Target is joining the Thanksgiving meal-deal race with a pitch that pairs budget-friendly staples with fresh twists on holiday favorites.

The Minneapolis-based retailer's $30 offer is about $10 more than last year's meal, which served four people, but Target says this year's version serves six, keeping the cost at about $5 per person.

The deal includes nine grocery items: a Butterball turkey weighing up to 10 pounds, a 3-pound bag of russet potatoes, cranberry sauce, two cans of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, fried onions, turkey stuffing mix, turkey gravy and two take-and-bake baguettes, according to a release shared with Fox News Digital.

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"Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving are such joyful moments for our guests, and Target is making it easy and budget-friendly for them to plan meals that include plenty of familiar favorites plus some of the latest food trends," John Conlin, senior vice president of merchandising for food and beverage at Target, said in a statement.

The offering includes the ingredients to make a green bean casserole, and shoppers should expect to prepare and cook the rest of the meal themselves.

Target is also promoting an expanded selection of $5 sides, pies, appetizers and wine, including new flavors and products.

The deal is valid Nov. 8 through Nov. 29, before tax.

It is not available in Alaska or Hawaii, according to Target.

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A separate deal for a 79-cent-per-pound Good & Gather frozen turkey — not the Butterball turkey included in the meal deal — will begin in November.

Reactions to the $30 deal online were mixed.

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In a Twin Cities Reddit discussion, shoppers focused on the change in quantities, with some debating whether this year's offering had fewer potatoes and more green beans.

Others still saw value, especially as grocery prices in the U.S. remain high. 

"Sounds like a good deal for a meal anyhow," one person wrote.

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Another said grocery stores near them were "significantly more expensive" for the holiday items they needed.

In a Facebook post by consumer journalist Jeff Rossen, one woman commented that a 10-pound turkey "doesn't feed six people at my house."

Another commenter said, "What, no dessert?" noting that the deal doesn't include one.

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Target's announcement comes as other retailers promote their own Thanksgiving meal deals.

Aldi says its meal can feed 10 for less than $39, while Sam's Club has an 11-item feast for 16 people priced at about $160, according to reports. 

Costco, for its part, is offering an online-only bundle for $199.99 that it says serves eight and includes 12 items, including a turkey breast, sides and desserts.

Walmart's $35 meal basket is advertised to feed 10.

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Prices and serving claims vary, and the offers include different foods and levels of preparation. 

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Target's list focuses on ingredients shoppers can use to cook a traditional meal, while Costco's bundle includes prepared sides and desserts.

Finding a moldy piece of produce creates a familiar kitchen gamble, but the risk depends on what's growing and what it's growing on, experts say.

A recent survey out of Germany found that nearly one in three people cut mold off food before eating the rest, a habit that may not remove all toxins.

Fewer than half of respondents knew that cooking or baking does not destroy mycotoxins, which are produced by certain molds and can be invisible in foods. More than a quarter thought heat could destroy them, while another quarter were unsure. 

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The survey, which was conducted by Germany's Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, measured reported habits and knowledge, not toxin levels in food or illness.

The report highlighted the limits of relying on sight to judge food safety. 

"Visible mold is reliably recognized and triggers intuitive avoidance," the authors wrote. "But this instinct does not work when food contains toxins without visible mold."

But what to do about moldy food really depends on the item, according to Brian Labus, an infectious disease epidemiologist and associate professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Public Health.

People often confuse ordinary spoilage with the kinds of germs that cause foodborne illness, he told Fox News Digital.

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"Most of the stuff that we're talking about, especially with fruits and vegetables, it's not going to be something that's going to cause a foodborne illness," Labus said. "Those things are gross, but they're not the kind of thing that's going to make you sick."

Firmness is a useful guide when deciding what to do with visible mold, Labus said. 

On a firm fruit such as an apple, he said, mold may remain near the surface, so a person can cut around the affected area. On soft, wet foods, mold can spread more easily through the food. 

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If lettuce or other produce has become mushy, he said, it should be thrown away.

With berries, discard any pieces with visible mold or soft spots, Labus said. Other berries that remain intact and show no signs of mold can be washed and eaten. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidance similarly advises throwing out moldy fruit and any pieces touching it, then washing the rest if they show no mold and are not overly mushy.

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Bread is different, Labus said, because mold can grow into the loaf. If mold appears on a slice, he recommends throwing out the bread rather than removing only the visibly affected part. Germany's risk assessment agency recommends discarding moldy, water-rich produce.

