Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is advocating for gluten labels to be added to all food packaging and restaurant menus.
Inspections began to decline in early 2025, after 65% of the staff in the FDA divisions responsible for coordinating travel and budgets left or were fired in the name of government efficiency. Because of staff reductions, investigators suddenly had to book their own flights and hotels, obtain diplomatic passports and visas, and coordinate with foreign authorities. While the rate of foreign inspections had significantly decreased, domestic inspections have continued almost uninterrupted.
The petition references research estimating that endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure costs the U.S. over $340 billion annually in healthcare impacts. Vinyl gloves, while appearing cheaper, increase contamination risk, recall liability and waste.
SQF Edition 10 has been delayed due to an extension in the GFSI benchmarking application timeline, which now runs through March 2026. The new edition emphasizes food safety culture, change management, and environmental monitoring, and it consolidates documentation requirements to create a more proactive and holistic approach to food safety.
As of November 19, 2025, a total of 31 infants with suspected or confirmed infant botulism and confirmed exposure to ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula (various lots) have been reported from 15 states. Laboratory confirmation for some cases is ongoing. For 27 cases with illness onset information available, illnesses started on dates ranging from August 9 to November 13, 2025. All 31 infants were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported to date.
As of November 10, 2025, a total of 15 infants with suspected or confirmed infant botulism and confirmed exposure to Byheart Whole Nutrition infant formula. All 15 infants were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported to date. FDA’s Commissioner, Dr. Marty Makary, interviewed on CBS News on Nov.12, stated that the FDA did find one positive case of the bacteria that produce botulinum toxin in a can of ByHeart infant formula. Update: The New York Times reported that a Pennsylvania plant run by the company, ByHeart, was shut down this year after inspectors found mold, a leaking roof and more than 2,500 dead insects in a food production area.
“Government departments and agencies serve all citizens – republicans and democrats. This type of partisan rhetoric undermines trust in government and may violate the law.” Sandy Eskin, former Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety at USDA
A total of 27 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from 18 states. Of the 26 people with information available, 25 have been hospitalized and 6 deaths have been reported. One pregnancy-associated illness resulted in a fetal loss.
FSQA leaders have their hands and days full, so training isn’t often on the front burner of responsibilities. After all, HR is on it, right? But food safety training is one of the leading indicators every FSQA leader should be focused on, to help ensure lagging indicators — like lab results and quality holds — are exactly where they should be.
Kelly McDonald, 4X best-selling author has studied over the course of her career as a leading expert in marketing, sales, consumer trends and customer experience. McDonald explores practical strategies for marketing to audiences who may not think, look, or act like you, touching on how empathy, cultural intelligence, and inclusive communication can break down barriers and build trust.
