News

High Proportions of UK Food Businesses Awaiting FSA Hygiene Inspection

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 09:58:05 -0400

At the same time, poor hygiene ratings among inspected businesses remain low. The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has acknowledged a years-long inspection backlog and inspector workforce shortages, and is currently developing a modernized approach to food business regulation.

Testing Finds Widespread Microplastics, Lower Heavy Metals in Baby Foods

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In a survey of 48 packaged baby foods from 11 brands, 96 percent contained heavy metals below Consumer Reports’ level of concern. However, alates were detected in most products tested, and microplastics were found in all analyzed purees.

In Senate Hearing, FDA Commissioner Nominee Says Lack of Resources Will Challenge GRAS Reform

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 11:32:32 -0400

Dr. Overton also suggested it may be appropriate to consider federal preemption of state food additive bans, and was questioned about how she would ensure food safety after inheriting an understaffed Human Foods Program and inspector workforce due to the Administration's layoffs.

Scientists Propose Toxicological Screening Approach for Broader Identification of Hazardous Food Contact Chemicals

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Researchers from the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research and the Food Packaging Forum have proposed a panel of 15 high-throughput in vitro bioassays to screen chemicals for biological activity associated with cancer, brain-related harms, cardiovascular disease, and other disorders.

Scotland Updates Foodborne Illness Reduction Strategy; Challenged by Highest STEC O157 Rate in UK

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:02:52 -0400

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has outlined its plans to reduce foodborne illness over the next three years, prioritizing Campylobacter, Listeria monocytogenes, and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, as well as its related research objectives.

Study Identifies High-Pressure Processing Parameters for Effective Pathogen Reduction in Raw Chicken

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

A review led by researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln found that high-pressure processing (HPP) can reduce foodborne pathogens in raw chicken and described pressures and holding times that significantly influenced microbial inactivation.

EPA Announces Glyphosate Safety Review Efforts, Decision Expected by Early 2027; Experts Question Scientific Rigor

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 14:34:54 -0400

EPA is reassessing glyphosate’s human health risks and carcinogenic potential after a federal court vacated its previous determination. An expert source raised concerns stemming from the fact that EPA has already disqualified 78 percent of independent studies identified in its review.

FAO Outlines Risks of Plastic Pollution to Food Safety, Calls for One Health Policy Approach

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

A new FAO technical brief explains how plastic pollution moves through agrifood systems and creates interconnected risks to food safety and human, animal, plant, and environmental health.

Researchers Examine Microbiological Risks in Sauces and Dressings

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 05:15:00 -0400

Based on a review of foodborne illness outbreaks linked to sauces and other literature, University of Georgia’s Center for Food Safety researchers underscored pathogenic bacteria as the primary public health concern, while also highlighting spoilage microorganisms and the comparatively understudied risk posed by foodborne parasites.

UK FSA Board Decides to Advance Sweeping Food System Regulatory Reforms

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 10:48:42 -0400

The “Future of Food Regulation” program now moves into a detailed design phase. Areas targeted for reform include food business registration, inspections and regulation of large food businesses, enforcement powers and guidance, and Food Hygiene Rating Scheme requirements.

Analysis of EU RASFF Data Finds Aflatoxins, Imported Foods Lead Mycotoxin-Related Notifications

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

A new study characterized mycotoxin-related RASFF food safety notifications by mycotoxin type, product category, country of origin, risk level, and notification type. The researchers also contextualized notification trends dating back to 2012.

USDA-FSIS to Roll Out Listeria Environmental Sampling Program Nationwide at RTE Facilities

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:39:39 -0400

The program, which was explored after the Boar’s Head outbreak of 2024 spurred the agency to reevaluate its inspection and Listeria monitoring protocols, was piloted in FY 2026 and will be expanded to FSIS districts nationwide.

Researchers Identify Molecule in Gut that Inhibits Campylobacter Growth

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:42:04 -0400

Michigan State University researchers found that a gut microbiota-derived metabolite inhibited Campylobacter jejuni growth and colonization, which could guide possible non-antibiotic interventions for campylobacteriosis.

FAO Makes the Case for Strong Science, Clear Risk Communication for Food Safety Decision-Making

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In a new publication, FAO authors argued that robust scientific evidence and clear risk communication are essential to effective food safety decision-making, and highlighted challenges posed by emerging technologies like AI, social media misinformation, and the framing of scientific information.

FDA Releases 2026 Food Code With Updates on Food Defense, Employee Illness, Food Safety Management

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:25:00 -0400

FDA has released the 2026 Food Code, introducing updated model provisions for retail and foodservice establishments on food defense, food safety management systems, employee illness, sanitation, food handling, and other areas.

