There’s Been a Massive Melon Recall at Costco, TJ’s, and Whole Foods

Arielle Tschinkel
Jun 12, 2018

In recent months, several of our favorite healthy grocery items have been under recall, from romaine lettuce to eggs. But the latest recall involves one of your go-to summertime snacks, pre-cut melon, which has been linked to a massive multistate outbreak of Salmonella Adelaide, and we have all the details.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, Caito Foods has recalled a bunch of pre-cut melon containers due to an outbreak of Salmonella Adelaide infections in five Midwestern states with 60 reported illnesses and 31 reported hospitalizations due to eating the contaminated items.

Caito Foods voluntarily recalled fresh cut watermelon, honeydew melon, cantaloupe, and fresh-cut fruit medleys in clear plastic containers that were recently distributed to Costco, Jay C, Kroger, Payless, Owen’s, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Walgreens, Walmart, and Whole Foods/Amazon in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio.

If you have these items in your fridge or freezer and aren’t sure if they’re affected by the recall, toss them or return them to where you purchased them for a refund, just to be on the safe side. And though the investigation is ongoing, Caito Foods is working to remove all recalled items from stock ASAP.

Symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, usually within 12 to 72 hours after infection, according to the CDC. Illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and while many recover without treatment, salmonella is particularly dangerous for children, pregnant people, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. The CDC will continue to release updates as they have them.

Are you worried about this pre-cut fruit recall? Share with us over @BritandCo.

(Photo via littleny / Getty Images)

Which Iconic Rom-Com Star Are You, According To Your Zodiac Sign

If you grew up in the early 2000s, you’re probably fluent in rom-com lore and astrology charts. And if you’re anything like me, you take pride in the fact that you’ve mentally deciphered the main character’s zodiac sign by the time the credits roll. Rom-com leading ladies are the kind of women you aspire to be — ambitious, clever, kind, witty — but which one you are has been written in the stars.

Astrology requires a lot of trust, so I’d like to state my credentials upfront: I minored in film; got into entertainment journalism due to my love of rom-coms; and am a Sagittarius sun, Libra moon, and Scorpio rising. If that doesn’t convince you, maybe the fact that I rewatched bits of each movie on this list to make sure that my assessment of each character’s zodiac sign is accurate will. Whether you’re looking for your next movie night flick or for your new fictional twin flame, here’s which rom-com character you are based on your zodiac sign.

Warner Bros Entertainment

Aries: Hannah Weaver from Crazy, Stupid, Love

Hannah knows exactly what she wants and what she doesn’t. She’s unafraid to reject hot strangers who flirt with her at bars, and she’s also unafraid to cause a scene and break up with her boyfriend in public. She balances out her boldness with confident quirkiness, the perfect recipe for an Aries.

UIP

Taurus: Anna Scott from Notting Hill

Everyone knows who Anna Scott is — she’s one of the biggest actresses in the world, after all — yet no one really knows her. She’s built up walls around her true self in an attempt to protect her heart because like you, Taurus, she ultimately craves stability and comfort in her life. Anna is loyal, patient, witty, and steadfast, all traits she’s willing to share with people who appreciate her for who she is. At the end of the day, she’s literally just a girl, standing in front a guy, asking him to love her.

Paramount Pictures

Gemini: Andie Anderson from How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Geminis are the social butterflies of the zodiac with natural communication skills, a genuine curiosity to learn more about the world, and a penchant for thinking on their feet. This sounds a lot like Composure’s resident “how-to” girl, Andie Anderson. Andie spends the entire movie acting as two people: her normal self and the overzealous version of herself she wields for the sake of an article. Geminis like Andie always commit to the bit, no matter what it takes. Who else would spend 10 days intentionally driving a guy like Benjamin Barry crazy?

20th Century Fox

Cancer: Jane Nichols from 27 Dresses

Jane is romantic, sensitive, and hardworking. She has a tendency to put other people’s needs and happiness before her own. This for usre makes her a Cancer. Jane may sometimes come across as overbearing or judgmental toward her loved ones, but it’s only because she cares so deeply for them.

20th Century Fox

Leo: Liv Lerner from Bride Wars

Liv’s wedding day is going to be all about her, even if she has to sabotage her best friend to make it happen. Liv’s love of the spotlight is typical of Leos, along with her confidence, outspokenness, and domineeringness. Although she doesn’t show it until the climax of the movie, Liv also represents one of Leos’ most important values: loyalty.

Searchlight Pictures

Virgo: Summer Finn from (500) Days of Summer

Summer Finn might be a manic pixie dream girl in Tom’s eyes, but she’s actually a really grounded and practical person, making her a typical Virgo. Throughout (500) Days of Summer, she’s completely honest with Tom about her logical and somewhat cynical view of love. Like most Virgos, for her, falling in love takes a lot of time and trust. She’s also highly organized and devoted to figuring out her life’s purpose.

Touchstone Pictures

Libra: Rebecca Bloomwood from Confessions of a Shopaholic

Rebecca appreciates the finer things in life like Libras often do. She’s got an eye for beauty, and her love of all things aesthetic rules her professional life (her dream is to work at a fashion magazine) and her personal life (in a less-than-ideal way — her spending habits have landed her in some serious debt). She tends to be indecisive and knows how to manipulate situations to her benefit, but her natural kindness and charm always balance her out.

Columbia Pictures

Scorpio: Sara Melas from Hitch

Sara Melas has that classic mysterious, sexy energy Scorpios embody at first glance. She’s also no-nonsense, confident, and analytical. Sara proves that passion doesn’t have to be exclusively romantic; she’s passionate about her job and bringing the truth to light for people’s own good.

Prime Video

Sagittarius: Ana from Upgraded

Ana’s a Sagittarius, and not just because she spends most of Upgraded in a foreign country. She’s passionate about art, has big career goals, and is highly adaptable — especially when she has to pretend to be two different people at the same time. She’s up for new adventures and can mold herself to fit into any room she walks into.

Netflix

Capricorn: Harper Moore from Set It Up

Harper Moore is good at her job — like, really good. Capricorns are known for being hard workers with ambition to spare. Harper’s focused on putting in the hours as an assistant to get a shot at making her sports journalism dreams come true. However, her humor and optimism bring the often-underrated fun side of Capricorns to life.

Touchstone Pictures

Aquarius: Kat Stratford from 10 Things I Hate About You

Kat often gets mistyped as a Scorpio because of her general demeanor, but I think 10 Things I Hate About You’s sassy, opinionated lead is an Aquarius. She’s not afraid to march to the beat of her own drum and doesn’t care what her peers or authority figures think about it. She’s extremely smart and progressive, especially when it comes to women’s rights. Aquariuses want to make the world a better place. You know what those people are called? Rebels — just like Kat.

Universal Pictures

Pisces: Bridget Jones from Bridget Jones’s Diary

According to the first Bridget Jones book, Bridget’s birthday is March 21, which puts her right on the cusp of Pisces and Aries. Bridget is a very emotional person, and she tends to let her emotions dictate her life choices (like quitting her job because her boss broke her heart, which is totally valid, TBH). She often entertains creative fantasies about her dream life, like Pisces often do, and goes off of her impulses to make her whims come true.

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Header image via Warner Bros Entertainment

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How To Make The Viral Olympic Chocolate Muffins

We’re thoroughly obsessed with this new Olympicstar – but it’s not an athlete. It’s a muffin. After Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen posted his 11/10-star review of the hefty chocolate muffins being served in the Olympic Village (and subsequent praise from Team USA athletes Stephen Nedoroscik and Ariana Ramsey), we haven't been able to get them out of our minds.

@henrikchristians1 I don’t think you guys realize how good this stuff is #fyp#zipline#olympics#paris2024#olympictiktok#olympicvillage#muffins @Mr.Nicho ♬ original sound - I think you should leave shop

"I had one. It was pretty good, I will say,” USA swimmer Erin Gemmell told People. “So whatever they have in the middle could, like, change lives.”

The decadent chocolate muffins, made by French food producer Coup de Pates, are filled with a rich dark chocolate ganache and sprinkled with both dark chocolate and milk chocolate chunks, making them the perfect little treat to indulge in post-performance for Olympic athletes.

@linaruns I apologise to all the Americans I offended in my last TikTok #olympics#olympicvillage#roadtoparis#muffinman♬ original sound - TAP IN

"So my experience the first day was I saw the muffins. It was breakfast, I was like, 'Oh, a muffin. It's not the healthiest but it's not so bad,'" USA rower Liam Corrigan told People. "And then I opened it up and it's more of a molten lava cake-slash-muffin. And at that point I felt a little bad, like, 'I probably shouldn't be eating this before the race.' So [I] stayed off the muffins."

@jordan_the_stallion8#fyp♬ original sound - Jordan_The_Stallion8

The online buzz around these muffins has made our non-Olympian cravings skyrocket – and we’re not alone. Many other Olympics fans and baking enthusiasts have been on the hunt for the exact recipe to get a taste of the famed chocolate muffins at home. Food content creator Jordan Howlett did all the hard work for us by tracking down the recipe (in his words, it took him “three days and four phone calls”) so we can finally understand the hype – scroll on for the full Olympic chocolate muffins recipe!

Ingredients for Olympic Chocolate Muffins

Coup de Pates

For the muffins:

  • ¾ cup milk
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 tsp instant coffee
  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • ½ cup chocolate chunks
  • 1 stick of butter
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup chocolate chunks, for topping

For the filling:

  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup chocolate chunks
  • Pinch of salt

Directions for Olympic C​hocolate Muffins

Anete Lusina / PEXELS

For the muffins:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Prep the muffin tin with butter or oil.
  2. Add the milk, water, and coffee to a saucepan and let simmer.
  3. Add the cocoa powder to the saucepan and mix. Then, add the butter and ½ cup of chocolate chunks, mixing until melted.
  4. Transfer the melted mixture to a bowl to cool.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. To the bowl with the melted mixture, add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix.
  7. Slowly add the flour mixture to the bowl, mixing with a folding spatula. Do not over mix.
  8. Fold in the ⅓ cup chocolate chunks.
  9. Evenly distribute the batter into the muffin tin. Top each muffin with more chocolate chunks.
  10. Bake for 24 minutes (bake time may vary).

For the filling:

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, mix the heavy cream, chocolate chunks, and salt. Let cool slightly.
  2. Once the muffins are ready to be filled, use a piping bag of the filling to fill the centers of each muffin.

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Lead image via Coup de Pates.

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Don't Let Mercury Retrograde Derail Your August

As we settle into Leo season, we're in for major reflection and internal review as Mercury retrograde begins August 5 and ends its backspin on August 28. Before you go into hiding, this period is not all doom and gloom. This Mercury retrograde in Virgo extends a need for revision regarding creative processes and intention. As long as you do the work, everything will fall into place.

Luckily, at the beginning of the Mercury retrograde dance, the cosmos is granting us a clear and calm space for us to get organized starting this week. The overall mood is optimistic, dreamy, and collaborative. Don’t forget to take off the rose-colored spectacles, and remain truthful to your terms. This will help you stay grounded and discerning.

To understand what to expect during this three week retrograde, check out your horoscope for your sun, moon, and rising sign!

What To Expect This Mercury Retrograde Period In August 2024

Isabella Bonnet

Mercury retrograde is likely a term that you've heard before, even if you're not an astrology buff. In pop culture or through your astrology bestie, you've probably been warned that it can be the most chaotic or stressful three weeks to experience. Be assured that planetary retrogrades, especially when Mercury is involved, are essential to help you retrace your steps and process. In doing so, you'll attract higher chances of success rather than hitting a brick wall or playing the waiting game.

The August 2024 Mercury retrograde will be in the earth sign of Virgo. This means that these next few weeks will be crucial for you to learn how to slow down and scale your priorities. The Virgo sign extends support in looking at the minor details and to pinpoint what needs perfecting.

Don’t forget to step back, request assistance, and take breaks, because you may feel overworked and can go in a frenzy.

Mercury overlooks our ability to communicate, and with the messenger planet in the sign of Virgo, our dialogue will be methodical and slowed down. Contemplation is important, but try not to get too immersed into your ideas. Share and receive feedback — you'll get the traction you need when Mercury direct happens later this month. However, we'll feel a change in the winds when Mercury enters the sign of Leo once again on August 15. We'll crave for more fun, romance, and even squeeze in a last-minute vacation or getaway. This can be problematic as we lose our focus on priorities with school around the corner and the potential for travel mishaps. Plan accordingly — reflect, and don’t dive headfirst into your ideas. Hold onto your fire until Mercury goes direct on August 28.

This re-visitation also helps you realize your worth, learn your unique process to self-acceptance, and accept how your life has been panning out.

​August 2024 Mercury Retrograde Do’s And Don’ts

Victoria Harder

Before reading your personalized horoscope, here are the do’s and don’ts for this Mercury retrograde period:

Do's:

  1. Double-check details: Verify all communications, travel plans, and important documents for accuracy.
  2. Reflect and review: Use this time to revisit past projects, ideas, and goals to refine and improve them.
  3. Practice patience: Expect delays and misunderstandings, and remain calm and patient in communications.
  4. Back up data: Ensure all important files, emails, and data are backed up to avoid loss.
  5. Clarify intentions: Be clear and specific in your communications to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

Don'ts:

  1. Rush decisions: Avoid making hasty decisions, especially in business or personal matters.
  2. Assume clarity: Don’t assume others understand you; confirm understanding to avoid misunderstandings.
  3. Start new projects: Postpone launching new ventures or starting significant projects until after Mercury retrograde.
  4. Ignore intuition: Pay attention to your gut feelings and instincts; they may guide you through uncertain times.
  5. Overload schedules: Keep your schedule flexible and avoid over-committing to allow for unexpected changes.

​Read Your Sun, Moon, & Rising Signs For Your Mercury Retrograde August 2024 Horoscope

Brit + Co

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

Need a breather, Aries? With Mercury back spinning in your 6th house, Aries, prepare for some work-related puzzles and communication snags. Take it as a chance to fine-tune projects rather than kick off new ones. Mid-month, Mercury moves to your 5th house, potentially stirring up misunderstandings in romance or creativity. Approach rekindling past passions or relationships with care – clarity may be a bit murky. Use this phase for introspection and refining your creative pursuits. Stay patient and aim for clear communication in all dealings to navigate this period with grace. Remember, every challenge brings growth and new insights for the future.

Brit + Co

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Getting back to the drawing board can be a good thing, Taurus. As Mercury retrograde phases into your 5th house, Taurus, expect playful misunderstandings and creative hiccups. Revisit old hobbies or reconnect with past loves, but be mindful. Do this to find peace, not progression. Mid-August, Mercury moves to your 4th house, stirring up family dynamics and home-related matters. Take this time to resolve misunderstandings with loved ones and reassess domestic plans. Focus on communication and patience in family discussions to maintain harmony. Use the retrograde period for introspection and reevaluating your emotional security. Take a chance to strengthen bonds and lay solid groundwork for future stability, Taurus.

Brit + Co

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

Clear the air, Gemini, as Mercury retrograde remodels your 4th house. Take this time to review family misunderstandings while assessing future home related plans. Revisit past issues with a fresh perspective – resolution is possible with patience and clear communication. Mercury moves to your 3rd house, mid-month impacting daily interactions and communication. Expect hiccups in travel plans, technology, or misunderstandings with siblings or neighbors. Double-check details in all communications and avoid rushing decisions. Use this period for reflection and revisiting old ideas or projects rather than starting new ones. Refine your communication skills and strengthen the connections close to home, Gemini.

Brit + Co

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Experiencing any hang ups lately, Cancer? As Mercury is passing your 3rd house, prepare for communication blunders and misunderstandings in daily interactions. Double-check details in conversations and avoid jumping to conclusions. Mid-August, Mercury shifts to your 2nd house, shifting focus on finances and self-worth. Review your budget and avoid major purchases. Focus on reassessing your values and financial goals instead of making significant changes. Use this period for introspection and refining your communication style. Patience and careful consideration will help navigate this phase, Cancer, ensuring you emerge with a clearer understanding of your personal and financial priorities.

Brit + Co

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

Craving retail therapy, Leo? Hold off as Mercury retrograde glitches in your 2nd house, expect financial reassessments and potential budgeting support. Review your expenses and avoid a shopping spree. Mercury moves to your 1st house mid-month, impacting personal communication and self-expression. Be mindful of how you present yourself. Focus on service and authenticity behind your message as misunderstandings with others could arise. Use this period for introspection and refining your communication style. Revisit old ideas and projects, focusing on clarity and patience in all interactions. Trust that this phase will help you emerge with a deeper understanding of your values and personal goals, Leo.

Brit + Co

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

Focus on intention, Virgo. As Mercury retrograde graces your 1st house, expect introspective challenges and self-reflection. Slow down and review personal goals and reassess how you wish to present yourself to the world. Mid-month, Mercury shifts to your 12th house, granting spiritual insights and subconscious exploration. Pay attention to dreams and intuitive nudges – hidden truths will come to light. Use this period for quiet contemplation and healing old wounds. Avoid starting new projects and focus on finishing existing ones. Embrace this time for inner growth and understanding, Virgo, trusting that clarity will emerge once Mercury resumes direct motion.

Brit + Co

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

The Universe is calling, Libra. Mercury retrograde is in your 12th house, expect introspective journeys and hidden revelations. Explore the subconscious patterns and past unresolved issues. Everything will clear as you face your fears. Mid-August, Mercury moves to your 11th house, impacting friendships and group dynamics. Communication with friends and colleagues could be muddled – clarify intentions to avoid misunderstandings. Reconnecting with past connections may resurface for resolution. Use this period for reflection and revisiting long-term goals with focused intention. Embrace the opportunity to strengthen bonds and gain deeper insights into your social circles, Libra, encouraging harmony and understanding.

Brit + Co

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

You're one step closer to finding your soul tribe, Scorpio. As Mercury back spins in your 11th house, expect shifts in friendships and group dynamics. Miscommunications with friends or colleagues could arise – this can make or break your connection. Analyze how you can do better with conflict resolution. In the middle of August, Mercury moves to your 10th house, giving you grace in realizing your worth in the career and public image. Review professional plans and avoid launching new projects – focus on refining existing strategies instead. Use this period for introspection and networking with intention. With patience, reassess your career path and step into confidence that you had all along.

Brit + Co

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)

Measure twice and cut once, Sagittarius. With Mercury retrograde in your 10th house, expect delays and mix-ups in career matters. Double-check details in professional communications and avoid making major career decisions. Mid-month, Mercury moves to your 9th house, influencing travel plans and higher education. Expect glitches in travel arrangements and delays in aspirational pursuits. Slow down and utilize this time to revisit past spiritual interests or travel plans; reconsider long-term goals with an analytical eye. Embrace patience and flexibility in all endeavors. Trust that this phase will provide valuable insights and opportunities for growth.

Brit + Co

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

Need to slip away, Capricorn? Mercury retrograde begins its backspin in your 9th house, and if you plan to travel, prepare for delays or forgetfulness (hold tightly to your passport!). Double-check details related to these areas to avoid complications. Level up your meditation practice or engage in higher studies. Focus in the present moment and find your center. Mid-August, Mercury moves to your 8th house, influencing shared resources and intimate connections. Review financial agreements and investments carefully. Use this period for introspection and revisiting joint ventures or emotional bonds. Approach sensitive conversations with patience and clarity to navigate potential misunderstandings. This is your chance to deepen your understanding of shared values and financial strategies.

Brit + Co

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

It’s time to get serious, Aquarius. Mercury in your 8th house grants you the space to be introspective and reassess your accumulated resources. It also enables clarity regarding fears and insecurities that have been building up lately. Have that difficult discussion, it will be revelatory and deepen your union. Mercury moves to your 7th house mid-August, impacting partnerships and relationships. Communication with your significant other or business partner could be challenging – clarify intentions to avoid misunderstandings. Revisit past relationship dynamics with a fresh perspective and avoid starting new commitments. Use this period for reflection and strengthening existing bonds. Embrace patience and open dialogue to navigate this phase smoothly.

Brit + Co

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

Has love been hung dry for you lately, Pisces? Mercury retrograde begins in your 7th house, Pisces, expect communication delays or misunderstandings in love and partnerships. Review your internal dialogue as it transmutes your outward connections. Mid-month, Mercury moves to your 6th house, influencing work and health matters. Delays in work projects are expected, but use this time to perfect your craft. Prioritize self-care and avoid over-committing. As you may feel up to the task, you may experience burnout. Ask for help if needed. Use this period for organization and revisiting old routines (fitness or spiritual). Focus on resolving any lingering conflicts in partnerships and improve workplace efficiency.

If you wish to discover how astrology can help you find peace, fulfillment, and clarity, click here to download Lumi’s free Astrology 101 eBook.

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