Regulatory

After 2025 ‘Radioactive Shrimp’ Incident, FDA Reports Indonesian Import Certification Program Now Up to Par

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:05:03 -0400

FDA found Indonesia’s Cs-137 import certification program for shrimp and spices, launched because cesium-contaminated shipments of shrimp and spices were detected in the U.S., “substantially meets requirements” after the certifying entities corrected deficiencies identified through an in-country assessment.

FDA Closes Taylor Farms Lettuce Investigation, Announces Action Plan to Prevent Future Cyclospora Outbreaks

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:56:13 -0400

Positive environmental samples were found on a farm and at a Taylor Farms of Mexico processing facility, which supplied the implicated lettuce distributed by Taylor Fresh Foods. The root cause of contamination was not found, however. FDA also announced ten actions to prevent future cyclosporiasis outbreaks.

UK Publishes Guidance for Cell-Based Food Producers on Regulatory Authorization, Growth Media Safety

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 09:04:56 -0400

Published by the UK Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland, this is the third package of guidance for businesses developing cell-cultivated food products, produced by the ongoing Cell-Cultivated Products Sandbox Program.

Countries Across the Americas Adopt Five-Year Food Safety Strategy to Reduce Foodborne Disease

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Adopted by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the strategy sets goals to increase the number of countries in the region conducting foodborne illness surveillance, making food safety decisions informed by risk assessments, and participating in regional cooperation and coordination.

California Enacts Law to Track Use of PFAS Pesticides

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 13:07:45 -0400

AB 1603 requires the California Department of Pesticide Regulation to indicate when pesticides contain PFAS ingredients in its online database and include use trends in annual reports.

Sweden Conducted More Food Inspections in 2025, but Inconsistencies Remain

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 02:30:00 -0400

The Swedish Food Agency published its annual report on food controls for 2025, which noted an increase in the number of food inspections from the previous year, but also noted areas for improvement.

FDA Reports High Levels of Compliance with Pesticide Limits in Food for FY 2024

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 11:09:28 -0400

FDA published its annual Pesticide Residue Monitoring Program Report for Fiscal Year 2024, finding that pesticide chemical residues measured in the U.S. food supply were generally in compliance with EPA tolerances.

EFSA Announces 2027 Conference

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 10:00:03 -0400

The Safe Food, One Future Conference, taking place in Parma, Italy in the fall, will mark the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA’s) 25^th anniversary and the launch of its new Strategy 2034.

EFSA Outlines Scientific Needs for Regulatory Preparedness, Risk Assessment

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 09:57:35 -0400

A new paper outlines the scientific capabilities and investments that will be necessary to keep pace with food system innovation, emerging risks, and changing EU policy while supporting risk assessment. The paper will inform EFSA's forthcoming Strategy 2034.

EU to Deliver Opinions on Scientific, Ethical Considerations for UPFs Policymaking by Early 2027

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 09:26:31 -0400

A new Scoping Paper lays the groundwork for expert European Commission advisory bodies to deliver opinions on the scientific and ethical considerations that should underpin potential EU policies on ultra-processed foods (UPFs).

After Upside Foods: Implications for State Cultivated Meat Bans, Federal Preemption, and Industry Compliance

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 10:00:00 -0400

The 11^th Circuit's Upside Foods decision has narrowed the path for federal preemption challenges to state cultivated meat bans, with significant implications for state regulation, interstate commerce, and food industry compliance.

Brashears and Rottenberg: Consumer Education as a Food Safety Essential

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 02:30:00 -0400

Marking National Food Safety Education Month, we speak to Dr. Mindy Brashears of USDA and Carmen Rottenberg of the Partnership for Food Safety Education Advisory Board about the essential role of consumer education in preventing foodborne illness; USDA's responsibility in supporting safe food handling; and how organizations can help consumers put food safety guidance into practice.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ep. 226: Jules Shepard: From Celiac Disease Advocacy to Gluten-Free Food Manufacturing

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 02:30:00 -0400

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak about gluten-free food safety from the perspectives of a person with celiac disease, a consumer advocate, and a food manufacturer, including gluten-free labeling requirements, food safety controls, gaps in U.S. labeling regulations, and policy discussions around cross-contact, precautionary labeling, thresholds, and "free-from" claims.

Secretary Rollins Discusses USDA Work to Expand State Meat Inspection at NASDA 2026 Annual Meeting

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 11:24:21 -0400

State agriculture officials gathered on September 13–16 in Portland, Maine for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture’s (NASDA’s) 2026 Annual Meeting, which brought together state commissioners, directors, and secretaries of agriculture.

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.

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.

Lessons Learned from Outbreaks: Publications and Reports from FDA's CORE+EP in FY 2025

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

FDA’s CORE+EP team conducts outbreak surveillance, investigation, mitigation, and post-response initiatives for products regulated by the Human Foods Program, including the analysis of outbreak data for food safety decision-making and sharing outbreak findings with food safety stakeholders.

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.

NASDA Names 2026–2027 President

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:29:51 -0400

Derek Sandison, Director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture Director, was elected to be NASDA’s 2026–2027 President.

Penn State Extension to Hold FSMA Training Series for Pennsylvania Growers in 2027

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:25:48 -0400

Penn State Extension will offer a series of in-person and virtual training sessions for Pennsylvania fruit and vegetable growers on the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR), Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and the co-management of natural resources and food safety.

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.

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.

Building a HACCP Program: More Than the Seven Principles

rickstier4@aol.com (Richard F. Stier, M.S.) — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Developing an effective HACCP program requires more than following the seven principles. Management commitment, document control, prerequisite programs, training, and other foundational elements are essential to building and maintaining a robust HACCP system.

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.”

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.