Fresh produce is among the healthiest foods available but it needs to be washed thoroughly

Fad diets, low-fat, high-protein, fiber, water filters, GMO-free foods, there are all kinds of ways consumers try to, as the saying has it, eat well to stay fit. But while some health risks like "forever chemicals" are long-term and somewhat theoretical, there are plenty of other things that will make you very sick, very quickly. Germs, for example.

If you want a fancier title, you can call it foodborne pathogen contamination, but whatever you call it, it's a constant danger and a common problem whether you pick produce from your garden or buy it at the supermarket.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently recalled branded cucumber slices and tomatoes because of salmonella, and enoki mushrooms due to listeria monocytogenes.

Leafy greens such as lettuce and spinach are among the selections most susceptible to food safety incidents, said Matt Taylor, senior manager of food safety consulting and technical solutions at NSF, an Ann Arbor, Mich.-based provider of testing, inspection, certification, and advisory services, in a Supermarket News report.

These items are often consumed raw and have structures that can make thorough washing difficult, he said. They also grow close to the ground, increasing vulnerability to contamination from soil or water.

The soft skin and high moisture content of berries also create an ideal environment for bacterial growth while the warm and humid growing conditions for sprouts can lead to bacterial proliferation, Taylor said. Pre-cut fruits and vegetables face greater contamination risks as well from substandard cutting and handling processes, he said.

There are rigorous safety rules that are supposed to be followed by retailers and growers but things can and do go awry, so it's up to consumer to be the chief safety officer in their kitchens.

Fruits and vegetables can carry bacteria, pesticides, dirt, or other residues from the farm, transport, or store. Proper washing doesnt sterilize produce completely, but it significantly reduces harmful microbes such as E. coli, Salmonella, or Listeria.

Best practices for washing produce

1. Start with clean hands and tools

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling produce.

• Make sure knives, cutting boards, and countertops are clean to prevent cross-contamination.

2. Use running water only

• Rinse produce under cold running water. Do not soak in standing water, as bacteria can spread.

• Theres no need for soap, detergent, or bleach they can leave harmful residues.

3. Scrub or rub produce

• Firm produce (like melons, cucumbers, or potatoes): Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub the surface.

• Soft produce (like tomatoes, peaches, or grapes): Gently rub with your hands under running water.

4. Dry with a clean towel

• Pat dry with a paper towel or clean cloth. Drying removes additional bacteria that might remain after rinsing.

Special considerations

• Leafy greens: Remove outer leaves, rinse each leaf under running water, and use a salad spinner or clean towel to dry.

• Berries and delicate fruits: Rinse right before eating to prevent mold growth. Gently pat dry with paper towels.

• Melons and avocados: Even though you dont eat the peel, scrub them before cutting so bacteria arent transferred inside.

• Pre-washed produce: If labeled pre-washed or ready-to-eat, you can use it directly without re-washing, unless you want to wash it again for personal preference.

Extra tips

• Vinegar or baking soda rinses: Some studies show that soaking in a 1:3 vinegar-to-water solution for a few minutes may reduce bacteria more than water alone. Rinse afterward with plain water to remove the vinegar taste.

• Refrigeration: Store washed produce properly. Most fruits and vegetables last longer in the refrigerator, but keep them separate from raw meat, poultry, or seafood.

Bottom line: Clean hands, running water, scrubbing or rubbing, and drying are the most effective ways to reduce contamination risk at home.

The economy only added 22,000 jobs during the month

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Total nonfarm payroll employment rose modestly in August by 22,000 jobs, showing little change since April.

• Health care and social assistance saw the strongest gains, with more than 47,000 combined jobs added.

• Job losses in the federal government, manufacturing, and mining sectors offset much of that growth.

Its getting harder to find a job. The U.S. labor market showed little momentum in August, with total nonfarm payroll employment rising by just 22,000, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The unemployment rate remained at 4.3%, nearly unchanged from recent months, as the economy continued to display signs of a slowdown. August job creation was well below the census estimate of 75,000, suggesting a slowing job market.

