Quick bites from around the food safety arena
- Well over 2,000 people across the U.S. have been diagnosed with parasitic Cyclospora infections, according to the CDC and state public health officials. Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services was reporting more than 1,500 cases as of July 10. The number of cases nationally could continue rising dramatically. While no source has been identified yet, raw fresh produce is often involved because it has come into contact with contaminated water in the field.
- The Food and Drug Administration named Donna Garren as the new director of its office of produce safety. Garren most recently worked as executive vice president at the American Frozen Food Institute. The core mission of the office of produce safety is the prevention of foodborne illnesses and microbial contamination throughout the growing, harvesting, packing and holding processes for fresh fruits, vegetables and processed plant products.
- Sweden documented major foodborne outbreaks of Salmonella and Listeria in 2025. A Salmonella outbreak responsible for 118 illnesses was traced to contaminated eggs served in nursing homes where the infection spread widely. Overall, though, the number of Salmonella cases in 2025 was lower than the previous year.
- California and New York are both moving to standardize the way sell-by dates are listed on food labels. Proponents say it will help decrease food waste. California’s bill has become law, while New York’s awaits the governor’s signature. There is no national standard for the language now, but these laws may build momentum for Congress to act.
Today’s Topic: Farm Bill 2.0
The Agricultural Act of 2026 “for the people who feed America” is out in the U.S. Senate as a 902-page discussion draft, and a partial counter to the Farm Bill passed by the House of Representatives in April.