The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating about 80 percent of the U.S. food supply, encompassing all foods and food ingredients introduced into or offered for sale in interstate commerce, except for meat, poultry, certain processed egg products, and catfish, which are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). https://www.food-safety.com/rss/354-fda en-us 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11896 Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:26:14 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11896-fda-responded-to-26-foodborne-illness-outbreaks-in-2025 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 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11891 Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:05:03 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11891-after-2025-radioactive-shrimp-incident-fda-reports-indonesian-import-certification-program-now-up-to-par 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11889 Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:56:13 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11889-fda-closes-taylor-farms-lettuce-investigation-announces-action-plan-to-prevent-future-cyclospora-outbreaks 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11878 Wed, 30 Sep 2026 11:09:28 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11878-fda-reports-high-levels-of-compliance-with-pesticide-limits-in-food-for-fy-2024 hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11868 Fri, 25 Sep 2026 11:32:32 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11868-in-senate-hearing-fda-commissioner-nominee-says-lack-of-resources-will-challenge-gras-reform 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11812 Tue, 22 Sep 2026 02:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11812-ep-226-jules-shepard-from-celiac-disease-advocacy-to-gluten-free-food-manufacturing 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11843 Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:25:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11843-fda-releases-2026-food-code-with-updates-on-food-defense-employee-illness-food-safety-management 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’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. 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11831 Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11831-lessons-learned-from-outbreaks-publications-and-reports-from-fdas-coreep-in-fy-2025 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11835 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:05:14 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11835-fda-finds-link-between-strong-fsms-and-fewer-foodborne-illness-risk-factors-in-retail-delis hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11818 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 12:34:14 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11818-cyclospora-outbreak-linked-to-taylor-farms-lettuce-ends-with-nearly-13-000-illnesses-two-deaths 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11801 Tue, 08 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11801-recommendations-from-industry-led-reagan-udall-roundtable-on-controlling-c-botulinum-in-infant-formula 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11776 Mon, 31 Aug 2026 09:35:58 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11776-study-suggests-every-1-spent-on-us-wgs-foodborne-pathogen-surveillance-generates-31-roi 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11773 Fri, 28 Aug 2026 10:14:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11773-fda-explains-recall-classifications-to-get-ahead-of-cyclospora-outbreak-panic 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11764 Thu, 27 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11764-harvard-law-analysis-warns-food-safety-preemption-bill-could-impact-more-than-additives-create-oversight-gaps 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11757 Mon, 24 Aug 2026 10:13:01 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11757-happening-in-september-fda-stop-foodborne-illness-final-food-safety-culture-series-2-webinar 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11755 Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:01:44 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11755-alfalfa-sprouts-contaminated-with-both-e-coli-salmonella-sicken-55-people-in-15-states hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11754 Fri, 21 Aug 2026 12:36:43 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11754-fdas-listeria-prevention-public-meeting-experts-debate-zero-tolerance-emphasize-environmental-monitoring-and-fundamental-controls 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11745 Thu, 20 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11745-fdas-proposed-mandatory-gras-rule-what-food-safety-professionals-need-to-know 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11743 Wed, 19 Aug 2026 09:07:17 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11743-trump-to-nominate-dr-heidi-overton-for-next-fda-commissioner 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11742 Wed, 19 Aug 2026 08:37:31 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11742-fda-receives-color-additive-petitions-for-three-natural-food-dyes 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11735 Mon, 17 Aug 2026 10:33:19 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11735-fda-finalizes-guidance-for-assessing-human-health-risks-of-antimicrobial-use-in-food-producing-animals 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11727 Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11727-congress-urged-to-prevent-fda-traceability-rule-delay-which-could-have-helped-cyclospora-outbreak-investigation The resource provides recommendations and examples for implementing FSMA Preventive Controls for Human Foods Rule requirements to control known or reasonably foreseeable biological hazards in fresh-cut produce. The resource provides recommendations and examples for implementing FSMA Preventive Controls for Human Foods Rule requirements to control known or reasonably foreseeable biological hazards in fresh-cut produce.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11718 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:01:40 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11718-fda-finalizes-fsma-preventive-controls-guidance-for-fresh-cut-produce The self-affirmed GRAS pathway has supported innovation in the food industry for decades by allowing companies to bring new ingredients to market based on robust scientific evidence. As FDA considers changing this pathway, manufacturers should understand both the criticisms driving the debate and the steps they can take to prepare for potential regulatory change. The self-affirmed GRAS pathway has supported innovation in the food industry for decades by allowing companies to bring new ingredients to market based on robust scientific evidence. As FDA considers changing this pathway, manufacturers should understand both the criticisms driving the debate and the steps they can take to prepare for potential regulatory change.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11717 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 11:17:32 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11717-the-future-of-self-affirmed-gras-balancing-innovation-transparency-and-food-safety hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) Federally defining UPFs could allow U.S. regulatory agencies to pursue specific policies for the category. The importance of processing versus nutrient content and formulation in causing diet-related chronic diseases, as well as the value of defining UPFs, has been heavily debated. Federally defining UPFs could allow U.S. regulatory agencies to pursue specific policies for the category. The importance of processing versus nutrient content and formulation in causing diet-related chronic diseases, as well as the value of defining UPFs, has been heavily debated.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11714 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 13:34:49 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11714-fda-usda-submit-ultra-processed-foods-definition-for-final-review hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) Importantly, the proposal would not establish a premarket review and approval process for GRAS substances. Companies could still independently conclude that a substance is GRAS and market it while FDA evaluates the notice. Importantly, the proposal would not establish a premarket review and approval process for GRAS substances. Companies could still independently conclude that a substance is GRAS and market it while FDA evaluates the notice.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11713 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 12:18:39 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11713-fda-proposes-mandatory-gras-notifications-for-ingredients-introduced-to-us-food-supply Two topics of increasing regulatory scrutiny—the "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) rule and a federal definition of ultra-processed food (UPFs)—have seen some movement at the U.S. Government's Office of Management and Budget, signaling progress on the Trump administration's food policy agenda. Two topics of increasing regulatory scrutiny—the "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) rule and a federal definition of ultra-processed food (UPFs)—have seen some movement at the U.S. Government's Office of Management and Budget, signaling progress on the Trump administration's food policy agenda.
 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11703 Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:18:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11703-regulatory-updates-gras-proposed-rule-clears-omb-review-fda-sends-upf-whitepaper-to-oira FDA has announced the fiscal year (FY) 2027 user fee rates for importers approved to participate in the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) and accreditation and certification bodies interested in participating in the Accredited Third-Party Certification Program (TPP). FDA has announced the fiscal year (FY) 2027 user fee rates for importers approved to participate in the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) and accreditation and certification bodies interested in participating in the Accredited Third-Party Certification Program (TPP).

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11693 Thu, 30 Jul 2026 14:02:05 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11693-fda-announces-fy-2027-vqip-tpp-user-fee-rates The notice formalizes proposed reorganization plans that surfaced in April 2025 amid the federal government-wide RIFs and the mass overhaul of HHS that occurred shortly after President Trump took office, spearheaded by DOGE. The notice formalizes proposed reorganization plans that surfaced in April 2025 amid the federal government-wide RIFs and the mass overhaul of HHS that occurred shortly after President Trump took office, spearheaded by DOGE.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11690 Wed, 29 Jul 2026 20:20:40 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11690-fda-to-centralize-administrative-functions-generalize-inspectors Companies making products containing allergens should pay close attention: FDA's approach to allergen regulation is actively evolving. Companies making products containing allergens should pay close attention: FDA's approach to allergen regulation is actively evolving.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11669 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11669-fdas-allergen-agenda-is-expanding-thresholds-gluten-cross-contact-and-what-food-companies-should-watch-for-next