Strongest sectors: Health care and social assistance

Health care once again proved to be the largest driver of job growth, adding 31,000 positions in August. Gains were spread across ambulatory health care services (+13,000), nursing and residential care facilities (+9,000), and hospitals (+9,000).

While this was below the 12-month average monthly increase of 42,000, it still accounted for the bulk of Augusts job creation.

Employment in social assistance also contributed to labor market strength, with 16,000 new jobs, all of them concentrated in individual and family services. Together, these sectors added nearly 50,000 jobs, helping to offset declines elsewhere.

Weakest sectors: Government, mining, and manufacturing

Federal government employment continued to slide, falling by 15,000 jobs in August. The sector has now lost 97,000 positions since January, marking one of the steepest contractions this year.

The mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector shed 6,000 jobs, reversing a year of relative stability.

Manufacturing also struggled, losing 12,000 jobs over the month and 78,000 since the start of the year. The steepest decline was seen in transportation equipment manufacturing, where a strike contributed to a loss of 15,000 jobs.

Key areas of the economy, including construction, retail trade, transportation and warehousing, information, financial activities, professional and business services, and leisure and hospitality, showed little change.

Overall, the August report shows a labor market in balance: health care and social services continue to grow steadily, but government, manufacturing, and energy extraction remain persistent drags on overall employment.

The plan was announced in 2023 but never implemented

• Plan would have guaranteed passengers $200 to $775 for airline-caused delays

• Travelers would also have received meals, hotel stays and rebooking at no cost

• Airlines argued the measure would increase costs and ticket prices

The Trump administration has moved to withdraw a Biden-era proposal that would have required airlines to compensate passengers and cover their expenses for lengthy delays or cancellations caused by carriers, marking a setback for consumer protections in aviation.

The rule, first announced in 2023, aimed to guarantee cash compensation ranging from $200 to $775 for passengers stuck due to disruptions within an airlines control, such as mechanical failures or system outages. It also would have required airlines to provide meals, hotel accommodations, and rebooking assistance at no additional cost.

The White House said in a document posted on Thursdaythat the Department of Transportation (DOT)plans to withdrawthenotice "consistent with department and administration priorities," USA Today reported.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who championed the plan alongside President Biden, described it as a game changer for consumers. When an airline causes a flight cancellation or delay, passengers should not foot the bill, Buttigieg said at the time.

The proposal was opened for public comment last year but never advanced to final implementation. This week, the Trump administration announced its withdrawal in a regulatory notice from the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, citing alignment with its policy priorities and those of the Transportation Department.

Airlines opposed the plan

Consumer advocates had largely welcomed the plan, while airlines opposed it, warning it would drive up operating costs and ultimately raise ticket prices. Neither Airlines for America, the industrys main trade group, nor FlyersRights.org, a leading passenger-rights group, had any immediate comment on the Trump move.

Similar rules have existed in the European Union since 2004, giving passengers rights to compensation and replacement flights for long delays or cancellations. A 2023 study found those protections helped reduce delays by putting more financial pressure on airlines.

Currently, U.S. airlines are required to refund passengers for canceled flights, but they have no obligation to provide compensation for delays.

Other airline givebacks

The DOT also disclosed on Thursday it is considering rescinding regulations issued underBidenin April 2024 that requiredairlines and ticket agents todisclose service feesalongside airfares to help consumers avoid unnecessary or unexpected fees. The requirement was put on hold by the courtpending an industry legal challenge, USA Today said.

The department is also planning to reduce regulatory burdens onairlines and ticket agents by writing new rules detailing the definition of a flight cancellation that entitles consumers to ticket refunds, as well asrevisit rules on ticket pricingand advertising.

The recent downward trend is making mortgage payments more affordable

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Mortgage rates dipped to 6.50%, the lowest in nearly a year.

• Pending home sales rose 1.6% year over year, but affordability challenges persist.

• Median monthly housing payments fell to $2,593, the lowest level since January.

Mortgage rates continued their downward path this week. Freddie Mac reports its Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averages6.50%.

