Health
Health news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
HealthEggs Produced in Texas Recalled Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. is voluntarily recalling 1,589,577 dozen white and brown eggs produced in Texas due to potential Salmonella Enteritidis contamination, as reported by the FDA. The affected eggs were produced between June 6 and July 3, 2026, with sell-by dates ranging from July 20 to August 17, 2026. These eggs were sold at Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana, Brookshire Grocery stores across several states, and other smaller retailers. The company has not reported any illnesses linked to these products. Consumers are advised to return the eggs for a full refund and can contact the company for more information.
Health'Wish it never happened': Starr County ranchers concerned after New World screwworm case
ROMA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Starr County rancher says he is concerned about the impact a confirmed case of New World screwworm could have on his operation as western Starr County remains under movement restrictions. “Wish it never happened but it did. Now, we deal with it,” said Richard Garza-Ray, a rancher near Roma. Garza-Ray’s
HealthValley Baptist Brownsville unveils new stroke care equipment
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Health care leaders joined at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Brownsville to celebrate a new program and equipment designed to treat stroke patients. The facility's new bi-plane imaging equipment will help specialists treat stroke patients more effectively and safely. With the help of the equipment, the facility's new thrombectomy program will
HealthFruit Puree Pouches Sold at Target and Kroger Recalled Due to Possible Presence of Soft Plastic
Pumpkin Tree Organics (PT Organics) recalled one of its products on Tuesday due to the potential presence of soft plastic in the final product. Only one flavor of the brand was affected by the recall: banana and strawberry puree in 113 g (4 oz) pouches. The Oregon-based company voluntarily recalled the product due to the presence of food-grade soft plastic, caused by an internal packaging defect. The banana and strawberry variety was sold exclusively at Kroger, Meijer, and Target stores nationwide from March 3, 2026, to July 13, 2026.
HealthChildren's fruit pouches recalled over possible presence of plastic
An "internal packaging defect" is to blame, according to the recall notice.
HealthWalmart Withdraws Taylor Farms Iceberg Lettuce Bags in Several States
Walmart announced that its stores in several states are withdrawing certain bags of iceberg lettuce from Taylor Fresh Foods after the brand expanded its voluntary recall of lettuce products sourced from central Mexico, due to a possible link to a multistate Cyclospora outbreak. According to the recall notice from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the lettuce was distributed across various states, including through food service and retail segments. The recall indicates that some retailers sold 12 and 24-ounce bags of iceberg salad and 8 and 16-ounce bags of shredded lettuce, with 'best by' dates ranging from July 16 to August 3. The FDA did not provide a list of retailers. A July 18 post on Walmart's 'Food Recalls' website indicated that some of the lettuce products were sold in retail locations across 15 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. Overall, the voluntarily recalled Taylor Farms products were primarily distributed through food service in over two dozen states, and the CDC initially warned consumers to avoid eating the shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. A complete list of states included in the Taylor Farms recall is available. The recall announcement included 25 shredded lettuce and salad mix products sold under eight different brand codes. The recalled products were shipped as recently as July 16 and have 'best by' dates up to August 3. The full list can be found here. Sysco, the largest food distributor in the country, suspended the distribution of all Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce products sourced from Mexico and instructed its customers to destroy them. On July 18, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised consumers not to eat the recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce from Mexico, which 'may be sold in retail stores or restaurants.' 'If you purchased the recalled lettuce, dispose of it or return it to the store. If you are unsure of the lettuce's origin, ask at the restaurant,' the CDC stated. Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that contaminates food that has been in contact with human feces, most often when agricultural products are irrigated or washed with contaminated water. When ingested, the parasite causes intestinal illness marked by 'frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,' according to the CDC. In 2026, Cyclospora has sickened at least 1,645 people in the United States and hospitalized 141, according to the CDC, which is investigating over 5,000 additional illnesses that could be related to the parasite. By this time last year, only 249 cases had been reported. It was unclear whether other retailers had removed Taylor Farms lettuce products from their shelves. NBC Chicago reached out to Target and the parent companies of Jewel-Osco and Mariano’s for this report.
