Consumer News: Hospital beds are lagging healthcare needs, study finds

Earlier reports had said PFAS was found in several brands of dental floss

• Oral-B says it has reformulated Glide dental floss to remove PTFE, a material linked to PFAS concerns

• Earlier studies and lab tests connected Glide and similar flosses to higher PFAS exposure

• Independent testing of the new formula has not yet been widely published

Oral-B says it has removed a PFAS-linked material from its popular Glide dental floss, responding to years of scrutiny over the products use of polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE the same fluoropolymer used in nonstick cookware.

The claim marks a significant shift for a product that has often been singled out in studies and consumer investigations examining the presence of so-called forever chemicals in dental floss. However, while the company says the ingredient change is complete, independent lab verification of the reformulated floss has not yet been broadly released.

Why Glide floss drew PFAS scrutiny

Concerns about dental floss and PFAS gained national attention after a 2019 peer-reviewed study found that people who reported using PTFE-based floss including Oral-B Glide had higher blood levels of PFHxS, a type of PFAS linked to immune, hormonal, and developmental effects.

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a large class of synthetic chemicals that resist heat, water, and friction. Their durability has made them useful in consumer products but also difficult to break down once released into the environment or the human body.

Subsequent testing by consumer advocacy groups and investigative labs found high levels of organic fluorine in several floss brands, including Glide. Organic fluorine testing does not identify specific PFAS compounds, but it is widely used as a screening method to flag fluorinated materials such as PTFE.

What Oral-B says has changed

Oral-B, which is owned by Procter & Gamble, has said it no longer formulates Glide floss with PTFE. The company told reporters that the change was implemented as part of a reformulation effort, effectively removing the fluoropolymer most closely associated with PFAS concerns.

Procter & Gamble has consistently maintained that its products are safe and comply with applicable regulations. In past statements, the company has disputed claims that Glide exposes users to harmful PFAS levels, even while acknowledging the presence of PTFE in earlier versions of the floss.

The company has not publicly detailed what material replaced PTFE or when all retail inventory fully transitioned to the new formulation.

What we still dont know

While Oral-Bs statement addresses the central concern raised in earlier studies, experts say independent testing is essential to confirm that PFAS or other fluorinated compounds are no longer present in the reformulated product.

As of early 2026, there are no widely cited, peer-reviewed studies or third-party lab reports specifically testing the new version of Oral-B Glide for PFAS. That leaves consumers reliant on the manufacturers disclosure rather than external verification.

This gap is common in the consumer products space, where ingredient changes often precede independent follow-up testing by months or years.

Legal and regulatory backdrop

Oral-B Glide has also faced legal challenges over PFAS claims. A proposed class-action lawsuit alleging that the floss exposed consumers to harmful PFAS was dismissed after a judge ruled that plaintiffs had not sufficiently demonstrated the presence of specific harmful PFAS or a measurable injury.

The case did not resolve the broader scientific questions about fluorinated materials in floss, but it underscored the difficulty of proving harm in PFAS-related consumer lawsuits.

At the same time, states and federal agencies are increasing scrutiny of PFAS in consumer goods, with new reporting requirements and bans rolling out for certain product categories.

What consumers may want to consider

For consumers concerned about PFAS exposure, the reformulation claim may offer reassurance with an important caveat.

If Oral-Bs statement is accurate, removing PTFE would eliminate the main PFAS-related red flag associated with Glide floss. However, until independent testing confirms the change, consumers seeking certainty may opt for floss brands explicitly labeled PFAS-free or made from non-fluorinated materials such as nylon, silk, or plant-based fibers.

Dental professionals continue to emphasize that flossing itself remains an important part of oral health, regardless of brand choice.

The bottom line

Oral-B says Glide dental floss no longer uses PTFE, the fluorinated material that put the product at the center of PFAS concerns. That represents a meaningful shift but without independent testing of the new formula, questions remain about whether PFAS have been fully eliminated.

For now, the issue highlights a familiar challenge for consumers: balancing manufacturer assurances with the slow pace of external verification.

