Howard G. Smith, MD, AM
PENTA Medical Network
+1-617-488-9699
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RoundUp - 4th Week of September 2025
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HEALTH REPORTS
==========================
Diet Drugs Kill Libido
https://www.instagram.com/p/DPaxhg_CW9B/
The GLP-1 diet drugs like semaglutide, Ozempic and Wegovy, and tirzepatide, Mounjaro and Zepbound, help you lose weight could very well kill or at least curb your sex drive. These products also reason is that these medications not only act on your gastrointestinal tract but also on your brain circuitry responsible for appetites, cravings, and reward processing. They seem to suppress dopamine-driven signals that urge you to continue eating, drinking alcohol, and, yes, having sex. They also enhance while enhancing serotonin signals that curb your desires for intimacy.
If you are experiencing this side effect, speak with your medical team about dosage and/or medication adjustments. No need to suffer or lose a valued relationship.
#glp1 #libido #intimacy #sex #dopamine #serotonin
glp1, libido, intimacy, sex, dopamine, serotonin
Mediterranean Diet Kills The Itch of Psoriasis
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPayUr7CdHN/
Consuming a diet rich in olive oil, vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, fish and some poultry for 4 months can dramatically curb not only itchiness but also the red, scaly, patches characteristic of the disease. Spanish dermatologists report their randomized, preliminary study of 38 psoriasis patients in the journal JAMA Dermatology.
At the study’s conclusion, 47% of those consuming the Mediterranean diet enjoyed a 75% reduction in psoriasis signs and symptoms as scored by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index. The investigators postulate that this disease improvement was due to the Mediterranean diet’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties effect on the auto-immunity characteristic of psoriasis.
Clearly, larger studies are needed to confirm and expand this small clinical trial. Nonetheless, this dietary modification could be a valuable adjunct to the current medicinal therapies.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/2839013
#psoriasis #mediterranean #diet #itch
psoriasis, mediterranean, diet, itch
Drinking Alcohol Risks Dementia
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPazFqDjUYF/
If you have a problem with alcohol, so-called alcohol use disorder, you are at a more than 50% higher risk of developing dementia. Epidemiologists from Britain’s University of Oxford and Yale studied adults with data in the UK Biobank and the US Million Veteran Program.
The tabulated case data revealed that heavy drinkers consuming more than 40 alcoholic drinks/week have 41% higher risk of dementia compared with non-drinkers and those with alcohol use disorder have a 41% higher risk. A genetic analysis shows that every standard deviation increase in the log transformed number of drinks/week is associated with 15% higher dementia risk.
The researchers emphasize that those having an occasional drink need not worry about this dementia risk. Again, moderation is the best policy.
https://ebm.bmj.com/content/early/2025/09/16/bmjebm-2025-113913
#alcohol #dementia
alcohol, dementia
Pocket Therapist
https://www.instagram.com/p/DPazwlnDJbs/
There is actually an excellent book by Dr. Annie Zimmerman with that titled, but that is not today’s subject. What is? Your phone and the right app can help you fight anxiety, stress, and even insomnia. This the conclusion of research psychologists at Pittsburgh’s Carnegie-Mellon University after reviewing the available studies and personal trials of apps including Calm and Headspace.
These apps provide 10-21 minute guided sessions anytime, anywhere. Using them at least three times a week can measurably improve not only your psyche but the relaxation they trigger can lower blood pressure and even produce measurable improvements in measurements of harmful inflammation.
Problem is that 95% of users continue with the apps consistently for ONLY 30 days or less. In addition, if you have a something on your mind that continues to interfere with your relationships, your sleep, your work, and your health, you need to make an appointment with a licensed mental health professional.
https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037/amp0001576
#smartphone #app #psychology #anxiety #insomnia #hypertension #CarnegieMellon
smartphone, app, psychology, anxiety, insomnia, hypertension, CarnegieMellon
A New, Oral Diet Drug
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPa0nyEDeLQ/
The drug is orforglipron, and it comes as a pill you swallow daily rather than as a shot you give yourself weekly. Researchers at Canada’s McMaster University tested the pill in a phase 3 gold standard randomized, double-blinded multinational study of 3127 subjects reported in the New England Journal of Medicine.
The data at week 72 revealed that, for those taking the largest daily dose of 36 mg, 55% lost 10% or more of their body weight, 36% lost 15% or more, and 18% lost 20% or more. Those on orforglipron also enjoyed better body composition stats, improved blood pressures, as well as better triglyceride and non-HDL cholesterol numbers.
The drug did have the same side effects as other peptide GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide. Those included bloating, heartburn, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. The drug is convenient and a likely god-send for needle haters.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2511774
#glp1 #orforglipron #oral #dieting #weightloss
glp1, orforglipron, oral, dieting, weightloss
Nicotinamide, Vitamin B3, Pills Prevent Skin Cancer
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPa1V02jlle/
Taking the pill form of Vitamin B3, nicotinamide, can cut a risk of skin cancer by more than half. Vanderbilt University dermatologists report this finding following their study of nearly 34,000 subjects in the VA health system and was recently published in JAMA Dermatology.
Those in the treatment group of 12,000 plus took nicotinamine 500 mg twice daily for 30 days or more. The benefit was greatest for those who experienced one previous bout of skin cancer.
For this group, the risk reduction was 53% for squamous cell skin cancers and 49% for basal cell skin cancers. The protective benefit diminished after each successive bout of skin cancer.
Those who have experienced at least one bout of skin cancer should confer with their dermatologists about the advisability of taking prophylactic Vitamin B3 nicotinamide. It also can’t hurt to eat Vitamin B3-rich foods
#skincancer #nicotinamide #squamouscell #basalcell
skincancer, nicotinamide, squamouscell, basalcell
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FUTURE MED
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Future NSAIDs Kill Pain, Not Stomach Linings
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPa18dGjnAy/
Ibuprofen and aspirin are narcotic-free NSAIDs that provide excellent pain relief, but many cannot take them as they irritate your stomach linings leaking to gastritis and ulcers. Researchers at New York University’s Pain Research Institute have discovered an approach to uncoupling the pain killing from the negative effects of these popular over-the-counter medications.
What’s the trick? NSAIDs block the production of prostaglandin molecules that both trigger pain but also the body’s healing inflammatory response. Prostaglandins attach to four receptors or switches on nerve and other cells, and the pain switch, EP2, is different from the healing switch, EP4. Using a preclinical mouse model, the investigators selectively blocked the EP2 receptor and silenced pain while allowing the animals to maintain normal healing.
This critical finding opens the door for the development of ibuprofen and aspirin versions that selectively block production of EP2-bearing prostaglandins leaving the EP4 prostaglandins to maintain healing and stomach lining integrity. It will be awhile before we see this on your pharmacy shelf, but the research suggests it could be …..someday soon..
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-63782-8
#pain #ibuprofen, #aspirin #gastritis #prostaglandins
pain, ibuprofen, aspirin, gastritis, prostaglandins
Pancreatic Cancer Drug
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPa20mdDoub/
University of Cincinnati oncologists have developed a drug that stops pancreatic cancer from suppressing the anti-tumor immunity that threatens to eradicate it. Using a pre-clinical mouse pancreatic cancer model, the researchers pinpointed that the protein Hsp70 is produced by the cancer cells to defuse the anti-cancer immune response.
Their next step was to find an antidote Hp70. That they did by developing the rescue agent SapC-DOPG. This drug adheres to pancreatic cancer cells, inhibits Hsp70, and destroys the tumor’s shield against killer T lymphocytes.
The next step is to bring this rescue compound and others like it into the clinic for an array of trials. Hopefully, they will confirm the effectiveness of this concept and join the fight against this dread disease…..someday soon.
#pancreatic #cancer #immunotherapy #hsp70 #sapCDOPG
pancreatic, cancer, immunotherapy, hsp70, sapCDOPG
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WARNINGS
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ACOG: Cannabis Harms Pregnancies
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPa3nh4jPE_/
Here’s a warning from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Cannabis use, that is products that contain THC and CBD, during pregnancy or while you’re breastfeeding increases your chances of delivering a baby prematurely with a low birth weight due to in-uteri growth retardation, requiring a NICU admission, and/or raising a baby with long-term neurological, cognitive, and behavioral issues.
