Regulatory

WHO Calls for Experts to Join Pesticide Advisory Group

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 05:15:00 -0400

The WHO Advisory Group on Pesticide Specifications supports the evaluation of scientific dossiers to inform the development of WHO specifications for public health pesticides.

FDA Traceability Rule Readiness Exercises Reveal Supply Chain Coordination Matters More than Technology

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:36:36 -0400

A series of tabletop exercises led by FDA and involving food companies across the supply chain revealed industry’s progress and challenges in meeting the requirements of the Food Traceability Rule/FSMA 204.

EU Drafting Legislation to Require Checks for Cereulide Toxin in Infant Formula

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 05:30:00 -0400

Following a high-profile, global recall of infant formulas due to cereulide contamination in early 2026, the European Commission is drafting an act that would introduce additional checks for the toxin in formulas.

Europeans’ Exposure to Dioxins, DL-PCBs in Food Still Too High, EFSA Risk Assessment Finds

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:40:17 -0400

Dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) are environmental contaminants generated as byproducts of industrial processes and waste incineration. EFSA’s risk assessment resulted in a lower tolerable weekly intake, which Europeans generally exceed.

Canadian Monitoring of Baby Foods Finds 100 Percent Compliance with Chemical Contaminant Limits

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 05:15:00 -0400

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has published the most recent findings from its Children’s Food Project and National Chemical Residue Monitoring Program, which test foods for toxic heavy metals, veterinary drugs, pesticides, and other substances.

How Codex Helps Address the World’s Top Five Foodborne Hazards

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:56:35 -0400

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.

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.

New York, California Advance Baby Food, Infant Formula Testing Bills

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

The New York bill is awaiting the Governor’s signature, while the California bill advances from the Assembly to the Senate. The bills would require baby food and infant formula manufacturers to regularly test their products for toxic heavy metals and disclose results.

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.

Free Public IFT Event Will Explore Implications of Current Food Policy Debates

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:10:26 -0400

The virtual, interactive Community Conversation is based on the recent Congressional hearing on various active food safety-related bills. The discussion will take place on June 17.

New Research Reveals Addictive Design, Health Harms of Ultra-Processed Foods; Calls for Systemic Change

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 05:15:00 -0400

A collection of studies and editorials published in the American Journal of Public Health presents one of the most comprehensive examinations to date of ultra-processed food (UPF) as a public health crisis shaped not only by nutrition, but by corporate practices, political influence, and regulation failures.

Prop 65: Are You Worried About Chemical Hazards?

rickstier4@aol.com (Richard F. Stier, M.S.) — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400

A law to protect the public health is a good idea, but it should be based on a risk assessment—i.e., whether exposure to the chemical really elicits an adverse reaction. Perhaps it is time to update or rethink California's Prop 65.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Are You Prepared for Your Next Audit?

rickstier4@aol.com (Richard F. Stier, M.S.) — Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Each food processor, ingredient manufacturer, beverage manufacturer, or food hander should develop, document, implement, and maintain a program that focuses on how to prepare for and deal with an audit.

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.

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.

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.

Live from the 2026 Food Safety Summit—Part 2

Thu, 21 May 2026 02:30:00 -0400

In the second of this two-part episode series recorded live from the show floor of the 2026 Food Safety Summit, we interviewed Summit speakers from the regulatory, nonprofit, and industry spheres about topics discussed during their respective sessions, ingredient and labeling policy, FSMA, food safety culture, and more.

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.

Live from the 2026 Food Safety Summit—Part 1

Tue, 19 May 2026 13:00:00 -0400

In the first of this two-part episode series recorded live from the show floor of the 2026 Food Safety Summit, we interviewed Summit speakers from the regulatory and industry spheres about topics discussed during their respective sessions, including retail/foodservice sanitation and culture, digital HACCP, cross-sector data-sharing, and more.