International food safety covers strategies, regulations, initiatives, and challenges to food safety and quality on global, regional, national, and other scales. https://www.food-safety.com/rss/304-international en-us JEMRA convened in June to review the latest scientific evidence on microbiological hazards that have recently been associated with public health events due to the contamination of powdered infant formula or its ingredients. JEMRA convened in June to review the latest scientific evidence on microbiological hazards that have recently been associated with public health events due to the contamination of powdered infant formula or its ingredients.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11634 Fri, 17 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11634-fao-who-experts-recommend-updating-codex-powdered-infant-formula-guidance-to-consider-clostridia-b-cereus The 102nd meeting of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) took place in June 2026 in Nanjing, China. Key outcomes included the establishment of new, temporary acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) for two substances. The 102^nd meeting of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) took place in June 2026 in Nanjing, China. Key outcomes included the establishment of new, temporary acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) for two substances.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11609 Fri, 10 Jul 2026 05:15:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11609-jecfa-evaluates-safety-of-certain-food-additives-monk-fruit-presents-potential-concern The plan establishes the Codex Alimentarius Commission’s priorities for the next six years to strengthen the development of international food safety and quality standards while considering evolving and emerging global challenges. The plan establishes the Codex Alimentarius Commission’s priorities for the next six years to strengthen the development of international food safety and quality standards while considering evolving and emerging global challenges.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11603 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:07:11 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11603-codex-publishes-strategic-plan-for-20262031 hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) Other standards adopted during the 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49), taking place July 6–10 in Geneva, Switzerland, relate to controlling Salmonella and Campylobacter in chicken and Listeria monocytogenes in RTE foods, revisions to food additive use levels, and more. Other standards adopted during the 49^th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49), taking place July 6–10 in Geneva, Switzerland, relate to controlling Salmonella and Campylobacter in chicken and Listeria monocytogenes in RTE foods, revisions to food additive use levels, and more.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11587 Tue, 07 Jul 2026 10:06:24 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11587-codex-adopts-internationally-harmonized-precautionary-allergen-labeling-at-cac49 New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) supported 57 consumer-level food recalls in 2025, a 35.2 percent decrease from the 88 recalls initiated in 2024. New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) supported 57 consumer-level food recalls in 2025, a 35.2 percent decrease from the 88 recalls initiated in 2024. 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11578 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11578-allergens-remained-leading-cause-of-new-zealand-food-recalls-in-2025 The Danish Annual Report on Zoonoses summarizes trends in foodborne disease, zoonotic pathogens, and surveillance activities across humans, animals, food, and the environment. The Danish Annual Report on Zoonoses summarizes trends in foodborne disease, zoonotic pathogens, and surveillance activities across humans, animals, food, and the environment.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11579 Fri, 03 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11579-foodborne-campylobacter-listeria-infections-rose-in-denmark-in-2025 hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) recommendations were informed by lessons learned from the Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi incidents, which demonstrated that radioactive contamination of food can have long-lasting public health and economic consequences. The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) recommendations were informed by lessons learned from the Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi incidents, which demonstrated that radioactive contamination of food can have long-lasting public health and economic consequences.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11576 Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11576-experts-offer-global-food-systems-preparedness-framework-for-nuclear-radiological-accidents The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has published its first national risk ranking of microbiological foodborne hazards, which is intended to support risk-based food safety management by helping prioritize prevention, surveillance, and control efforts. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has published its first national risk ranking of microbiological foodborne hazards, which is intended to support risk-based food safety management by helping prioritize prevention, surveillance, and control efforts.