The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Mars Inc. have entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote better global understanding and application of Codex Alimentarius international food safety standards, such as those regarding allergen management and mycotoxin control. 

In light of recently confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in U.S. dairy cows and now in one person, James (Jim) Jones, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods revealed that HPAI has become the “highest priority” within the agency’s Human Foods Program, and that the agency has set up a set up a dedicated Incident Management Team (IMT) to respond to the developing threat.

In an April 5 webinar, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods James (Jim) Jones spoke in great detail about the agency’s fiscal year (FY) 2025 Presidential budget request, and how portions of those funds will be allocated to meeting Human Foods Program goals.

A recent study conducted by scientists from the Quadram Institute and the UK Health Security Agency has revealed that, despite cleaning, Listeria monocytogenes are able to persist in ready-to-eat (RTE) food production environments, supported by diverse bacterial populations that also remain stable over time.

University of Rochester scientists have successfully demonstrated the ability of a novel electrocatalysis method to remove a harmful and pervasive type of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) from water.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) will be holding a hybrid stakeholder forum on June 20, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. The agency is also seeking public comment on two Food Standards Code amendments. 

The 54th session of the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH) convened in Nairobi, Kenya on March 11–15, 2024 to discuss unresolved specifics of guidelines adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission during its 46th session in November 2023, as well as new work proposals.

The People’s Republic of China has released 47 new or updated standards in the Chinese National Food Safety Standards. USDA has provided an unofficial English translation of the announcement about the changes to the Standards.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA’s FSIS) has updated its guidance for calculating retained water in meat and poultry products. Establishments will have until September 30, 2024 to submit revised retained water protocols and until April 1, 2025, to make any necessary label changes.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released its new Integrated Food Safety System Regulatory and Laboratory Training System (IFSS RLTS) Strategic Plan 2024–2028, and will hold a stakeholder call on April 2, 2024.