Food For Thought

[petros]

Celebrity dog in China stolen, sold, and eaten

Dog had 1.5 million followers on Chinese social media, was kidnapped, sold to restaurant, slaughtered and eaten.

A dog with more than 1.5 million followers on social media was allegedly stolen from his family’s farm in China and sold to a restaurant for the equivalent of $26, where he was killed and eaten the same day.

Chinese travel influencer Guo is now seeking justice for his eight-year-old border collie Chutou, a dog that gained a massive following on Chinese social media platform Douyin, the South China Morning Post reported.

Kidnapped, killed and eaten

Guo left his dog with his parents at their farm in Shanqui, while travelling when a man and a woman on an electric scooter were caught on surveillance footage taking the animal from the farm on May 11. The family immediately notified authorities.



Guo returned from his trip and tracked down the suspects in a nearby village, who reportedly told him they thought the animal was a stray and admitted selling him to a dog trader.

“The dog is dead, stop making a fuss. I did not break the law,” one of the alleged thieves told Guo, according to the Post.

By that time, the dog had been resold to a restaurant where he was slaughtered and eaten. Guo confronted the restaurant butcher, hoping to recover at least some mortal remains, but was told, “the hair was thrown in the rubbish long ago.”

Guo is now seeking criminal charges against the alleged thieves and compensation for the loss of the dog, valued by lawyers at $10,000. But animal protection laws in China are relatively weak, with pets treated more or less as property. There’s also no ban on eating dog meat.

China celebrity dog stolen, sold for US$25 and eaten; owner stymied by weak pet laws

Strangers on electric bike steal Border Collie while loving owner is on overseas trip; animal slaughtered for dish in restaurant.

scmp.com

Celebrity dog in China stolen, sold, and eaten

A dog with more than 1.5 million followers on social media was allegedly stolen from his family's farm in China. Find out more.

torontosun.com

 

[petros]

KD Mac and Cheesecake is 'playful, surprising, but still unmistakably KD'
The KD Mac & Cheesecake is available at SanRemo bakery in Toronto from May 26 until Jan. 12 while supplies last

Author of the article:Jane Stevenson
Published May 26, 2026 • 1 minute read

KD Mac & Cheesecake
You can now enjoy a dessert version of Kraft Dinner. It's called KD Mac & Cheesecake Photo by KD
See more Toronto Sun on Google — save as a Preferred Source


It’s gotta be KD maybe but does it have to be KD Mac & Cheesecake?


Kraft Dinner has launched a sweet and savoury version of cheesecake that will have KD lovers drooling presumably.

“As Canadians continue embracing nostalgic flavours and unexpected food mashups, we saw an opportunity to bring KD into dessert in a way that felt playful, surprising, but still unmistakably KD,” said Brian Neumann, the head of brand and creativity, for Kraft Heinz Canada

“That thinking ultimately led to KD Mac & Cheesecake, a sweet-meets-savoury take on cheesecake using the iconic cheesy flavour Canadians already know and love.”

Toronto’s SanRemo Bakery is selling the KD Mac & Cheesecake
The KD Mac & Cheesecake will be available exclusively in Toronto at the SanRemo Bakery, and other participating bakers across Canada, from May 26 until June 12 while supplies last.

It will retail for $4.50 per slice at SanRemo but pricing may vary slightly at participating bakery locations across Canada.


“We wanted to partner with bakeries that had a strong connection with their local communities and were known for creating desserts Canadians get excited about,” said Neumann.

“SanRemo Bakery has built a loyal following in Toronto over the years and has become a go-to destination for delicious baked goods across the city. They felt like a natural fit to help bring KD Mac & Cheesecake to life for our Toronto-based fans.”

Anyone wanting to try the recipe can do so at home at kraftdinner.ca/cheesecake.

“KD cheese is folded into both the graham cracker crust and the creamy cheesecake batter, making Canadians rethink when, where and how they enjoy KD,” said Neumann.

