FDA

FDA’s Human Foods Program Publishes Priority Scientific Needs to Advance Food Safety

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:57:11 -0400

The list of data, method, and research needs spans microbiological and chemical safety, nutrition, risk assessment, and other areas. It is intended to guide researchers who are interested in pursuing impactful food safety research.

Latest FDA Post-Investigation Summary for Mango Salmonella Outbreak Redacts Key Details

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 08:30:50 -0400

Redacted details include the importer of the implicated mangoes, the country in which the mangoes were grown, and the number and names of states in which outbreak cases were reported.

Drug-Resistant Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Moringa Supplements Ends, Root Cause Remains Unknown

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:09:57 -0400

Although FDA was unable to find a cause of contamination, a single supplier of the contaminated moringa powder was identified. Affected products, which were sold under the Rosabella brand and distributed by Ambrosia Brands LLC, have been recalled.

FDA Issues RFI on Changing Market Name for Certain Rockfish to ‘Snapper’

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:18:40 -0400

Industry members have requested the market name for specific Sebastes (rockfish) species be changed to “snapper” in the Seafood List. FDA has identified critical areas that must be considered before this change is made, including classification, food safety and hazard identification, and labeling and allergen concerns.

NEHA–FDA Retail Program Standards Symposium to Take Place in April

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:58:58 -0400

The free, virtual event for state, local, tribal, and territorial jurisdictions will deliver practical insights on advancing retail food safety in compliance with FDA’s Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards.

IFSAC Publishes Latest U.S. Foodborne Illness Source Attribution Estimates

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:11:07 -0400

The Interagency Food Safety Analytics Collaboration (IFSAC) is a joint effort between CDC, FDA, and USDA-FSIS. The latest report covers the year 2023 and focuses on the food vehicles of illnesses from Salmonella, E. coli O157, and Listeria monocytogenes.

Patient Count in Raw Farm E. coli Outbreak Grows, Majority are Young Children

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:42:55 -0400

Nearly all of the ill people interviewed reported consuming Raw Farm-brand raw dairy products. Testing and an onsite inspection of Raw Farm’s operation in California is ongoing. Raw Farm LLC has yet to issue a recall.

FDA Delays Approvals for ‘Natural’ Food Dyes Due to Stakeholder Objections

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0400

The delays give the agency time to respond to comments made on the final orders approving beetroot red and spirulina extract for use as color additives in human foods. However, FDA stands by its determinations that the colorants are safe for their intended uses.

Amid E. coli Outbreak, Congress Urges FDA to Mandate Raw Cheese Recall

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:27:00 -0400

“If mandatory authority needs to be strengthened, the Food Safety Caucus stands ready to tackle this issue at FDA’s request,” wrote Congress members in a statement about the ongoing E. coli outbreak involving Raw Farm raw cheese products. Raw Farm has so far refused to recall.

FDA Withdraws COVID-Era Temporary Guidances for Onsite Visits Under FSMA

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:51:25 -0400

As COVID-19 no longer significantly impacts travel, FDA believes the temporary guidances are no longer relevant. The withdrawals will be effective on June 16, 2026.

FDA Highlights Successful Mexico-U.S. Effort to Eliminate Salmonella Outbreaks from Papayas

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400

No U.S. Salmonella outbreaks linked to Mexican papayas have been identified since 2020 thanks to collaborative efforts between regulators and industry in both countries. The case study could serve as a framework for improving food safety in other commodities and global supply chains.

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Moringa Supplements Ends with 97 Sickened in 32 States

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0400

The products have been recalled, but have a long shelf life. FDA previously reported working with the manufacturers to determine the root cause of contamination, but has not shared an update at the time of the investigation’s close.

FDA Releases Report Summarizing Foodborne Illness Outbreak Investigations in 2024

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 14:51:51 -0400

The agency’s Office of Coordinated Outbreak Response, Evaluation, and Emergency Preparedness (CORE+EP) evaluated 72 incidents, initiated 26 response investigations, and issued ten public health advisories in 2024.

Multistate E. coli Outbreak Likely Caused by Raw Cheese, but Manufacturer Refuses to Recall

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:25:00 -0400

A total of seven patients—four of whom are three years of age or younger—have been sickened in three states. Epidemiologic evidence indicates that RAW FARM-brand unpasteurized cheddar cheese products are the likely vehicle of illness, but product testing is ongoing.

New FDA Risk Assessment Informs FSMA Requirements for Raw Manure Use on Produce

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 13:08:47 -0400

Providing evidence for potential Produce Safety Rule standards, the assessment examined how pathogens survive in untreated biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAO) and contaminate produce. FDA found that longer time between BSAAO application and harvest significantly reduces crop contamination.

Congressional Bill Would Direct FDA to Enforce Stronger Infant Formula Safety Oversight

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 10:05:38 -0400

The Infant Formula Safety Modernization Act includes provisions about expanded pathogen testing requirements and compulsory environmental monitoring for infant formula manufacturers, among other mandates.

FDA to Replace Human Foods Complaint System with New Dashboard for All Regulated Products

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 14:05:39 -0400

By the end of May, complaint systems for all FDA-regulated products, including human and animal foods, will be replaced by the new, streamlined Adverse Event Monitoring System (AEMS).

FDA Redacts All Key Details in Summary of Fatal Listeriosis Outbreak Linked to Produce

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 11:08:19 -0500

Despite having Listeria-positive samples that matched the outbreak strain via whole genome sequencing (WGS), which prompted an FDA Import Alert and a company recall for the suspected vehicle of illness, FDA did not disclose the specific product or any of the firms implicated.

FDA Releases Initial Findings from Foodborne Pathogen Study in California Growing Region

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 16:01:39 -0500

The California Longitudinal Study, a five-year environmental study of California’s Central Coast produce-growing region, identified wildlife, livestock, and surface water as potential contributors to the persistence and movement of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC).

RFK Jr. Says Federal Ultra-Processed Foods Definition is Coming in April

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 09:59:13 -0500

In his remarks on a recent Joe Rogan Experience podcast episode, Secretary Kennedy also suggested FDA is considering a new approach to front-of-pack nutrition labeling.

FDA to Hold Public Meeting on Scope of Dietary Supplement Ingredients

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:45:23 -0500

The March 27 hybrid event will discuss new methodologies to produce existing dietary ingredients and specific ingredient types, including proteins, enzymes, and microbials, within the scope of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994.

Investigation Identifies More than 100 GRAS Ingredients Used in Foods Without FDA Notification

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 11:39:36 -0500

Of the 111 “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) additives identified by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), 49 are known to be widely used by food manufacturers.

Testing for Contaminants in Infant Formula Shows There are Many Safe Options

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:59:14 -0500

However, concerning levels of arsenic and lead were detected in some products, and Consumer Reports is therefore urging FDA to set limits for these metals in infant formula. PFAS were also found in more than a quarter of products.

Gearing Up for an FDA Inspection

rickstier4@aol.com (Richard F. Stier, M.S.) — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0500

Every food processor, food handler, or other food operator under FDA jurisdiction should have a program in place to deal with an FDA inspection. This column explains what this program should include and how to work with FDA investigators during an inspection.

ByHeart Infant Formula Botulism Outbreak Ends with Extensive WGS Evidence, but Root Cause Remains Unidentified

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 11:53:43 -0500

FDA has declared the outbreak over with 48 confirmed and probable cases of illness. A root-cause investigation is still ongoing. FDA has also announced new “Operation Stork Speed” infant formula resources for families.

FDA Releases Produce Regulatory Program Standards

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:01:13 -0500

The standards provide a consistent framework for state, local, tribal, and territorial jurisdictions overseeing produce operations and commodities covered by the Produce Safety Rule.

FDA Announces FSMA 204 Stakeholder Engagement Initiative, Releases Guidance

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 10:49:42 -0500

The agency has also finalized the exemption for IMS-listed Grade A cottage cheese from the requirements of the Food Traceability Rule.

RFK Jr. Elevates Top FDA Human Foods Official to HHS Management Team

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:36:22 -0500

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced several appointments to his immediate management team at HHS, including FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Kyle Diamantas, reportedly to help advance food-related MAHA agenda items.

RFK Jr. Highlights FDA’s Focus on GRAS Rule, But Makes No Promises

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 10:49:00 -0500

In a recent 60 Minutes interview, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said FDA will address the “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) “loophole,” which allows ingredients into the food supply without FDA review, while saying he does not plan to regulate ultra-processed foods.

Registration Now Open for 2026 AFDO Annual Education Conference

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:50:56 -0500

Taking place June 5–9 in Columbus, Ohio, the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) 130^th Annual Education Conference offers sessions focused on manufactured food safety, retail food safety, and produce safety.