AGP Executive Report

Food Safety Crackdown: Maharashtra’s FDA crackdown is pushing hotels and restaurants to hire food-safety consultants after licence suspensions and improvement notices over hygiene and compliance gaps, with operators scrambling to fix kitchen processes and documentation. Regulatory Reform Fight: In the US, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former FDA chief David Kessler are targeting the long-running GRAS loophole, as new federal data shows ultra-processed foods make up 55% of adult calories and nearly 62% for children. Public Health & Labels: India’s FSSAI is also driving corrective action, with FBOs withdrawing misleading claims, revising labels, and delisting products after notices. Cost Pressures on Food: UK inflation is expected to tick up as energy bills rise, adding pressure to household budgets that already hit food spending. Food Access Programmes: Malaysia’s Menu Rahmah has reached 3,210 registered food and beverage premises as of July, aiming to expand lower-cost options nationwide. Agri-Resilience: UK potato growers warn drought and water shortages threaten yields and quality, raising food-security concerns.

Food Policy Showdown: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former FDA chief David Kessler are teaming up to challenge the 1958 GRAS loophole, arguing ultra-processed foods now drive most U.S. calories and should face tougher oversight; Animal Welfare Probe: New Zealand’s MPI is investigating footage from the Chatham Islands showing people chasing and running over a live cow with quad bikes, with officials calling it unacceptable under the Animal Welfare Act; Regional Trade Friction: Rwanda has suspended alcoholic imports from Kenya and Uganda, prompting Uganda and standards bodies to argue the products meet harmonised EAC rules and that Rwanda failed to notify concerns; Cost-of-Living Menus: Malaysia’s “Menu RAHMAH” has registered 3,210 food and beverage premises, with the government expanding lower-priced meal programs; Dairy Skills Push: Arla is targeting 100 schools to tackle dairy skills shortages; Food Safety Crackdown: India’s state food safety chief has launched sweeping enforcement against delivery and quick-commerce players, suspending permits of warehouses and outlets; Drought Pressure on Food: UK drought is being linked to fragile food supply, with farmers warning of shortages and shoppers already seeing empty shelves and higher prices.

Food Policy & Regulation: In the US, federal data shows ultra-processed foods make up 55% of daily calories (nearly 62% for youth), while HHS and former FDA chief David Kessler target the 1958 GRAS loophole that lets companies self-certify additives without full FDA review—sparking a San Francisco lawsuit that draws tobacco-era parallels. Quick-Commerce Crackdown: India’s Maharashtra FDA suspended permits of 12 warehouses tied to Eternal (Blinkit), Swiggy (Instamart) and Zepto after cockroach and hygiene findings, following earlier closures of eateries. Supply & Prices: India’s wholesale inflation eased to 9.78% in July, but food-related wholesale prices stayed a concern. Agri-Exports: APEDA and Tripura hosted an international organic buyer-seller meet to link local producers with global buyers. Food Security & Farming: PM Modi’s Independence Day “Sapta Dhara” roadmap puts agriculture and food processing front and center for Viksit Bharat 2047. Dairy & Retail: UK shoppers are urged to check egg markings to reduce salmonella risk, as most eggs now come from the Lion scheme. Global Trade: China’s zero-tariff push lifted imports from Nigeria by 80% to $2.3bn in H1 2026, with a push toward higher-value food exports. Industry Spotlight: Scotland’s grouse shooting season highlights £32m annual rural economic impact, even as critics question environmental costs.

Ultra-Processed Food Crackdown: HHS and former FDA chief David Kessler are pushing to revoke the 1958 GRAS loophole, after federal data shows ultra-processed foods make up 55% of adult calories and nearly 62% for kids—sparking a new front in the fight over ingredient oversight. Food Safety & Regulation: The U.S. FDA is also moving to tighten how new food chemicals are handled, while courts continue to challenge warning-label rules and industry pressure around them. Climate Pressure on Food: Kenya faces worsening drought risk as ICPAC warns of persistent rainfall deficits, with knock-on threats to crops, livestock and food prices. Supply Chain & Farming Support: Ghana’s government says it has distributed fertiliser and improved seeds to cut farmers’ costs and protect output. Industry Moves: Ferrero is buying Purely Elizabeth, signaling continued investment in “better-for-you” breakfast brands. Meat & Jobs: Tyson’s beef plant closure in Joslin draws union backlash, highlighting ongoing strain in meatpacking. Fisheries Watch: Chesapeake Bay menhaden harvest cuts are up for public comment as regulators weigh ecosystem needs against local jobs. Food Fraud Claim: New Zealand avocado oil tests allege products were diluted with cheaper oils, prompting calls for a dedicated “food crime” taskforce.

