In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to Christian Ararat, a seasoned food safety and quality professional with a global perspective, about a range of topics, including auditing, traceability, certifications, exporting to the U.S., and artificial intelligence (AI). We also hear from Joseph Corby, the recipient of Food Safety Magazine’s 2025 Distinguished Service Award, about his illustrious career and advocacy work.
In an April 25 speech, UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) Chief Executive Katie Pettifer described efforts FSA is taking to improve meat industry regulation, including supporting the adoption of new technologies, negotiating international trade agreements, addressing inspector and veterinarian workforce shortages, evaluating inspection charge discounts, and tackling food crime.
Introduced by Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), the Senate Bill 667, named the Safer Shrimp Imports Act, would require FDA to ensure that food safety inspections for shrimp in importing countries meet standards equivalent to those upheld in the U.S.
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 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 European Commission has updated its list of food imports from certain countries that are subjected to temporarily increased official controls due to contamination risk.
The EU has implemented a new regulation that requires U.S. importers of apiculture products like honey to register with the EU’s Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES). Prior to TRACES registration, businesses must complete an assessment with USDA and an application with FDA.
Effective immediately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revised the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) and released corresponding guidance for industry.
To inform resourcing changes and program improvements, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking public input on its current approach to managing certification for the export of human food products regulated by the agency.
The third video in FDA's "Importing FDA-Regulated Products" series provides an overview of the process for importing seafood, focusing on key regulatory requirements.
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