News

WHO Releases Data on the Proportion of Microbiological, Chemical Hazards that are Foodborne

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:04:39 -0400

The study was conducted to support the development of new global burden of foodborne disease estimates, which are going to be released on June 4, ahead of World Food Safety Day.

Food Safety Five Ep. 32: From Sanitation to Food Processing, Cold Plasma Does It All

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

This episode of Food Safety Five discusses new research on the use of cold plasma technologies for biofilm inactivation and reducing allergenic risk, deriving more accurate “sell by” dates based on microbial changes on meat, and ultra-processed food nutrition and purchasing realities.

FAO, WHO Launch New Resources Ahead of World Food Safety Day

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:58:40 -0400

Ahead of World Food Safety Day, FAO and WHO have introduced a Food Safety Roadmap Development Tool and an online learning course on Codex-aligned risk assessments, supporting competent authorities and other stakeholders seeking to utilize science and data to improve national food safety systems.

Study Suggests Sweetener May Contribute to Liver Disease

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Researchers found that the sugar alcohol sorbitol can be turned into fructose, leading to fat accumulation in the liver. Gut bacteria may help protect against sorbitol-induced liver damage, but can be overwhelmed by excessive intake.

FDA Opens Third Salmonella–Moringa Outbreak Investigation of the Year

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Fri, 29 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

The agency has also reopened a previously closed Salmonella outbreak investigation linked to powdered moringa supplements, with 22 new reported illnesses in four additional states.

FDA Engages Stakeholders on FSMA 204 Implementation With Questions About Lot-Level Traceability

Fri, 29 May 2026 05:30:00 -0400

The agency has released a discussion paper offering context and questions about the lot-level tracking requirements of the Food Traceability Rule to help shape engagements with industry, including a virtual public meeting in June.

Study is First to Analyze Trends in Foodborne Illness Outbreaks Linked to Non-Dairy Fermented Products

Fri, 29 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Notable pathogen–food commodity pairings emerged, including Clostridium botulinum and Alaskan traditional fermented meats and fish. The analysis was conducted by FDA and CDC researchers.

FDA Modernizes Oversight of Pesticides in Food

Thu, 28 May 2026 13:13:47 -0400

The updated compliance program for pesticide residues includes a new focus on risk-based sampling of foods commonly consumed by young children and reflects procedural changes to the laboratory testing and analysis methods.

Vermont Enacts Food Chemical Laws: Herbicide Paraquat Banned, Baby Food Testing Now Mandatory

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

On May 26, Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed into law two bills related to food chemical safety; specifically, the nation’s first state-level ban on paraquat (H.739) and legislation setting heavy metals testing and disclosure requirements for baby food manufacturers (H.536).

Researchers Investigate Antimicrobial Light, Optimal Sanitation Protocols for Produce Packinghouse Brushes

Thu, 28 May 2026 05:30:00 -0400

Studies funded by the Center for Produce Safety (CPS) are investigating ways to improve produce packinghouse brush sanitation, including the use of antimicrobial light and choosing the best time to replace brushes.

Researchers Recommend UV-C for Norovirus Inactivation, Continuous Surface Disinfection

Thu, 28 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400

A new study demonstrated the efficacy of far-UV-C light at 222 nm for inactivating human norovirus on surfaces. As it is safe for humans, researchers believe UV-C 222 could enable real-time, continuous disinfection in enclosed foodservice settings and food processing environments.

Bipartisan Bill Would Give FDA Authority to Destroy Contaminated Food Imports

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Wed, 27 May 2026 17:19:32 -0400

Highlighting contaminated seafood as a particular concern, the Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act answers FDA’s request for the authority to destroy food imports that do not pass safety inspections at the border, preventing importers from “port shopping” their unsafe products.

FDA Supports Grouping Several Phthalates for Cumulative Risk Assessment

Wed, 27 May 2026 12:19:46 -0400

FDA published a literature review on the eight phthalates currently approved for food contact uses to determine whether they should be considered chemically and/or pharmacologically related for the purpose of cumulative risk assessment.

UK Food Standards Agency Reviews Farm-to-Fork Campylobacter Interventions for Chicken

Wed, 27 May 2026 11:43:12 -0400

Campylobacter is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the UK, most frequently linked to contaminated chicken. The UK Food Standards Agency conducted a scientific assessment to consider possible future actions for reducing foodborne campylobacteriosis.

Researchers Demonstrate Usefulness of Emerging Detection Method for Carcinogenic Food Contaminant

Wed, 27 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are potentially carcinogenic compounds formed during high-heat cooking. An emerging testing method known as QuEChERS—which stands for “Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe”—is designed to overcome the limitations of conventional PAH tests.

