This episode of Food Safety Five discusses a recent report showing that FDA has not met its mandated food inspection targets since 2018. Also covered are FDA’s new action levels for lead in foods for babies and children, and the success of Canadian regulations to control Salmonella in raw, frozen and breaded chicken products.
An EPA draft risk assessment suggests a risk to human health from the consumption of food grown on land fertilized by PFAS-contaminated biosolids. This risk only applies to certain “hot spots,” as the majority of food crops grown in the U.S. do not use biosolids as fertilizer.
An analysis of globally sourced table grapes conducted by the Chemical and Veterinary Analytical Institute of Stuttgart, Germany (CVUA Stuttgart) found notable levels of pesticides, which were significantly higher in grapes imported from outside the EU. Grapes from Türkiye were especially problematic.
A recent study has demonstrated that millions of nano- and microplastics are released by polymer-based commercial tea bags when infused with hot water, and that these plastic particles are readily taken up by human intestinal cells.
In response to external pressures, FDA has revoked its authorization for the use of red dye 3 in food. Despite its decision, the agency maintains that the available scientific information does not support claims of the colorant being harmful to human health through dietary exposure.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order that mandates state agencies explore the safety of ultra-processed foods, food dyes, and "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) ingredients, and recommend actions to mitigate the adverse health effects.
FDA issued a new final guidance for industry on the action levels for lead in processed food intended for babies and young children. Action levels are levels of a contaminant at which the agency may consider a food to be adulterated.
The European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA’s) most recent report on emerging risk activities identifies food safety issues on the horizon posed by chemical and biological hazards, and new processes and technologies.
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