Food Type

CDC Reports More Than 1,200 Seafood Toxin Illnesses Between 2011 and 2023

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Scombroid toxin and ciguatoxin caused the greatest number of illnesses, hospitalizations, and death. Characterizing marine toxin outbreaks can help guide prevention efforts.

Food Safety Five Ep. 33: Studies Raise Safety Questions About Sweeteners, Food Dyes, and UPFs

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 05:30:00 -0400

This episode of Food Safety Five discusses new research linking sorbitol to fatty liver disease, studies suggesting potential health risks associated with both “natural” and artificial color additives, and a major collection of papers examining the health impacts, policy, and marketing practices behind ultra-processed foods (UPFs).

EU Changes Certifications for U.S. Mollusk Imports, Increases Checks for Other High-Risk Foods

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

The EU has implemented increased checks on certain food imports at the border, and has also introduced new certificate requirements for shipments of oysters, clams, mussels, scallops, and other aquaculture products from the U.S. due to veterinary drug use restrictions.

Consumer Reports to USDA: Release Validation Data on Salmonella Tests for Breaded, Stuffed Chicken Products

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:07:16 -0400

As the agency continues to delay enforcement of Salmonella verification testing for not-ready-to-eat, breaded and stuffed chicken products, Consumer Reports is asking for evidence to support USDA-FSIS’ assertion that currently available test methods are not suitable, which contradicts the agency’s previous stance.

Ten Critical Food Safety Risks and Opportunities in Aseptic Manufacturing

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In aseptic systems, product sterilization is only one part of a much larger control strategy. FDA's Acidified and Low-Acid Canned Foods framework outlines the regulatory requirements for producing aseptic products, but a functioning system also depends on effective sanitation, strong control of ingredients and packaging materials, and robust maintenance.

Study Shows Standard Gluten Tests May Miss Some Residues in ‘Gluten-Free’ Beer

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Although the levels of gluten in analyzed samples fell below EU limits, the results from conventional ELISA tests differed from those of a new, more sensitive method. Combining established rapid testing methods with advanced mass spectrometry techniques could potentially improve future detection capabilities.

UK High Court Finds FSA Charged Meat Industry Unlawful Inspection Rates

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400

According to the ruling, the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) included certain costs in its meat controls hourly rate and enforcement rate that were outside the scope of permissible charges under the applicable official controls legislation.

Study Suggests Food Processing, Not Just Nutrient Content, May Affect Health Impacts of UPFs

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Tufts University researchers found that people who ate more ultra-processed foods (UPFs) had worse health outcomes, even after accounting for the overall nutritional quality of the foods.

Eight Sick, One Dead in Three-Year Listeria Outbreak Linked to Soft Cheese

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 17:41:39 -0400

The now-recalled requeson cheese was produced by Maryland-based Clover Hill Dairy. Patients have been identified in New York, Maryland, and Virginia, with the earliest illness occurring in early 2023 and the most recent in May 2026.

After Infant Botulism Outbreak, FDA Shares Root Cause Analysis Findings from ByHeart Formula Plants

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:44:19 -0400

FDA did not identify deficiencies in ByHeart’s production facilities that could explain the outbreak, but a powdered milk ingredient did test positive for C. botulinum. ByHeart is developing an action plan based on data generated from the investigations.

How On-Farm Animal Well-Being Shapes Food Safety Outcomes

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 17:00:00 -0400

This article explores how animal well-being on farms directly impacts food safety outcomes and what veterinarians wish food processors knew (and vice versa) about the risks and safeguards.

QualiTru Launches Training Program for Dairy Processing Workforce Development

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:08:27 -0400

The new Technical Services Educational Training (TSET) Program from QualiTru provides training on food safety, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, sanitation, and workforce development for dairy processing employees at multiple organizational levels.

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.

The Risks of Ready-to-Eat: Five Ways to Protect Today's Prepared Meals

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

Ready-to-eat (RTE) meals and meal kits continue to move from a convenience option to an everyday staple.

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.

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.

Elanco: Spring and Summer Pest Pressure—Smart Insecticide Strategies for Poultry Producers

Thu, 28 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400

In this bonus episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to Dr. Alissa Welsher, Senior Consultant at Elanco Poultry Food Safety, about how preharvest poultry operations can get ahead of increasing insect activity seen in warmer months with robust integrated pest management (IPM) and insecticide solutions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

‘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.

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.

Patent-Pending Fermentation Technology Reduces Sugars in Fruit Juice

Tue, 19 May 2026 17:17:28 -0400

According to Austra Juice, the process lowers sugar and calories by at least 30 percent while maintaining the juice’s flavor profile, allowing beverage companies to label resulting products as “reduced-sugar fruit juice from concentrate.”

EU Confirms Safety of Novel Acrylamide-Reducing Enzyme for Coffee Products

Tue, 19 May 2026 10:06:52 -0400

Acrylerase, developed by Kerry Group, is an amidase food enzyme that hydrolyzes acrylamide, and is the first commercially available food enzyme designed to directly decompose the process contaminant after it has formed.

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.

Report: ‘Ultra-Processed’ Classification Does Not Reliably Indicate Nutritional Value

Tue, 12 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400

However, ultra-processed foods were consistently more affordable and dominated total U.S. grocery sales. The report, commissioned by IFIC, suggests that dietary recommendations and discussions about UPFs must be grounded in real-world consumer behavior, rather than treating these products as easily avoidable, and consider nutritional value.

Scientists Tackle Food Waste with More Accurate ‘Sell By’ Dates Based on Meat Microbial Activity

Fri, 08 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Consumers often throw away meat that is still safe to eat based on the “sell by” date. Auburn University researchers are investigating methods to predict meat spoilage based on microbial activity, which would enable more accurate “sell by” dates.

FAIR Labels Act Would Restrict Language Used on Cell-Based, Plant-Based Meat Products

Thu, 07 May 2026 13:18:58 -0400

The bipartisan bill would prohibit the sale of “mislabeled” alternative protein products, requiring such products to bear “accurate” labels that clearly differentiate them from conventional meat and poultry.

Europeans Exposed to High Doses of Glycerol in Drinks, EFSA Recommends Setting Limits

Wed, 06 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400

EFSA conducted an acute exposure assessment for glycerol in slushies and dealcoholized wine following reports of toddlers and young children experiencing glycerol intoxication due to excessive slushie consumption in a single sitting.