Cannabis also impacts you. The smoke and vapors harm lung tissues and lower your oxygen levels. It can increase your risk of falling and trigger auto accidents.
By cannabis I mean smoking, vaping, or munching on cannabis products.
Why the alarm? Over a recent 15 year period, cannabis use by pregnant women has more than doubled. Now that these products are legal in more states, more women are using them to relieve their pregnancy-related issues including morning sickness, headache, back pains, fatigue, and emotional distress.
Your medical teams are so worried about this that ACOG has directed them to ask you about cannabis use and give you practical and safe alternatives. They will not be drug testing you but rather counseling you. They will tell you to avoid cannabis products if you can and to minimize their use if your can’t.
For morning sickness: eat bland foods, keep hydrated with non-caffeinated beverages; eat dry foods such as crackers and cereal in he morning; and eat small meals every 3 hours rather than the traditional 3 meals a day.
For breast pain: wear soft supportive bras and loose-fitting garments; wash your breasts gently; apply ice packs; and absorb leaking fluids with soft pads.
For other body pains: find comfortable positions and change positions often; use a lumbar pillow when sitting; wear comfortable low-heeled shoes; wear support stockings; use heating pads and massage.
For dizziness: move around while standing; if lying down, turn to your side as you rise; rise slowly.
One more thing: Researchers at the University of Toronto testing 1050 egg bathing follicular fluid have shown that cannabis diminishes fertility in women by triggering genetic misfires that lead to non-viable embryos. Men…Cannabis has also been shown to reduce sperm count and viability.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/pregnancy-pains
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-63011-2
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7385722/
#cannabis #THC #CBD #ACOG #pregnancy #NICU #eggs #sperm
cannabis, THC, CBD, ACOG, pregnancy, NICU, eggs, sperm
ACC: New Screening Blood Test
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPa5RHQADaY/
Just out. The American College of Cardiology is urging one and all adults and their medical teams to include the test for general body and cardiovascularinflammation in the annual testing battery. That test is the high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein or hsCRP.
The hsCRP test measures low grade body inflammation. Elevated test numbers predict the untimely occurrence of heart attacks, strokes, and death due to cardiovascular disease as predictably as bad cholesterol levels even if your cholesterol numbers are excellent.
The test results are as simple as 1, 2, 3. Less than 1 mg/L indicates low risk, 1-3 mg/L implies an average risk, and greater than 3 bodes ill for you. If your magic number is above 3, you probably already know why. Here’s chart that runs down the list: smoking; overeating with belly bulges; high cholesterol and triglycerides; high blood pressure; gum disease; and infection.
The antidotes to get those hsCRP numbers down: exercise; fruits, veggies, and nuts; oily fish; and moderation of your drinking.
#inflammation #cardiovascular #hsCRP #screening #heartattack #stroke
inflammation, cardiovascular, hsCRP, screening, heartattack, stroke
==========================
CPSC Recalls
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Persilux Zebra Blinds Could Strangle Your Kids
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPMdwMYjHfx/
These blinds have very long operating cords that pose a risk of strangulation and entanglement for children. They also violate federal safety and labeling rules for window coverings. The affected product has a barcode label X003FFPT63.
About 133,000 blinds were sold on Amazon from June 2023 through June 2025.
Stop using the blinds and contact Persilux by email at recall@persiluxhome.com to obtain a free repair kit that includes a replacement operating cord wand and installation instructions. To obtain the kit, remove the blind, cut and remove the operating cord, then send a photograph of the blinds with the cord removed to the email I mentioned.
#persilux #blinds #cords #strangulation #children #recall
persilux, blinds, cords, strangulation, children, recall
Mad Rabbit’s RELIEVE Numbing Cream Is A Danger To Children
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPMezuAjdb-/
This lidocaine-containing product’s packaging is not child-resistant violating federal law. It places young children at risk for serious injuries or death from poisoning should the cream be swallowed.
About 28,000 containers were sold at trade shows, tattoo shops, and other retailers nationwide in the US, as well as online at MadRabbit.com, between October 2024 and August 2025.
Immediately secure this numbing cream out of the sight and sight of children. Contact Mad Rabbit via email at product@madrabbit.com to receive a free child-resistant lid that will safely store the product. Once the lid is in place, the cream may be used as directed.
