Food safety standards vary by country and world region, and different aspects of food safety are regulated differently depending on the region. Harmonization and tightening of food safety standards around the world are important as emerging countries seek to improve quality of life by ensuring safer food for all people. https://www.food-safety.com/rss/359 en-us A vehicle of illness has not yet been definitively confirmed, but according to UKHSA, epidemiological evidence points to egg consumption as the strongest food signal identified to date. A vehicle of illness has not yet been definitively confirmed, but according to UKHSA, epidemiological evidence points to egg consumption as the strongest food signal identified to date.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11744 Wed, 19 Aug 2026 09:39:56 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11744-200-sick-one-dead-in-uk-salmonella-enteritidis-outbreak The microbiological quality of most ready-to-eat (RTE) plant-based meat, dairy, and fish substitutes was satisfactory, but elevated levels of pathogens and indicators in some commodities raised process and hygiene concerns. An analysis of the products’ physico-chemical properties suggested they could support microbial growth. The microbiological quality of most ready-to-eat (RTE) plant-based meat, dairy, and fish substitutes was satisfactory, but elevated levels of pathogens and indicators in some commodities raised process and hygiene concerns. An analysis of the products’ physico-chemical properties suggested they could support microbial growth.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11724 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:27:45 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11724-eu-survey-of-pathogens-in-rte-plant-based-foods-suggests-microbial-growth-potential-need-for-regulatory-attention Ten Latin American countries are developing national initiatives to strengthen food safety systems by integrating risk analysis into public policy and regulatory decision-making, through a regional project led by UN organizations and assisted by the University of Minnesota. Ten Latin American countries are developing national initiatives to strengthen food safety systems by integrating risk analysis into public policy and regulatory decision-making, through a regional project led by UN organizations and assisted by the University of Minnesota.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11680 Thu, 30 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11680-international-collaboration-drives-food-safety-systems-development-in-latin-america Going beyond the “ultra-processed foods” debate, the proposal, submitted by observer organization IFT, asks Codex to develop a framework to discern which foods are promoting chronic disease risk from those that are not, building upon existing Codex food categories and risk analysis methods. Going beyond the “ultra-processed foods” debate, the proposal, submitted by observer organization IFT, asks Codex to develop a framework to discern which foods are promoting chronic disease risk from those that are not, building upon existing Codex food categories and risk analysis methods.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11683 Wed, 29 Jul 2026 05:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11683-codex-receives-work-proposal-to-establish-risk-analysis-framework-for-diet-related-diseases The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) attributed the increase to growing food systems complexity driven by global supply chains, cross-border distribution, and online marketplaces. The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) attributed the increase to growing food systems complexity driven by global supply chains, cross-border distribution, and online marketplaces.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11681 Wed, 29 Jul 2026 05:15:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11681-uk-food-safety-incidents-increased-14-percent-in-202526 The European Food Safety Authority published an updated scientific opinion on emerging and novel brominated flame retardants in food. Insufficient data prevented full risk assessments for most of the 27 chemicals evaluated. The European Food Safety Authority published an updated scientific opinion on emerging and novel brominated flame retardants in food. Insufficient data prevented full risk assessments for most of the 27 chemicals evaluated.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11671 Mon, 27 Jul 2026 11:47:36 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11671-efsa-cites-significant-data-gaps-in-risk-assessment-for-emerging-brominated-flame-retardants-in-food The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) lowered the acceptable daily intake for trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) to a quarter of the previously established level, and also set an acute reference dose for the chemical for the first time. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) lowered the acceptable daily intake for trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) to a quarter of the previously established level, and also set an acute reference dose for the chemical for the first time. 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11650 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 09:07:04 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11650-eu-lowers-safe-level-of-exposure-to-tfa-a-pfas-forever-chemical-in-water-food An expert working group has been convened to develop the farm-to-fork food policy approach, which is expected to be delivered to ministers in 2027. An expert working group has been convened to develop the farm-to-fork food policy approach, which is expected to be delivered to ministers in 2027.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11646 Tue, 21 Jul 2026 10:45:28 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11646-wales-begins-developing-national-food-strategy The country has seen a 66 percent increase in food poisoning incidents during the first half of 2026, compared to the same period in 2025, including 12 events in school cafeterias. Top officials have ordered relevant state departments to take specific actions to improve oversight. The country has seen a 66 percent increase in food poisoning incidents during the first half of 2026, compared to the same period in 2025, including 12 events in school cafeterias. Top officials have ordered relevant state departments to take specific actions to improve oversight.