Moldy jam or jelly should also be discarded, Labus said.

Some molds can trigger allergic reactions, and certain molds produce mycotoxins, according to the USDA.

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But if you accidentally eat something moldy, Labus said not to panic.

"It's not like you need to run to the doctor or anything like that," he said. "Spit it out and move on with your day."

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People with mold allergies should avoid taking chances with moldy food, while those who are immunocompromised should be especially cautious with food handling overall, Labus said.

Labus also recommends keeping food refrigerated and buying only what you'll use soon — rather than stocking up on a wholesale-size container of berries.

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Washing hands and preventing cross-contamination in the kitchen are more important food safety steps, Labus added. For example, he said, using the same knife on raw chicken and then on vegetables without washing it can spread illness-causing germs.

Three children are in intensive care with E. coli infections as health officials investigate a possible link to a California pumpkin patch that closed just days before Halloween.

Five cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection have been confirmed, potentially originating from Brookshire Farms in San Luis Obispo, according to an Oct. 27 advisory issued by the County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department.

The suspected exposure period is Oct. 16 through Oct 26.

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Health officials advise that anyone who visited the pumpkin patch between those dates should monitor for gastrointestinal symptoms.

"We are working diligently to identify the source of these infections to protect the health of our community," said County Health Officer Dr. Christy Mulkerin in the news release.

"We encourage anyone who may have been exposed and is experiencing symptoms consistent with E. coli infection to seek immediate medical attention."

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Typical symptoms of E. coli include cramping, severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea and signs of dehydration, which usually begin within three to 10 days of exposure.

Young children under 10 are typically at the highest risk for complications, which can include hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that damages blood cells and can lead to kidney failure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Tyler Evans, an infectious disease physician and founder of Wellness Equity Alliance in California, warned that diarrhea can lead to dehydration and fatigue.

"The diarrhea is really the key component here, and the stomach cramps," he told Fox News Digital.

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Evans said younger children and older adults can be particularly vulnerable, emphasizing the need to closely watch children younger than 5.

Speaking generally about potential exposure routes in pumpkin patches, Evans said E. coli can spread when bacteria from feces reach someone’s mouth.

He pointed to potentially contaminated food or water, animal contact and person-to-person transmission as possible transmission routes.

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Evans also noted that not all E. coli bacteria cause illness. The confirmed cases in this investigation involve Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.

"One of the most effective ways that we can prevent this is washing your hands," the doctor added.

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The farm has voluntarily closed as a precaution while investigators work to identify the source of the infections, determine whether the cases are connected and assess whether others may be at risk, according to the county health department.

Brookshire Farms told Fox News Digital it was reserving comment pending test results from the county health department.

A 24-year-old travel influencer was killed after a pickup truck carrying a group of travelers was swept away while crossing a river in Nicaragua.

French traveler Emma Marie Laurent was one of three women who died after the vehicle was caught in strong currents following heavy rainfall, according to news agency Jam Press.

The group was traveling through El Manzano, a community in the northwestern department of Chinandega, when they attempted to cross the Nahualapa River at around 1 a.m. on Oct. 9, the same source reported.

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Recent rainfall had caused the river to rise, creating dangerous conditions before the vehicle attempted to cross.

The driver, identified as Mexican national Martin Gerardo García Girón, reportedly stepped out of the pickup to assess the water level before attempting the crossing, according to Jam Press.

The water reportedly came close to the driver's knees, but the current swept the pickup away and caused it to overturn.

The driver survived, though accounts have differed on whether other passengers also made it to safety, according to Jam Press. 

Authorities were investigating the circumstances surrounding the crossing.

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Nicaraguan co-President Rosario Murillo offered condolences to the victims' families following the deaths.

"This is a tragedy," Murillo said, according to reports. 

"We express our solidarity and our call to remain vigilant and, in the face of such tragedies, to express our full solidarity."

Murillo also warned about the dangers of crossing rivers during Nicaragua's rainy season.

"Rivers are deceptive; one thinks they are calm and, suddenly, the current comes, and we have tragedies like this that bring mourning to families," she said, according to Jam Press.

Laurent had developed an online following by sharing her travels around the world, including glimpses of life on the road from her van.

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She described herself as "your barefoot BFF" on Instagram, where she had nearly 43,000 followers at the time of her death, Jam Press reported.

Laurent appeared to have shared her final social media post on Oct. 2, uploading a video from a recent trip to Portugal.

In the post, she reflected on the importance of appreciating everyday moments.

