Using a newly developed quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) model, researchers have identified interventions along the U.S. romaine lettuce supply chain that would most effectively reduce E. coli contamination. The QMRA is publicly available for use.
FDA and USDA are issuing a joint Request for Information (RFI) to gather information and data to help establish a federally recognized, uniform definition for ultra-processed foods.
FDA is applauding Consumer Brands Association’s (CBA’s) voluntary commitment to encourage U.S. food producers to remove artificial colorants from foods sold in schools by the start of the 2026–2027 school year. CBA said that, while these ingredients are “safe” and “supported by scientific evidence,” the food industry “recognizes preferences are evolving.”
In May 2025, EPA rolled back Biden-era drinking water limits for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) of concern. A new map visualizing EPA testing data shows that more than 30 million Americans are served by drinking water systems containing one of four PFAS for which the limits have been revoked.
After an updated risk assessment on fluoride exposure in the EU, focusing especially on developmental neurotoxicity in children, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) revised the tolerable upper intake levels (ULs) for fluoride. EFSA concluded there is no major health risk considering the new ULs and current EU drinking water limits for fluoride.
Federal support for state-level foodborne illness surveillance programs, directed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), significantly improves participating states’ detection and reporting of foodborne illness outbreaks, a new study demonstrates.
The Ensuring Safe and Toxic-Free Foods Act of 2025 would set stricter requirements for manufactures to decide a food ingredient is “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS). It also sets an annual quota of GRAS notices for FDA to review, and lays the groundwork for a systematic chemical reassessment process.
Denmark has banned 23 pesticides containing six active ingredients known to break down into trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) that easily contaminates water and has been found in food products.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently completed an assessment of estragole—a naturally occurring genotoxin and carcinogen—in fennel seed preparations, concluding that consumption of fennel seed preparations may be toxic to infants, children, and fetuses. EFSA is seeking public comment.
In response to FDA’s “Deregulatory Plan,” FMI—The Food Industry Association is urging FDA to make revisions to the “burdensome” Food Traceability Final Rule/FSMA 204, which FDA has already delayed by 30 months.
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