International Standards/Harmonization

Kenya Launches Five-Year Food Safety Plan Aligned With Codex Standards

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 11:33:55 -0500

The National Codex Strategic Plan 2026–2030 is aimed at strengthening food safety systems, increasing participation in international food standards, and improving consumer protection.

Sweden’s Risk-Based Prioritization Approach Decreased Number of Food Safety Inspections by 20 Percent

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 05:00:00 -0500

While most lower-risk small food businesses now receive fewer inspections, inspections have increased for certain large wholesalers and food producers, reflecting the model's objective of shifting oversight toward parts of the supply chain where food safety noncompliances could have far-reaching consequences.

Ep. 229. Rocco Renaldi: Rethinking the Ultra-Processed Foods Debate

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 02:30:00 -0500

We speak with Rocco Renaldi, Secretary-General of the International Food and Beverage Alliance (IFBA), about the ongoing debate surrounding UPFs, including limitations of processing-based food classification systems, the importance of processing for safety and nutrition, industry efforts to improve nutritional profiles, and potential implications of UPF policies.

UK Launches Biomonitoring Study to Assess Public’s Exposure to PFAS, Other Chemicals

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 09:29:17 -0500

Alongside monitoring for PFAS, the samples will also be analyzed for levels of lead, arsenic, bisphenols, phthalates, and flame retardants.

UK–EU SPS Agreement: Implications for Food Safety Regulations, Trade, and Compliance

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 02:30:00 -0500

The proposed UK–EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement could reduce trade barriers while requiring significant changes to Great Britain's food safety regulations. As negotiations continue, food businesses face uncertainty over regulatory alignment, implementation timelines, and compliance obligations.

FAO/WHO Call for Data on Aflatoxins in Cereals Inform Codex Maximum Levels

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 08:42:09 -0500

The request will support the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods in determining whether existing maximum levels (MLs) for total aflatoxins in certain commodities require revision, as well as assessing the need for and feasibility of establishing MLs for additional cereals and grains.

EU Clarifies Veterinary Drug Residue Enforcement for Meat Products

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 05:00:45 -0500

A new EU regulation defines the actions competent authorities must take when noncompliance is identified, including requirements for product disposal, investigations, and risk-based enforcement measures.

EU Eases Import Controls for Certain Snacks, Shellfish

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 05:00:00 -0500

The European Commission has adopted two regulations that 1) exempt additional shelf-stable composite foods from import border controls and 2) exempt qualifying shellfish products from import control requirements for drug and pesticide residues.

EU Tightens Recycled Food Packaging Requirements, Authorizes Four New Food-Contact Substances

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 05:00:00 -0500

The EU has updated requirements for recycled food packaging, including expanded traceability and import controls, and authorized four new substances for use in plastic food-contact materials.

EU Recommends Monitoring Chlorinated Paraffins in Food Through 2029

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 05:15:00 -0500

The monitoring initiative set forth in Recommendation (EU) 2026/2335 is intended to improve data availability on the occurrence and distribution of the industrial chemicals in food, supporting more robust assessments of human dietary exposure.

EFSA Reviews Codex Pesticide Residue Limits, Identifies Consumer Health Concerns

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 10:57:42 -0400

The scientific report will inform the EU’s position at the 57th session of the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues.

UK Gov Chemist Reports Advances in Food Fraud Detection, Chemical Safety Findings

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 10:12:33 -0400

The UK Government Chemist has published its Government Chemist Review 2025, outlining its activities, including food chemical safety regulatory compliance testing and research and development related to analytical methods for authenticity and adulteration.

EU Changes Six Maximum Limits for Pesticides in Food Commodities

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 09:43:20 -0400

Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/2289 has revised maximum residue limits (MRLs) for acequinocyl, deltamethrin, dodine, maleic hydrazide, pinoxaden, and prothioconazole.

FAO Identifies Five Priorities for Strengthening Mycotoxin Control in Near East, North Africa

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 09:22:09 -0400

In a new report, FAO assessed mycotoxin contamination in food and feed across the region and highlighted disparities in national regulatory frameworks, laboratory capacities, and surveillance systems, as well as the increasing impact of climate change on contamination risks.

Researchers Describe Significant Food Safety Risks, Regulatory Gaps in Afghanistan

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0400

According to the review, microbiological and chemical food safety hazards in the country are exacerbated by inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure, limited regulatory oversight, and food insecurity.

EFSA Publishes Guidance on Safety Assessment of BPA Alternatives in Food-Contact Materials

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 16:42:33 -0400

The guidance was developed following the EU’s ban on BPA in food-contact materials and describes the data requirements for the safety assessment of other bisphenols used in specific food-contact applications.

Whole Genome Sequencing in Food Safety: Non-Technical Systems Barriers and Opportunities for Enhanced Global Use

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 02:30:00 -0400

Whole genome sequencing is a mature, reliable technology with significant potential for the food industry, but realizing its benefits requires organizations to strategically weigh risks, applications, and persistent legal and regulatory barriers to adoption.

Australia Approves Cell-Cultured Duck Ingredient

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 10:21:41 -0400

The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Board approved an application to permit the use of cell-cultured duck biomass in combination with other ingredients to make products such as foie gras and pâté.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.