Food Safety Magazine

News That USDA Cyclospora Research Was Defunded in 2026 Emerges as Nation’s Largest-Ever Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Continues

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 12:59:46 -0400

Congress cut two of three federal Cyclospora research projects as part of FY2026 appropriations, and the third will be disrupted by the Trump Administration’s planned USDA reorganization, according to sources who spoke to POLITICO.

Cattlemen’s Associations Oppose Trump’s Push to Allow On-Farm Meat Processing: ‘Food Safety is NOT Red Tape’

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 10:54:52 -0400

In August 28 social media posts, President Trump and USDA Secretary Rollins alluded to plans to give ranchers and farmers the ability to process their own meats and other efforts to cut “red tape.” Industry groups said these actions would jeopardize food safety and consumer confidence.

Study Suggests Every $1 Spent on U.S. WGS Foodborne Pathogen Surveillance Generates $31 ROI

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 09:35:58 -0400

The researchers analyzed cost and sequencing-volume data from 23 FDA and FDA partner GenomeTrakr laboratories. Findings suggested that WGS-based genomic surveillance is a cost-effective public health investment.

California Passes Bill to Create Certification Seal for Non-Ultra-Processed Foods

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 09:04:03 -0400

Modeled after the “USDA Organic” label, AB 2244 would create a voluntary certification program through which qualifying manufacturers could display a “Non-Ultraprocessed Certified” seal on food packaging. Manufacturers could apply to accredited certification agents for authorization to use the seal.

UK APHA Highlights Outcomes of Seven-Year Project to Bolster Global AMR Laboratory Capacities

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In an effort to address the “silent pandemic” of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a recently concluded UK Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)–FAO project has helped partners across Africa and Asia to improve their AMR detection, analysis, and mitigation capabilities.

474 Cases, Two Deaths in Three UK Salmonella Outbreaks Likely Linked to Imported Eggs

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 10:58:41 -0400

Three Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak clusters potentially associated with imported eggs, one of which is part of a broader EU-wide outbreak, are under investigation. There is no evidence implicating UK-produced eggs. UKHSA emphasized that the overall risk to the public is low.

FDA Explains Recall Classifications to Get Ahead of Cyclospora Outbreak Panic

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 10:14:00 -0400

The Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce recall has been given Class I status. The details of the recall and FDA’s public health advice remain unchanged. Experts explain why recall classifications “should not be a media-worthy event” and how such headlines can cause confusion among consumers.

FDA Details Investigation Into 2026 Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Moringa Powder

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 05:15:00 -0400

FDA’s post-incident Executive Incident Summary of a 2026 Salmonella outbreak linked to MOGO-brand moringa supplements details traceback findings, positive product samples, and food safety deficiencies identified during inspections of firms in the moringa powder supply chain.

Consumer Reports Finds ‘Concerning’ Acrylamide Levels in Popular Snacks Eaten by Kids, But Low Heavy Metals

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Of the 21 popular packaged children’s snacks, 14 contained at least one contaminant at levels Consumer Reports considered concerning. Conversely, testing also showed generally low levels of heavy metals, and seven products had no contaminants above CR’s levels of concern.

Allergens and GMO: What is Happening in Control Programs?

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Allergens are an unavoidable part of food processing, and effective control is key. Testing and control options are changing, with more technologies, test formats, and cleaning options available. How are food processors evaluating and choosing the options they use? This global survey of food processors seeks to find out.

Nara Organics Infant Formula Botulism Outbreak Ends; WGS, Supply Chain Evidence Show Link to ByHeart

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 15:16:06 -0400

The Nara Organics infant botulism outbreak has ended, with four sick in three states. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) findings and a shared powdered milk supplier/processor indicate a common source of contamination with the 2025 outbreak linked to ByHeart infant formula.

Torrey Pines Introduces EchoTherm Shaking, Chilling, Heating Dry Baths for Samples

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 13:05:01 -0400

Both the SC20 and SC25 models incorporate a variable-speed orbital shaker, enabling simultaneous sample mixing and temperature control. The tools can be used for biological and other samples, with a number of applications, including sample storage.

Q&A: EFSA Explains New EU WGS Data-Sharing Requirements for Foodborne Illness Outbreaks

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:44:00 -0400

Regulation (EU) 2025/179, which came into effect on August 23, requires EU Member States to conduct WGS on five key pathogens during foodborne illness outbreak investigations. An interview with EFSA’s Dr. Frank Verdonck unpacks the new rule and previews the upcoming Science Meets Policy conference.

Harvard Law Analysis Warns Food Safety Preemption Bill Could Impact More Than Additives, Create Oversight Gaps

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400

The broad preemption provision in the proposed FDA FRESH Act could dismantle state and local food safety laws without establishing equivalent federal requirements, potentially affecting labeling, contaminant regulations, foodservice/retail, manufacturing, permitting, inspections, and other areas.

Food Hygiene, Antimicrobial Stewardship are Equally Critical to Controlling Foodborne Drug Resistance, FAO Experts Say

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:00:36 -0400

Controlling foodborne antimicrobial resistance requires a One Health approach centered on food hygiene. Although antimicrobial stewardship can slow the emergence and enrichment of resistant bacteria, existing environmental reservoirs mean that resistant bacteria can contaminate food regardless of antimicrobial use.

