News

Ultra-Processed Foods Cause Most High-Risk Food Safety Notifications for Acrylamide in EU

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Acrylamide is a harmful contaminant that forms during thermal processing. An analysis of 17 years of EU RASFF data showed that UPFs accounted for 85 percent of related notifications. Cereals, baked goods, and potato chips were most frequently implicated.

ILSI Europe Develops Framework to Help Food Industry Rank Microbial Risks of Dried Ingredients

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 05:15:00 -0400

The qualitative, risk-based framework is designed to help manufacturers, foodservice operators, suppliers, and buyers evaluate microbiological hazards associated with dried fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, and appropriate pathogen mitigation measures.

Study Proposes Grouping Approach to Prioritize Hazardous Food Contact Chemicals, Prevent Regrettable Substitutions

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

According to the researchers, 1,222 FCCs are already known to be hazardous to human health, and more than 13,000 lack sufficient data to determine safety. Until adequate data become available, they proposed grouping FCCs based on chemical structure to help identify substances that may pose similar hazards.

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’

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — 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.

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.

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

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — 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.

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

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — 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.

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.

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

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — 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.

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.

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Jalapeños Now Includes 431 People in 32 States

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:30:52 -0400

There have been 57 hospitalizations. The peppers were grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors to companies across the U.S., including Chipotle, which used its traceability system to help FDA identify the outbreak source.

200 Sick, One Dead in UK Salmonella Enteritidis Outbreak

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 09:39:56 -0400

A vehicle of illness has not yet been definitively confirmed, but according to UKHSA, epidemiological evidence points to egg consumption as the strongest food signal identified to date.

Trump to Nominate Dr. Heidi Overton for Next FDA Commissioner

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 09:07:17 -0400

As a public health and medical practitioner, Dr. Overton does not have a background in food policy or food safety, but has held roles in both Trump administrations. She will replace Dr. Marty Makary, who parted ways with the agency in May.

FDA Receives Color Additive Petitions for Three ‘Natural’ Food Dyes

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 08:37:31 -0400

Aligning with the agency’s priority of supporting agency in phasing out synthetic colorants from the food supply, the petitions seek expanded or new uses for gardenia (genipin) blue, safflower extract, and acetone-extracted carrot oil.

Study Shows How Spray Application Affects Sanitizer Efficacy Against Listeria on Food-Contact Surfaces

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 11:57:34 -0400

Longer application times, shorter nozzle distances, and spray patterns that deliver sufficient physical force to surfaces may contribute to improved microbial reduction. Sanitizer efficacy experiments could misrepresent real-world sanitation outcomes when shear stress and application time are not considered.

Food Safety Five Ep. 36: Listeria, E. coli, Biofilms, Plastics, and Oil Adulteration

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 02:30:00 -0400

This episode of Food Safety Five discusses new research on avocado oil authenticity in processed foods, the effects of nanoplastics on bacterial biofilms in drinking water systems, factors influencing Listeria monocytogenes persistence on plastic food contact surfaces, and stress-adaptation traits that may help E. coli persist from farm to fork.

FAO, Wageningen Researchers Review Broad Range of AI Food Safety Applications

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:22:47 -0400

Potential uses include pathogen and chemical hazard detection, food fraud identification, outbreak surveillance, risk forecasting, and regulatory decision-making. Barriers to wider adoption remain, such as data quantity, quality, and accessibility; confidentiality; and transparency.