HealthOperation Border Health kicks off with free medical services across the Valley
Operation Border Health began on Friday and will run until July 23, providing free medical services throughout the four counties of the Rio Grande Valley. Parents of student-athletes can receive free sports physicals as the new school year approaches. Sulema Solis, Director of Health Services for PSJA Independent School District, emphasized the importance of bringing medications for better assessment. The initiative offers various medical and dental services for all ages, and veterinary services for pets are available in Starr and Willacy counties. Locations include Cameron County Veterans Memorial High School in Brownsville and PSJA Early College High School in San Juan, among others.
HealthAddiction recovery nonprofit launching Valley mission
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A nonprofit organization aiming to help people overcome addictions across the nation is launching its operations here in the Valley. Transformations Program USA is set to open a recovery home in Harlingen to help anyone across the Rio Grande Valley. "We're not testing this out; the program works. I know it
HealthBeyond the Barn: What the Return of New World Screwworm Means for Human Health
The New World screwworm has returned to the U.S. after 44 years, raising concerns for livestock and human health. This parasitic blowfly larva, which feeds on living tissue, has spread from Central America. Experts from Texas A&M emphasize the importance of public education, especially for those at risk, including agricultural workers and individuals with chronic wounds. They recommend immediate cleaning and covering of any injuries to prevent infestation. Warning signs include severe pain and foul-smelling discharge. The USDA and Texas Animal Health Commission are monitoring the situation and promoting good wound hygiene as the best defense against this parasite.
HealthRFK Jr.: Cyclospora outbreak 'under control'; Mexico questions link to alleged source
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated on Tuesday that the cyclospora outbreak was 'under control,' even as health authorities continue to seek answers as to why thousands of people in the United States have fallen ill. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initially linked the outbreak—primarily causing severe diarrhea—to chopped iceberg lettuce from a Taylor Farms facility in central Mexico. However, the FDA later dismissed this connection, although experts remain vigilant. Meanwhile, Mexico's Health Secretary David Kershenobich asserted on Tuesday during a press conference that his country's investigation found no evidence that the outbreak originated there.
HealthAllergy medication recalled over potentially 'life-threatening' cross-contamination
Some consumers may have a hypersensitivity to the possible contaminate, officials warn.
HealthValley cities qualify for the Blue Zones community health project
MISSION, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A global initiative to make healthier choices easier and more accessible for communities is one step closer to coming to the Rio Grande Valley. The founder of Blue Zones, Dan Buettner, discovered five regions around the world where people were living better and longer lives than anyone else on the planet.
HealthFree medical services to be offered during Operation Border Health in Valley
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Residents can get a variety of free health and veterinary services during Operation Border Health events happening across the Valley this week. The events are happening in all four Valley counties from Tuesday, July 21, through Thursday, July 23. Cameron County In Cameron County, the event will take place from 8 a.m.
HealthLaredo Public Health Department reports 7 cases of cyclospora
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Laredo Public Health Department has confirmed seven cases of cyclospora in Webb County. According to a spokesperson for the Laredo Public Health Department, no confirmed hospitalizations have been associated with the cases. Cyclospora is a parasite that infects the small intestine and is linked to fresh produce, causing serious symptoms such
HealthFree Medical Services at 2026 Operation Border Health at PSJA ECHS, July 21-23
Free medical services will be offered at the 2026 Operation Border Health Preparedness (OBHP) event at PSJA Early College High School in San Juan from July 21 to July 23, 2026, from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Services include immunizations, medical exams, blood pressure checks, diabetes screenings, hearing and vision exams, sports physicals, and dental services such as cleanings and extractions. The event is supported by local health departments, medical schools, and volunteer organizations. All ages are welcome, and attendees are encouraged to bring their prescription medications. For more details, call 211 or visit dshs.texas.gov/obh2026.