“The sweet-meets-savoury flavour is unexpected, but still instantly recognizable as KD. Now, even for dessert, it’s gotta be KD.”
View attachment 34545

KD and KFC team up for new menu offerings

Try something new, don’t be a chicken.

torontosun.com

A new dessert: KD Mac and Cheesecake is 'playful, surprising, but still unmistakably KD'

It’s gotta be KD maybe but does it have to be KD Mac & Cheesecake? Kraft Dinner has launched a sweet and savoury version of cheesecake.

torontosun.com

http://kraftheinz.com/en-CA/kraft-dinner/cheesecake[/URL

 

[petros]

Food insecurity in Canada has hit 'crisis' level, millions of Canadians going hungry

24% of Canadians were living in a food-insecure household last year: StatsCan



Author of the article:Gordon Anderson

Published May 26, 2026 • 2 minute read



food inflation

TORONTO, ONTARIO-WEDNESDAY APRIL 30, 2025—FOOD—A shopper walks past fresh produce at a grocery store on Gerrard Street in Toronto,, Wednesday April 30, 2025. Statistics Canada reports food prices rose 6.2% over the past year, the highest level since 2023. That increase is roughly double the rate seen in the U.S. Photo by [Photo Peter J. Thompson/National Post] [National Post Story by TBA for National Post]





Canadians continue to face an uncertain future as income fails to keep pace with food price increases.





New data released from Statistics Canada showed that 24% of Canadians were living in a food-insecure household last year.



In real numbers, the percentage works out to approximately 9.8 million people, including 2.4 million children, living in households that struggled to afford the food needed.



“Food insecurity in Canada has hit crisis levels,” Marissa Alexander, executive director of Food Secure Canada, said in a news release from March of last year. “Grocery prices and poverty are rising, while trade vulnerabilities and corporate concentration put us at even greater risk … Food sovereignty has never been more urgent for our country’s future.”



2.2 million visitors to food banks

According to a Food Banks Canada report, food banks across the country recorded nearly 2.2 million visits in March of last year.



“That’s double the monthly usage recorded just six years ago,” the report said. “It took decades to reach one million visits in a month, and it has now taken half a decade to double that.”





One-third of food bank clients are children, 34% are newcomers to Canada, defined as living in Canada 10 years or less, and 40% of clients recorded social assistance for income.



The Food Banks Canada website said that 2,726 food banks reported in for the study.



Statistics Canada reports food prices rose 6.2% over the past year, the highest level since 2023. That increase is roughly double the rate seen in the U.S.



Three types of food insecurity

A food insecure household indicates a lack of resources to meet basic dietary needs. According to Statistics Canada, there are three categories of food insecurity.



Marginal food insecurity means worrying about running out of food or having a limited selection of food; moderate food insecurity means compromising in the quality or quantity of food and severe food insecurity means missing meals, having a reduced food intake and going day(s) without food.



The percentage of people living in moderately food-insecure households ranged from 8.0% in Quebec to 15.2% in Manitoba; the percentage of those living in severely food-insecure households varied from 4.1% in Quebec to 9.4% in Alberta



The percentage of people living in food-insecure households was highest in Nunavut at 56.4%.



Among the provinces, the percentage of individuals living in food-insecure households was highest in Alberta at 28.4%, New Brunswick at 28.2%, and Manitoba at 27.9%.



The percentage was lowest in Yukon at 15.5%, Northwest Territories at 16.4%, and Quebec at 18.0%.

Canadians are facing higher levels of food insecurity - Statistics Canada

We’ve all seen prices in grocery stores lately. Wherever you live in Canada, there is no question that grocery bills are getting more expensive. From 2021 to 2022, prices for food purchased from stores increased by 9.8% on average nationally.

statcan.gc.ca

HungerCount

OVERALL FINDINGS Every year, food banks across the country are setting new records. This year, they recorded nearly 2.2 million visits in a single month. That’s double the monthly usage recorded just six years ago. It took decades to reach one million visits in a month, and it has now taken half...

foodbankscanada.ca

Putting Food on the Table: Food Secure Canada Launches Eat Think Vote Campaign Amid National Food Crisis – Food Secure Canada

foodsecurecanada.org

Food insecurity in Canada has hit 'crisis' level, millions of Canadians going hungry

Statistics Canada reports food prices rose 6.2% over the past year. Read more.

torontosun.com

 

[petros]

Detector dog Dharla sniffs out 22 kilos of raw meat at Pearson airport
A traveller arrived on a flight from Egypt with duck, pigeon, chicken, and rabbit in their luggage

Author of the article:Spiro Papuckoski
Published Mar 17, 2026 • Last updated 1 day ago • 1 minute read

Detector dog Dharla sniffed out more than 22 kilograms of meat from a traveller's luggage at Pearson Airport.
Detector dog Dharla sniffed out more than 22 kilograms of meat from a traveller's luggage at Pearson Airport. Photo by CBSA /X.com
Detector dog Dharla helped Canadian border officials confiscate more than 22 kilograms of meat from a traveller at Pearson airport.

On Monday, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said on social media that the Labrador’s nose helped flag the luggage that contained raw duck, pigeon, chicken, and rabbit.



The traveller arrived on a flight from Egypt, the border agency added.

Raw meat frequently carries Salmonella bacteria, which can cause an infection and lead to diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps.

Food must be reported
People who enter Canada, whether they are a citizen or not, are required by law to declare all food, plant and animal products.

Those include live animals and animal products such as cooked or raw meats, hides, skins, trophies, milk, fat, butter, cheese, eggs, fish, and seafood.

In addition, plant products such as fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, trees, houseplants, wood, wood products, firewood, roots, vines, herbs, flowers, insects, bulbs, and soil.

“Inadmissible goods may be confiscated and disposed of, or ordered removed from Canada,” the CBSA says on its food, plant and animal inspections page.


“Travellers may also be held responsible for any costs related to the disposal, quarantine, treatment or removal of these items from Canada.”

Penalties for not declaring any foreign products or providing required permits or certificates can lead to detention of the items, a penalty up to $1,300, and prosecution.

cbsa-seized
Common items not declared
“Travellers may not realize the hazards associated with food, plant and animal products,” the CBSA said. “These products may carry invasive species and diseases and may cause risks to Canada’s food supply, economy, environment and our health.”

The border agency said common items many travellers mistakenly fail to declare include processed or canned foods, homemade food, cooked or cured meats, milk products, fruits and vegetables, plants used for homeopathic or medicinal purposes, bait for recreational fishing, handmade crafts, soil, and firewood.
View attachment 33719View attachment 33720

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/2033604808528036028

Be aware and declare

You are required by law to declare all food, plant and animal products you bring with you into Canada.

cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

A common bacterial infection affecting the intestinal tract-Salmonella infection - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic

This common bacterial infection is spread through contaminated food or water and affects the intestinal tract. Learn more about prevention and treatment.

mayoclinic.org

Detector dog Dharla sniffs out 22 kilos of raw meat at Pearson airport

Detector dog Dharla helped Canadian border agents confiscate more than 22 kilograms of meat from a traveller at Pearson Airport. Read more.

torontosun.com

 

[petros]

Eggslut opening first Canadian location in Toronto
American chain with a cult following is opening an outpost in King West later this month

Author of the article:Ling Hui
Published Apr 16, 2026 • Last updated 1 day ago • 1 minute read

A egg salad sandwich is pictured in this supplied photo.
An egg salad sandwich is pictured in this supplied photo. Photo by Eggslut /supplied
A cheekily named Los Angeles-based breakfast chain with a global following is opening its first Canadian location in Toronto.


Eggslut will welcome locals hungry for its self-proclaimed “chef-driven” fancy sandwiches at 545 King St. W., near Portland St., on April 30.


The company has developed a cult following drawn to its egg-centric, sandwich-based menu.

Love your eggs served loose and smooth?
Among its most popular offerings is a sandwich named “The Fairfax,” which is described as “cage-free soft scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and sriracha mayo on a warm brioche bun.”

Another menu item, saucily named “The Slut,” probably raises a few eyebrows. It’s essentially a coddled egg on top of potato purée, topped with grey salt and chives, and served with slices of baguette to soak up the runny mixture.

The Slut is pictured in a supplied photo.
The Slut is pictured in a supplied photo. Photo by Eggslut /supplied
More locations eyed
The company, which has locations across the U.S., the U.K, Japan, and Australia, said it’s looking to expand to more Canadian cities.

It said it’ll open a second Toronto location this summer at Yonge and Dundas Sts.

The company also said the Toronto locations will focus on sourcing from Ontario-based suppliers, including Burnbrae Farms, which will supply them with eggs.


“Eggslut started with a simple idea: take something familiar and make it exceptional,” Andy Lee, Eggslut’s co-owner, said in a press release.

“From a food truck in Los Angeles to a global following, we’ve stayed focused on quality, consistency, and intention. Toronto is a city that truly shows up for food, and we’re excited to introduce Eggslut to the market and let the food speak for itself.”
1776474899253.png1776474978971.png
torontosun.com

 

[petros]

Dunkin' returning to Canada with hundreds of locations
The first new Dunkin' location in Canada is expected in late 2026/early 2027

Author of the article:Jane Stevenson
Published May 12, 2026 • Last updated 16 hours ago • 1 minute read

Dunkin'
Dunkin', which left Canada in 2018, is returning. Photo by Inspire Brands International
Prepare to get Dunkin’.