Review Explores Antimicrobial Surface Technologies to Improve Safety of Reusable Food Packaging

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Researchers examined four different antimicrobial surface technologies and evaluated their potential suitability for reusable food packaging, addressing the challenges of microbial adhesion, biofilm formation, and cross-contamination between reuse cycles.

EPA Withdraws Guidance for States, Utilities on Preventing PFAS from Entering Drinking Water Sources

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 16:58:27 -0400

A memo from EPA leadership to its Regional Water Division directors withdraws guidance that encouraged states and wastewater utilities to use existing Clean Water Act authorities to prevent “forever chemicals” from entering waterways and drinking water systems.

USDA Announces $50M in Funding for State Meat Inspection Programs

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 16:24:17 -0400

The newly announced Stand-Up funding program is the latest in a series of Trump Administration actions, including a Presidential Executive Order and the Ranchers First initiative, to expand regional processing capacity and cut “red tape” at the federal inspection level.

FDA Finds Link Between Strong FSMS and Fewer Foodborne Illness Risk Factors in Retail Delis

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:05:14 -0400

Based on a nationwide study of retail food store delis, FDA identified employee handwashing and proper cold and hot holding temperatures as areas requiring greater control, and identified Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) as the strongest predictor of food safety compliance.

Study Explores qPCR Campylobacter Monitoring in Fecal, Air Samples on Poultry Farms

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

The researchers concluded that integrating multiple sampling matrices and detection methods could improve understanding of Campylobacter occurrence in commercial broiler production and support preharvest surveillance.

EU Proposes More Flexible Storage Conditions for Certain Fresh Meat Before Freezing

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 10:07:19 -0400

The amendments to European food hygiene regulations would provide food business operators with greater flexibility in the storage of fresh meat from domestic ungulates (i.e., cattle, sheep, pigs) before freezing, based on a recent EFSA scientific opinion.

Abbott Nutrition to Pay $385M Settlement for 2022 Infant Formula Shortage, Contamination Incident

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 09:14:12 -0400

The company will pay the U.S. and states for “knowingly manufacturing infant formula purchased with taxpayer dollars [under state Medicaid and WIC programs] in an environment that put the products at unacceptable risk of microbial contamination.”

Study Shows Potential of Thymol for Controlling Salmonella Biofilms on Food-Contact Surfaces

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

USDA and University of Arkansas researchers concluded that the plant-derived antimicrobial compound could possibly offer a natural disinfection solution for controlling S. Infantis biofilms on plastic and stainless steel surfaces in poultry and food processing facilities.

Food Safety Five Ep. 37: Sanitizer Spray Efficacy, ROI of WGS, Emulsifier Health Effects, and More

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 02:30:00 -0400

This episode of Food Safety Five covers new research on the impact of spray application on sanitizer efficacy, ROI of WGS for foodborne pathogen surveillance, effect of common food additives on gut health and implications for safety assessment, and contribution of industrial poultry farming to global Campylobacter spread.

German Officials Publish Guidance on Risk Assessment of Non-Intentionally Added Substances in Food Contact Materials

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 09:59:53 -0400

The resource outlines the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment’s (BfR’s) approach to risk assessment of NIAS in FCMs. It is primarily intended to support dossiers for new substances in Germany.

Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Taylor Farms Lettuce Ends with Nearly 13,000 Illnesses, Two Deaths

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 12:34:14 -0400

CDC has declared the unprecedented Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce over. FDA continues its root cause investigation of the current outbreak as well as investigations into other U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak clusters.

Canada Posts Results of Food Safety Surveillance Across Range of Commodities for Microbial, Chemical Contaminants

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 05:31:00 -0400

In eight sampling and testing assignments spanning several years and various targeted food commodities, the majority of samples tested were deemed to be satisfactory when analyzed for chemical contaminants, hygiene indicators, and pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Study Provides New Understanding of UV-Based PFAS Destruction That Could Inform Better Treatment Technologies

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

University of California, Riverside researchers have identified key chemical reactions that occur when UV light is used to break down PFAS “forever chemicals” in water, which could inform the development and optimization of PFAS treatment technologies, or even more degradable fluorinated compounds.

EFSA Reevaluates Safety of Sweetener Aspartame-Acesulfame, Raises No Concerns

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 12:48:06 -0400

EFSA’s Panel on Food Additives and Flavorings (FAF) found no safety concerns associated with the currently reported uses and use levels of acesulfame K (E 950), aspartame (E 951), and salt of aspartame-acesulfame (E 962).

German Food Safety Officials Say Glycerol Exposure Limits for Beverages Should Also Apply to Solid Foods

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 05:15:32 -0400

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) said the EU health-based guidance value for acute glycerol exposure from beverages can also be applied to solid foods, adding to recent discussions around glycerol intoxication in young children and safe levels of exposure.