The African Union, with support from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), is developing new guidelines to help African governments improve food safety across the continent’s vast informal food sector.

According to the latest recall data published by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), from 2019–2023, undeclared allergens were the leading cause of food recalls in Australia. FSANZ has identified the root causes for these recalls.

The theme of the sixth annual World Food Safety Day (WFSD), taking place June 7, 2024, is “Prepare for the Unexpected.” This article provides a history of FAO/WHO’s involvement in global food safety emergency preparedness and its historical intersections with WFSD, and shares resources to help build resiliency against incidents.

Effective immediately, the Taiwan Food and Drug Authority (TFDA) has implemented new requirements for fishery products for human consumption imported into Taiwan. U.S. establishments that have an interest in exporting seafood products to Taiwan must contact U.S. FDA.

A recent publication from the World Trade Organization (WTO)—written in collaboration with other expert groups that have expertise in food safety and food crime—explores the challenges of combating food fraud and illegal practices in food trade, and how the WTO rulebook can help address these challenges. 

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently suggested lowering the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for acetamiprid after scientific evidence was published that raised uncertainties about its toxicity. EFSA also recommends lowering the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for acetamiprid in food crops, as current MRLs pose a health risk to consumers.

The European Commission has updated its internal guidance document on the implementation of its regulations on the hygiene of food of animal origin, to clarify how cultivated meat, insects, and other foods for which no detailed requirements are established should be regulated in accordance with the provision’s requirements.

The EU Court of Justice has made three rulings that set a precedent requiring Member States to consider more modern, comprehensive scientific literature in their pesticide safety assessments.

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has granted its first positive safety assessment under novel foods regulations to a cannabidiol (CBD) product intended for use as a novel food supplement.

Following a 2022–2023 hepatitis A outbreak linked to contaminated frozen berries, New Zealand has issued new import rules for frozen berries to better ensure food safety.