PODCAST: Ep. 38 - Infant Formula Recalls, MAHA, and Reformulation: Food Ingredients in Spotlight

Expana presents Agri-Food for Thought, the podcast series for agriculture and food professionals.

In this episode of Agri-food for Thought, host Simon Duke welcomes Expana Editorial team member Fei Thompson to discuss the dynamic and challenging landscape of the food additives sector in early 2026.

They begin with the global infant formula recalls triggered by cereulide toxin found in arachidonic acid (ARA) oil supplied to major manufacturers like Nestlé, Danone, and Lactalis. The contamination highlights vulnerabilities in global ingredient supply chains

EC Creates Task Force to Strengthen Import Controls on Food and Feed Safety

The European Commission (EC), on January 26, 2026, launched a new Task Force aimed at reinforcing the European Union’s ability to ensure that imported food and feed products meet its safety standards while supporting jobs and growth among EU producers.

The EC said the initiative will focus on food and feed safety, pesticide residues, and coordinated monitoring of targeted imported goods.

Bringing together expertise from the EC and Member States, the Task Force will work to harmonize import controls, develop recommendations for joint actions

EC Opens Call for Evidence to Streamline Food and Feed Safety Rules

The European Commission (EC) has launched a call for evidence to gather input on plans to simplify, clarify and modernise key areas of EU food and feed safety legislation. The initiative aims to reduce administrative burdens, boost legal clarity and speed regulatory procedures while preserving high food safety standards and EU competitiveness.

The forthcoming food safety package will outline measures to streamline rules across plant protection products, biocidal products, feed additives, hygiene requirements and official controls at EU borders, the EC said.

FDA Deems 52 Food Standards Obsolete, Proposes Their Repeal

On July 16, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a direct final rule revoking 52 food standards that the agency deemed obsolete and unnecessary. The food standards relate to canned fruits and vegetables, dairy products, baked goods, macaroni products, fish and shellfish, and dressings and flavorings.

If approved, the rule will repeal standards for 11 types of canned fruits and vegetables that are no longer sold in U.S. grocery stores, including seven standards for fruits that are artificially sweetened with saccharin or sodium saccharin...

US Arrests Chinese Nationals for Allegedly Smuggling Dangerous Fungus in “Agroterrorism” Attempt

The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested two citizens of the People’s Republic of China for allegedly smuggling a fungus called Fusarium graminearum, which is a potential agroterrorism weapon, according to the Department of Justice (DoJ).

Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, are suspected of alleged conspiracy, smuggling goods into the US, false statements, and visa fraud.

The fungus can cause a disease called “head blight” in wheat, barley, maize, and rice, according to US FBI Director, Kash Patel on X.com...