The first set of results focuses on acrylamide and certain toxic heavy metals. Although the levels of some contaminants in food are decreasing overall, the population's exposure still remains concerningly high.
EPA repealed Biden-era amendments that had tightened emissions regulations under the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule. Critics warn that this decision could lead to greater bioaccumulation of the neurotoxin methylmercury in fish, increasing human dietary exposure.
The first reports from the MAHA-aligned Healthy Florida First initiatives raised concern about toxic heavy metals in infant formula and candy, but toxicologists say a lack of transparency around the methodology and risk assessment makes the findings difficult for experts to interpret and raises questions about the relevance to consumer health.
Florida unveiled the Healthy Florida First initiative, a MAHA-aligned product contaminant testing effort, alongside the initiative's first report focused on the presence of toxic heavy metals in infant formulas. Several products had elevated levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury.
The Reagan-Udall Foundation has published a report that captures key insights from stakeholder discussions on ways to improve U.S. infant formula safety and regulation, which were held to support FDA’s “Operation Stork Speed” efforts.
Illinois recently enacted a law that requires baby food manufacturers to test their products for toxic elements (i.e., lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury). By January 2027, the results must be made publicly available for consumers.
As of July 1, 2025, new EU maximum levels for nickel—a heavy metal known to contaminate food, which can have acute and chronic health effects—went into effect for a range of foods. Additional limits for nickel in cereal will go into effect in July 2026.
This episode of Food Safety Five discusses a recent report showing that FDA has not met its mandated food inspection targets since 2018. Also covered are FDA’s new action levels for lead in foods for babies and children, and the success of Canadian regulations to control Salmonella in raw, frozen and breaded chicken products.
The Swedish Food Agency has published the results of its latest food basket survey, which show a decreasing trend in the levels of dioxin and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure. Dioxins and salt remain the largest health risks.
