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Congressman Investigates Taylor Farms CEO's Donation to Trump Amid Cyclospora Outbreak

Congressman Investigates Taylor Farms CEO's Donation to Trump Amid Cyclospora Outbreak

Congressman Robert Garcia of California has initiated an investigation into Taylor Farms CEO Bruce Taylor's $1 million donation to a Trump super PAC. This donation occurred shortly after the Trump Administration delayed a critical food safety rule, which would have facilitated tracing contaminated produce back to suppliers. The investigation is part of a broader inquiry into whether Taylor Farms attempted to influence the FDA's handling of a cyclospora outbreak linked to its lettuce. The outbreak has been traced to Taylor Farms de Mexico, with the FDA identifying the facility as the source of contaminated iceberg lettuce. Taylor Farms has been accused of trying to distance itself from the outbreak and casting doubt on the FDA's findings. The House Oversight Committee is seeking documents from Taylor Farms related to the outbreak and any communications with the White House.
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Senator Maria Cantwell Joins Congressional Democrats in Legal Battle to Protect Mifepristone Access

Senator Maria Cantwell Joins Congressional Democrats in Legal Battle to Protect Mifepristone Access

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, along with over 250 Senate and House Democrats, has filed an amicus brief to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in the case of Louisiana v. Food and Drug Administration. The case challenges restrictions on mifepristone, an FDA-approved abortion medication. Louisiana seeks to reinstate a nationwide in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone, which has been deemed safe and effective by the FDA since 2000. The proposed restrictions could end telemedicine access to mifepristone, affecting over 25% of abortion patients who use this method. The case could also impose a nationwide ban on mifepristone prescriptions via telemedicine, impacting over 60% of medication abortions in Washington state.
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MAHA Commission's Struggles Highlight Challenges in U.S. Food Regulation

MAHA Commission's Struggles Highlight Challenges in U.S. Food Regulation

The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, established in February 2025 under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aimed to reform the U.S. food supply by eliminating toxic additives and reducing the influence of the food and farming industries. Despite initial momentum, including the FDA's move to phase out Red Dye No. 3 and the introduction of numerous state-level bills targeting food dyes, the commission's September 2025 report was criticized for its non-committal language and lack of concrete actions. Critics argue that the commission's efforts have been hampered by structural contradictions and industry influence, leading to a failure to implement effective food regulations.
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Congress Investigates Taylor Farms' Alleged Influence on FDA Cyclospora Probe

Congress Investigates Taylor Farms' Alleged Influence on FDA Cyclospora Probe

The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, led by Representative Robert Garcia, is investigating Taylor Farms for allegedly attempting to influence the FDA's investigation into a Cyclospora outbreak linked to its products. The inquiry focuses on the company's communications with federal agencies and its food safety practices. Concerns have been raised about Taylor Farms' political donations and lobbying efforts, particularly a $1 million donation to a Trump super PAC shortly before a delay in the FDA's Food Traceability Rule. The investigation seeks to determine if Taylor Farms misled consumers and influenced regulatory decisions.
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EPA Takes Over Pesticide Regulation from USDA Amid Environmental Concerns

EPA Takes Over Pesticide Regulation from USDA Amid Environmental Concerns

In the late 1950s, the post-war paradigm of pesticide use began to falter, leading to significant legislative changes. The USDA's eradication campaigns and the FDA's seizure of pesticide-laden cranberries highlighted the need for stricter regulations. This led to the Delaney Amendment, which strengthened the FDA's authority over pesticides in food. By the 1970s, environmental concerns, fueled by the publication of Rachel Carson's 'Silent Spring', prompted further legislative action. President Nixon established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970, transferring pesticide regulatory functions from the USDA to the EPA. In 1972, Congress rewrote the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), marking a significant shift in pesticide regulation.
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Wisconsin Cyclosporiasis Cases Surge, Raising Health Concerns

Wisconsin Cyclosporiasis Cases Surge, Raising Health Concerns

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has reported a significant increase in cyclosporiasis cases, with 160 cases confirmed, including 50 domestically acquired infections. This intestinal illness, caused by the Cyclospora parasite, typically results in symptoms like watery diarrhea and is often linked to contaminated food or water. The rise in cases without international travel history is unusual, as Wisconsin typically sees 20 to 30 such cases annually. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted a nationwide increase, with over 6,700 cases reported, marking a significant rise from previous weeks. The CDC is investigating potential links to contaminated produce, including iceberg lettuce.
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US Senate panel advances Trump CDC pick Schwartz

US Senate panel advances Trump CDC pick Schwartz

By Ahmed Aboulenein WASHINGTON, July 30 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate health committee voted on Thursday to advance the nomination of President Donald Trump's pick for CDC director Dr. Erica Schwartz, handing his administration a rare win after repeated failed attempts to fill top health posts.
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CEO of Scalpa, Inc. Pleads Guilty to FDA Violations and Mail Fraud

CEO of Scalpa, Inc. Pleads Guilty to FDA Violations and Mail Fraud

Bryce Cleveland, CEO of Scalpa, Inc., has pleaded guilty to charges related to selling unapproved skincare products, including mail fraud and introducing adulterated devices into interstate commerce. Cleveland was apprehended in Colombia and returned to the U.S. to face charges. The case involves the marketing of unapproved devices like the ScalpaJECT Hyaluronic Pen, which pose significant public health risks due to their injectable nature. Cleveland has agreed to a prison sentence of four to eight years and will pay restitution and forfeit $800,000. The FDA and U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case, highlighting the serious health risks associated with unapproved medical products.
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FDA Panel Recommends Loosening Regulations on Peptides Amidst Rising Popularity

FDA Panel Recommends Loosening Regulations on Peptides Amidst Rising Popularity

FDA Panel Recommends Loosening Regulations on Peptides Amidst Rising Popularity
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Congressman Investigates Taylor Farms CEO's Donation Amid Cyclospora Outbreak

Congressman Investigates Taylor Farms CEO's Donation Amid Cyclospora Outbreak

A California congressman, Robert Garcia, is investigating Taylor Farms CEO Bruce Taylor's $1 million donation to a Trump super PAC. This inquiry comes amid a cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms' lettuce, which has affected multiple states. The donation was made shortly after the Trump Administration delayed a food safety rule that would have facilitated tracing contaminated produce. Reports suggest Taylor Farms executives met with FDA officials and the White House to distance the company from the outbreak. The FDA identified Taylor Farms de Mexico as the source of the contaminated lettuce, leading to a 27-state recall. Taylor Farms has claimed the FDA apologized for a false-positive test, a common occurrence in parasite testing.
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Rep. Robert Garcia Seeks Records on Taylor Farms and White House Amid Cyclospora Outbreak

Rep. Robert Garcia Seeks Records on Taylor Farms and White House Amid Cyclospora Outbreak

Rep. Robert Garcia, a Democrat from California, has requested documents from Taylor Farms, the White House, the FDA, and the CDC regarding a parasitic outbreak potentially linked to Taylor Farms' lettuce supply. Garcia, who is the ranking member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, is investigating whether Taylor Farms used its influence to affect the FDA's investigation into the outbreak. This request comes amid a cyclospora outbreak that has led to a significant change in consumer behavior, with 40% of U.S. adults reportedly buying or eating less produce. The FDA has launched an investigation into the outbreak, which has highlighted concerns about the centralized sourcing and distribution networks in the food industry.
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The Latest: Senate plans vote to hold Fauci in contempt for refusing to answer COVID-19 questions

The Latest: Senate plans vote to hold Fauci in contempt for refusing to answer COVID-19 questions

Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment and declined to answer questions from senators in a Republican-led committee hearing about his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic