FDA

U.S. is Making Little Progress Toward 2030 Foodborne Illness Reduction Goals, Data Shows

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400

FDA, CDC, and USDA-FSIS researchers analyzed foodborne illness surveillance data against targets set under the Healthy People initiative, finding worsening incidence of campylobacteriosis, listeriosis, and STEC infections, with no detectable change in salmonellosis incidence, while acknowledging the potential role of advanced surveillance methods.

FDA Proposes Cadmium Action Levels for Baby Foods, Issues Preventive Controls Guidance for Chemical Hazards

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 15:55:52 -0400

The actions are part of FDA's Closer to Zero initiative, which aims to continually reduce dietary exposure to toxic heavy metals among babies and young children.

Food Safety Five Ep. 38: Regulatory and Research Updates on Cyclospora, Listeria, Microplastics, and More

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 02:30:00 -0400

This episode covers the final findings from the U.S. Cyclospora outbreak, new USDA efforts to address Listeria, the new FDA Food Code, research on high-pressure processing for raw chicken, and emerging food safety concerns associated with plastic pollution.

FDA Finds Evidence of Limited Food Fraud in Imported Lemon Juice

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 16:05:05 -0400

FDA tested 195 samples from 2022–2025. No violations were identified among domestic samples, but 4.5 percent of imported samples showed evidence of economically motivated adulteration.

FDA Quietly Included Provision in GRAS Proposed Rule to Expand One ‘Loophole’ While Tightening Another

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 14:20:23 -0400

The proposal would expand the Threshold of Regulation (TOR) exemption to include food additives and ingredients, which would allow chemicals to enter the U.S. food supply without oversight if they meet TOR criteria. TOR submissions only require minimal data rather than comprehensive safety evidence.

With Cyclospora Lettuce Outbreak Over, Taylor Farms Speaks Up as FDA is Questioned

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:43:57 -0400

Taylor Farms outlined actions it is taking to enhance food safety following the historic cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to its lettuce. The same day, Consumer Reports sent a letter to FDA requesting answers about why its outbreak response was “hindered by notable delays and a lack of transparency.”

To Support Sodium Reduction Goals, FDA Amends SOIs for 139 Foods to Allow Salt Substitutes

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 10:16:02 -0400

A final rule now permits the use of salt substitutes in foods with standards of identity (SOI) that specify salt (sodium chloride) as a required or optional ingredient.

FDA Announces Food Traceability Rule Exemption for Certain Small Businesses, Considers Additional Flexibilities

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:44:38 -0400

Under the draft policy, FDA would not enforce requirements for retailers and restaurants selling less than $1 million worth of food in a three-year period. FDA will also hold a public meeting to discuss potential flexibilities related to Traceability Lot Codes, Key Data Elements, and other issues.

FDA Responded to 26 Foodborne Illness Outbreaks in 2025

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:26:14 -0400

The latest Annual Report from the Office of Coordinated Outbreak Response, Evaluation, and Emergency Preparedness (CORE+EP) summarizes its response to outbreaks and adverse events associated with FDA-regulated human foods, and details notable incidents.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FDA Releases 2026 Food Code With Updates on Food Defense, Employee Illness, Food Safety Management

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:25:00 -0400

FDA has released the 2026 Food Code, introducing updated model provisions for retail and foodservice establishments on food defense, food safety management systems, employee illness, sanitation, food handling, and other areas.

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.

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.

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.

Recommendations from Industry-Led Reagan-Udall Roundtable on Controlling C. botulinum in Infant Formula

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Considering the unprecedented ByHeart and Nara Organics infant botulism outbreak and with a focus on dairy ingredients, participants emphasized the need for prevalence research, more sensitive and standardized testing, data-sharing, validated preventive controls, and coordinated industry action.

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.

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.

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.

Happening in September: FDA, Stop Foodborne Illness Final Food Safety Culture Series 2 Webinar

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 10:13:01 -0400

The event will explore whether organizational investment in food safety culture has made a tangible impact on outcomes. FDA has also posted video recordings of past Food Safety Culture webinars and whitepapers summarizing each webinar.

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.

FDA's Proposed Mandatory GRAS Rule: What Food Safety Professionals Need to Know

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400

FDA recently proposed the most significant changes to its GRAS framework since 1958. For companies managing ingredient compliance, the proposed mandatory filing obligations raise questions about statutory authority, agency capacity, and whether its design matches its stated objectives.

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.

FDA Finalizes Guidance for Assessing Human Health Risks of Antimicrobial Use in Food-Producing Animals

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 10:33:19 -0400

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognized as a crucial threat to global public health. Antimicrobial use in animal agriculture can contribute to the emergence and spread of increasingly drug-resistant foodborne pathogens, impacting human medicine.

Congress Urged to Prevent FDA Traceability Rule Delay, Which Could Have Helped Cyclospora Outbreak Investigation

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400

The appropriations bill for FY 2026 prohibits FDA from using federal funds to implement FSMA 204 before the delayed July 2028 compliance date. Earlier implementation of the Traceability Rule could have enabled faster, more effective response to the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taylor Farms lettuce.