In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we review the top food safety stories of 2023 and their implications, covering regulatory changes in the U.S. and abroad; growing concerns about chemical additives and contaminants, allergens, traceability requirements, infant formula, and retail foodservice safety; and the Poisoned documentary that premiered on Netflix in summer 2023.

With regard to the recently recalled, lead-contaminated applesauce packages that have caused lead poisoning among dozens of children, Jim Jones, Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), recently shared that the agency’s leading theory is economically motivated adulteration of cinnamon used in the products.

The UK Food Standards Authority Board recently decided it would begin discussions with UK Ministers about making written allergen information for non-prepackaged food a requirement, and will begin drafting guidance for industry in the meantime.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has provided an update on its completed and ongoing actions to strengthen the safety and resiliency of the nation’s supply of infant formula, including specific actions the agency has taken to meet the recommendations made in FDA’s evaluation of the infant formula crisis response.

Panera Bread is facing wrongful death lawsuits after two customers in vulnerable populations suffered fatal cardiac events following the consumption of the chain’s Charged Lemonade drinks. The lawsuits assert that the drink is not advertised as a dangerously caffeinated beverage.

A recent U.S.-based study analyzing the risk of multidrug-resistant (MDR) foodborne pathogen contamination of retail meats associated with the processor region of origin and shipping distance to the final destination suggests that increased distance is linked to increased MDR bacterial contamination.

The UK Government has published guidances for EU and non-EU countries about risk categories and requirements for animals and animal products imported to Great Britain under the new Border Target Operating Model.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently published a document that explores the food safety implications of environmental inhibitors in the agrifood system, such as methanogenesis inhibitors and nitrogen inhibitors.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released a tool to help restaurant managers asses the food safety cultures at their establishments, as well as the findings from studies and other helpful resources about food safety culture for restaurants, on a new webpage.

Auto-Chlor Sytem^TM has unveiled the U34 SpaceSaver Dishmachine dishwasher, able to fit under a 34 inch (in.) table or countertop, making it ideal for behind-the-bar and cafe-like settings.