Regulatory Crackdown on Ultra-Processed Foods: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former FDA chief David Kessler are teaming up to challenge the 1958 GRAS loophole, as new federal data says ultra-processed foods make up 55% of Americans’ daily calories (nearly 62% for kids). US Legal Pressure: San Francisco filed a landmark lawsuit against manufacturers, drawing comparisons to tobacco-era litigation. India Inflation Watch: India’s wholesale inflation eased to 9.78% in July (from 9.87%), with food inflation rising to 6.65% and fuel/power pressures cooling. FSSAI Compliance Push: India’s food regulator trained businesses on labelling, display, advertising and claims amid Supreme Court scrutiny over front-of-pack warning labels. Food Safety & Fraud: The FDA is seeking more information on food chemicals and additives, while separate reporting highlights alleged mislabelling and purity issues in products like quinoa and avocado oil. Supply Chain & Trade: Armenia and Iran discussed joint agricultural investment, while Kyrgyzstan is considering extending a livestock export ban to protect meat prices.

Food Additive Crackdown: HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former FDA chief David Kessler are pushing to revoke a decades-old GRAS loophole that lets companies self-certify ingredients, as federal data shows ultra-processed foods make up 55% of Americans’ calories (nearly 62% for youth). Regulatory Showdown in India: India’s Supreme Court rebuked FSSAI over front-of-pack warning labels for high sugar, salt and saturated fat, questioning whether industry pressure is driving delays. FTC Payouts: The FTC will disburse $23.8M from a Grubhub settlement to 640,038 drivers and diners tied to alleged deceptive practices. Restaurant Strategy: Dine Brands is expanding dual-brand Applebee’s/IHOP sites to keep locations open, while Inspire Brands is rolling out the first Buffalo Wild Wings Go + Jimmy John’s co-branded unit in Florida. Supply Chain & Safety Tech: ProduceX partnered with Castelo Cold Storage to digitize quality assurance and traceability for fresh produce. Livestock & Pest Control: USDA is investing $25M in a sterile fly facility to fight the New World screwworm threat. Food Policy & War Risk: Ukraine offered Russia a Black Sea civilian-attack halt as food-supply fears mount.

Food Regulation Shake-Up: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former FDA chief David Kessler are pushing to revoke the 1958 GRAS loophole, arguing ultra-processed foods now make up 55% of adult calories and nearly 62% for kids—setting up a major U.S. ingredient oversight fight. Courtroom Pressure on Labels: India’s Supreme Court scolded FSSAI for delaying front-of-pack warning labels, rejecting the claim that interpretive systems would wrongly flag traditional foods. Food Safety Crackdowns: Maharashtra FDA suspended licenses of multiple Domino’s outlets in Mumbai over hygiene and pest issues, while separate enforcement actions targeted other food businesses. Quick-Service Deals: Trian Fund is reportedly forming a consortium to take Wendy’s private, as the chain faces sluggish demand and share pressure. Climate & Food Security: Jordan’s worsening heat and water stress are intensifying risks to crops and food supplies. Community Food Relief: After Spokane-area fires, local restaurants and World Central Kitchen partners are mobilizing hot meals and essentials for displaced residents. Agrifood Innovation: Trace One named Raphaël Bertholet as Chief Product & Technology Officer to accelerate AI-driven compliance and product development for food brands.

FDA/GRAS Crackdown: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former FDA chief David Kessler are teaming up to challenge the 1958 GRAS self-certification pathway, arguing it lets companies add ingredients without full FDA oversight as ultra-processed foods now make up most of Americans’ calories. Health & Nutrition Research: A new analysis links higher ultra-processed food intake with increased prostate cancer risk in U.S. men, adding to mounting concerns about UPFs’ health effects. Food Safety Alerts: Hong Kong’s food watchdog flagged two Olitalia bottled olive oil products over possible mineral oil contamination, prompting an immediate consumer stop-sale order. Regulatory Watch (Food Additives): The U.S. is moving toward mandatory ingredient notification for GRAS and tighter oversight of food additives and food-contact chemicals. Industry & Trade Funding: Canada is investing $30.5M in B.C. food and seafood manufacturers and associations to boost trade and production capacity. Agri-Food Growth: Alberta is using Local Food Week to push year-round greenhouse and vertical farming, awarding $7.5M to six controlled-environment operators. Automation in Food: Robot orders in North America rose in Q2, with Food & Consumer Goods among the growing sectors. Market/Consumer Pressure: Fast-food discounting is losing its edge, with chains like Wendy’s facing sluggish demand and exploring strategic options.

Gig Worker Pay & Safety Net: Australia’s Fair Work Commission set a minimum hourly rate of A$31.30 for on-demand food, beverage and grocery delivery workers, starting Aug. 17, plus injury insurance coverage. EU Packaging Rules: PPWR becomes enforceable Aug. 12, tightening requirements for food-contact packaging including PFAS limits and harmonised recycling and labelling timelines toward 2030. Food Safety Crackdown: India’s FDA stepped up enforcement in Bengaluru, sealing a Zepto warehouse over safety lapses and inspecting Zomato Hyperpure, citing missing licences, mislabelling and improper cold storage. Dairy IPO Watch: Temasek-backed Milky Mist’s IPO was fully subscribed on day two, raising about ₹4.65bn from anchor investors. Trade Impact on Seafood: Maldives tuna exporters reported 20% growth after the UK suspended a 20% tuna tariff through 2028. Food Supply & Jobs: Philippines’ DA backed an enoki mushroom project in Silang to cut import dependence and expand local production, processing and cold-chain distribution.

Food Safety & Regulation: The FDA is pushing to close a “loophole” by requiring companies to notify it about new food ingredients and food-contact substances, moving away from self-affirmed GRAS. Food Safety Oversight: A CBS report says the FDA is far behind on foreign food safety inspections, with a Mexico farm tied to the U.S. cyclospora outbreak reportedly not inspected in years—highlighting a major enforcement gap. Outbreaks & Recalls: A salmonella-linked jalapeños recall expands downstream, while lawsuits continue to swirl around Taylor Farms and Taco Bell over cyclospora. Ingredient Transparency: RFK Jr. and allies are again spotlighting additive oversight, arguing the current system lets chemicals enter the food supply without enough scrutiny. Supply Chain Resilience: Louisiana’s agriculture agency urges growers to follow FDA guidance on crops exposed to flood waters after Tropical Storm Arthur, treating edible portions as adulterated when flood contact occurs. Local Sourcing Policy: New York lawmakers advance a “Good Food New York” bill that lets schools and hospitals consider more than price when buying food. Market & Operations: Canada’s CFIN funds eight foodtech projects, with a focus on AI for the plant floor and supply chain. Industry Growth: Greenhouse expands into convenience with clean-label protein shakes, betting on protein demand in c-stores. Agriculture & Nutrition: The Philippines’ DA backs a Filipino-owned enoki mushroom expansion to cut import dependence and boost traceability.

Food Safety & Regulation: Australia’s ACCC has opened an inquiry into tomato “country of origin” claims after an ABC Four Corners investigation found a sizable share of samples didn’t match labels, with FSANZ backing the probe while industry groups push back. Food Safety Crackdowns: India’s Maharashtra FDA suspended Blinkit’s Malad facility license after inspectors flagged serious hygiene and food-safety lapses. Ultra-Processed Food Policy Fight: In the US, HHS moved to define ultra-processed foods under the MAHA agenda, while CEOs lobbied to delay the ultra-processed definition—raising stakes for ingredient rules and labeling. Supply & Prices: The FAO Food Price Index edged up in July as heatwaves, energy dynamics and geopolitical risks lifted cereal, vegetable oil and sugar quotes. Aquaculture Innovation: AquaNab is developing alpaca-derived nanoantibodies delivered through fish feed to tackle sea lice, aiming to cut reliance on chemical and mechanical delousing. Agriculture & Food Security: Ireland’s farmers are urging a reconvening of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee as hot, dry weather strains feed costs and logistics. Industry Performance: Smithfield Foods reported record first-half fiscal 2026 operating profit, highlighting strength in its vertically integrated packaged meats model.

Food Safety Crackdown: Taylor Farms is back in the spotlight after a jalapeño-linked salmonella recall, even as the company remains tied to a separate, ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak traced to its lettuce. Regulatory Reform: HHS proposed tighter GRAS oversight so companies must notify FDA about “generally recognized as safe” determinations, while also moving toward a federal definition of ultra-processed foods. Industry Pushback: Big food executives reportedly urged the White House to delay a proposed ultra-processed food definition, warning it could raise costs and trigger litigation. Corporate Moves in Foodservice: Dine Brands says menu innovation—not discounting—is driving traffic at Applebee’s and IHOP, while Papa John’s faces continued sales pressure and is leaning into “barbell” pricing. Market & Supply Trends: Tea is emerging as a major drinks innovation platform, with hard tea and RTDs accelerating in the US and expanding beyond classic black/green varieties. Local Food & Agriculture: New York State Fair’s $1 Potato Booth will use NY-grown potatoes and NYS Grown & Certified dairy and toppings. Global Livestock Ambition: Nigeria aims to more than double livestock’s $32bn annual economic contribution, positioning the country as a livestock production and processing hub.

