A recent study by Pesticide Action Network Europe (PAN) revealed widespread contamination of European cereal products with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a “forever chemical” produced when pesticides containing PFAS break down. Breakfast cereals were found to be the most contaminated food, with average concentrations far exceeding those in tap water. The study detected TFA in 81.5% of samples across various cereal-based products in 16 European countries. Experts are calling for an immediate ban on PFAS pesticides, as TFA poses risks to reproductive health and potentially other adverse effects, and governments do not currently monitor TFA in food.
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A recall has been issued for over 260,000 cases of shredded cheese sold across 31 states and Puerto Rico due to potential metal fragment contamination, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Great Lakes Cheese Co. initiated the recall, impacting various store-brand labels at retailers like Target, Walmart, and Aldi. Affected cheeses include mozzarella, Italian style, pizza style, and blends. The FDA classifies this as a Class II recall, indicating a potential for temporary or reversible health issues, such as dental damage or lacerations, if ingested.
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A recent outbreak of infant botulism has been linked to ByHeart brand powdered formula, with at least 37 infants affected. The California Department of Health found Clostridium botulinum bacteria in an opened can of formula, leading to a nationwide recall of specific batches, and eventually all ByHeart products. Despite the recall, the FDA reports that ByHeart formula remains on store shelves in multiple states, including major retailers. Investigations are underway to determine how the formula became contaminated, with concerns that the outbreak may expand as officials review earlier cases.
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A recent report based on USDA inspection documents reveals widespread salmonella contamination in U.S. grocery store chicken and turkey products. The report, conducted by Farm Forward, found that many poultry plants exceeded federal standards for salmonella levels. Despite the presence of the pathogen, the USDA has limited authority to take action due to how the pathogen is classified. Experts suggest that classifying salmonella as an adulterant, similar to E. coli, could lead to improved food safety practices and reduce illnesses.
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The Trump administration has expressed concern that disease issues in Argentina’s cattle industry could impede the plan to import beef to lower domestic prices. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated the administration is discussing the proposal, while also monitoring potential risks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The USDA must ensure the U.S. livestock industry is secure. Experts and agricultural groups have voiced opposition, citing potential harm to American farmers and doubts about Argentina’s ability to significantly impact U.S. beef prices.
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Foster Poultry Farms has issued a recall for over 3.8 million pounds of chicken corn dog products due to wood contamination in the batter, leading to several reported injuries. The recalled products, produced between July 30, 2024, and August 4, 2025, were sold under various brand names and can be identified by the establishment number “P-6137B” on the packaging. Consumers are advised to discard or return these products. This recall follows a similar recall of corn dogs from Hillshire Brands, highlighting the issue of foreign object contamination in food products.
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In response to a salmonella outbreak linked to pistachios, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has temporarily banned pistachio imports from Iran. This precautionary measure aims to protect Canadians and stems from an ongoing investigation into the outbreak, which has affected over 100 people. Effective immediately, importers must demonstrate that their pistachio products do not originate from Iran, with non-compliance resulting in testing or denied entry. The CFIA has stated that the import restrictions will persist until food safety investigations are complete.
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The CDC has significantly reduced the scope of FoodNet, a three-decade-old program tracking food poisoning infections, by narrowing required monitoring to only two pathogens: salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. This change, which began in July, reduces mandatory surveillance from eight pathogens, with the remaining six now optional. While the CDC claims the change allows for prioritization and effective resource management, food safety officials express concern that the reduced monitoring could hinder the detection of outbreaks and obscure the comprehensive picture of food-related infections. This is concerning as FoodNet provided robust data, including case numbers, that helped to understand certain infections and risks in the food supply.
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Southwind Foods, a California-based seafood company, has issued a voluntary recall of a limited quantity of frozen shrimp products due to potential exposure to Cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive material. The recalled shrimp, distributed between July 17 and August 8 to several states, include brands like Sand Bar and Best Yet. This recall follows a similar one from an Indonesian company, with the FDA actively investigating the source of the contamination, and the public is advised to discard or return the recalled shrimp to the point of purchase due to potential health risks from exposure.
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The FDA is sounding the alarm, and it’s about something you might not expect: potentially radioactive shrimp sold at Walmart. This isn’t some obscure conspiracy theory; it’s a real warning, based on investigations into imported frozen shrimp. The story starts with U.S. Customs and Border Protection detecting Cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive isotope, in shipping containers at several U.S. ports. The FDA got involved, and their tests confirmed the presence of this radioactive material in some frozen shrimp products. It’s a situation that’s raised a lot of questions, and understandably, some concerns.
The primary focus of the FDA’s warning is on certain lots of Great Value brand raw frozen shrimp, specifically those imported from an Indonesian firm, PT.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood