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FDA Enhances Oversight on Food Safety and Ultra-Processed Foods

FDA Enhances Oversight on Food Safety and Ultra-Processed Foods

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is intensifying its oversight of food ingredients and additives, with a particular focus on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) practices. This initiative, announced by Donald Prater, acting deputy commissioner for food, aims to reform current regulations to better regulate food safety and increase transparency about substances in the U.S. food supply. The FDA plans to conduct a rigorous review of food additives, remove petroleum-based dyes, and promote the use of natural food dyes. The agency is also reorganizing its Human Foods Program to enhance its focus on microbiological food safety, food chemical safety, and nutrition. This reorganization is intended to improve information sharing and decision-making processes. The FDA's efforts are part of a broader strategy to reduce diet-related chronic diseases by empowering consumers with better nutritional information.
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FDA's Self-GRAS Proposal Faces Delays and Legal Challenges

FDA's Self-GRAS Proposal Faces Delays and Legal Challenges

FDA's Self-GRAS Proposal Faces Delays and Legal Challenges
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Taylor Farms Faces Criticism Over Communication Strategy Amid Cyclospora Outbreak

Taylor Farms Faces Criticism Over Communication Strategy Amid Cyclospora Outbreak

Taylor Farms, a major food supplier, is under scrutiny for its communication strategy during a cyclospora outbreak linked to its lettuce. The company announced that the FDA had retracted a positive test for the cyclospora parasite, labeling it a false positive. However, the FDA maintains that the outbreak and tracing data still implicate Taylor Farms' lettuce, urging consumers to avoid the recalled products. The outbreak has affected thousands across the U.S., with the lettuce previously distributed to certain Taco Bell locations. Crisis communication experts have criticized Taylor Farms for focusing on the FDA's false positive rather than emphasizing consumer safety and transparency. They suggest that the company should have reassured the public about its commitment to safety and cooperation with health authorities.
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FDA still focused on lettuce supplier as source of parasite, despite faulty test result

FDA still focused on lettuce supplier as source of parasite, despite faulty test result

Federal health officials have remained focused on lettuce from Taylor Farms as the source of a multistate outbreak despite inaccurate test results reported over the weekend
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What has made the cyclospora behind the US outbreak so challenging to trace?

What has made the cyclospora behind the US outbreak so challenging to trace?

By Julie Steenhuysen CHICAGO, July 20 (Reuters) - Cyclospora, the parasite behind thousands of suspected U.S. cases of a foodborne illness, has a long incubation period, and samples cannot be cultured in labs, making it especially challenging to trace.
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IFIC Survey Reveals Growing Consumer Awareness of Processed Foods in the U.S.

IFIC Survey Reveals Growing Consumer Awareness of Processed Foods in the U.S.

The International Food Information Council (IFIC) has released its Food & Health Survey, highlighting a significant increase in American consumers' familiarity with processed food terms, particularly 'ultra-processed.' The survey, conducted online with 3,005 participants from March 22 to April 8, 2026, shows that 52% of respondents are now familiar with the term 'ultra-processed,' up from 44% the previous year. The survey also indicates a shift in consumer priorities, with a growing emphasis on clean label terms and convenience. The new inverted food pyramid introduced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services has been seen by 83% of respondents, reflecting a broader awareness of dietary guidelines.
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Cyclospora Outbreak Causes Confusion and Fear Among Lettuce Consumers

Cyclospora Outbreak Causes Confusion and Fear Among Lettuce Consumers

A recent outbreak of Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite causing the intestinal illness cyclosporiasis, has led to widespread concern among lettuce consumers in the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration has focused on iceberg lettuce as a potential source, although the exact cause remains unclear. This has resulted in many individuals, like Baldwin Williams Jr. from Maryland, avoiding lettuce in their meals. The outbreak has particularly affected those who regularly consume salads, with some opting to eliminate bagged lettuce from their diets entirely. Despite no reported deaths, the illness is known for causing severe gastrointestinal symptoms, prompting caution among consumers.
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Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Lettuce Reduces Restaurant Visits Nationwide

Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Lettuce Reduces Restaurant Visits Nationwide

Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Lettuce Reduces Restaurant Visits Nationwide
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House Bill Led by Clay Higgins and Troy Carter Advances to Floor Vote for Food Safety

House Bill Led by Clay Higgins and Troy Carter Advances to Floor Vote for Food Safety

A bipartisan legislative effort led by Congressmen Clay Higgins (R-LA) and Troy Carter (D-LA) is advancing in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill, H.R. 2715, aims to enhance the U.S. food safety system by granting the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to destroy imported food products that pose significant public health risks. This measure seeks to close a loophole that currently allows exporters to redirect dangerous imports to other ports, potentially re-entering the U.S. market. The bill is scheduled for a vote under the House's suspension of the rules procedure, which is reserved for non-controversial bills and requires a two-thirds majority for passage. The Southern Shrimp Alliance, a key supporter, highlights the FDA's ongoing challenges with imported food products containing banned substances.
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FDA says Taylor Farms cyclospora finding was a false positive

FDA says Taylor Farms cyclospora finding was a false positive

July 19 (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Sunday that laboratory experts re-checked lettuce sample results from Taylor Farms in an investigation into an outbreak of the cyclospora parasite and concluded the finding should be considered a false positive.
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Organic Produce Recommended to Minimize Pesticide Exposure, Expert Advises

Organic Produce Recommended to Minimize Pesticide Exposure, Expert Advises

Organic Produce Recommended to Minimize Pesticide Exposure, Expert Advises
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Taylor Farms Expands Recall of Iceberg Lettuce Amid Cyclospora Outbreak Affecting Multiple States

Taylor Farms Expands Recall of Iceberg Lettuce Amid Cyclospora Outbreak Affecting Multiple States

Taylor Farms has expanded a voluntary recall of its iceberg lettuce products sourced from central Mexico due to a potential link to a multistate Cyclospora outbreak. The recall, announced on July 17 and published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on July 18, affects products distributed from June 29 to July 16 across 27 states, including Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania. The outbreak has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce, prompting major retailers like Walmart and restaurant chains such as Taco Bell to remove potentially contaminated products from their offerings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports over 1,644 illnesses and 94 hospitalizations across five states, though no deaths have been reported. The FDA's traceback investigation has identified a specific independent farm in central Mexico as the potential source of contamination.