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11580 Thu, 02 Jul 2026 05:45:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11580-campylobacter-is-irelands-highest-burden-foodborne-pathogen Although the overall global burden has decreased, persistent and increasing burdens from specific foodborne parasites and in certain regions warrant continued public health attention. Although the overall global burden has decreased, persistent and increasing burdens from specific foodborne parasites and in certain regions warrant continued public health attention.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11568 Thu, 02 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11568-who-estimates-foodborne-parasites-caused-171-million-illnesses-over-20-years-globally At least 106 people have been infected by the outbreak strain in 13 European countries. Young people are disproportionately affected. Some sickened children reported eating the noodles and seasoning dry, without adding boiling water as instructed on the package. At least 106 people have been infected by the outbreak strain in 13 European countries. Young people are disproportionately affected. Some sickened children reported eating the noodles and seasoning dry, without adding boiling water as instructed on the package.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11575 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 10:36:46 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11575-salmonella-contaminated-instant-noodles-sicken-dozens-of-children-across-europe The Alert and Cooperation Network (ACN), which enables EU Member States to exchange information and coordinate responses to food safety incidents, processed a record 10,490 notifications. Notable incidents included a Listeria outbreak linked to French cheese, Salmonella in Italian tomatoes, and cereulide in infant formula. The Alert and Cooperation Network (ACN), which enables EU Member States to exchange information and coordinate responses to food safety incidents, processed a record 10,490 notifications. Notable incidents included a Listeria outbreak linked to French cheese, Salmonella in Italian tomatoes, and cereulide in infant formula.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11563 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 10:38:50 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11563-eu-report-on-food-safety-alerts-highlights-top-hazards-major-incidents-in-2025 Traceability investigations identified a common seed supplier, with implicated alfalfa seeds imported from India and distributed throughout Europe. Available evidence suggested the seeds were likely contaminated before entering the EU. Traceability investigations identified a common seed supplier, with implicated alfalfa seeds imported from India and distributed throughout Europe. Available evidence suggested the seeds were likely contaminated before entering the EU.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11554 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 08:12:55 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11554-salmonella-tainted-alfalfa-sprouts-sicken-109-people-in-11-european-countries-one-death-reported Only six deaths were reported in 2024. The majority (nine) of the 12 fatalities in 2025 were included in one E. coli outbreak linked to ground beef served at long-term care facilities nationwide. Only six deaths were reported in 2024. The majority (nine) of the 12 fatalities in 2025 were included in one E. coli outbreak linked to ground beef served at long-term care facilities nationwide.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11544 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11544-foodborne-illness-deaths-in-belgium-doubled-in-2025 Based on the findings, researchers recommended targeted food safety messaging for older adults that raises awareness of age-related susceptibility to foodborne illness and the potential severity of infection, and acknowledges the effects of health, financial, and environmental realities on food safety practices. Based on the findings, researchers recommended targeted food safety messaging for older adults that raises awareness of age-related susceptibility to foodborne illness and the potential severity of infection, and acknowledges the effects of health, financial, and environmental realities on food safety practices.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11537 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:28:13 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11537-food-standards-scotland-study-identifies-factors-driving-foodborne-illness-risk-among-older-adults Thailand achieved remarkable success of THAIFEX–ANUGA ASIA 2026, held from May 26–30 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok. Thailand achieved remarkable success of THAIFEX–ANUGA ASIA 2026, held from May 26–30 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11539 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11539-thaifexanuga-asia-2026-records-continued-growth-with-over-158-000-visitors-and-thb-136-billion-in-trade-value Four European research and innovation projects—SecureFood, EFF-CoP, ACT4FOOD, and DEFENSEFOOD—will host a joint webinar on July 3, titled, "Advancing Food System Security: From Early Signals to Systemic Resilience.” Four European research and innovation projects—SecureFood, EFF-CoP, ACT4FOOD, and DEFENSEFOOD—will host a joint webinar on July 3, titled, "Advancing Food System Security: From Early Signals to Systemic Resilience.”

