“Hidden poison”: American health authority urges caution when eating apples

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, apple seeds contain a “hidden toxin” that can have dangerous health consequences. One apple a day keeps the doctor away!—or not? According to Statista, apples are extremely popular in almost all parts of the world. Although these fruits may seem harmless, they pose a health risk because their seeds apparently contain a toxic substance to humans. CDC warns of “hidden poison” in apple seeds Apples are generally good for your health, but the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, an agency…

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Kika/Leiner files for insolvency: vouchers should be redeemed now

The Association for Consumer Information (VKI) advises customers who still have vouchers from the insolvent furniture store Kika/Leiner to act quickly. Kika/Leiner: 500 jobs have been cut“We would advise consumers to try to redeem vouchers now,” says VKI lawyer Maximilian Eder. Because as soon as insolvency proceedings are opened, Kika/Leiner will no longer accept vouchers. The insolvency application is expected tomorrow.VKI lawyer: Redeem Kika/Leiner vouchers for products that can be taken away immediatelyWhether the company will still accept the vouchers before the proceedings are opened is not certain—”but it would…

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Austria maintains border controls with Hungary and Slovenia

On Tuesday, Austria extended border controls with the Schengen countries Hungary and Slovenia for six more months, up to and including 11 May next year. “Border controls are and will remain a decisive factor in the fight against illegal migration,” said ÖVP Interior Minister Gerhard Karner. As a result of the measures, “apprehensions have decreased massively,” and Karner said the “smuggling mafia” is now avoiding Austria. Austria also extended border controls with the Czech Republic and Slovakia until 2025 The Ministry of the Interior also announced that in addition to…

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The Digital Vignette 2025 is now available: What drivers need to know now

The new annual vignette is valid from 1 December 2024. ASFINAG Managing Director Claudia Eder explains: “It is and remains important to obtain a valid vignette in good time, regardless of whether you click or pick.” If you want to ensure that the digital vignette is valid from 1 December 2024, you must purchase it online by 13 November at the latest. This is due to the statutory withdrawal period of 18 days for online purchases, which means that the vignette will only be valid after this period has expired.…

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Austria: Rhinovirus overtakes Corona—this is how dangerous an infection is

In Austria, it is no longer the coronavirus that is causing most infections but the rhinovirus, according to figures from MedUni Vienna and the Austrian Health Insurance Fund. The former has caused the positive rate to rise to 23 percent, while SARS-CoV-2 was “only” detected in 13 percent of tests in the last week of October. This means the rhinovirus has caused almost twice as many infections as the coronavirus.The rising number of colds is also reflected in the number of sick days. After a significant drop in coronavirus infections…

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Changes to Wiener Linien annual tickets

Wiener Linien is adjusting the rules for cancelling the annual pass from next year.From January 1, 2025, the cancellation policy for Wiener Linien’s annual pass will closely align with the existing cancellation policy for the Austrian Climate Ticket (KTÖ).Cancellation of the Wiener Linien annual travelcard: what’s changingAnnual travel cards whose validity period starts from 01.01.2025 can only be terminated regularly (i.e., “properly”) after seven months without giving reasons. An additional monthly fee (“fare replacement service” by fare regulations) will be charged in the event of termination. This monthly fee is…

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Austria: People on low incomes save massively

A study by the Institute for Sales, Trade, and Marketing at Johannes Kepler University found that low-income people still need to save a lot. They must cut back on everyday purchases and new purchases. According to the study, more than half of people in households with a net income of less than EUR 2,000 saved on electrical appliances or furniture this year. Over one in three people could not afford a summer vacation this year. Those affected also have to hold back in the supermarket. Six out of ten of…

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Mandatory deposit for disposable drinks packaging starts in 50 days: what you need to know

The aim is to recycle around 2.2 billion bottles and cans every year and achieve a return rate of 90% by 2027. “Consumers are the linchpin for the project’s success,” emphasize Monika Fiala and Simon Parth from Recycling Pfand Österreich. The deposit system promotes the circular economy by enabling the reuse of materials such as plastic and metal. The system is also intended to reduce littering, i.e. the careless throwing away of waste. By the end of 2025, the return rate should be 80 percent to meet the EU target…

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Philippines hit by hurricane for the 4th time in 4 weeks

For the fourth time in a month, the Philippines has been hit by a tropical cyclone. According to the weather service, thousands had to flee from Typhoon Toraji on Monday, which hit the island nation near Dilasag, about 220 kilometers northeast of the capital Manila.The weather service warned of strong winds, heavy rain, and an impending storm surge in the country’s north. “Trees are falling, and the power has been out since yesterday,” reported the head of civil defence in the town of Dinalungan, not far from Dilasag.According to rescue…

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