HealthFDA Clarifies: Taylor Farms Remains Under Investigation for Cyclospora Outbreak
Taylor Farms is still under investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the growing Cyclospora outbreak, despite a false positive result in a test, the agency reported on Monday. Late Sunday, the FDA stated that a sample of the company's lettuce had falsely tested positive for Cyclospora, the parasite that causes the illness. However, that sample did not come from the lettuce already implicated in the outbreak and market withdrawal. Instead, it was from a different shipment that the agency collected during routine import inspections. 'To clarify, this lab sample with a false positive does NOT change the basis of the ongoing FDA investigation into the outbreak or the strong epidemiological data supporting the current voluntary recall by Taylor Farms,' the FDA said on Monday on X. The voluntary recall of shredded iceberg lettuce from the company in 27 states remains in effect.
HealthFDA says positive Cyclospora test linked to lettuce outbreak was false alarm
On Saturday, the agency had stated the sample of lettuce had tested positive for cyclospora.
HealthHow many cups of coffee can you safely drink in a day? This is what a study says
Consuming up to five cups of American coffee a day is safe for health and is associated with a lower cardiovascular risk, such as heart failure or stroke, according to a scientific statement from the American Heart Association published on Monday in the journal Circulation. The text is based on coffee measures and habits in the United States, where a cup contains about 250 milliliters of liquid. In Europe, where coffee is consumed more concentrated with less water, the safe cups of coffee for health would correspond to those made with 225 milligrams. The authors indicate that up to 400 milligrams of 'healthy' caffeine per day would be 'safe' and 'seems to be related to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease in some people.' This 'healthy' caffeine from coffee is not comparable to that found in sodas and/or energy drinks, which can increase the risk of high blood pressure or arrhythmia. The authors note that previous studies suggest that the bioactive compounds in coffee may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could help explain some health benefits. Among other things, consuming caffeinated coffee without added sugars, flavorings, or cream is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or heart failure. Randomized trials, the most rigorous and reliable study design, have shown that caffeine consumption in coffee is associated with a lower risk of atrial fibrillation, but also with a higher risk of premature ventricular contractions. Adding sugar, flavored syrups, milk, and/or cream to coffee likely reduces its potential health benefits. There are also randomized clinical trials concluding that cafestol, a component present in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, is related to higher levels of low-density lipoproteins (also known as 'bad' cholesterol). Cafestol is present in unfiltered coffee (such as espresso, French press coffee, Turkish coffee, or boiled coffee), but not in coffee prepared with paper filters or instant coffee. While coffee is the main source of caffeine for most adults, tea, chocolate, sodas, energy drinks, and some medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, also contribute to total caffeine intake. How does caffeine affect the body? Caffeine consumed in coffee is metabolized in the liver and generally reaches its peak concentration in most people within an hour. The speed at which each person metabolizes caffeine depends on their genetics, metabolism, age, and prior caffeine consumption. When caffeinated coffee is consumed regularly, some people may develop tolerance to higher levels of caffeine. Others may experience more intense effects with the same amount of caffeine. Short-term effects of caffeine can include temporary increases in blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugar, and alertness, although some people may experience palpitations and sleep disturbances. According to the scientific statement, more research is needed to better understand the impact of caffeine on the body, how different sources of caffeine affect heart health, and how its impact may vary among different individuals.
HealthFDA Rules Out Positive Test for Taylor Farms Lettuce Linked to Cyclospora
The FDA announced that a sample of lettuce from Taylor Farms, which initially tested positive for Cyclospora linked to an ongoing outbreak, was a false positive. Taylor Fresh Foods had previously issued a voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce from central Mexico due to the parasitic illness causing gastrointestinal symptoms. The FDA confirmed that laboratory experts reviewed the sample results and determined the initial finding was incorrect. As of Sunday, there are no confirmed positive results from products tested. Meanwhile, Taco Bell has temporarily removed potentially affected lettuce from its supply chain in several states, emphasizing shared responsibility for public health.