Mortgage rates continue to trend down, increasing optimism for new buyers and current owners alike, said Sam Khater, Freddie Macs chief economist. As rates continue to drop, the number of homeowners who have the opportunity to refinance is expanding. In fact, the share of market mortgage applications that were for a refinance reached nearly 47%, the highest since October.

Current rates

• The 30-year FRM averaged 6.50% as of September 4, 2025, down from last week when it averaged 6.56%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.35%.

• The 15-year FRM averaged 5.60%, down from last week when it averaged 5.69%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.47%.

As rates continue to fall, house payments become a little more affordable for home buyers. A new report from real estate brokerage Redfin shows the median housing payment is down to $2,593, the lowest its been in January.

Lower payments are beginning to spur more activity. Pending home sales rose 1.6% from a year earlier, continuing several weeks of steady growth.

However, the rebound is modest. Home-sale prices climbed 1.6% year over year during the four weeks ending August 31, keeping affordability pressures high. Despite the recent dip, monthly payments remain 5% higher than they were a year ago.

Mortgage rates havent come down significantly enough to bring back a flood of buyers, said Mariah OKeefe, a Redfin Premier agent in Seattle.

She noted that while well-priced single-family homes in desirable neighborhoods are selling quickly, condos, townhouses, and homes that arent move-in ready are lingering on the market. Sellers, however, are increasingly willing to negotiate as demand remains subdued.

The supply side of the market also plays a role in stabilizing prices. While total homes for sale are up 11.3% from last year, thats the smallest increase in 18 months. New listings rose just 1.1% year over year, as some homeowners are choosing to stay put rather than risk selling in a market where buyers remain cautious. With inventory declining from its summer peak, upward price pressure remains.

UCLA study finds stress disrupts gut health and brain function

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• New UCLA review links social hardship to rising obesity rates in the U.S.

• Stress, discrimination, and limited access to resources disrupt gut health and brain function

• Researchers call for both systemic reforms and personalized care to combat obesity crisis

Obesity rates in the United States continue to climb, but new research suggests that poor diet and lack of exercise alone do not tell the full story. A scientific review from UCLA Health shows how social hardships, ranging from financial insecurity to experiences of discrimination, can alter gut bacteria and brain function in ways that increase the risk of obesity.

The review, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, focuses on the role of social determinants of health, including income, education, healthcare access, neighborhood disadvantages, adverse childhood experiences, and social isolation.

These factors, researchers say, can reshape the brain-gut microbiome system, which controls appetite, food cravings, metabolism, and exercise behaviors.

The scope of the problem

Currently, about 40% of American adults live with obesity, a condition linked to nearly $173 billion in annual healthcare costs. Obesity also fuels a rise in serious illnesses, including cancer. A recent study found obesity-related cancer deaths tripled in the U.S. between 1999 and 2020.

Lead author Dr. Arpana Church, co-director of the Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center at UCLA Health, emphasized that obesity must be viewed as more than a matter of personal choice.

Reversing the escalating obesity epidemic in America demands a dual approach personalized, equitable care for individuals and bold, systemic policy reforms that address the root causes, Church said.

How the environment shapes the body

According to the review, low socioeconomic status often limits access to nutritious foods and reliable healthcare, while increasing reliance on cheap, processed options. In disadvantaged communities, constant exposure to stress, violence, and structural racism creates conditions that fuel obesity risk, researchers said.

These challenges trigger physical changes in the brain and gut. Chronic stress and poor diets disrupt brain networks that control decision-making, self-control, and reward systems, while also reducing gray matter volume.

Meanwhile, gut bacteria become less diverse, sparking inflammation that worsens cravings and weakens motivation. Even prenatal and early childhood experiences of adversity can program the brain-gut system in ways that increase lifelong susceptibility to obesity.

While the study points to the need for sweeping policy reforms such as improving access to healthy food, safe spaces for physical activity, and quality healthcare individuals can still take meaningful steps.

Church recommends focusing on affordable, nutritious foods, building social connections, and practicing stress management strategies such as journaling, physical activity, and spending time in nature.