"I think the most beautiful people, inside and out, are those who know how to admire the world around them," Laurent wrote in French.

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Following news of her death, social media users left messages of remembrance beneath the post.

"Gone far too soon," one person commented.

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"Condolences to the family," another user wrote.

Older adults diagnosed with autism face a significantly higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease-related movement disorders compared to the general population, according to a large new study published in the journal Autism.

Researchers analyzed Medicare and Medicaid claims data covering nearly 57 million Americans aged 45 and older between 2017 and 2019.

Individuals on the spectrum, as well as those with intellectual disabilities, were diagnosed with parkinsonism at much higher rates than those without autism.

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Parkinsonism refers to a range of neurological conditions characterized by certain movement symptoms, including tremors, muscle rigidity, balance difficulties and slowed voluntary movement, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

While earlier research suggested an overlap between autism and motor decline later in life, it was unclear whether those problems stemmed from the condition or from antipsychotic medications, which are widely known to trigger Parkinson’s-like symptoms as a secondary side effect.

To determine whether medications explained the link, researchers excluded people who took antipsychotics from the analysis. They still found higher rates of Parkinson’s-related diagnoses in neurodivergent populations.

In the general population control group, the prevalence of parkinsonism was roughly 1.57%. The prevalence rose to 3.83% among adults with autism alone, 4.32% for those with an intellectual disability alone, and 4.86% among individuals diagnosed with both autism and an intellectual disability.

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"A critically important new contribution of this study is increased incidence rates of parkinsonism for autistic people in middle and older adulthood, which suggests that these cases aren’t simply a byproduct of lifelong motor challenges," Greg Wallace, lead author and a professor in the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., said in a press release.

The study represents the first time scientists have tracked the incidence rate, or the risk of newly emerging cases over time, among older autistic individuals.

"It is therefore important for clinicians to establish clear baselines of motor skills and challenges during adulthood that can be tracked over time," Wallace added.

Dr. Lee Murray, a neurologist based in Jackson, Tennessee, said this study clarifies previous research that suggested patients with autism are at a higher risk of having Parkinson's.

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"This study takes into account the use of antipsychotic medications that can cause a Parkinson's look (resting tremor, stiffness, shuffled gait, stooped posture, softened voice), which is a different pathology than stereotypical or idiopathic Parkinson's disease," Murray, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

"This study showed patients with autism that was associated with intellectual disability seem to have the greatest association with concomitant Parkinson's."

The neurologist cautioned that autism encompasses a wide range of symptoms and severity, so the findings don't mean that people with milder cases face a significantly higher risk of Parkinson’s disease.

"It certainly is an interesting correlation, although it does not imply that someone with autism is certain to develop Parkinson's," Murray added.

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"From a clinical perspective, it's helpful to review medications with the autistic patient's physicians and, if possible, try to avoid medications that may cause a Parkinson's appearance."

Despite the scope of the data, the authors noted several key limitations of using insurance records.

The investigation relied on billing and diagnostic codes submitted through Medicare and Medicaid, which can contain errors or reflect differences in how clinics and medical providers diagnose conditions.

The reliance on claims data also means researchers could not assess the severity of individual motor symptoms or examine the role of lifestyle factors, genetics and family history, they noted.

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Additionally, the data only captured adults who were enrolled in public insurance programs, potentially leaving out older individuals who rely strictly on private health insurance.

Because people on the autism spectrum may already struggle with coordination, repetitive behaviors or executive functioning challenges, experts say early indicators of Parkinson’s disease can be missed or mistaken, potentially delaying essential care.

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"Patients with autism can have atypical movements that can be misdiagnosed as Parkinson's if the examiner is not accustomed to diagnosing it," Murray confirmed.

The researchers emphasized the need for physicians, long-term care facilities and family caregivers to closely monitor older autistic patients for motor decline so interventions can begin as early as possible.

Cavities aren't the only Halloween candy hazard — many sweets can cause a fright to teeth and dental work even in adults, a dentist warns.

Hard sweets can crack a tooth, while sticky treats can pull out dental work, potentially turning a trick-or-treat haul into an expensive dental visit, according to Dr. Marc Lazare, a New York City dentist who has practiced for nearly 30 years and focuses on biomimetic dentistry.

But Lazare isn't trying to spook people. 

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"I'm never going to be the dentist who says, 'Don't enjoy Halloween. Don't have candy,'" he told Fox News Digital. "I love Halloween."

It's all about moderation, he said.

