Mia O'Hare

Asda has recalled its Hapello Power Train after regulators identified a choking risk from a detachable orange steam dome, particularly for children under 36 months. Customers should stop using the toy, keep it away from young children, and return it to any Asda store for a full refund without a receipt. The toy was sold from August 2024 to February 2026 under barcode 5063089308547. Marks & Spencer has separately recalled a hand-painted jug because its glass may break during use, offering customers a full refund for returns.

Bubble Cosmetics Sunscreen Pack products imported from the United States were rejected at the UK border after the Office for Product Safety and Standards classified them as high risk for missing sunscreen-use instructions and traceability information. The products, sold through retailers including Boots and ASOS, cannot be sold to UK customers. The report also details a separate recall of FreshWipes Intimate Unscented Wipes from batches LOT 0926 and LOT 0515 because of possible microbiological contamination that could cause skin reactions; affected consumers are advised to stop using them and seek return or refund instructions.

FreshWipes has recalled Intimate Unscented Wipes from batches LOT 0926 and LOT 0515 because inadequate preservation may have caused microbiological contamination and adverse skin reactions. Customers are advised to stop using the wipes immediately, contact the retailer or FreshWipes, and seek a replacement, store credit, refund or disposal guidance. The article also notes a separate B&Q recall of its White 9 Inch Table Fan, sold between March and July 2026, because an electrical component may overheat and create fire or electric-shock risks.

The NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service and MHRA warn that hot weather can increase risks for people taking certain medicines. Antibiotics including ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, metronidazole and tetracycline, along with antifungals such as itraconazole, griseofulvin and voriconazole, may cause photosensitivity, so people should limit sun exposure, wear protective clothing and use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Medicines should be stored below 25°C and away from direct sunlight, while patients should stay hydrated, remain cool and consult a pharmacist if their medicine changes appearance or causes a severe skin reaction.

The Lancashire Heeler has the longest average life expectancy among dog breeds, at 15.4 years, according to Dogs Trust data. The article notes that smaller dogs, females and dogs with certain facial shapes tend to live longer. Lancashire Heelers are described as loyal, playful, active and suitable for families with older children, but they require socialisation, training and about an hour of daily exercise; their herding and heel-nipping instincts may make them unsuitable for very young children.

Lay's Sour Cream & Dill Crisps sold at Home Bargains stores across the UK have been recalled because they contain undeclared milk and wheat, posing a risk to people with relevant allergies, intolerances or coeliac disease. The recall covers 125g packs with best-before dates up to and including October 31, 2026; affected customers should not eat them and can return them for a full refund. A separate recall affects 140g Doritos Chilli Heatwave packs with batch code GBC 209 184C and a December 5, 2026 best-before date, which may contain undeclared milk-containing Tangy Cheese seasoning.

English Toy Spaniels are presented as relatively affordable, easy-to-care-for companion dogs because of their small size, low-to-moderate exercise needs and lower food requirements. They typically live 12 to 14 years, above the reported overall canine average of 12.5 years. The breed is described as affectionate, family-friendly and suited to indoor living, though it requires regular grooming, companionship, a balanced diet and obesity prevention.

The British Red Cross advises people to limit alcohol and avoid excessive caffeine during hot weather because alcohol can reduce sleep quality while caffeine may increase fluid loss and body temperature. The guidance also recommends maintaining normal meal and bedtime routines and avoiding daytime naps. UK temperatures are forecast to rise, with highs of up to 35°C expected, particularly in southern England and Berkshire.

A reviewer describes switching from standard sponges to the £2.50 Scrub Mummy, highlighting its durability, dual-sided design, resistance to odours and ability to change texture with water temperature. The sponge speeds up washing up, cleans effectively without scratching, requires less frequent replacement and is recommended as a worthwhile upgrade for kitchen cleaning.

A binman advises that polystyrene should be placed in household waste rather than recycling bins, noting many residents mistakenly recycle it. He warns that incorrect sorting can lead to rejected collections. Recycle Now and London Recycles confirm that polystyrene is rarely recycled due to sorting difficulties and its tendency to break apart, recommending disposal in general waste and avoidance of polystyrene-based packaging when possible.

Customer reviews praise Marks and Spencer’s £26 Pure Cotton Pointelle Knitted Vest for its comfort, flattering fit and suitability for summer, though some note inconsistent sizing. The vest is available in two colors and various sizes, with similar crochet-style alternatives offered by Next and Matalan.

A study identifies Phuket as the world’s most overcrowded tourist destination, with 118 visitors per resident, followed by Pattaya and Krabi, placing Thailand at the top of the list. Greece and Turkey also feature prominently, while Venice plans significant increases to its entry fee in an effort to manage heavy tourist inflows. Several other global destinations face similar pressures as overtourism continues to strain local infrastructure and communities.

A recycling expert known as The No1 Binman clarifies that crisp packets and chocolate wrappers should not go into household recycling bins because they are soft plastics made from layered materials. While some councils accept soft plastics, the recommended method is to take these wrappers to supermarket collection points; otherwise they should go into general waste. Environmental charity WRAP notes that kerbside collection for soft plastics remains limited, and past discoveries of decades-old packaging on UK beaches highlight their long-lasting environmental impact.

Rising UK temperatures are expected to reach up to 34°C, prompting advice on cooling homes. British Gas recommends using kitchen and bathroom extractor fans to improve ventilation and remove warm air, especially after cooking or showering. Opening internal doors and ensuring windows or vents are open elsewhere can help bring in cooler air. Households are also advised to keep windows shut during peak heat and open them in the evening to promote cooler airflow, particularly in bedrooms.

