Food and Beverage

US FDA Announces Recall of Birch Benders 12oz Sweet Potato Pancake & Waffle Mix for Undeclared Egg

In May 2026 the US FDA announced a limited voluntary recall of one lot of Birch Benders 12oz Sweet Potato Pancake & Waffle Mix in the United States due to undeclared egg allergen risk. Food manufacturers, retailers, and food-service operators should verify and remove the specified lot code, review allergen control and labelling processes, and be alert to similar undeclared-allergen recalls that can trigger rapid product removals and liability exposure.

24 May 2026, 21:40fda.govUnited States

US FDA: Hometown Food Company Recalls Birch Benders Sweet Potato Pancake Mix for Undeclared Egg Allergen

In May 2026, Hometown Food Company voluntarily recalled a single US lot of Birch Benders 12 oz Sweet Potato Pancake & Waffle Mix after discovering undeclared egg, triggering an FDA-listed nationwide allergen recall. Food manufacturers, brand owners and retailers should remove affected stock, verify allergen labelling and change-control procedures, and reinforce supplier oversight to minimise repeat allergen-related recalls and associated liability.

24 May 2026, 21:11fda.govUnited States

US FDA Announces Recall of Whole Foods Minestrone Soup for Undeclared Shrimp

Kettle Cuisine has initiated a recall of specific lots of Whole Foods Market Kitchen Minestrone Soup in the US after undeclared shrimp was found in certain 24 oz cups, with products distributed across multiple states and via national online channels. This strengthens the need for food manufacturers and retailers to maintain strict allergen controls and traceability, as single-SKU labelling or filling errors can trigger multi-state recalls and reputational risk even before illnesses occur.

24 May 2026, 21:11fda.govUnited States

Michigan SB 770 Would Update Pasteurized Milk Ordinance Reference in Grade A Milk Law

Michigan lawmakers are advancing Senate Bill 770, which would amend the Grade A Milk Law of 2001 so that its definition of the pasteurized milk ordinance references the 2023 federal Grade A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance rather than the 2017 edition. If enacted, Grade A milk producers and processors in Michigan would need to align their food safety systems with the 2023 PMO requirements, reviewing operations and documentation for any changes needed to maintain compliance and market access.

24 May 2026, 21:04legislature.mi.govUnited States

US FDA Announces FSPCA Industry Training on the Food Traceability Rule

In May 2026, the US Food and Drug Administration and the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance launched a new FSPCA training curriculum to help industry implement the Food Traceability Rule, with registration now open and a related virtual public meeting scheduled for 15 June 2026. Companies subject to the rule’s traceability recordkeeping requirements should consider enrolling staff and engaging in the meeting to strengthen compliance planning ahead of enforcement, which is currently deferred until July 2028.

24 May 2026, 20:48fda.govUnited States

Northern Ireland: Divilly’s Recalls Divilly Brothers No Added Nitrite Crumbed Ham Over Undeclared Wheat (Gluten)

In May 2026 the UK Food Standards Agency issued a Northern Ireland-specific allergy alert recalling Divilly Brothers No Added Nitrite Crumbed Ham because it contains undeclared wheat (gluten). Food and retail businesses should ensure the affected 90 g batch is removed from sale, refund consumers, and check allergen labelling and recall controls to prevent similar non-compliance.

24 May 2026, 20:47food.gov.ukUnited Kingdom

Ukraine Publishes State Register of Organic Production Operators

In May 2026, Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy published an official state register of operators producing organic products in line with national organic production, circulation and labelling legislation. This register gives businesses a single authoritative list of compliant organic operators in Ukraine, strengthening due diligence on suppliers and helping to confirm which facilities are formally recognised under the organic regime.

24 May 2026, 20:47me.gov.uaUkraine

EEA Incorporates T-2 And HT-2 Mycotoxin Food Limits Into EEA Agreement

EEA Joint Committee Decision 14/2026 incorporates Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1038 on maximum levels for the sum of T‑2 and HT‑2 mycotoxins in food into the EEA Agreement, with Norway implementing the measure in its national contaminants regulation in February 2026. Cereal, oat‑product and baby‑food producers in Norway and other EEA States must now comply with the Annex I T‑2/HT‑2 limits that have applied in the EU since 1 July 2024 and prepare for the 1 January 2028 reporting obligation on mitigation measures and occurrence data for oats and oat products.

23 May 2026, 19:54eur-lex.europa.euEuropean UnionEuropean Economic AreaNorway

Japan Food Safety Commission Announces 64th Mycotoxins and Natural Toxins Expert Meeting on Ochratoxin A (1 June 2026)

Japan’s Food Safety Commission has scheduled a 1 June 2026 meeting of its Mycotoxins and Natural Toxins Expert Subcommittee to review the food health risk assessment for Ochratoxin A. This signals ongoing scientific assessment that may later inform Japanese food safety standards or risk management measures for Ochratoxin A and related mycotoxin risks.

23 May 2026, 19:50fsc.go.jpJapan

Denmark Seeks Comments On EU Authorisation Of GM Soybean GMB151×DAS‑44406‑6 For Food And Feed

Denmark has updated its national consultation on the EU authorisation of genetically modified soybean GMB151×DAS‑44406‑6 for food and feed use, with comments now due by 1 June 2026. If approved, this GM soybean event would expand authorised GM inputs for soy-based products in the EU, so food and feed businesses should assess potential sourcing, labelling and stakeholder implications and consider whether to respond to the consultation.

