In a new study, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) evaluated the ability of artificial intelligence (AI) to detect foodborne illness outbreaks by analyzing online restaurant reviews. Although several challenges were identified that must be overcome before AI can be used routinely in epidemiological investigations, UKHSA believes the approach shows promise.
New Zealand Food Safety has published an updated Food Safety Good Governance Guide for Directors, to help the boards of food companies create a strong food safety culture and ensure food safety standards are being met.
The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has selected eight companies and other partners to take part in its two-year Cell-Cultivated Products sandbox program, which will inform how the agency regulates cell-cultured foods and will result in the full safety assessment of two products.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has put out an open call for data on the use and presence of food additives and flavorings to inform a pilot monitoring program. The data may help inform dietary exposure estimates for authorization and risk assessment purposes.
Between January 2023 and January 2025, a total of 509 illnesses were caused by the consumption of alfalfa sprouts across ten countries in Europe. The outbreak encompasses eight Salmonella serotypes, and the sprouts were traced back to seeds grown in a single geographical region in Italy.
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.
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.
The European Commission has published its new Vision for Agriculture and Food. Among other objectives, the Vision communicates the Commission’s goal of more strictly enforcing EU production standards for imported agri-food products, especially related to pesticide use and animal welfare.
The EU has adopted a new regulation requiring Member States to conduct whole genome sequencing (WGS) on the isolates of five important pathogens during the investigations of foodborne illness outbreaks, and sets data-sharing parameters.
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