Coca Cola Recall: Massachusetts At Risk?

With news of the Coca Cola recall, is Massachusetts at risk?

Coke, is still one of the biggest most recognizable brands in the world. After 135 years, it remains one of the most well run companies in the world as well. It's largest share holder, is acclaimed investor Warren Buffett. Growing up, as a kid, before we were told sugar was bad for us, Coke was the go-to drink in my house. While these days, I stay away from sugar, to me there is nothing better than an ice cold Coke, ONCE in a while!

According to cascadeapp.com, it started in the late 1800s in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. John Pemberton, a local pharmacist, had developed a recipe for a sweet syrup. It was originally advertised to cure headaches. It was eventually mixed with carbonated water to create a fizzy drink that was served at a soda fountain in Jacobs’ Pharmacy.

Today, Coca Cola is consumed 2 BILLION times a day!

Up to 1929, Coke actually had a small amount of cocaine, due to it's use of coca leaves in the ingredients. After negative press, Coke removed that ingredient.

In April of 1985, Coke, seeing the rise of competitor Pepsi, ridiculously changed the flavor of original Coke to a sweeter Pepsi-like version called New Coke. Even though Coke had 200,000 positive taste tests, it flopped. People were SO outraged that Coke brought back the original formula after only 79 days, calling it Coke Classic. 

My brother Rich, is a retired Coke executive, working for the brand for over 40 years. It was really his only, lifetime fulltime job. He loves the brand so much, he has a working Coke machine in his garage.

When you serve 2 billion of ANYTHING each day, you are bound to find a few that you need to recall.

According to Newsbreak:

Coca-Cola recalled more than 2,000 cases of popular soda beverages due to the possible presence of "foreign material" in cans.

The recall, which was initiated by the United Packers LLC on November 6, impacted Diet Coke, Sprite and Fanta Orange in Alabama, Mississippi and Florida, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration .

If you or someone you know uses Coke products, this information can help.

The recalled Diet Coke has a UPC of 49000028911 and a best-by date of January 29, 2024; the recalled Fanta Orange UPC is 49000030730 with a best-by of July 29, 2024; and the recalled Sprite UPC is 49000028928, also with a best-by of July 29, 2024.

Now that the Thanksgiving meal is behind us and we are all still feeling more than stuffed, it's time we shift our focus. To more food! Here, we'll cut into four great dinner options to feed the whole family at Christmas dinner.

Yes, Thanksgiving requires a lot of hours in the kitchen. Prepping a turkey, maybe even frying one, takes some proper attention. Then, to some, the most important part is the sides that go with the main attraction. Again, making these side dishes means cooking up a storm. However, perhaps we underappreciate the art of this meal. For the most part, the menu is designed for us. Furthermore, it is consistent every year. All you have to decide is how much to make based around how many people will be gathered around your table.

Fast forward a month, and it's time to prepare another epic holiday meal. In addition to running around to grab last-minute gifts, if you are hosting a Christmas get-together you have to do a lot of preparing, again.

Here, we are going to break down some options to jump-start your Christmas prep. First, let's set the table on some criteria, and some bust some myths. You certainly do not need to reinvent the wheel and cook up something extraordinarily unique. In fact, it's best to keep it simple. Dozens of classic dishes have already been well-established as delicious to satisfy your family, friends, and guests.

The thought process in suggesting these four Christmas dinner options is that they are proven to be delightful. They can also be prepared in large batches that do not require a tremendous amount of hours in the kitchen. These meals are family-friendly and are sharable. Some of them you may even be able to combine together. Again, this list won't spark an idea that's never been cooked up. Perhaps it just serves as a simple reminder that these Christmas dinner menu items can be straightforward and delicious enough.

A large tray of a baked pasta based meal that everyone gets to cut into just feels like a natural option. There's room here to customize your tray of course. Add meat, make it a veggie, or have one of each. Plus, the red sauce nicely compliments your holiday-themed table setting.

We'll need to clarify here, your best bet here is a log shaped filet that can be evenly cut into quarter inch - to half inch slices. There's something festive to carving a meal item in your kitchen, that is freshly cooked. You take pride in hosting and then slicing. You place your sliced filet on that serving platter that is used just once a year, walk it into the dining room and then feel joy when everyone digs in.

It's all about the slow-cooker or crock pot. You can let it warm in the kitchen all day, allowing a sharp aroma to seep into every room the family gathers in. This style is for more of the grab something quick and on-the-go Christmas meal gathering. Perhaps you have people in and out of your house, stopping by for a "cheers" throughout the day. A chili bar never disappoints. Add in your side bowls of shredded cheddar, tortilla crisps, scallions, and sour cream, and you are giving your guests the opportunity to put their own touch on your creation.

This is the meal that gives you the option for a fancier sit-down dinner. The ham centerpiece is typically joined by elegant wine glasses and pre-feast toast. Throw some potato side dishes along with an asparagus or string bean casserole, and your living room is now a fine-dining restaurant. This meal allows you to take your time. The next thing you know, it's dark outside, and you are putting a bow on your enjoyable Christmas night.