Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
Several well-known food products have been recalled from UK supermarkets in recent weeks due to safety concerns, with customers urged to return affected items for a full refund. The recalls were prompted by potential contamination with plastic or glass, incorrect labelling of allergens, or packaging errors. Notices have been issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) for products sold by Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and others.
Beef lasagne mix-up
Giovanni Rana (UK) Ltd has recalled La Famiglia Rana Slow-Cooked Braised Beef Lasagne due to a packaging error. Some 700g packs may contain Prawn & Lobster Lasagne instead, posing a serious risk to individuals with shellfish allergies. The affected products carry the batch code L0B510816 and a best before date of 17 June 2025. The lasagne was sold in supermarkets including Tesco and Morrisons.
Allergen risk in pita chips
Vadouvan Pita Chips by Ottolenghi, the food brand run by Israeli-British chef Yotam Ottolenghi, have been recalled due to undeclared allergens. The product contains celery and mustard, which are not listed on the label. This could pose a risk to those with allergies to either ingredient. The affected 150g packs carry batch codes 290525 and 300525, with best before dates of 28, 29, and 30 May 2025. The chips are sold on Ottolenghi’s website and other outlets.
Glass found in pasta sauce
Organico Realfoods has recalled its Organic Alla Norma Sauce over fears it may contain pieces of glass. The product, sold in 350g jars, is considered unsafe for consumption. It has the batch code 140227 and a best before date of 14 February 2027. The sauce was available from retailers including Ocado. This recall follows a similar case in March involving jars of Kelly Loves sushi ginger, which were also recalled over potential glass contamination.
Chilli oil dipping mix contains peanuts
PandaFresh has issued a recall for its CuiHong Chilli Oil Dipping Mix (also known as CuiHong Spicy Dip), as it contains peanuts not declared on the packaging. This poses a risk to anyone with a peanut allergy. The 10g packs have best before dates of 9 August, 10 August, and 12 October 2025.
Incorrect date on chicken slices
Asda has recalled its Hot and Spicy Chicken Breast Slices due to an incorrect use-by date printed on the packaging. The 160g packs listed 30 May 2025 as the expiry date, which could lead to customers unknowingly consuming the product beyond its safe period. Customers are advised to return the item for a full refund, even without a receipt.
Plastic found in sausages
Morrisons has recalled its The Best 6 Thick Cumberland Sausages due to the potential presence of blue plastic fragments. The affected 400g packs have a best before date of 1 May 2025. The presence of plastic poses a potential choking hazard, particularly for children, and could also lead to contamination when heated.
The FSA has urged consumers not to eat any of the affected products and to return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
Martin Dickie has announced his departure from BrewDog and the alcohol industry.
He co-founded the Ellon-based brewer with James Watt in 2007.
Dickie cited family time and personal reasons for his exit.
His departure follows recent bar closures as part of a company restructuring.
BrewDog confirmed no further leadership changes will follow.
BrewDog co-founder Martin Dickie has announced he is leaving the Scottish brewer and the wider alcohol industry for “personal reasons.” Dickie, who founded the Ellon-based business with James Watt in 2007, said he wanted to spend more time with his family after more than two decades in brewing and distilling.
Early beginnings
Dickie and Watt launched BrewDog at the age of 24, starting from a garage in Fraserburgh and selling hand-filled bottles from a van at local markets. The company grew rapidly to become one of the UK’s best-known craft brewers.
Leadership changes
James Watt stepped down as chief executive last year after 17 years in the role, moving into a non-executive position as “captain and co-founder.” Dickie’s exit marks another major shift in the company’s founding leadership.
Dickie’s statement
“Leaving BrewDog isn’t easy, but I’m ready to spend less time travelling and spend some more time at home with my young family,” Dickie said. He added: “It has been an honour to have worked with incredible, like-minded colleagues who live in a world of flavour and experimentation. In James Taylor and Lauren Carrol, BrewDog is in very strong hands and I will always remain a massive fan.”
Company response
BrewDog chief executive James Taylor praised Dickie’s contribution, highlighting his focus on product quality, workplace safety, sustainable supplier relationships, and new product development. “Martin’s contributions to BrewDog have been immeasurable,” Taylor said. “His creativity, passion, and relentless drive have shaped our company over the years and inspired countless others in the industry.”
Recent challenges
The announcement comes a month after BrewDog closed ten of its bars, including its flagship Aberdeen Gallowgate site and a Dundee outlet, citing commercial unviability. The company stressed that Dickie’s departure will not result in further leadership changes.
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The incident follows a separate outbreak last month in Sardinia
52-year-old man dies after eating contaminated broccoli and sausage sandwich.
Nine others hospitalised, including family members and other customers.
Authorities recall broccoli nationwide; food truck and produce seized.
Botulism suspected; investigation underway.
A man has died and nine others have been hospitalised in Italy following a suspected botulism outbreak linked to contaminated broccoli. Health authorities have ordered a nationwide recall of broccoli after several people fell ill, all traced to the same street food vendor in southern Italy.
Man’s death linked to contaminated street food
The victim, identified as 52-year-old artist and musician Luigi Di Sarno from Cercola, Naples, became unwell while driving home from a holiday in Calabria. He had stopped with his family in Diamante, Cosenza province, where they bought broccoli and sausage sandwiches from a food truck.
All five members of his group consumed the same meal and later developed symptoms consistent with botulism. Mr Di Sarno’s condition deteriorated rapidly while travelling near Lagonegro in Potenza, forcing him to pull over. Emergency services attended, but he died before reaching hospital.
Hospitalisations and investigation
Two women in their 40s, two 17-year-olds and other customers who had eaten from the same vendor were admitted to hospitals in Cosenza. Two patients were initially reported to be in a serious condition and required intensive care.
Local prosecutors in Paola have seized all jars of broccoli in oil from the vendor, along with the food truck, as part of an ongoing investigation into how the toxin may have been introduced.
Botulism concerns
Botulism is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria and can be fatal in around 10 per cent of cases. The illness attacks the nervous system, leading to muscle paralysis and breathing difficulties. While rare, it is often linked to improperly processed foods, such as vegetables preserved in oil.
The Calabria Region’s Department of Health confirmed emergency protocols had been activated, with the national Poison Control Centre in Pavia coordinating treatment. Only the Ministry of Health is authorised to store and distribute the botulism antitoxin in Italy.
Previous botulism outbreak in Italy
The incident follows a separate outbreak last month in Sardinia, where eight people were hospitalised after eating guacamole contaminated with botulinum toxin at a food festival.
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McDonald’s credited the sales rebound to “standout marketing”
McDonald’s launches its largest-ever marketing campaign, centred on “A Minecraft Movie” meal.
US same-store sales rise 2.5% in Q2, ending a two-quarter decline.
Global same-store sales increase 3.8%, with revenue up 5% to $6.8 billion.
Campaign includes kids’ Happy Meal, adult meal, and crispy chicken strips.
CEO flags concern over declining visits from low-income consumers.
New nostalgic “McDonaldland” meal and revamped drinks to launch next.
McDonald’s has reported a return to sales growth in the second quarter of 2025, driven by the success of what it called the largest marketing campaign in the company’s history — a global promotion tied to A Minecraft Movie. The campaign featured themed kids’ Happy Meals, an adult meal offering, and a major merchandise push across 100 markets.
Same-store sales in the United States rose by 2.5% for the three months ending 30 June, reversing two consecutive quarters of decline. Global sales at comparable locations increased 3.8%, while total revenue rose 5% year-on-year to reach $6.8 billion.
McDonald’s credited the sales rebound to “standout marketing,” particularly the Minecraft tie-in and the launch of new crispy chicken strips.
Minecraft Movie meal attracts customers worldwide
Launched in late March, the Minecraft-themed promotion was timed with the theatrical release of A Minecraft Movie, which was distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and went on to gross nearly $1 billion globally. The campaign included a Happy Meal with themed toys for children and a special adult meal — a move aimed at attracting both family and nostalgic audiences.
The promotion rolled out in 100 international markets, significantly boosting traffic and interest in McDonald’s offerings during the quarter.
Pricing challenges and low-income consumer pullback
Despite the successful campaign, McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski noted ongoing challenges, particularly among low-income consumers, whose visits dropped by double digits compared to the same period last year. That demographic, he said, continues to pull back on spending, even as middle-income customer visits show improvement.
Kempczinski emphasised the importance of re-engaging lower-income consumers, who typically visit McDonald’s more frequently than others. To that end, the company has extended the $2.99 Snack Wrap promotion through the end of 2025 and is continuing to focus on value-oriented menu strategies.
He admitted that “consumers’ value perceptions are most influenced by our core menu pricing,” pointing to a rising concern that combination meals often cost more than $10 — a price point that may be contributing to negative perceptions about value.
McDonald’s is currently in talks with US franchisees to explore pricing solutions, though no specific changes were announced.
Nostalgia and new drinks
Following the success of the Minecraft promotion, McDonald’s plans to maintain marketing momentum. Next week, it will debut a new “McDonaldland” meal aimed at nostalgic adults, featuring a mystery-flavoured shake. The company will also roll out a revamped drink menu in 500 US locations under its CosMc’s branding in September, following the closure of its short-lived spinoff.
McDonald’s shares opened nearly 3% higher on the back of the results announcement.
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Customers advised to return item for a full refund
Aldi recalls 750g packs of Urban Eats Japanese Style Vegetable Gyoza
Risk of illness or injury due to potential glass contamination
Affected product has a best-before date of 27 March 2027
Sold in stores across six Australian states and territories
Customers advised to return item for a full refund
Aldi issues urgent recall over frozen gyoza product
Aldi has announced the recall of a popular frozen food item amid fears it may contain glass. The affected product is the 750g pack of Urban Eats Japanese Style Vegetable Gyoza, with a best-before date of 27 March 2027.
The potential presence of glass poses a risk of illness or injury if consumed.
Product sold across multiple regions
The recalled item was sold in Aldi stores across New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia.
Customers who have purchased the product are strongly advised not to consume it and to return it to any Aldi store for a full refund. Proof of purchase is not required.
Customers who have purchased the product are strongly advised not to consume itAldi
Health and safety advice
Anyone concerned about their health after consuming the product should seek medical advice.
Further information is available via the Aldi Stores Food Recall Hotline on 1800 709 993.
The supermarket has apologised for the inconvenience and reiterated its commitment to product safety.
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One of the UK’s most beloved restaurant groups, Dishoom
Dishoom opens its first Glasgow location on Friday 29 August
New café located in a Grade A listed building on Nelson Mandela Place
Signature dishes like Bacon Naan Rolls and House Black Daal to feature on the menu
Continues ‘Meal for a Meal’ initiative, donating a meal to a child in need for every one served
Follows successful launches in London, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Birmingham
One of the UK’s most beloved restaurant groups, Dishoom, will officially open its first Glasgow café on Friday 29 August. The new site, located on Nelson Mandela Place in the city centre, marks a major milestone for the brand as it expands further into Scotland.
Taking over a 7,000 sq ft Grade A listed building that formerly housed Glasgow’s stock exchange, the new Dishoom will blend the spirit of Bombay’s old Irani cafés with the energy of Glasgow’s South Asian community.
Rooted in story and tradition
Every Dishoom location draws inspiration from a specific narrative rooted in Bombay’s culture. For Glasgow, the story is centred on a fictional former agent, Miss X, who returns to civilian life to run a lively Irani café at the base of the stock exchange building.
This storytelling element informs the restaurant’s design, with interiors and atmosphere shaped by the imagined world of Miss X.
A menu of much-loved classics
The Glasgow café will be open from morning to late evening, serving a menu of signature favourites that have earned Dishoom national acclaim. Diners can expect classics such as the Bacon Naan Roll, House Black Daal, Chicken Ruby and Jackfruit Biryani, alongside drinks like chai and house sodas.
The restaurant will accept reservations for breakfast and lunch, as well as for dinner groups of six or more. Walk-ins will be welcomed throughout the day.
Dining with purpose: Meal for a Meal
Every Dishoom location draws inspiration from a specific narrative rooted in Bombay’s cultureHaarala Hamilton
Dishoom’s commitment to social impact continues with its ‘Meal for a Meal’ initiative. For every meal served in Glasgow, the restaurant will donate a meal to a child in need. This is delivered in partnership with Magic Breakfast in the UK and The Akshaya Patra Foundation in India.
To date, more than 20 million meals have been donated through this initiative across Dishoom’s other locations in London, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester.
A long-held ambition realised
Executive Chef Arun Tilak, who joined Dishoom in 2012 and helped launch its Covent Garden kitchen, said the Glasgow launch fulfils a long-standing dream.
“Bringing Dishoom to Glasgow has long been a dream of ours. The team has worked hard to create a space and a menu that feels authentic to Bombay while celebrating the character of Glasgow and the heritage of its South Asian community.
“Every Dishoom tells a Bombay story which comes to life when people sit, eat and share together. That sense of warmth and welcome is at the heart of what we do, and we’re so looking forward to seeing it in Glasgow.”