France has significantly reduced the acceptable limit for cereulide toxin in infant formula to 0.014 µg/kg, down from 0.03 µg/kg. This decision follows widespread product recalls in over 60 countries involving major manufacturers like Nestlé, Danone, and Lactalis, and an ongoing investigation into infant deaths potentially linked to contaminated formula.
South Korea has reported its fourth African Swine Fever (ASF) case of 2026 in Yeonggwang County, prompting a nationwide 48-hour standstill order and intensified quarantine efforts to curb the spread of the highly contagious pig disease.
Brazilian grain silo manufacturer Kepler Weber has confirmed its plans to establish a corn storage and processing facility in Venezuela. The project, a partnership with Venezuelan cereal company MP Agro, aims to enhance local food industry supply with an initial capacity of 80,000 tons.
French dairy giant Lactalis has announced a new recall of six batches of its Picot-brand infant formula across 18 countries due to cereulide contamination. This latest incident follows a broader industry concern regarding an ingredient from an international supplier and comes years after a major Salmonella recall by the company.
Congress has opted against using the appropriations process to reverse significant Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) cost shifts to states, mandated by the 2025 federal reconciliation law. Critics warn this decision will strain state budgets, increase hunger, and force difficult choices regarding essential services.
Canada's food prices have surged by 6.2 percent over the past year, positioning the nation at the top of the G7 for food inflation. Experts are now referring to Canada as the 'food inflation capital,' impacting household budgets significantly.
Biosecurity New Zealand has initiated a comprehensive response in Mt Roskill, Auckland, following the detection of a single male Queensland fruit fly on January 7, 2026. Legal restrictions on the movement of fruit and vegetables are now in place across two controlled zones to prevent potential spread and protect New Zealand's vital horticulture industry.
Ahmad bin Abdulaziz Al-Fares, President of Saudi Arabia's General Food Security Authority, met with Jodi Banks, Deputy Minister of Trade and Export Development for Saskatchewan, Canada, in Riyadh on January 12, 2026, to discuss enhancing food security cooperation and exchanging expertise.
President Prabowo Subianto announced that Indonesia achieved food self-sufficiency, particularly in rice, in 2025, a year ahead of schedule. The nation produced 34.7 million metric tons of rice, surpassing domestic consumption and eliminating the need for rice imports for household use. This milestone was celebrated at a mass harvest event in Karawang, West Java, highlighting significant progress in national food security.
Cuba's Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) has announced a consistent reduction in mosquito-borne illnesses, including dengue, chikungunya, and Oropouche, across the country. This positive trend, particularly noted in late December 2025, is attributed to intensified, island-wide control and prevention efforts.
The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture released the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans on January 7, 2026. The new guidelines prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods, increased protein intake, and a significant reduction in highly processed foods, marking a 'reset' in federal nutrition policy.
The Brazilian state of Santa Catarina has unilaterally banned the import and sale of Vietnamese tilapia, citing concerns over the Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV). This decision by the state government contradicts a federal approval issued by Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA) in April 2025, which had lifted a previous nationwide suspension after a risk assessment.
An elderly woman has died and six other individuals were hospitalized in Tokyo after choking on mochi during the first three days of the New Year. The Tokyo Fire Department reported that all affected were aged between 80 and 96, highlighting the annual risks associated with the traditional sticky rice cake.
San Francisco has initiated a first-of-its-kind government lawsuit against ten leading U.S. food manufacturers, including Kraft Heinz, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo. The city alleges these companies engineered ultra-processed foods to be addictive and harmful, contributing to a public health crisis and imposing significant healthcare costs on the city. The lawsuit seeks to halt deceptive marketing practices and secure restitution.
A severe water contamination crisis in Indore's Bhagirathpura area has led to at least nine confirmed deaths from diarrhoeal illness and sickened over 2,800 residents. Investigations point to sewer water leaking into the drinking supply, with E. coli and other fecal bacteria detected. Authorities are probing the negligence and providing relief.
Several U.S. states have begun implementing new waivers restricting the purchase of soda, candy, and other specific foods with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds. This initiative, part of the 'Make America Healthy Again' policy, aims to curb chronic diseases, affecting over 1.4 million recipients in the initial phase.
Canada's voluntary Grocery Code of Conduct is now fully operational as of January 1, 2026, aiming to foster fair dealings and transparency between grocers and suppliers. The code includes a comprehensive dispute resolution mechanism and has seen all major retailers, including Loblaw, Sobeys, Metro, Walmart, and Costco, sign on.
Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, has confirmed a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak at a poultry farm in Shirosato, leading to the culling of approximately 970,000 egg-laying chickens. This marks the 10th bird flu case in Japan this season and the largest culling operation to date, raising concerns about egg supply and prices.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued its annual transit permit for Santa Claus's reindeer. This clearance ensures the team can enter and exit the United States between December 24 and 25 for Christmas deliveries, following health inspections and biosecurity protocols to protect American livestock.
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.