Food Safety Crackdown: Bengaluru’s Karnataka FDA raids on premium hotels (including Taj and Lalit) found expired milk, rotten meat and fungal vegetables, plus hygiene and FSSAI labelling violations, with samples sent for lab testing. Nutrition Labelling Fight: India’s FSSAI is pushing a new approach that would show daily limits for added sugar, saturated fat and salt instead of front-of-pack warning symbols—sparking backlash from public-health groups. Dead Stock Problem: New data says over half of food and beverage SKUs sit unsold for months, tying up cash and aging toward unsellable status as launches outpace demand. Commodity & Pricing Pressure: FMCG firms plan calibrated price hikes and shrinkflation amid rising costs; meanwhile whey prices have surged sharply, raising questions about knock-on effects for infant formula and other protein products. Climate Risk to Food: El Niño threats are intensifying—Kenya’s livestock sector faces disease and value-chain disruption, while Thailand’s rice harvests are at risk from drought and water stress. Supply Chain & Trade: EU border checks rejected 33 non-compliant non-EU beef consignments into Ireland since 2022, while SIAL Guangzhou expands to four halls to meet growing global sourcing demand. Sustainability in Food Service: McCormick Place earned Platinum Sustainable Event Certification, highlighting renewable energy, rooftop growing for food programs, and surplus food recovery.

Food Safety & Litigation: A Minnesota woman sued Chipotle, alleging a chicken burrito bowl caused Salmonella infection and sepsis, raising fresh scrutiny on restaurant hygiene and ingredient handling. Climate-Driven Supply Disruption: Europe’s Danube and Rhine rivers hit historic lows as 40°C heat and drought disrupt shipping, energy production, and water use—an indirect hit to food logistics. Food Prices & Inflation Pressure: In Cuba, a guava candy bar now costs 600 pesos, sparking outrage as inflation turns once-affordable staples into luxury buys. Regulatory & Industry Pressure: The UK’s Westminster council faces a political backlash over proposed West End licensing rules that could restrict hospitality operations, including fast food and entertainment venues. Food System Governance: India plans to broaden the National Cooperative Development Corporation’s mandate, enabling more direct loans and grants to co-ops involved in agricultural and food processing. Agrifood Trade: Bangladesh’s soy import demand is surging, with the US supplying most imports as feed and poultry/aquaculture growth boosts demand. Food Business & Markets: The Philippines’ UP-PGH cancer hospital PPP failed to attract bidders, while food-related inflation remains a concern as rice prices jump.

Food Prices Under Heat Pressure: South Korea’s heat wave is pushing up produce costs fast, with spinach up 152.3% and cucumbers up 54.8% year-on-year, while livestock and fish deaths are also lifting prices. Food Safety & Trust: In the US, the Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce is spreading across 15 states and is now hitting retailer sales and restaurant footfall, turning a recall into a confidence crisis. Regulatory Crackdown: The Philippines’ agriculture department suspended imports of live animals and several animal products from seven Middle East and Europe economies after foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks. Supply Chain & Infrastructure: Bohol (Philippines) broke ground on a P61-million regional food terminal to help farmers and fisherfolk store, process, and sell with cold storage and reduced middlemen. Industry Investment Push: Odisha (India) used Food Pro 2026 to pitch Rs 43,437 crore in food-processing investments via 27 MoUs, targeting thousands of jobs. Market Expansion: Japan’s JETRO says halal-driven demand and rising incomes are boosting Japanese agri and seafood exports to Malaysia. Dairy Cost Pressure: Milk prices in Maharashtra are set to rise by Rs 2 per litre from Aug 11, with knock-on increases possible for other dairy products.

Food Security & Infrastructure: Philippines’ Catigbian, Bohol broke ground on a P61m Regional Food Terminal to help farmers and fisherfolk store, process and sell directly—cutting middlemen and adding cold storage and refrigerated transport. Agri-innovation & Youth: Malaysia’s MAHA 2026 (Aug 28–Sept 6) will spotlight “Value Creation for Food Security,” pushing farmers and breeders toward commercialisation, while Tanzania’s TADB says it has disbursed Sh1.55tn to 862 projects supporting irrigation, storage and agro-processing. Supply Chain & Prices: El Niño-linked weather risks are threatening Peru’s blueberry harvest, with knock-on effects for U.S. fresh fruit prices and broader crop exports. Food Safety & Regulation: India’s FSSAI continues to tighten scrutiny, including action tied to hygiene violations and misleading food-claim labelling. Industry Labor & Policy: U.S. lawmakers advance the INSULIN Act, which also targets alleged FDA citizen-petition abuses that can delay cheaper generics—an example of how regulation can reshape market access. Trade & Geopolitics: BRICS trade ministers in Jaipur urged stronger trade resilience and SME support amid shipping disruptions, with UAE calling for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen. Hospitality Business: Australia’s hospitality gig app Supp faces entitlements concerns as workers are classified as independent contractors.