Testing revealed the presence of a heat-resistant toxin but no illnesses have been confirmed

• Nestl has expanded a recall of infant and follow-on formula over concerns about a heat-resistant toxin

• The recall now affects products distributed across more than 50 countries worldwide

• No illnesses have been reported, but parents are advised to watch for symptoms

Nestl has expanded a global recall of infant formula and follow-on formula to more than 50 countries after testing identified the possible presence of cereulide, a toxin that can cause food poisoning.

The expanded recall follows an earlier action announced in December 2025 and affects a wide range of infant nutrition products sold under multiple Nestl brands. Company officials say no confirmed illnesses have been linked to the recalled products so far.

What prompted the recall

The initial recall was launched after Nestl detected suspected Bacillus cereus contamination in part of a production line at its Nunspeet factory in the Netherlands, according to Food Safety News. The issue was discovered during a routine self-monitoring test.

Further investigation found that cereulide a toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus was detected in one of the raw materials supplied for use in production. Nestl said the affected ingredient was arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, as well as oil mixes containing ARA, which are used in infant nutrition products.

As a result of the findings, Nestl expanded the scope of the recall to include additional products and countries where the ingredient may have been used.

Heres aclean, skimmable What parents should do boxyou can drop in under the story or run as a sidebar:

What parents should do

• Check product details immediately
  Look at the brand name, batch or lot number, and expiration date on any infant formula or follow-on formula you have at home. Compare them with recall notices issued in your country.

• Do not use recalled products
  If your formula is included in the recall, stop using it right away even if it looks or smells normal. Cereulide toxin is heat-resistant and cannot be destroyed by boiling or reheating.

• Watch for symptoms
  Symptoms linked to cereulide exposure include nausea and severe vomiting, often appearing within five hours of consumption. Illness usually lasts between six and 24 hours.

• Contact a healthcare provider if needed
  If a child has consumed a recalled product and shows symptoms, contact a healthcare provider promptly for medical advice.

• Follow local recall instructions
  Check guidance from your countrys food safety authority or Nestls recall notices for information on refunds, replacements, or how to safely dispose of affected products.

• Monitor updates
  Because the recall has expanded to multiple countries and brands, parents should watch for additional updates from health authorities in case more products or batches are added.

Why cereulide is a concern

According to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), cereulide toxin can be pre-formed in food and is extremely resistant to heat, meaning it may not be destroyed during typical processing or preparation.

Consumption of foods containing cereulide can lead to nausea and severe vomiting, with symptoms typically appearing within five hours. Illness usually lasts between six and 24 hours.

Nestl said parents should contact a healthcare provider if a child has consumed an affected product and experiences symptoms.

Products and countries affected

The recall affects infant formula and follow-on formula distributed in numerous countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sweden, Turkey and Ukraine, among others.

A wide range of Nestl brands are listed in recall notices, including Alfamino, Lactogen Harmony 1, BEBA OptiPro 1, BEBA Comfort 1, BEBA Supreme, BEBA ExpertPro, NAN Sensilac 1, NAN HA 1, NAN Pro 1, NAN ExpertPro, NAN OptiPro, NAN Supreme, NAN Sensitive 1 and Guigoz OptiPro Relais.

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, Nestl has recalled certain batches of SMA infant formula and follow-on formula, with expiration dates ranging from October 2026 through November 2027.

Company response

In a statement, Nestl said it is working closely with regulators and monitoring the situation.

Although no confirmed cases of product-related illness have been identified, we understand that the situation may raise concerns among parents, the company said. We take any concerns seriously and are monitoring the situation closely.

Nestl also warned that the recall could temporarily affect product availability in some stores, but said it is working to minimize disruptions.

Related recalls

Separately, in December, Croatian authorities recalled Aptamil AR 1 infant formula in 400-gram packages with a use-by date of May 17, 2026, and lot number 111444865. The product was supplied by Nutricia Export BV in the Netherlands and was recalled due to the possible presence of Bacillus cereus.

Bankers' response is tepid bordering on frigid

President Donald Trump is calling on credit-card issuers to cap interest rates at 10% for one year, targeting one of banks most profitable business lines.
The proposal has drawn rare bipartisan interest from lawmakers but stiff warnings from the banking industry about reduced access to credit.
It remains unclear how the administration could compel lenders to slash rates quickly without new legislation.

After a week of market-rattling announcements aimed at lowering housing costs, President Donald Trump turned his attention to another financial pressure point for consumers: credit-card interest rates.

