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Initially launched in 2024, the investigation was reopened in April 2025. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis confirmed that the strain of Listeria found at Fresh & Ready Foods LLC matches the strain of Listeria causing illnesses in this outbreak.

The pause comes in the form of a temporary restraining order that Judge Susan Illston says she granted so as to “protect the power of the legislative branch.”

Announcement comes on heels of April 22 press conference regarding the agency’s focus on phasing out petroleum-based synthetic dyes in the nation’s food supply.

The 2023 annual report highlights a few noteworthy outbreaks: illnesses linked to toxins from morel mushrooms, lead linked to cinnamon in applesauce pouches, and Listeria monocytogenes linked to soft serve ice cream cups.

The agency aims to scale use of artificial intelligence (AI) internally across all FDA centers by June 30, 2025.

Agency says the change aims to ensure that foreign companies receive the same level of regulatory oversight and scrutiny as U.S. domestic companies.

CEO Donnie King says the company’s work to eliminate the use of petroleum-based synthetic dyes will be completed by the end of May, much sooner than the timeline provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Collaboration between the two agencies suggests that the suspected source of the outbreak involves products under the jurisdiction of both.

The Food Emergency Response Network Proficiency Testing Program is currently paused but will resume once transferred to another FDA laboratory.

According to the New York Times and CBS News, some fired FDA food safety scientists and terminated FDA food safety labs are being reinstated, as well as several dozen inspectoral support staff, following mass layoffs handed down from the Trump Administration.