As a dentist, he said he evaluates candy by how it could damage teeth: "Can it harm the enamel? Can it contribute to decay and cavities? Can it pull out a filling or a crown? Can it crack a tooth?" 

People with fillings, posts, crowns, existing cracks or teeth weakened by grinding are particularly vulnerable, he noted.

Hard sweets can force people to crunch down, which may crack or split a tooth, especially one that has already been restored, Lazare said.

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"Anything where you have to force a crunch is not good," he said.

Super-sticky candies and caramels can cling to teeth and pull out fillings or crowns. Chewy sweets can get stuck between teeth, prolonging sugar exposure and what Lazare called an "acid attack."

Sour candy can also expose enamel to acid, he warned. He recommended avoiding snacking throughout the day to help limit acid exposure.

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Candy isn't the only Halloween treat that can haunt your teeth, Lazare noted. While raisins are often seen as a healthier alternative for trick-or-treaters, they can stick to teeth and also contribute to prolonged acid exposure. 

"Raisins are probably one of the worst things you can have for your teeth," he said.

Lazare said his treat recommendation would be chocolate, which melts and dissolves quickly. Dark chocolate is best, he said, because it tends to be lower in sugar than other candy, but beware of fillings like raisins and toffee in that chocolate.

If you do indulge in some Halloween candy, Lazare said, some easy tips can help mitigate the damage.

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Rinse with water and wait about an hour before brushing because acid can temporarily soften tooth enamel and brushing immediately may increase wear. Then maintain your regular brushing and flossing routine. 

Sugar-free gum can also help clear food from teeth and get saliva flowing, Lazare said.

If a crown or other restoration comes out, "don't panic," he said. "Stop chewing on that side, save any crown or restoration that comes off, and contact your dentist promptly. Never try to reattach it with household glue."

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Anyone experiencing severe pain, swelling or significant bleeding should "seek urgent dental care," he said.

Some restorations may be reusable, depending on their condition.

The main goal, Lazare said, is prevention, a central tenet of his biomimetic approach, which focuses on preserving natural tooth structure for the long term. 

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"We want to prevent damage rather than have to repair it," he said.

Turning the clocks back at the end of daylight saving time has been linked to trouble falling and staying asleep, while ongoing sleep loss can take a toll on health.

While some research has suggested that the fall time change could have some cardiovascular benefits, the abrupt loss of evening sunlight can suppress serotonin and melatonin production, which can lead to a depressed mood, according to Dr. John La Puma, a California physician and expert in nature-based medicine.

The body’s internal clock does not automatically follow the clock on the wall, La Puma noted.

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"When the clocks change, your body clock is still on the old time," he told Fox News Digital, pointing out some common effects people may notice.

"So, for about a week, you wake up an hour early. You get hungry early. You feel sleepy early. It gets dark by five. Afternoon light goes away. You get months of short days. … You need coffee just to feel human. It's not great."

Making small adjustments to your routine after the time change could help ease the transition, the doctor said.

No. 1: Make small schedule shifts

With clocks turning back overnight Saturday, people can begin moving bedtime, meals and wake-up time later in small increments on Friday, according to La Puma.

"So, you move your day later in small steps," he advised. "You move your bedtime and meals the same 15 minutes each time."

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For someone who normally goes to bed at 10 p.m., that could mean 10:15 p.m. Friday and 10:30 p.m. Saturday, before the clocks change. Wake-up times and meals can shift by the same increments as schedules allow.

No. 2: Don't spend the ‘extra hour’ on a late night

Since the time change falls on Halloween, Dr. Saema Tahir, a sleep medicine doctor in New York City, cautioned against staying up late and drinking, operating under the assumption that the extra hour covers it.

"Keep alcohol moderate, finish drinking a few hours before bed and avoid caffeine after early afternoon," she advised.

"Alcohol makes you drowsy at first but breaks up sleep in the second half of the night. Caffeine stays in your system for hours. Together, they can leave you more tired on Sunday than you would be with no time change at all."

No. 3: Get outside at the right time

La Puma also emphasized the importance of being intentional about outdoor exposure.

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"You want to get outside at the right minutes, at the time of day and in the right place if you can," he advised, specifically recommending getting outside each afternoon later in the day.

"Late-day daylight is different than morning daylight. Late-day daylight tells your body the day is running long, and it shifts later," he said.

Once you've adjusted to the time change, Tahir recommends getting outdoor light within an hour of waking every day through the winter.

"Light is the strongest signal the body clock gets," she told Fox News Digital. "Evening light pushes it later, which is the direction you need to go for 'fall back.' Morning light keeps it stable over the darker months and supports mood and daytime alertness."

