Since the inauguration of President Trump, there has been an avalanche of changes at federal regulatory agencies responsible for U.S. food safety and foodborne illness response (FDA, USDA, and CDC), including mass layoffs, the resignation and new appointments of top officials, a communications freeze, and more.
Penn State Extension will host a two-day webinar in April to help produce growers meet the requirements of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
Texas and West Virginia are the latest states to progress bills that aim to ban artificial food dyes and other additives from foods served at schools or from sale statewide.
USDA has announced the availability of financial investments to combat the ongoing highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 outbreak, including $500 million for farm biosecurity and $100 million for the development of chicken vaccines and other therapeutics.
A survey of Swedish toddlers conducted by the Swedish Food Agency as part of the Riksmaten Young Children dietary study has found high levels of some toxic substances—such as PFAS, BPA, and lead—in the children’s bodies.
The UK Food Standards Agency has proposed changes to the list of high-risk imported food and feed of non-animal origin subjected to increased official controls (described in assimilated Regulation 2019/1793). A public consultation is open until April 9.
A partisan letter signed by 85 members of Congress has been sent to President Trump, expressing concerns about the communications freeze ordered for public health agencies like CDC and FDA, especially in light of the ongoing avian influenza H5N1 outbreak.
According to multiple sources, FDA is looking to reinstate staffers who were fired by the presidential administration last week, including at least ten people who are responsible for reviewing the safety of food ingredients. USDA is also working to rehire terminated employees responsible for avian influenza response.
Citing concerns that the Trump Administration could roll back or weaken Biden-era EPA drinking water standards for PFAS, a bill has been introduced in California that would set state-level limits for harmful “forever chemicals” that are at least as protective as current federal standards.
The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has proposed changes to the Food Law Code of Practice and accompanying guidance. A public consultation is open until May 19, 2025.
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