Latest news with #BHT
The Citizen
15-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Toolbox powers on despite funding crisis
The Toolbox Empowerment Hub has, over the past two years, helped to breathe new life into neighbourhoods throughout the Northside, working closely with residents' associations (RA) to effectively fill the void left by largely ineffective municipal entities. From working diligently to restore green belts to their original glory, to ridding the area of invasive trees, clearing waterways, and maintaining curbs, they do it all. The difference they've made in neighbourhoods is plain for anyone to see, and goes far beyond simply improving the aesthetics of the area. Open spaces have been cleared, thereby minimising activities such as illegal recycling and vagrancy. Also read: Toyota backs Toolbox Hub with bakkie to boost community projects Infrastructure that was hidden beneath overgrowth for years has been revealed once more, often leading to the discovery of longstanding water leaks, sewage spills and other pressing problems. According to Andrew Holdsworth, who runs the Toolbox Empowerment Hub on behalf of Krugersdorp-based charitable organisation, The Bethany House Trust (BHT), the initiative is a massive success on every front. 'We've just completed an extensive cleanup in Laser Park, and we'll be starting on a new project for the WRAP [Willowbrooke, Ruimsig, Amorosa and Poortview] RA in the next week or so,' he says. Toolbox was born from a need to improve the success rates of rehabilitation and re-integration efforts by BHT's shelter for men. 'It was evident that traditional rehabilitation programmes are ineffective,' says Andrew. 'The rate of relapse was unbelievable, simply because users would come into the programme after hitting rock bottom, with no prospects whatsoever. The one thing we could not provide through traditional rehabilitation treatment was that. 'You can't help someone with no prospects, no hope, and no money. The Toolbox initiative gives people the chance to retake control of their lives. In addition to personal and coping skills they are taught, they also learn practical work skills, and they are able to earn an honest income, thereby restoring their sense of dignity and pride. 'It also provides them something to aim for, since they can work themselves up to higher levels within the programme. 'Our successes speak for themselves.' However, the Department of Social Development does not agree, as the hub's funding application was denied, meaning the positive impacts seen in the current financial year are significantly lower than it was last year. 'Last year, we managed to help 815 people work through the programmes. That is 815 families that now have an active breadwinner, thanks to this initiative. 'Our partnerships with the different RAs and local businesses enable us to carry on our work, but not nearly to the extent that we would like to.' The Toolbox team, in partnership with CFAO Mobility dealership IC Auto Nissan, is currently in the process of starting a community garden where fresh produce will be grown for distribution to various charitable causes and school feeding programmes. 'This should provide stable work for about 40 people,' says Andrew. 'We look forward to even more opportunities with the residents' associations and local businesses for the upliftment of neighbourhoods. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Bloomberg
15-05-2025
- Health
- Bloomberg
FDA to Expand Review of Chemical Preservatives Used in Food
By The Food and Drug Administration is planning to expand its review of food additives beyond artificial dyes, targeting preservatives and chemicals used as whitening agents and dough conditioners. The agency will issue an updated list of chemicals that it will evaluate, including the common preservatives butylated hydroxytoluene, or BHT, and butylated hydroxyanisol, or BHA. Azodicarbonamide, or ADA, a whitening agent used in cereal flour and as a dough conditioner, will also be on the list, the agency said in a statement.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
FDA plans to review chemicals in US food supply, official says
By Tom Polansek ROSEMONT, Illinois (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to step up safety reviews on chemicals in foods, including one widely used as a preservative in products containing fats, said Kyle Diamantas, the agency's top food official, on Thursday. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose agency oversees the FDA, has pledged to tackle chronic illnesses by overhauling the U.S. diet. He has pushed for bans on synthetic food colors and encouraged fast-food chains to switch to beef tallow instead of seed oils for French fries. The FDA, which has suffered mass layoffs under President Donald Trump, will update a list of chemicals that will be top priorities for reviews, said Diamantas, acting deputy commissioner for human foods. "Historically FDA has been somewhat reactionary when it comes to reviewing chemicals in the food supply," he said at a food safety conference outside Chicago. "The goal is to move to a proactive process to ensure that the chemicals in our food remain safe." The FDA will prioritize reviews of chemicals including butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT); butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA); and azodicarbonamide (ADA), Diamantas said. BHT is one of the most commonly used antioxidants in foods containing fats, according to the health department. The FDA plans to release a scheme for highlighting other chemicals for reviews that will be available for public feedback this month, Diamantas said. Chemicals may be assessed based on consumers' concerns or on other countries' data and regulatory actions, he said. Even as food chemicals and nutrition have received a lot of attention, Diamantas told the conference that the FDA is still committed to microbiological food safety, which is the agency's division with the most employees and funding. Kennedy said on Wednesday that the "central focus" of the FDA and National Institutes of Health will be on studying ultra-processed foods, sugars and food additives. At the CDC, which also operates under Kennedy, an environmental health division endured layoffs and is no longer at the agency, said Megin Nichols, director of CDC's division of foodborne, waterborne, and environmental diseases. The division was critical to food safety and CDC continues to "maintain the spirit of that work," Nichols said in a virtual appearance at the conference.
Reuters
15-05-2025
- Health
- Reuters
FDA plans to review chemicals in US food supply, official says
ROSEMONT, Illinois, May 15 (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to step up safety reviews on chemicals in foods, including one widely used as a preservative in products containing fats, said Kyle Diamantas, the agency's top food official, on Thursday. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose agency oversees the FDA, has pledged to tackle chronic illnesses by overhauling the U.S. diet. He has pushed for bans on synthetic food colors and encouraged fast-food chains to switch to beef tallow instead of seed oils for French fries. The FDA, which has suffered mass layoffs under President Donald Trump, will update a list of chemicals that will be top priorities for reviews, said Diamantas, acting deputy commissioner for human foods. "Historically FDA has been somewhat reactionary when it comes to reviewing chemicals in the food supply," he said at a food safety conference outside Chicago. "The goal is to move to a proactive process to ensure that the chemicals in our food remain safe." The FDA will prioritize reviews of chemicals including butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT); butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA); and azodicarbonamide (ADA), Diamantas said. BHT is one of the most commonly used antioxidants in foods containing fats, according to the health department, opens new tab. The FDA plans to release a scheme for highlighting other chemicals for reviews that will be available for public feedback this month, Diamantas said. Chemicals may be assessed based on consumers' concerns or on other countries' data and regulatory actions, he said. Even as food chemicals and nutrition have received a lot of attention, Diamantas told the conference that the FDA is still committed to microbiological food safety, which is the agency's division with the most employees and funding. Kennedy said on Wednesday that the "central focus" of the FDA and National Institutes of Health will be on studying ultra-processed foods, sugars and food additives. At the CDC, which also operates under Kennedy, an environmental health division endured layoffs and is no longer at the agency, said Megin Nichols, director of CDC's division of foodborne, waterborne, and environmental diseases. The division was critical to food safety and CDC continues to "maintain the spirit of that work," Nichols said in a virtual appearance at the conference.
Rakyat Post
08-05-2025
- Health
- Rakyat Post
The Honest Beauty Campaign: When A Beauty Giant Chose Science Over Slogans
Subscribe to our FREE KAO Malaysia is taking a refreshingly different approach in a world where we're bombarded with endless beauty products and 'miracle' solutions. Their latest campaign, launched today (8 May) in Kuala Lumpur, cuts through the noise with a simple message: protecting your skin isn't just about looking good – it's about living well. 'Skin Protection, Life Perfection' might sound like another marketing slogan, but it has some serious science behind it. At today's launch, It turns out that daily battles with UV rays, city pollution, and Malaysia's relentless heat aren't just about avoiding a tan—they're about keeping your skin healthy for the long haul. Understanding The Science of Sun Protection Noraini had everyone leaning forward in their seats, especially when she started talking about something we're all guilty of sometimes – skipping sunscreen. She vividly illustrated what happens when we skip this crucial step: those dreaded early wrinkles, stubborn dark spots that just won't fade, painful 'I should have known better' sunburns, and, most seriously, the increased risk of skin cancer. But instead of just pointing out problems, she shared solutions, breaking down the science into bite-sized pieces we could all digest. 'Let's talk about what makes a sunscreen truly work,' she said, pulling up a slide that showed the superhero ingredients in modern sunscreens: 'Think of Sorbitol and Sodium Hyaluronate as your skin's water bottle – they keep moisture locked in all day long' 'Royal Jelly Extract is like a multivitamin for your skin – packed with nutrients it craves' 'BHT acts like your skin's personal bodyguard against environmental damage' 'And those UV filters? They're your invisible shield against sun damage' Debunking Myths & Practical Takeaways She then tackled the myths we've all heard at family gatherings: 'No, cloudy days aren't a free pass to skip sunscreen'. Those UV rays are sneakier than you think—they're getting through those clouds whether you can see them or not! The presentation wrapped up with a look at Bioré's latest line, showing how all these elements come together in real products that don't require a chemistry degree to use effectively. Because at the end of the day, the best sunscreen is the one you'll actually use every day. The audience left with a clear message: good sun protection isn't about luxury—it's about making smart, informed choices for your skin's health and using products that combine science-backed ingredients with everyday practicality. Understanding The Science of Skincare In another compelling presentation, skin doctor The dermatologist emphasised that proper skincare isn't merely about vanity, but rather a crucial self-care ritual that can significantly boost confidence and reduce stress levels in our daily lives. He introduced his three-step approach, which focused on Dr. Lim detailed the importance of double cleansing, explaining how the oil-based first step removes makeup and sunscreen while the water-based second step eliminates remaining impurities. This technique is especially beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin. When discussing product selection, he stressed the importance of choosing scientifically backed formulations that are both hydrating and lightweight, specifically designed to combat Malaysia's unique environmental challenges. The presentation concluded with a powerful reminder that achieving healthy skin through proper care enhances our appearance and contributes significantly to our overall mental well-being and happiness. Put Your Money Where Your Skin Is The Skin Protection, Life Perfection campaign from May through June isn't trying to sell you a miracle in a bottle. Instead, it's pushing for something more sustainable: making skin protection as natural as brushing your teeth. KAO's president, Yamazaki Hirobumi, puts it. Every small act of care shapes a more confident tomorrow. For those wondering what this means for their wallets, Watson's is jumping in to make things more accessible. They're rolling out some pretty decent deals through their rewards program – think free skincare products for your loyalty points. Plus, if you're spending RM80 or more on Bioré products, you might snag one of 400 Touch n' Go eWallet reloads worth RM25 each. A Skincare Campaign That Keeps It Real What's particularly cool is that 1% of sales will go toward skin health research. It won't change the world overnight, but it's a step toward understanding how our Malaysian climate affects our skin. The campaign runs until 25 June, and updates are available on No groundbreaking promises of eternal youth here – just practical advice about taking care of the skin you're in, backed by science and made accessible to everyday Malaysians. The bottom line? It's a reminder that sometimes the best skin care isn't about the latest trending product—it's about making protection part of your daily routine, just like your morning coffee or your evening Netflix binge. READ MORE : READ MORE : READ MORE : Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
