FMI Welcomes SQFI New Director of Business Development, North America

Today, FMI — The Food Industry Association welcomes Jackie Galarza as director of business development, North America for the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI), a division of FMI. Galarza brings more than a decade of experience building businesses, developing strategic partnerships, and turning trusted customer and supplier relationships into measurable results across the food, beverage, spirits, and packaging industries.

“As a natural connector and results-oriented leader, Jackie will focus on strengthening our Certification Body and key-account relationships and support continued growth across North America,” said Gigi Vita, chief food...

FMI Statement on FDA’s Proposed Rule on GRAS

Today [August 10, 2026], FMI – The Food Industry Association Chief Public Policy Officer and General Counsel Stephanie Harris offered the following statement regarding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) proposed rule that would reform the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) process. 

“FMI supports meaningful, science-based modernization of the GRAS framework to strengthen transparency, reinforce consumer confidence and ensure the continued safety of the U.S. food supply. We believe FDA should remain the authoritative federal body for evaluating food ingredients and making safety determinations based on rigorous science, qualified expertise and...

Meat Institute: FDA Proposed GRAS Reforms Good First Step

The Meat Institute today [August 10, 2026] said the proposed changes to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) generally recognized as safe (GRAS) regulations are a good first step but it will continue to work with the Administration to ensure reforms protect food safety, foster innovation and maintain an affordable food supply.

“The Meat Institute supports updating the GRAS framework in a way that strengthens consumer confidence while preserving a science-based, risk-based regulatory system,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “We will work closely with FDA and FSIS to ensure reforms continue to protect...

PAHO - Joint Declaration Reinforces Commitment to the One Health Approach in the Americas

Every July 6, the international community marks World Zoonoses Day to raise awareness about the risk of disease transmission between animals and humans and to promote measures to prevent zoonotic diseases.

Approximately 60% of known human infectious diseases are zoonotic in origin, while nearly 75% of emerging infectious diseases in humans originate from domestic or wild animals.

In addition, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is estimated to cause 1.27 million direct deaths each year worldwide and is associated with nearly 5 million deaths annually. Foodborne diseases are...

USDA Announces FSIS Reorganization, Establishes National Food Safety Center in Iowa

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a reorganization of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to modernize operations, streamline support functions and better align the agency with the nation’s agricultural landscape.

As part of this effort, USDA will establish a new National Food Safety Center (NFSC) in Urbandale, Iowa, which will serve as the primary hub for FSIS administrative, technical and support operations.

“This is about building a stronger, more resilient food safety system for the country. By establishing a National Food...

Meat Institute Expands Access to Food Safety Equipment Design Principles 

The Meat Institute today announced the release of Portuguese and Chinese translations of its widely used Food Safety Equipment Design Principles, expanding global access to one of the industry’s most important food safety resources.

Food safety remains a top priority and a core value for our members and the consumers they serve,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “By expanding access to the Equipment Design Principles with Portuguese and Chinese translations, we are reinforcing our industry’s shared commitment to growth, innovation, and the highest standards of safety in every facility and every community we serve...

USDA Takes Action To Lower Food Costs on Consumers and Strengthen the Supply Chain 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced proposed updates to federal line speed regulations in poultry and pork establishments operating under modern inspection systems. These updates reflect years of data and experience, and are designed to lower costs for American families, reduce outdated regulatory barriers for processors, and support a more efficient and resilient food supply.

“As Secretary, my responsibility is to ensure that American families have access to affordable, safe, and abundant food,” said Secretary Rollins. “These updates remove outdated bottlenecks so that we can lower production costs and create greater stability in our food system. By bringing our regulations in line with proven...

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.