The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a scientific opinion on the health risks associated with the most common complex organoarsenic species in food.

Harmonized food allergen regulation at the EU level, and systematic monitoring led by a European reference lab, are necessary to protect consumers, argue researchers. 

The EU One Health Zoonoses Report for 2023 shows that foodborne illnesses are rising in the EU, with listeriosis cases reaching their highest levels since 2007. Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) caused the greatest number of illnesses in 2023.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) recently published its Annual Report 2023–2024 outlining the agency’s food safety regulatory work throughout the past year, including the management of food safety incidents, standards development, surveillance, and other efforts. 

After a second Listeria monocytogenes strain related to clinical isolates was discovered through environmental and product testing, the patient count in the foodborne illness outbreak linked to Yu Shang ready-to-eat meat and poultry products has risen to 19, including an additional infant death.

A report by the European Court of Auditors has identified “notable gaps” in the EU legal framework around food labeling and enforcement of regulations, and offered recommendations for improvement. 

In a recent Senate hearing, top U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials shared how resource constraints hinder its food chemical safety review work, and provided insight into a pending decision about red dye 3’s authorization for food use.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched its five-part National Milk Testing Strategy to monitor and address Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 (HPAI H5N1) in milk and dairy herds. A new Federal Order and accompanying guidance has been issued. 

The EU Joint Research Center (JRC) has developed new methods for detecting adulteration in six popular herbs and spices, as well as new reference materials to help identify fraudulent fish products.

The Swedish Food Agency has published the results of its latest food basket survey, which show a decreasing trend in the levels of dioxin and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure. Dioxins and salt remain the largest health risks.