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11636 Fri, 17 Jul 2026 10:50:29 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11636-vietnam-orders-stronger-food-safety-enforcement-after-rise-in-foodborne-illness JEMRA convened in June to review the latest scientific evidence on microbiological hazards that have recently been associated with public health events due to the contamination of powdered infant formula or its ingredients. JEMRA convened in June to review the latest scientific evidence on microbiological hazards that have recently been associated with public health events due to the contamination of powdered infant formula or its ingredients.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11634 Fri, 17 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11634-fao-who-experts-recommend-updating-codex-powdered-infant-formula-guidance-to-consider-clostridia-b-cereus Overall, 72 percent of targeted surveillance samples were deemed satisfactory. FSA flagged imported, niche products, like Dubai-style chocolates, South Asian snacks, and ashwagandha supplements, as especially problematic. Overall, 72 percent of targeted surveillance samples were deemed satisfactory. FSA flagged imported, niche products, like Dubai-style chocolates, South Asian snacks, and ashwagandha supplements, as especially problematic.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11616 Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:03:21 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11616-uk-fsa-finds-persisting-compliance-issues-in-targeted-survey-of-retail-foods The resources were produced through the Cell-Cultivated Products Sandbox Program and cover hygiene requirements; identity, production, and microbiology; product applications; and novel food taste trials. The resources were produced through the Cell-Cultivated Products Sandbox Program and cover hygiene requirements; identity, production, and microbiology; product applications; and novel food taste trials.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11613 Fri, 10 Jul 2026 08:20:03 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11613-uk-fsa-publishes-guidances-for-cell-cultivated-food-producers The plan establishes the Codex Alimentarius Commission’s priorities for the next six years to strengthen the development of international food safety and quality standards while considering evolving and emerging global challenges. The plan establishes the Codex Alimentarius Commission’s priorities for the next six years to strengthen the development of international food safety and quality standards while considering evolving and emerging global challenges.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11603 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:07:11 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11603-codex-publishes-strategic-plan-for-20262031 hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) Other standards adopted during the 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49), taking place July 6–10 in Geneva, Switzerland, relate to controlling Salmonella and Campylobacter in chicken and Listeria monocytogenes in RTE foods, revisions to food additive use levels, and more. Other standards adopted during the 49^th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49), taking place July 6–10 in Geneva, Switzerland, relate to controlling Salmonella and Campylobacter in chicken and Listeria monocytogenes in RTE foods, revisions to food additive use levels, and more.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11587 Tue, 07 Jul 2026 10:06:24 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11587-codex-adopts-internationally-harmonized-precautionary-allergen-labeling-at-cac49 A new European Commission report identified inconsistencies in how EU Member States conduct official controls for histamine (scombrotoxin) in fishery products, highlighting gaps in inspection procedures, staff training, and harmonization of testing methods. A new European Commission report identified inconsistencies in how EU Member States conduct official controls for histamine (scombrotoxin) in fishery products, highlighting gaps in inspection procedures, staff training, and harmonization of testing methods.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11571 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 05:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11571-eu-survey-identifies-gaps-in-member-state-histamine-controls-for-fish-products According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA’s) 2024–2025 Food Fraud Annual Report, CFIA tested 886 food samples for authenticity and conducted 362 label verifications. Olive oil had the lowest authenticity compliance rate. According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA’s) 2024–2025 Food Fraud Annual Report, CFIA tested 886 food samples for authenticity and conducted 362 label verifications. Olive oil had the lowest authenticity compliance rate.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11570 Fri, 03 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11570-canadian-officials-caught-more-than-150-000-kilos-of-fraudulent-food-in-20242025 The Danish Annual Report on Zoonoses summarizes trends in foodborne disease, zoonotic pathogens, and surveillance activities across humans, animals, food, and the environment. The Danish Annual Report on Zoonoses summarizes trends in foodborne disease, zoonotic pathogens, and surveillance activities across humans, animals, food, and the environment.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11579 Fri, 03 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11579-foodborne-campylobacter-listeria-infections-rose-in-denmark-in-2025 New Zealand Food Safety has issued new guidance for verifying multi-site food businesses, establishing consistent onsite sampling recommendations for verifiers, intended to reduce costs and increase certainty for industry while ensuring food safety. New Zealand Food Safety has issued new guidance for verifying multi-site food businesses, establishing consistent onsite sampling recommendations for verifiers, intended to reduce costs and increase certainty for industry while ensuring food safety.