Quick Bites
- The FDA raised the number of infants sickened by botulism infections in ByHeart powdered infant formula to 39. Patients have been recorded in 18 states from coast to coast. Despite a recall effort, it appears the formula is still on the shelves in some stores.
- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is now requiring that all pistachios imported from Iran must be tested for Salmonella. As of November, 155 salmonella infections traced to the nuts and nut products have been confirmed by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
- A Korean agency has been chosen as the first center that will focus on food safety emergencies for the World Health Organization (WHO). The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety will provide education and training for member countries of WHO’s INFOSAN (International Food Safety Authorities Network) and support development of food security plans.
- Despite several recent foodborne illness outbreaks, Singapore will relax its food handling requirements beginning on Jan. 1, 2026. After that date, food handlers will no longer be required to wear masks or spit guards. The requirement was first put into place during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Today’s Topic: Food Traceability
The ability to track the origin and movement of high-risk foods was the great hope of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) when it became law on Jan. 4, 2011. Improved record-keeping, known as food traceability, would enable faster responses to various food safety risks.