The Limits of 'Dry' Sanitizers in Low-Moisture Environments

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

This article discusses the limits of "dry" sanitizers in low-moisture environments in terms of performance, cost, employee safety, and the hidden risks of moisture in hard-to-clean niches.

Thermo Fisher Introduces Orbitrap Mass Spectrometers for Molecular-Level Isotope Ratio Analysis

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:34:38 -0400

Together with the Thermo Scientific Vanquish Duo UHPLC System and new Isotope Discoverer Software, the instruments comprise an integrated workflow for molecular-level isotope ratio analysis. Potential applications include food and beverage authenticity by tracing the sources and pathways of contaminants.

Study Calls for Broader Food Additive Safety Assessments After Showing Emulsifiers Affect Gut Barrier

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Researchers observed inflammatory responses, gut barrier damage, and immune effects relevant to allergy development in experiments with two emulsifiers, soy lecithin and DATEM. Study author Dr. Cezmi Akdis said the findings support a more comprehensive framework for evaluating food additive safety.

Ep. 224. Rhodes Yepsen: Balancing Food Safety, Sustainability, and Packaging Policy

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 02:30:00 -0400

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to Rhodes Yepsen, Executive Director of the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI), about developments in California packaging policy and their potential implications for food processors and packaging manufacturers. Rhodes also discusses the role of compostable packaging in food waste reduction and the tradeoffs manufacturers must consider when balancing sustainability goals with food safety, product protection, and shelf-life requirements.

China Investigates Illegal Use of Formaldehyde to Preserve Cabbage

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 16:53:48 -0400

After an online video surfaced showing the illegal use of formaldehyde to preserve cabbage by a wholesaler, Chinese authorities launched an investigation, confirmed the practice, and ordered nationwide inspections of fresh produce.

Happening in September: FDA, Stop Foodborne Illness Final Food Safety Culture Series 2 Webinar

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 10:13:01 -0400

The event will explore whether organizational investment in food safety culture has made a tangible impact on outcomes. FDA has also posted video recordings of past Food Safety Culture webinars and whitepapers summarizing each webinar.

Learnings From a 2025 UK Listeriosis Outbreak Linked to Home-Delivered Cook-Chill Meals

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:38:50 -0400

In an analysis of a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak in which one person died, UKHSA highlighted investigation details, risk assessment and control measures, and the potential risks associated with home-delivered cook-chill meals.

Alfalfa Sprouts Contaminated With Both E. coli, Salmonella Sicken 55 People in 15 States

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:01:44 -0400

Outbreak strains include STEC serotypes O26:H11, O103:H25, and O168:H8 and one strain of Salmonella Agona. Some people were infected with more than one outbreak strain. The implicated products were distributed by Everything Sprouts LLC of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

FDA’s Listeria Prevention Public Meeting: Experts Debate Zero Tolerance, Emphasize Environmental Monitoring and Fundamental Controls

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 12:36:43 -0400

Participants argued that reductions in listeriosis will require implementation of fundamental preventive controls, true “seek and destroy” efforts, and risk-based approaches. Dose-response models suggesting that low contamination may confer low risk were also discussed.

Italian Investigation Reveals Food Safety, Fraud Risks in Global Foods Illegally Imported into EU

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400

The organized illegal sale of foods imported from China was discovered, including animal-based foods represented as plant-based, foods with undeclared allergens, the presence of African swine fever virus, and prohibited species. Researchers examined how prohibited foods may circumvent EU border controls.

eBook | Managing Food Allergens Across the Supply Chain: A Practical Guide to Prevention and Compliance

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 01:00:00 -0400

Staying in compliance with food laws and avoiding food safety incidents requires more than ticking compliance boxes—it demands a strategic investment in people.

From Audit-Ready to Food-Safe: Making Better Decisions Across the Food Supply Chain

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Rather than revisiting why audits and traditional compliance training fall short, this article focuses on what actually improves food safety outcomes: how quality assurance professionals and frontline leaders can build better decision-making capabilities across the food supply chain.

NASDA Names New Senior Director of Public Policy

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:14:26 -0400

Brianna Robinson-Verloop, M.S. will assume her role at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture in September. Having previously served at USDA, her experience in federal food safety, trade, and regulation informs her approach to developing agricultural policy solutions.

Tufts University Innovation Hub for Food and Materials Technologies Opening Fall 2026

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:53:38 -0400

The research and development center is designed to provide shared infrastructure for developing and testing emerging food technologies, biomaterials, and other products. It will offer industry, academics, and nonprofits with access to prototyping, characterization, culinary testing, and early-stage consumer testing resources.

USDA-FSIS Offers Easier Way to Submit Noncompliance Record Appeals as Part of Small Processors Action Plan

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:38:27 -0400

A new web portal allows small and very small establishments regulated by USDA-FSIS to submit appeals outside of the Public Health Information System, supporting efforts to improve service and reduce regulatory burden for small meat and poultry processors.