In a social media post, Trump demanded that credit-card lenders cap interest rates at 10% by Jan. 20, placing major issuers including JPMorgan Chase & Co., Capital One Financial Corp. and Citigroup Inc. squarely in his sights.

Credit-card rates, which have hovered above 20% in recent years, have become an increasingly visible target for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle as Americans struggle with high borrowing costs amid persistent inflation.

Industry strikes a cautious but firm response

Banking trade groups responded with a more measured tone than in past fights over rate caps, even as they warned of serious consequences.

We share the presidents goal of helping Americans access more affordable credit, the Bank Policy Institute and the Consumer Bankers Association said in a joint statement late Friday. At the same time, evidence shows that a 10% interest rate cap would reduce credit availability and be devastating for millions of American families and small business owners who rely on and value their credit cards.

The industry has long argued that sharply lower rates would force banks to tighten lending standards, leaving higher-risk borrowers with fewer options beyond payday lenders or pawn shops.

High rates carry real costs for consumers

For consumers who rely on credit cards to manage unexpected expenses, the cost of carrying a balance can be steep. The average credit-card interest rate stood at about 21% at the end of last year, according to the Federal Reserve.

At that rate, carrying a $10,000 balance for three years generates more than $3,500 in interest. By contrast, the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage another common consumer loan sits just above 6%, according to Freddie Mac.

Banks argue the difference reflects risk. Credit-card debt is unsecured, meaning lenders have no collateral to recover when borrowers default.

Card lending has become a major profit engine

While losses were severe during the financial crisis with credit-card charge-off rates exceeding 10% card lending has since become one of the most lucrative areas of consumer banking.

JPMorgan reported a net yield of 9.73% on more than $200 billion in credit-card loans in 2024, driving the bulk of the $25.5 billion in revenue for its card services and auto unit. The bank also recorded roughly $7 billion in credit-card charge-offs.

That profitability has made the business a frequent target for politicians seeking to rein in consumer costs.

Path to enforcement remains unclear

After legislative efforts to cap rates stalled last year, it is unclear how Trump could compel lenders to slash rates within days, beyond using the presidencys bully pulpit.

If a 10% cap were imposed, the effects would vary widely across borrowers and lenders. Riskier consumers would likely face canceled or reduced credit lines, higher minimum payments or new fees, according to a Bank Policy Institute analysis.

Using Federal Reserve data from 2019, the group estimated that a 10% cap would have reduced credit availability for roughly 14.3 million people and families.

Smaller and subprime-focused lenders could feel the brunt

Lenders focused on lower-income or higher-risk borrowers would likely be hit hardest, according to Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Himanshu Bakshi. Those include Capital One, store-card specialist Synchrony Financial, and Bread Financial.

Credit unions have also warned of severe impacts. Scott Simpson, president of Americas Credit Unions, said a 10% cap would make credit-card lending untenable for most institutions.

Institutions will not be able to offer credit cards to most consumers at a 10% rate, Simpson said.

The Costco perks hiding in plain sight for non-members

• Costco lets non-members use the pharmacy nationwide and get eye exams from independent optometrists no card required.

• Shop without a membership (with limits) - Non-members can buy alcohol in certain states and shop Costco.com with a 5% surcharge, which can still make sense for big-ticket items.

• Shop like a member (workarounds) - Use a Costco Shop Card bought by a member to enter and shop, or try a membership risk-free since its fully refundable.

Maybe youre on the fence about dropping the $65 for a Costco membership, or maybe your situation has changed and you dont think you need a membership any longer.

In either case, there are many things you can do at Costco with no membership required. So, if you wanted to let your membership go, or maybe you want to get in and take a look at the potential savings before joining, these tips are for you.

Below are the things that non-members can actually do at Costco, what to expect, and when it makes financial sense to take advantage of these perks.

Buy alcohol without a membership (in certain states)

In many states, laws prohibit for-profit companies from requiring a paid membership to purchase alcohol.

Specifically, non-members can purchase beer, wine, or spirits without paying for a membership in the following 14 states:

• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• New York
• Texas
• Vermont

How it works:

When entering the store, just tell the card checker at the door that youre there to purchase alcohol. Theyll direct you to the customer service desk where youll be given a temporary pass for alcohol sales.