Restaurant operator Foodtastic has signed a master franchising agreement with Inspire Brands to open hundreds of Dunkin’ locations across Canada.


The first Dunkin’ location is expected to open in late 2026 or early 2027 and will feature a wide range of hot and iced coffees, espresso beverages, teas, donuts, sandwiches, and snacks.

Dunkin’ last operated in Canada in 2018 — the same year it dropped ‘Donuts’ from its name — when its remaining locations in Quebec were closed after a long decline.

What Foodtastic has to say
“Bringing Dunkin’ back to Canada is a significant growth opportunity for Foodtastic and our franchise partners across the country,” said Peter Mammas, Foodtastic founder and CEO, in a statement.

“This agreement demonstrates the strength of our relationship with Inspire Brands and the confidence we have built together through our work with Jimmy John’s (sandwich chain) in Canada.

“We are committed to growing the Dunkin’ brand thoughtfully to meet the needs of Canadian guests and communities,” Mammas said.


Foodtastic has a portfolio of 27 brands including Second Cup, Freshii, and Pita Pit in 1,200 locations across the country.

Growing international footprint
Dunkin’, founded in 1950, is the largest U.S. coffee and donuts brand with more than 14,200 restaurants in nearly 40 global markets.

“Dunkin’s international footprint continues to thrive, so we are excited to bring this iconic brand to Canada through a strong, like-minded partner,” said Michael Haley, president of International at Inspire Brands.

“Foodtastic has a proven track record of successfully growing leading restaurant brands, already established with their early progress growing Jimmy John’s. We value the shared commitment, operational expertise, and long-term vision they bring to this partnership.”

jstevenson@postmedia.com

Dunkin' returning to Canada with hundreds of locations​

Dunkin’ is returning to Canada after restaurant operator Foodtastic signed a franchising deal to open hundreds of locations. Read more.
torontosun.com

 

[petros]

Mounties nab foxy wiener thief

Cops didn't lay charges against wily red fox who made off with hot dogs meant for barbecue



Author of the article:Brian Towie

Published May 18, 2026 • 1 minute read



RCMP caught this fox red-handed making off with hot dogs.

RCMP caught this fox red-handed making off with hot dogs. Photo by Facebook

RCMP in Alberta tracked down a thief stealing food meant for a barbecue.





The thief in question? A hot-dog-stealing fox.





“On May 11th around the dinner hour, Crowsnest Pass RCMP received a call for service on a theft of bbq goods,” the Mounties said on their Facebook page, posting a photo of a fox caught red-handed, and red-haired, with its mouth full of hot dogs.



“Crowsnest Pass RCMP Officers attended the area to search for a suspect described as red hair, short in stature & wearing a thick coat. Upon searching the area, the suspect was located trying to conceal the evidence. Victims have decided not to lay charges so the perpetrator was free to go. Please see attached photo of the suspect. We hope everyone has a great day!!”



Popular post

By Monday afternoon, the post received more than 34,000 likes, with plenty of comments.



“At the price of hotdogs now , that would almost be considered grand theft!” said one Facebook user.



“The uninvited guest that eats too much and leaves early lol,” posted another.



They’re all at it

With the good weather now here, experts are noting that animals are recovering from winter and preparing to breed and nest. Food sources can be hard to come by, so they’re taking it where they can get it — scavenging campsites, pet food and dishes left outdoors and, of course, food meant for the grill. Red foxes breed early in the year, so the dogs could have ended up feeding the fox’s kits.

Fox-e1779133682542[1].jpg

Red Fox - Hinterland Who's Who

hww.ca

Alberta RCMP catch fox fleeing the scene with stolen BBQ - The Weather Network

Suspect is considered armed (with hot dog wieners).

theweathernetwork.com

Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Alberta | Blairmore AB

Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Alberta, Blairmore. 4,853 likes · 4,985 talking about this. This account is not monitored 24/7. In case of emergency call 911 or call the local detachment. Terms of...

facebook.com

Mounties nab foxy wiener thief

RCMP in Alberta tracked down a hot-dog-stealing fox. Find out more.

torontosun.com