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11525 Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:07:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11525-eu-webinar-to-explore-food-system-security-resilience-threat-anticipation The accreditation from COFRAC, France’s sole national accreditation body, covers inspections to assess food safety and quality practices at food retail establishments. The accreditation from COFRAC, France’s sole national accreditation body, covers inspections to assess food safety and quality practices at food retail establishments.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11521 Tue, 16 Jun 2026 09:16:17 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11521-foodchain-id-now-accredited-to-conduct-inspection-services-in-france hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) Following the adoption of EU regulations in 2021 that set food safety culture requirements for food business operators, a European Commission survey conducted in 2025 showed that countries’ progress and approach toward culture official controls are varied, with significant difficulties reported. Following the adoption of EU regulations in 2021 that set food safety culture requirements for food business operators, a European Commission survey conducted in 2025 showed that countries’ progress and approach toward culture official controls are varied, with significant difficulties reported.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11512 Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:25:40 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11512-eu-member-states-report-challenges-in-implementing-food-safety-culture-official-controls The WHO Advisory Group on Pesticide Specifications supports the evaluation of scientific dossiers to inform the development of WHO specifications for public health pesticides. The WHO Advisory Group on Pesticide Specifications supports the evaluation of scientific dossiers to inform the development of WHO specifications for public health pesticides.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11509 Fri, 12 Jun 2026 05:15:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11509-who-calls-for-experts-to-join-pesticide-advisory-group Following the release of WHO’s new foodborne disease burden estimates and relating to the 2026 World Food Safety Day theme, “From Burden to Solutions—Safe Food Everywhere,” FAO and WHO are highlighting how Codex Alimentarius standards and related work help prevent foodborne disease. Following the release of WHO’s new foodborne disease burden estimates and relating to the 2026 World Food Safety Day theme, “From Burden to Solutions—Safe Food Everywhere,” FAO and WHO are highlighting how Codex Alimentarius standards and related work help prevent foodborne disease.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11503 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:56:35 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11503-how-codex-helps-address-the-worlds-top-five-foodborne-hazards The knowledge paper, titled, “The Future of Food Safety,” was developed in partnership with a top FAO food safety official and written by a former Codex Chair. The knowledge paper, titled, “The Future of Food Safety,” was developed in partnership with a top FAO food safety official and written by a former Codex Chair.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11498 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 13:53:38 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11498-ssafe-advocates-for-future-proofing-food-system-through-holistic-risk-based-food-safety-approach hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) Recognizing World Food Safety Day (WFSD) 2026 and the new estimates on the global burden of foodborne disease, WHO’s Elaine Borghi, Ph.D. discusses the development of the estimates and how they can be used to drive effective interventions that meaningfully improve food safety and public health. Recognizing World Food Safety Day (WFSD) 2026 and the new estimates on the global burden of foodborne disease, WHO’s Elaine Borghi, Ph.D. discusses the development of the estimates and how they can be used to drive effective interventions that meaningfully improve food safety and public health.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11490 Sun, 07 Jun 2026 02:45:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11490-wfsd-2026-exclusive-who-interview-on-new-global-foodborne-disease-estimates In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to WHO’s Dr. Elaine Borghi about the new global foodborne disease burden estimates, updates to the methodology, key insights from the data, and the importance of using data to target food safety interventions, aligning with the WFSD theme “From Burden to Solutions—Safe Food Everywhere.” In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to WHO’s Dr. Elaine Borghi about the new global foodborne disease burden estimates, updates to the methodology, key insights from the data, and the importance of using data to target food safety interventions, aligning with the WFSD theme “From Burden to Solutions—Safe Food Everywhere.”

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11481 Sun, 07 Jun 2026 02:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11481-ep-219-world-food-safety-day-2026 hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its anticipated updated global burden of foodborne disease estimates, which suggest that 42 microbiological and chemical hazards caused approximately 866 million illnesses and 1.52 million deaths in 2021. The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its anticipated updated global burden of foodborne disease estimates, which suggest that 42 microbiological and chemical hazards caused approximately 866 million illnesses and 1.52 million deaths in 2021.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11489 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:29:14 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11489-global-foodborne-disease-burden-comparable-to-malaria-per-updated-who-estimates 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11480 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:04:39 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11480-who-releases-data-on-the-proportion-of-microbiological-chemical-hazards-that-are-foodborne Organized by UNIDO, the Asia Food Safety Forum will take place June 11–12, 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, fostering dialogue, promoting innovation, and strengthening regional cooperation to support safer, more sustainable, and more competitive food systems across the region. Organized by UNIDO, the Asia Food Safety Forum will take place June 11–12, 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, fostering dialogue, promoting innovation, and strengthening regional cooperation to support safer, more sustainable, and more competitive food systems across the region.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11476 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11476-asia-food-safety-forum-2026-digitalization-innovation-and-circularity-in-food-safety 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11475 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:58:40 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11475-fao-who-launch-new-resources-ahead-of-world-food-safety-day 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11455 Tue, 26 May 2026 10:16:31 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11455-africa-near-east-countries-collaborate-to-advance-food-safety-competencies hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) During the 49th 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11435 Tue, 19 May 2026 12:22:46 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11435-codex-moves-to-adopt-standardized-precautionary-allergen-labeling-kicks-upfs-can-down-the-road Strengthening food system resilience requires not only technological innovation, but also an improved societal understanding of food system dynamics and risks. Strengthening food system resilience requires not only technological innovation, but also an improved societal understanding of food system dynamics and risks.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11399 Tue, 05 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11399-securefood-school-transforming-food-system-risk-science-into-real-world-education