Why it matters:

Costcos alcohol pricing, especially on Kirkland Signature wine and spirits, is often significantly lower than traditional liquor stores.

In many cases, the savings on a single purchase can rival or exceed what youd save elsewhere over several trips.

If youre stocking up for a wedding or event, and live in one of these 14 states, this little caveat is a no-brainer way to save.

Pro tip: The same alcohol rules apply at Sams Club and BJs Wholesale Club as they both also require an annual membership fee.

Use the Costco pharmacy without a membership

Many shoppers dont realize that Costcos pharmacy is legally required to be open to the public in all 50 states.

You can walk in, head straight to the pharmacy counter, and never be required to show a membership card.

Non-members can:

• Fill and refill prescription medications
• Get common vaccinations (flu, COVID, shingles, etc.)
• Ask medication questions and consult with a licensed pharmacist

This can be an especially valuable service for consumers paying cash or managing high-deductible insurance plans.

How to save the most:

• Ask for the cash price even if you have insurance. Sometimes the insured price is higher than just paying cash. Dont always assume insurance automatically wins.
• Compare Costcos price to GoodRx but dont stop there. Costco often beats GoodRx on certain generics, especially for larger quantities. Always compare both before you make a buying decision.
• Ask about 90-day supplies. In many cases, a 90-day supply will costs less per dose than monthly refills which will save you repeat trips to the pharmacy.
• Ask if a different manufacturer is cheaper. Same medication, different manufacturer can sometimes mean a lower price.
• Confirm pricing before filling. Pharmacies can quote prices upfront so be sure to ask before you give them the green light to fill a prescription. By doing so, youll avoid any surprises at pickup.

One more under-the-radar perk

Costco pharmacists are salaried, not commission-based employees, this means theres less pressure to rush transactions or upsell you on stuff you dont need.

Because of this, many customers report longer consultations with pharmacists and more willingness to explain medication alternatives, which is especially useful if youre managing multiple prescriptions.

Get an eye exam without joining

Costco also allows non-members to get eye exams because optometrists operating inside the warehouse are actually independent providers.

So if you schedule an eye exam at Costco, you can just tell the card checker and theyll direct you where to go.

Non-members can:

• Schedule and complete an eye exam.
• Receive a written prescription for glasses or contacts.
• Ask questions about your eye health, vision changes, or contact lens options.

What you cant do without a membership:

• You cannot buy glasses or contacts from Costco Optical without a membership.
• You cannot access member-only pricing on frames or lenses.

But if your plan is to buy glasses online or from another retailer anyway, these limitations dont really matter.

How to save the most on the exam:

• Call the optometrist directly, not Costco. The optical department and the optometrists office are separate. Ask for exam pricing upfront.
• Ask whats included. Some exams include retinal imaging or contact lens fittings, others charge separately.
• Request your prescription before leaving. Theyre required to give it to you dont wait or assume it will be emailed later.
• Ask for your pupillary distance (PD). This measurement isnt always printed automatically, but its crucial for ordering glasses online.
• Compare contact lens exam fees. Contact exams often cost more than glasses-only exams. If you dont wear contacts, skip the extra fitting.

Shop online with a 5% non-member surcharge

An easyway to buy general merchandise at Costco without a membership is to shop their website at Costco.com.

Its 100% open to non-members BUT you will be hit by a 5% non-member surcharge when checking out. But in many cases, paying the extra 5% will still get you a better price compared to other stores.

Items where paying the extra 5% makes sense include:

• Appliances
• Mattresses
• Furniture
• Large electronics with delivery included

When the math usually doesnt work:

When buying everyday household items and groceries items, paying the surcharge is often not worth it.

The reason is because these products already operate on thin margins and there often isnt enough price cushion to absorb the 5% markup and still come out ahead.

Use a Costco Shop Card for near-full access

Perhaps the best way to shop at Costco without a membership is to have a member buy you a Costco Shop Card (gift card) and then just repay them for it.

Keep in mind that the most a member can buy you is four $500 cards at once, for a max value of $2,000.

Once you have a Shop Card in hand, you can do the following:

• You can enter the warehouse without a membership.
• You can buy most items in the store.
• If your total exceeds the card balance, you can pay the difference with cash or debit.

The nice thing about this is that the member does not need to be present, and the card does not need to cover the full purchase which is super handy.

This option works best for the following:

• Infrequent shoppers
• College-aged children who need to stock-up occasionally
• Large, planned purchases
• Testing whether a Costco membership would pay off long-term

Use Costcos refundable membership as a trial

One of the least advertised perks of Costco is its risk-free membership policy.

If youre not satisfied for any reason, Costco will refund your annual membership fee at any point during the year.

Because the membership is refundable, consumers can:

• Join Costco
• Shop for weeks or even months
• Cancel and receive a full refund if the membership doesnt pay for itself

You dont have to decide in 30 days whether its worth it. You can actually test-drive the membership for up to 364 days and see if the savings it provides is worth the annual cost.

The Costco food court no longer makes the list

For years, you did not have to be a Costco member to use their food court.

When my daughter was in high school, her and some friends would often head to Costco at lunchtime for a $1.50 hot dog meal or slice of pizza, sans membership.

But unfortunatelythose days are now over. Costco recently put in new food court ordering kiosks at most locations that require you to scan your membership card before ordering.

Scan, stroll, and go: how the Dash Cart changes checkout

• See your total as you shop: The redesigned Dash Cart shows your running total in real time, making it easier to stay on budget and undo impulse buys instantly.

• Skip checkout entirely: Scan as you shop and exit through a Dash Cart lane. Its a real time-saver during busy Whole Foods trips.

• More flexibility, less hassle: Pay with tap-to-pay, a mobile wallet, or your Amazon account, and weigh produce right in the cart to avoid extra stops.

Amazon is rolling out a redesigned version of its smart shopping cart, called the Dash Cart, at Whole Foods locations across the U.S.

By the end of 2026, dozens of stores will offer these carts to customers looking for a faster, more efficient grocery shopping experience. The latest Dash Carts are lighter, more intuitive, and packed with features designed to help shoppers skip the checkout lines altogether and stay on budget.

Heres whats changed and how you can make the most of it.

Track your spending in real time

One of the biggest upgrades is the built-in screen on the smart cart that shows your running total as you shop the store.

If your total starts edging above what you planned to spend, you can remove items immediately and stick to your budget.

Smart tips:

• Use the Alexa shopping list integration to pre-load your list into the cart screen which will help you avoid tempting impulse buys.
• If something is outside your price range, remove it and watch the total drop in real time. Even a small habit like this can save you $10$15 per visit on average.

Skip the checkout line

The Dash Carts scanner lets you scan and pay as you shop, eliminating the need to wait in any checkout lines.

Once youre done shopping, you simply roll through the designated Dash Cart exit lane and the cart automatically processes your payment through the method you select.

Smart tips:

• If you prefer mobile or contactless payments, take advantage of the Dash Carts tap-to-pay or mobile wallet options for a seamless exit.
• Especially use the Dash Cart instead of traditional carts during peak shopping times as youll save minutes during busy hours.

Choose the payment method that works best for you

Unlike the original smart cart model, which was tied mainly to your Amazon account, the redesigned Dash Cart offers multiple ways to pay.

These include tap-to-pay credit or debit cards, mobile wallet payments, and the payment method already linked in your Amazon account.

Smart tips:

• If you like to monitor your spending more tightly, use a dedicated paymentcard for grocery shopping and link it to the Dash Cart only for that trip.
• Track your grocery spending over time by saving and organizing the emailed receipts sent after checkout.

Take advantage of more space with less weight

The new Dash Cart is 25% lighter and offers 40% more capacity than the previous version.

This makes bigger grocery hauls easier now, and you can roll the cart straight to your car when youre done.

Smart tips:

• Use the extra space for both groceries and reusable bags which means no more juggling bags at the checkout.
• After unloading, return the cart to its designated corral so its ready for the next shopper.

Weigh your produce fast

Produce weighing is often the slowest part of checking out at the grocery store.

The redesigned Dash Cart actually has a built-in scale along with cameras that weigh the items inside the cart. Handy feature that eliminates the need to hunt for store scales.

Smart tips:

• When picking out produce priced by weight, drop items directly in the carts scale area. No need to look anything up and no guessing.
• Be sure to double-check the cart screen for accurate pricing and remove anything that looks off to stay within budget.