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...

GAO Submits FDA Recommendations to Congress for Increased Inspection Efforts

On January 8, 2025, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released its Q&A report to Congress, titled “Food Safety: FDA Should Strengthen Inspection Efforts to Protect the U.S. Food Supply.”

FDA inspections fail to meet mandated annual targets

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for ensuring the safety of nearly 80% of the nation’s food supply including fruits, vegetables, processed foods, and most seafood.

Since 2007, the FDA has been on the GAO's High-Risk List, which highlights 37 areas across the federal government that are...