UK postal law makes it an offence to intentionally open mail not addressed to you, including incorrectly delivered items or post intended for a partner who no longer lives at the property. Violations under the Postal Service Act 2000 can lead to fines or imprisonment. Royal Mail advises returning misdelivered mail by marking it as not known at the address and posting it back for redelivery.

Shoppers praise Marks and Spencer’s £26 Seersucker Pull On Wide Leg Trousers for comfort, fit and suitability in hot weather, with many calling them their best summer purchase. Reviews highlight their lightweight feel, elasticated drawstring waist and versatile styling, though some note concerns about width and slight transparency. The trousers have sold quickly, and similar striped options are available from New Look and George at Asda.

Alan Titchmarsh recommends adding trailing plants like ivy and bacopa to hanging baskets to increase softness, colour and fullness throughout the summer. He advises guiding the root ball through the basket rather than pushing foliage through to avoid damage, and suggests mixing water storage crystals into compost to prevent drying out. Additional guidance from the RHS highlights the benefits of drip irrigation systems for maintaining moisture in hanging baskets.

Mary Berry’s quick pasta recipe uses penne, crispy Parma ham, roasted red peppers, herbs and crème fraîche to create a flavourful dish ready in less than 30 minutes. The meal serves four, is egg and nut free, and offers substitutions such as streaky bacon. The method involves frying the ham, sautéing vegetables, combining with pasta and crème fraîche, and finishing with herbs and Parmesan for a fast midweek dinner option.

A taste test comparing supermarket own‑brand mayonnaises with Hellmann's found Asda’s version the best overall, praised for its flavour, texture and value. Marks & Spencer ranked second for its light, creamy profile, while Aldi matched Hellmann's in taste at a lower price. Sainsbury’s offered a thick, pleasant option, Lidl’s and Tesco’s scored poorly due to sour and overly vinegary flavours. Two own‑brand options—Asda and Marks & Spencer—outperformed Hellmann’s.

Travel expert Simon Calder dismisses the idea that using incognito mode or clearing cookies lowers flight prices, calling it an urban myth. He explains that fare changes typically occur because other travellers book seats, not because websites track user interest. Calder also warns UK travellers heading to the EU or Schengen area to check passport issue dates, stressing that passports must be less than 10 years old on arrival and valid for at least three months after the return date to avoid disrupted holidays.

A recall was issued for Minton & Donello Organic White Orzo after wheat was found in the product without being declared on the packaging, creating a health risk for people with wheat or gluten allergies or coeliac disease. The Food Standards Agency released an allergy alert and instructed consumers not to eat the product and to return it for a refund. The recall affects 500g packs with batch code 78850 and best‑before dates in 2027, sold by multiple major retailers across England and Wales. Dundeis UK Ltd apologised and advised customers to seek further information via email or phone.

Marks and Spencer’s £20 Crinkle Elasticated Waist Wide Leg Trousers receive strong praise from shoppers for comfort, flattering fit and suitability for hot weather, though some report shrinking after washing. Similar crinkle wide-leg styles are also available from Primark and New Look at comparable prices and in multiple colours.

A comparison of Viakal and Flash limescale removers on bathroom taps showed Flash performing significantly better. Both products were easy to use, but Flash removed more limescale in one application, offered additional cleaning benefits, and cost slightly less, leading to it being the preferred choice.

Aldi was identified as the UK’s cheapest supermarket in June 2026, with a 95‑item shop costing £163.34, narrowly beating Lidl. Loyalty schemes significantly altered rankings, with Sainsbury’s and Tesco becoming more competitive when discounts were applied but among the most expensive without them. Waitrose ranked as the priciest, at £229.88. Which? warned that loyalty pricing creates a large gap between member and non‑member costs, encouraging shoppers to switch stores to save money.

Primark issued an urgent recall of its colour block purse after regulators found excessive concentrations of harmful chemicals, advising customers to stop using it and seek a refund. The OPSS said the purse contains dangerous levels of phthalates that breach safety regulations. Additional recent recalls include Morrisons’ Maple & Bacon Back of the Net snack due to undeclared milk and Ferrero’s Frozen Nutella Croissants sold in Lidl stores over potential metal contamination, prompting warnings for consumers to return the affected items for refunds.

A summer-friendly Mary Berry recipe features a pan-fried halloumi and roasted vegetable salad with a mustard-herb dressing. The article highlights its simplicity, flavour and positive feedback from home cooks, and provides a full list of ingredients and step-by-step preparation instructions.

The EU’s new Entry/Exit System is causing long airport delays and missed flights for UK travellers, prompting travel expert Simon Calder to urge holidaymakers to arrive at airports at least three hours early and avoid checking in bags. Calder and co‑host Greg Dickinson say the system’s repeated biometric checks and lack of coordination between machines are creating major bottlenecks, with airports such as Milan Malpensa, Lisbon, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt and Copenhagen experiencing the worst issues.

Energy price increases taking effect on July 1, 2026 will raise the annual cost of running a television in the UK to about £42.89 based on average usage. Power consumption varies widely by screen size, model type and settings, and additional connected devices further increase household costs. A TV licence fee rise and regulatory changes by Ofgem contribute to higher overall expenses, while guidance from USwitch outlines factors influencing energy consumption and efficiency.

A heatwave across Europe has made popular tourist destinations uncomfortably hot, prompting travel expert Simon Calder to suggest cooler alternatives. He recommends Scotland’s northern islands, Tarifa in southern Spain for its Atlantic breezes, and the Pyrenees on the France–Spain border, highlighting each location’s milder microclimates and accessibility.