23 May 2026, 19:27hoeringsportalen.dkDenmarkEuropean Union

EEA Joint Committee Incorporates Magnesium L‑Threonate Food Supplement Regulation, Excluding Liechtenstein

In February 2026 the EEA Joint Committee incorporated the EU regulation on magnesium L-threonate in food supplements into the EEA Agreement, while expressly excluding Liechtenstein. This aligns Norway and Iceland’s supplement rules with the EU, enabling use of magnesium L-threonate as an approved magnesium source and signalling further convergence of EEA food supplement authorisations.

23 May 2026, 19:19efta.intEuropean Economic AreaNorwayIcelandEuropean Union

Germany Recalls Organic Spelt Waffles Over Ochratoxin A Contamination

Germany’s food safety authorities issued an EU RASFF alert and consumer recall in May 2026 after serious Ochratoxin A contamination was detected in organic spelt waffles originating from Czechia. This incident underscores mycotoxin risks in cereal-based products and may prompt food businesses to reinforce supplier oversight, contaminant testing, and recall readiness across EU supply chains.

23 May 2026, 11:19webgate.ec.europa.euEuropean UnionGermanyCzechia

Hungary (Nébih) Recalls Dénes Natura Lucerna Sprouting Seeds, 200 g, For Microbiological Non-Compliance

On 21 May 2026, Hungary’s food safety authority Nébih ordered an authority-enforced recall of Dénes Natura “Lucerna csíráztatásra, 200 g” alfalfa sprouting seeds due to microbiological non-compliance affecting four batches. This recall requires retailers and distributors to withdraw the specified lots and should prompt food businesses to review supplier controls and hygiene measures for sprouting seeds given the elevated microbiological risk.

23 May 2026, 11:19portal.nebih.gov.huHungary

EU and EEA Authorise Roasted Dipteryx alata (Baru) Seeds as Traditional Novel Food

EU Regulation 2025/1263 authorises roasted seeds of Dipteryx alata Vogel (baru nuts) as a traditional novel food, sets detailed compositional and contaminant limits, and this measure has now been incorporated into the EEA Agreement and Norwegian law. This opens EU/EEA market access for baru-based products under harmonised safety specifications and labelling rules, creating opportunities for food manufacturers while requiring tight control of heavy metals, process contaminants, mycotoxins, and microbiological quality.

23 May 2026, 11:18eur-lex.europa.euEuropean UnionEuropean Economic AreaNorway

EFSA Proposes Higher Acequinocyl MRLs for Cane Fruits and Small Berries in the EU

EFSA has issued a May 2026 reasoned opinion proposing higher EU maximum residue limits for the acaricide acequinocyl in cane fruits and other small fruits and berries while confirming that the existing honey MRL can remain at 0.05 mg/kg. If the European Commission follows these recommendations, berry growers and crop protection suppliers will gain additional authorised acequinocyl uses, with EFSA’s modelling indicating that consumer exposure would remain comfortably below toxicological reference values.

23 May 2026, 11:18efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.comEuropean Union

EFSA Concludes Food Enzyme from Aspergillus luchuensis GSP-4-404 Is Safe Under Intended Uses

In April 2026 EFSA’s food enzyme panel concluded that a polygalacturonase/pectinesterase preparation from non-GM Aspergillus luchuensis GSP-4-404 is safe for its intended uses in seven food manufacturing processes, based on a large safety margin between estimated consumer exposure and the no-effect level in animals. This opinion underpins future EU authorisation decisions on the enzyme and signals low toxicological concern, although allergic reactions in already-sensitised individuals cannot be fully excluded and should remain on operators’ risk radar.

23 May 2026, 11:18efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.comEuropean Union

Denmark Consults on EU Authorisation of GM Soybean MON 94313 Under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003

Denmark has launched an updated national consultation on a proposed EU authorisation for genetically modified soybean MON 94313 (Bayer) for import, processing, and food and feed uses under the GM Food and Feed Regulation. Food and feed businesses using soy inputs should track this file and assess potential sourcing, labelling, and stakeholder implications if MON 94313-based materials gain EU market authorisation after the consultation process.

23 May 2026, 11:18hoeringsportalen.dkEuropean UnionDenmark

Slovenia Recalls Sichuan Pepper For Excess Pesticide Residues

On 21 May 2026, Slovenia's food safety authority announced a recall of Sichuan pepper products after pesticide residues were found above legal limits. The action underscores stricter enforcement of pesticide maximum residue levels in imported foods, requiring retailers and food operators to pull affected batches and review supply chain controls.

23 May 2026, 11:18gov.siSlovenia

Norway: Coop Norge Recalls Coop Sandwich 12-Pack Over Metal Fragment Risk

On 21 May 2026, Norway’s food safety authority announced that Coop Norge is recalling its Coop Sandwich 12-pack product nationwide due to a risk of small metal fragments in certain March 2028 best-before batches. This recall highlights ongoing regulatory scrutiny of foreign-object contamination in food products and requires food and retail operators to check stock, remove affected lots, and manage customer refunds promptly.

23 May 2026, 11:16mattilsynet.noNorway

Romania Recalls Pistachio Products Over Excess Ochratoxin A

Romania issued a serious RASFF alert and consumer recall for pistachio granules and pistachio powder after Ochratoxin A levels far exceeded the maximum legal limit on 20 May 2026. Food safety and quality teams should verify any exposure to these lots or suppliers, strengthen mycotoxin testing controls for nut products, and ensure recall and communication procedures align with RASFF follow-up expectations.

23 May 2026, 11:16webgate.ec.europa.euRomaniaItalyUnited States