At least two salmon escaped into the sea from a Laxey fish farming facility in Viðlagafjara, Vestmannaeyjar, this week. The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) has launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred during a transfer between tanks. Concerns are raised about the potential impact on wild salmon populations.
At least two salmon escaped from a Laxey fish farming facility in Viðlagafjara, Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland, following an accident during a tank transfer. The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) was notified and has launched an investigation into the incident, which involved a tank holding over 142,000 fish.
Italian cooking and its associated rituals have officially been inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The designation, announced on December 10, 2025, in New Delhi, recognizes the profound cultural, social, and intergenerational significance of Italy's culinary traditions, highlighting conviviality and the transmission of knowledge.
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa officially opened the 8th Bahrain International Agricultural and Animal Production Exhibition (Mara'ee 2025) at the Bahrain International Endurance Village. The event, running from December 9-13, highlights Bahrain's commitment to food security and sustainable agricultural development, featuring diverse local and international participation.
A recent two-year study by the French Agency for Food, Environmental, and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) revealed that PFAS 'forever chemicals' were present in over 90% of French drinking water samples. The findings, published in December 2025, highlight the widespread presence of these persistent substances, particularly Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), across France's water supply.
The 28th Monte-Carlo Gastronomie trade show has commenced at the Chapiteau de Fontvieille in Monaco, running from November 28 to December 1, 2025. Featuring over 100 European producers, the event highlights authentic products, culinary demonstrations, and competitions, including the Maestro Chef and Maestro Kids contests, alongside a charity evening.
A recent food security symposium in Iceland underscored significant vulnerabilities in the nation's emergency preparedness, particularly concerning its reliance on imported fuel and feed grain, prompting calls for enhanced national strategy and increased reserves.
A recent report indicates a significant surge in price-consciousness among German grocery shoppers, with 74% actively seeking deals and 59% prioritizing affordability. This shift reflects the ongoing impact of rising food prices and broader inflationary pressures on consumer behavior in Germany.
As avian influenza spreads in neighboring Switzerland, Liechtenstein has declared itself an observation area, enacting federal protection measures for poultry farms. Effective November 27, 2025, these regulations aim to prevent the virus's transmission to domestic birds, requiring strict biosecurity protocols and restricted movement for poultry.
Belgium is experiencing a surge in H5 avian influenza cases, with recent outbreaks confirmed in poultry farms across Limburg and Namur provinces. The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) has implemented strict control measures, including mandatory culling, protection zones, and indoor housing for poultry, as the country works to contain the highly contagious virus.
Yoplait Canada has issued a nationwide recall for all flavors of its 200ml YOP drinkable yogurts due to the potential presence of plastic pieces. The recall, overseen by the CFIA and classified as Class 1, affects products with best-before dates ranging from October 21, 2025, to January 12, 2026. Consumers are advised not to consume the affected products.
The Hungarian Parliament has passed a law prohibiting the production, marketing, and sale of cultivated meat, with exceptions solely for medical and veterinary applications. The legislation, approved on November 18, 2025, aims to safeguard traditional agricultural practices, human health, and the environment, drawing criticism from the European Union.
Dominica is actively enhancing its school nutrition programs with crucial support and guidance from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). This collaborative initiative, taking place from November 20-24, 2025, focuses on establishing healthier food environments in schools to combat the rising rates of childhood obesity across the Caribbean region.
The 5th edition of the Saint Martin Gastronomy Festival, held from November 11 to 22, 2025, successfully concluded, showcasing the island's rich culinary heritage. Featuring passion fruit as its star ingredient, the event brought together local and international chefs, offering diverse competitions, workshops, and live music across the French side of the island.
An Ofuro Cafe in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, is hosting special green onion baths from November 22-24 to commemorate Labor Thanksgiving Day. This annual 'Negirai Bath' draws a linguistic link between 'negi' (green onion) and 'negirai' (appreciation for hard work), embodying the holiday's spirit of gratitude for labor.
Portugal has pledged EUR 50,000 to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to enhance child nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture in Lesotho. This funding will support school meals, local food production, and agricultural training for nearly 1,000 children in the Berea district and 72 schools.
Taiwanese authorities have announced the complete lifting of all import restrictions on Japanese food products, which were initially imposed following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident. The decision, effective November 21, 2025, is based on scientific evidence showing negligible radiation risk and aligns Taiwan with international food safety standards.
Hungary's parliament has voted to ban the production, distribution, and marketing of cultivated meat, citing concerns over traditional rural lifestyles, human health, and environmental impact. The ban includes exceptions only for medical and veterinary uses.
Bram Govaerts, Director General of CIMMYT, was honored with the Commander of the Order of the Crown by the King of Belgium, represented by Vice Prime Minister Maxime Prévot. The prestigious award recognizes Govaerts' exceptional service to agriculture and humanity, particularly his contributions to global food security and sustainable agricultural practices.
Swiss authorities have prohibited the sale and distribution of pike and perch from Lake Zug with immediate effect due to contamination by PFAS 'forever chemicals'. The ban follows tests revealing levels exceeding federal food safety limits, though personal consumption is still permitted with caution.