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11566 Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11566-new-zealand-releases-guidance-to-standardize-checks-at-multi-site-food-businesses Effective July 1, the amended Regulation (EU) 2073/2005 on the microbiological criteria for foods expands the requirements for food business operators regarding Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods. Effective July 1, the amended Regulation (EU) 2073/2005 on the microbiological criteria for foods expands the requirements for food business operators regarding Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11577 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:08:03 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11577-stricter-eu-regulations-on-listeria-in-rte-foods-now-in-effect-ireland-offers-compliance-guidance Based on the findings, researchers recommended targeted food safety messaging for older adults that raises awareness of age-related susceptibility to foodborne illness and the potential severity of infection, and acknowledges the effects of health, financial, and environmental realities on food safety practices. Based on the findings, researchers recommended targeted food safety messaging for older adults that raises awareness of age-related susceptibility to foodborne illness and the potential severity of infection, and acknowledges the effects of health, financial, and environmental realities on food safety practices.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11537 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:28:13 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11537-food-standards-scotland-study-identifies-factors-driving-foodborne-illness-risk-among-older-adults New EU labeling regulations for honey went into effect on June 14, introducing strengthened requirements for country-of-origin declarations. New EU labeling regulations for honey went into effect on June 14, introducing strengthened requirements for country-of-origin declarations.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11520 Tue, 16 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11520-honey-sold-in-eu-must-now-carry-countries-of-origin-on-label hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) The EU has implemented increased checks on certain food imports at the border, and has also introduced new certificate requirements for shipments of oysters, clams, mussels, scallops, and other aquaculture products from the U.S. due to veterinary drug use restrictions. The EU has implemented increased checks on certain food imports at the border, and has also introduced new certificate requirements for shipments of oysters, clams, mussels, scallops, and other aquaculture products from the U.S. due to veterinary drug use restrictions.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11517 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11517-eu-changes-certifications-for-us-mollusk-imports-increases-checks-for-other-high-risk-foods hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) Following the adoption of EU regulations in 2021 that set food safety culture requirements for food business operators, a European Commission survey conducted in 2025 showed that countries’ progress and approach toward culture official controls are varied, with significant difficulties reported. Following the adoption of EU regulations in 2021 that set food safety culture requirements for food business operators, a European Commission survey conducted in 2025 showed that countries’ progress and approach toward culture official controls are varied, with significant difficulties reported.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11512 Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:25:40 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11512-eu-member-states-report-challenges-in-implementing-food-safety-culture-official-controls The WHO Advisory Group on Pesticide Specifications supports the evaluation of scientific dossiers to inform the development of WHO specifications for public health pesticides. The WHO Advisory Group on Pesticide Specifications supports the evaluation of scientific dossiers to inform the development of WHO specifications for public health pesticides.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11509 Fri, 12 Jun 2026 05:15:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11509-who-calls-for-experts-to-join-pesticide-advisory-group 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11506 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 05:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11506-eu-drafting-legislation-to-require-checks-for-cereulide-toxin-in-infant-formula 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11505 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:40:17 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11505-europeans-exposure-to-dioxins-dl-pcbs-in-food-still-too-high-efsa-risk-assessment-finds 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. 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. 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11504 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 05:15:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11504-canadian-monitoring-of-baby-foods-finds-100-percent-compliance-with-chemical-contaminant-limits 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11503 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:56:35 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11503-how-codex-helps-address-the-worlds-top-five-foodborne-hazards 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11497 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11497-uk-high-court-finds-fsa-charged-meat-industry-unlawful-inspection-rates 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. 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.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11475 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:58:40 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11475-fao-who-launch-new-resources-ahead-of-world-food-safety-day