Sweden Recommends Caffeine Limits for Adolescents

Tue, 26 May 2026 11:11:35 -0400

Due to the increased consumption of energy drinks and other caffeinated products among young people, the Swedish National Food Agency (Livsmedelsverket) is introducing dietary guidelines for children and adolescents' caffeine consumption.

Australia, New Zealand Consider Modernized Standards for Toddler Milk

Tue, 26 May 2026 10:48:51 -0400

Young child formula, commonly referred to as “toddler milk,” is widely marketed for use in young children’s diets. FSANZ assessments indicate there is a need for greater regulatory clarity to ensure product composition, labeling, and representation consistency.

Africa, Near East Countries Collaborate to Advance Food Safety Competencies

Tue, 26 May 2026 10:16:31 -0400

FAO, WHO, and the Codex Coordinating Committees for Africa and the Near East led a training with more than 350 participants from the Africa, Near East, and Eastern Mediterranean regions, focused on participation in Codex standard-setting work.

Sodium-Rich Foods are Also Important Sources of Key Nutrients, Complicating Reformulation Efforts

Mon, 25 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400

A new study led by the University of Toronto and supported by IAFNS highlights a critical tension in sodium reduction policy, in that many of the foods contributing most to sodium intake also provide essential nutrients.

Senators Question USDA’s Plan to Restructure Research Offices

Fri, 22 May 2026 06:10:00 -0400

A letter signed by Senator Amy Klobuchar and 24 others asks USDA to consider the impacts of its recently announced plans to restructure and relocate its Research, Education, and Economics Mission Area, including ARS and NIFA.

‘Natural’ Food Dyes May Have Health Risks Too, Studies Show

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Fri, 22 May 2026 05:30:00 -0400

A series of first-of-their-kind, large-scale epidemiological studies have suggested associations between food dyes—both “natural” and artificial—and preservatives, and an increased risk of chronic health conditions like cancer, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

FDA Issues Guidance on Protein Quality Testing for Infant Formula

Thu, 21 May 2026 15:59:27 -0400

The guidance was developed to help manufacturers and laboratories in the design, conduct, evaluation, and reporting of Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) studies.

FDA Announces FSMA 204 Compliance Training Through FSPCA

Thu, 21 May 2026 14:30:33 -0400

The Food Traceability Rule training, offered through the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA), provides industry participants with foundational knowledge needed to understand and comply with FSMA 204 requirements.

Canada Reclassifies Sports Drinks as Foods

Thu, 21 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Health Canada has announced the transition of sports electrolyte products from the Natural Health Product (NHP) regulatory framework to the food regulatory framework.

EPA Issues Rules Rolling Back Biden-Era Drinking Water Limits for PFAS

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Wed, 20 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400

With two proposed rules issued on May 18, the Trump EPA followed through on its stated intent to rescind or extend the compliance date for Biden-era drinking water limits for several “forever chemicals” of concern.

Codex Moves to Adopt Standardized Precautionary Allergen Labeling, Kicks UPFs Can Down the Road

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 19 May 2026 12:22:46 -0400

During the 49^th Meeting of the Codex Committee on Food Labeling (CCFL49), guidelines on risk-based precautionary allergen labeling, labeling for multipack foods, and emergency flexible labeling were recommended for adoption. CCFL also declined a proposal to initiate work related to ultra-processed foods.

CDC: Produce, Salmonella Drove Multistate Foodborne Enteric Disease Outbreaks in 2024

Tue, 19 May 2026 05:26:00 -0400

CDC has published a report summarizing the multistate enteric disease outbreaks it solved in 2024, of which 29 were foodborne, resulting in 1,533 illnesses, 519 hospitalizations, and 19 deaths.

FAO Highlights Food Safety Risks of Recycled, Renewable Plastics Used for Food Packaging

Mon, 18 May 2026 10:04:12 -0400

Chemical migration and microplastics shedding from recycled plastic food contact materials pose potential food safety concerns. Biopolymer risks are also not yet fully understood. The Codex Alimentarius Commission is considering developing guidance on recycled materials used in food packaging.

Donald Prater Becomes New Head of FDA Human Foods Program

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Fri, 15 May 2026 13:00:08 -0400

Dr. Prater is taking over the position as the previous Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, Kyle Diamantas, is elevated to the FDA Commissioner role, replacing Dr. Marty Makary.

FDA Researchers Find Substantial Fish Allergen Cross-Contact Risk from Breading Reuse

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Fri, 15 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Breading mixtures may be reused for different foods in foodservice operations. An FDA-supported study found that both shrimp and cod allergens accumulate in reused breading and transfer to subsequent foods, although the cod cross-contact risk was much greater.