No. 4: Create a wind-down routine

Choosing a relaxing activity that signals bedtime is approaching can help to promote a consistent sleep schedule.

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La Puma suggests choosing a relaxing bedtime ritual, such as working in a paper workbook, sipping chamomile tea, taking a bath or using aromatherapy, options he outlines in his book, "Indoor Epidemic."

"Very specific things that tell your brain and body, 'I'm winding down so I can go to sleep.'"

No. 5: Avoid caffeine and screens

Other tips include limiting caffeine after noon and stopping screen time at least an hour before bedtime.

La Puma warned that light from the screen can suppress melatonin, the hormone that helps signal it is time to sleep. Even using night mode may not fully prevent that effect.

No. 6: Keep a consistent schedule after the change

Once the clocks change, it’s important to maintain a regular wake-up time, including on weekends, La Puma said.

"Pick one wake-up time and keep it every day, weekdays and weekends."

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La Puma cited an eight-year study of about 60,000 people that linked consistent sleep and wake times to a 19% lower risk of death.

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"So, sleep and wake times have important effects on heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular mortality," he said.

Anyone experiencing persistent trouble falling or staying asleep, frequent daytime fatigue or sleep loss that interferes with daily activities should contact a healthcare provider, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Major U.S. and international airline groups are pushing back against a new Ebola-related travel requirement that will affect millions of people flying into the United States.

Beginning Nov. 3, all passengers on international flights to the U.S. will have to confirm that they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the previous 21 days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The requirement applies to everyone flying into or connecting through the U.S. — including American citizens, green card holders and airline crew members, the CDC said.

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Travelers will have to complete a paper or digital statement before boarding, even if they have never visited the DRC. 

Airlines must collect the forms and keep them for at least 42 days after the flight arrives in the U.S., according to the CDC.

Airlines for America (A4A), which represents major carriers including American, Delta, Southwest, United and JetBlue, is asking the CDC to reconsider the requirement and give airlines more time to prepare, according to an Oct. 26 letter provided to Fox News Digital.

The group said it supports the CDC's public health goals but argued that the new requirement is too broad and is being introduced too quickly.

A4A asked the government for a "more proportionate and measured U.S. response" focused more closely on affected areas and travelers who have recently been there.

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The group also asked for the Nov. 3 start date to be delayed.

"Changes to check-in systems, digital signatures, station procedures and training cannot readily be completed in the allotted time," A4A wrote.

Dr. Tyler Evans, a California-based infectious disease physician and CEO of Wellness Equity Alliance, told Fox News Digital, "This was a step in the right direction, given the fact that we really do have to take this seriously. We have to ensure that this does not cross borders."

He added, "This is the second-largest outbreak of Ebola in history. So this is very serious."

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents more than 370 airlines around the world, has also asked the CDC to reconsider the requirement, Reuters reported.

"It is unreasonable for the U.S. government to require all airlines serving the U.S. market to modify their procedures to accommodate the collection of attestations from each individual (passenger and crew) flying to the United States in less than two weeks," IATA wrote in a letter, according to Reuters.

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A4A is also asking the CDC to exempt airline crew members, arguing that existing aviation documents already contain information about crews and their travel.

The group has requested an exemption for U.S. military passenger charters as well, saying the military already tracks service members' health, safety and whereabouts.

The CDC said the requirement is intended to reduce the risk of Ebola entering the United States through air travel. 

The 21-day period reflects the maximum amount of time it can take for symptoms to appear after exposure.

Anyone who has been in the DRC during that period, including travelers who only passed through an airport there, will not be allowed to board a U.S.-bound flight unless they have a government exemption, the CDC said.

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"Some of the initial symptoms would just be flu-like symptoms. You'll have a high-grade fever, you'll feel sort of fatigued," the doctor said.

"[For] people that ... are asymptomatic, being able to screen is a very effective modality to reduce, to prevent or mitigate further transmission," Evans said.

Evans worked on the Ebola response twice in the past, both in West Africa and in the DRC, the two largest outbreaks in history.

"The reality is Ebola is one of the most infectious and has one of the highest case fatality rates of infectious diseases," Evans said.

But Americans often don't view Ebola as being relevant to them, he said. "When it comes to infectious diseases ... microbes don't sort of respect boundaries."

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Travelers who knowingly provide false information could face prosecution and fines, according to the CDC.

Fox News Digital reached out to the CDC and IATA for further information and comment.