, all of which were distributed to various stores in Connecticut and parts of Massachusetts. If you have any of these cookies in your home, it's very important that you do not eat them. Instead, you should return them to the store where you bought them for a full refund. If you have any questions or concerns, you can call the company directly at 203-596-8007. Here are the specific products listed Italian Mixed Vanilla CookiesItalian Sesame CookiesVanilla Chocolate Dipped CookiesVanilla with Apricot Jam CookiesToasted Almond & Cherry BiscottiVanilla Cookies with Raspberry Peach JamHow To Respond During Emergency Allergic Reaction In case you have consumed an allergen or believe you are having an allergic reaction, ensure that you take proper steps for the best outcomes. Anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergy reactionm is a very serious allergic reaction and a medical emergency. It requires immediate treatment with an adrenaline (epinephrine) injector, as a delay can be fatal. It’s important to know the difference between a mild reaction and a severe one. Signs of a mild reaction: Swelling of the lips, face, or eyesHives or welts on the skinA tingling feeling in the mouthStomach pain or vomiting (especially after an insect sting)What to do: If you see these signs, stay with the person and call for help. Get the adrenaline device ready in case the reaction gets worse. A mild reaction might not always happen before a severe one begins. Signs of Severe Allergic Reaction Anaphylaxis is life-threatening. Look for any one of these signs:Breathing Trouble: Noisy breathing, a persistent cough, or wheezing.Throat and Mouth Swelling: A swollen tongue or a feeling of a tight throat.Voice Changes: A hoarse voice or difficulty talking.Dizziness or Collapse: Feeling dizzy, fainting, or collapsing.In Children: A young child may become pale and limp.What To Do When A Person Is Having An Allergic Reaction? You must ensure that you act immediately if someone is having an allergic reaction in front of you.Lay the person flat. Do not let them stand or walk. If they are unconscious, put them on their side. If they are pregnant, lay them on their left side. If they have trouble breathing, let them sit with their legs out straight.Use the adrenaline device. Give the person their adrenaline shot right away.Call for an ambulance.Call their emergency contact. Let their family or contact person know what is happening.Give another shot if needed. If the person doesn't improve after five minutes, you may need to give a second dose of adrenaline.Go to the hospital. Even after the reaction seems to stop, the person must be taken to the hospital and watched for at least four hours.If the person becomes unresponsive or is not breathing normally, commence CPR

fda food recall: popular cookies recalled due to undeclared ingredients, 'threat-to-life' warning issued

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