#madrabbit #relieve #numbing #lidocaine #packaging #children #recall
madrabbit, relieve, numbing, lidocaine, packaging, children, recall
Hoovy Cooling Car Seat and Stroller Gel Insert Pads Can Roast Your Baby’s Butt
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPMfzydjkWp/
They can become dangerously hot if left in the sun or a hot car creating a burn hazard for young children.
About 20,000 gel insert pads were sold at Target stores nationwide, as well as online at Target.com and Walmart.com, between March 2025 and July 2025.
Stop using these recalled cooling gel insert pads. Contact AMTRADING by calling 1-888-259-1411 or by emailing info@hoovyproducts.com to receive instructions about obtaining a full refund.
#hoovy #gelpads #overheating #burns #recall
hoovy, gelpads, overheating, burns, recall
Sunbeam Oster French Door Countertop Ovens Have Dangerous Doors
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPMgnunjsrB/
The spring-loaded glass doors of these units unexpectedly close and create a serious burn hazard. Affected are models TSSTTVFDXL, TSSTTVFDDG, TSSTTVFDMAF, and TSSTTVFDDAF.
About 1,290,000 ovens were sold in the US, and about 104,195 were sold in Canada at Bed Bath and Beyond, Costco, Walmart, and other retailers nationwide, as well as online at Amazon.com and Overstock.com, from August 2015 through July 2025.
Stop using these recalled ovens and contact Sunbeam Products at 1-800-334-0759 or click on recall.oster.com to receive a free repair kit. This kit includes a clip-on device that adds holding force to keep the doors open, along with instructions and a QR code link to an installation video. No tools are needed to install the repair kit.
For more information, consumers can call Sunbeam Products.
#sunbeam #oster #ovens #doors #closing #overheating #burns #recall
sunbeam, oster, ovens, doors, closing, overheating, burns, recall
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FDA RECALLS
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AquaStar Raw Peeled Tail-on Shrimp Skewers Are Glowing
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPMhxNbjktC/
The shrimp are contaminated with cesium-137 which is a known carcinogen. Affected are shrimp with a lot code 10662 5127 10 with a “Best If Used By” date of November 7, 2027 and a lot code 10662 5128 11 with a “Best If Used By” date of November 8, 2027.
About 8,000 bags of this shrimp were sold at Food Lion stores in Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia between July 7, 2025, and September 20, 2025.
Do not eat this radioactive shrimp. Return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information about this recall, contact AquaStar at 1-800-331-3440.
#aquastar #shrimp #radioactive #cesium137 #cancer, recall
aquastar, shrimp, radioactive, cesium137, cancer, recall
Der Mutterschaf Cheese Has Listeria Contamination
Listeria causes a severe and sometimes fatal systemic infection in the very young, older frail individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Listeria can also trigger miscarriages and stillbirths. Affected is lot code 33.
Sixty-four pounds of this contaminated cheese were sold in New Jersey, Virginia, Connecticut, and Montana, through retail stores and restaurants.
Do not consume this recalled Der Mutterschaf Cheese and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, customers can call Goot Essa at 1-800-490-4387.
#dermutterschaf #cheese #listeria #infection #recall
dermutterschaf, cheese, listeria, infection, recall
Pinocchio Catering Stewed Aged Kimchi with Mackerel Contains Undeclared Milk And Shrimp
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPMjTXWD0Qp/
People with allergies to milk or shrimp could experience serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product. Affected is product with an expiration date prior to September 16, 2025.
This recalled kimchi was sold at supermarkets in New York and New Jersey.
Return this kimchi the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, customers can call the Lee K of NY company at 1-718-460-0707.
#leek #kimchi #mackerel #milk #shrimp #allergy #recall
leek, kimchi, mackerel, milk, shrimp, allergy, recall
Sprout Organics Sweet Potato Apple and Spinach Baby Pouch Recall Affects Additional Lots
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPMkTx-Eedr/
These pouches contain baby food with high lead levels. Lead is a poison for the developing brains and nervous systems of children. because of potentially elevated lead levels. The additional affected products are: Best By October 29, 2025, lot code 4212; Best By October 30, 2025, lot code 4213; Best By December 4, 2025, lot code 4282; and Best By February 4, 2026, lot code 4310.
