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A new Scoping Paper lays the groundwork for expert European Commission advisory bodies to deliver opinions on the scientific and ethical considerations that should underpin potential EU policies on ultra-processed foods (UPFs).

The 11^th Circuit's Upside Foods decision has narrowed the path for federal preemption challenges to state cultivated meat bans, with significant implications for state regulation, interstate commerce, and food industry compliance.

Marking National Food Safety Education Month, we speak to Dr. Mindy Brashears of USDA and Carmen Rottenberg of the Partnership for Food Safety Education Advisory Board about the essential role of consumer education in preventing foodborne illness; USDA's responsibility in supporting safe food handling; and how organizations can help consumers put food safety guidance into practice.

At the same time, poor hygiene ratings among inspected businesses remain low. The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has acknowledged a years-long inspection backlog and inspector workforce shortages, and is currently developing a modernized approach to food business regulation.

Dr. Overton also suggested it may be appropriate to consider federal preemption of state food additive bans, and was questioned about how she would ensure food safety after inheriting an understaffed Human Foods Program and inspector workforce due to the Administration's layoffs.

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has outlined its plans to reduce foodborne illness over the next three years, prioritizing Campylobacter, Listeria monocytogenes, and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, as well as its related research objectives.

EPA is reassessing glyphosate’s human health risks and carcinogenic potential after a federal court vacated its previous determination. An expert source raised concerns stemming from the fact that EPA has already disqualified 78 percent of independent studies identified in its review.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak about gluten-free food safety from the perspectives of a person with celiac disease, a consumer advocate, and a food manufacturer, including gluten-free labeling requirements, food safety controls, gaps in U.S. labeling regulations, and policy discussions around cross-contact, precautionary labeling, thresholds, and "free-from" claims.

State agriculture officials gathered on September 13–16 in Portland, Maine for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture’s (NASDA’s) 2026 Annual Meeting, which brought together state commissioners, directors, and secretaries of agriculture.

The “Future of Food Regulation” program now moves into a detailed design phase. Areas targeted for reform include food business registration, inspections and regulation of large food businesses, enforcement powers and guidance, and Food Hygiene Rating Scheme requirements.