These recalled baby pouches were sold at Walgreens stores nationwide and at independent retailers in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, and online.
Do not feed the recalled pouches to your children but return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For additional information, call Sprout Organics at 1-510-833-6089 or email them at Info@sproutorganics.com.
#sproutorganics #pouches #lead #poison #recall
sproutorganics, pouches, lead, poison, recall
Sand Bar, Arctic Shores, Best Yet, Great American, and First Street branded Frozen Shrimp Are Radioactive
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPMlTKqjw16/
These shrimp are contaminated with cesium-137 a known human carcinogen.
These frozen shrimp were sold in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming between June 24 and September 16, 2025.
Don’t eat these shrimp and them to the place of purchase for a full refund. If you need more information, contact Southwind Foods at 1-323-262-8222.
#southwind #sandbar #arcticshores #bestyet #greatamerican #firststreet #shrimp #radioactive #casium137 #recall
southwind, sandbar, arcticshores, bestyet, greatamerican, firststreet, shrimp, radioactive, casium137, recall
Kroger Shrimp Are Radioactive
Vidcast: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8SK5dRM/
This includes bagged frozen shrimp and frozen shrimp products. They are contaminated with cesium-137, a human carcinogen. Affected are multiple products and lot numbers: Shrimp Bowl Cooked Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce (lot numbers 11325-H3A1, 11425-H3A1, 11525-H3A1, 11625-H3A1); Shrimp Cocktail with Cocktail Sauce (13725-H3A1, 13825-H3A1); Kroger Cooked Jumbo Tail-On Peeled & Deveined 16/25 Shrimp (11925-H3A1, 12025-H3A1); and Kroger Cooked Medium Tail-On Peeled & Deveined 51/60 Shrimp (12225-H3A1, 12325-H3A1), all with various “Best By” dates in April and May 2027.
These radioactive shrimp products were sold at Kroger stores in Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Do not eat these shrimp and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For additional information, consumers can contact Lawrence Wholesale LLC at 1-323-235-7535.
#kroger #shrimp #frozen #radioactive #cesium137 #cancer #recall
kroger, shrimp, frozen, radioactive, cesium137, cancer, recall
More Kroger Shrimp Are Radioactive
https://www.instagram.com/p/DPMoNyZjnhL/
This shrimp is also contaminated with cesium-137. The recall covers multiple lot numbers including Kroger Raw Colossal EZ Peel Shrimp lot codes 10662 5085 10, 10662 5097 11, 10662 5106 11, 10662 5107 10, 10662 5111 11, 10662 5112 10, 10662 5113 10, 10662 5113 11, 10662 5114 10, and 10662 5114 11; Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp lot codes 10662 5112 11 and 10662 5113 10; and AquaStar Raw Peeled Tail-on Shrimp Skewers lot codes 10662 5127 10, 10662 5128 11, 10662 5133 11, and 10662 5135 10.
This shrimp was sold at Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Foodsco, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Gerbes, Jay C, King Soopers, Kroger, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Pay Less Supermarkets, Pick ‘n Save, Ralphs, Smith’s, and QFC in Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming between June 12, 2025, and September 17, 2025.
Do not eat these shrimp but return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. If you want more information about this recall, contact Aquastar at 1-800-331-3440.
#aquastar #kroger #frozen #shrimp #radioactive #cesium137 #cancer #recall
aquastar, kroger, frozen, shrimp, radioactive, cesium137, cancer, recall
Kirkland Signature brand Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke Is Listeria-Contaminated
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPMpf-QkbPi/
The green onions in this poker is contaminated with Listeria. Listeria causes a severe and sometimes fatal systemic infection in the very young, older frail individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Listeria can also trigger miscarriages and stillbirths. Affected product has a Costco Item Number 17193, a Pack Date of 9/18/2025, and a Sell By Date of 9/22/2025.
This product was sold at Costco deli areas in Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin on September 18, 2025.
Avoid eating this poke and return it to your local Costco for a full refund. If you need more information about the recall, contact Western United Fish Company DBA Annasea Foods Group at 1-425-558-7809 or email them company at info@annasea.com.
#kirkland #costco #ahituna #poke #listeria #infection #recall
kirkland, costco, ahituna, poke, listeria, infection, recall