AGP Executive Report

New Product Launch: Game On Spirits is rolling out WingShot, a buffalo-wing-inspired spirit made to pair with chicken wings, launching July 29 (National Chicken Wing Day) with select-market distribution. Food Innovation: Chef Boyardee debuts Chef Boyardee Protein Canned Pasta nationwide starting August 2026, with five varieties delivering 25–27g protein per can. Restaurant Promo & Hunger Relief: The Cheesecake Factory marks National Cheesecake Day July 30 with any slice half price for dine-in guests and a new Brownie Crunch Choc-a-Lot Cheesecake; it also pledges 25 cents per slice sold through July 29, 2027 to Feeding America. Food Safety: Health officials report Michigan cyclosporiasis cases have climbed to 9,680, with 160 hospitalizations, as investigators continue linking the broader outbreak to contaminated food sources. Public Health & Nutrition: A new study finds 80% of foods marketed for toddlers are ultraprocessed, and many miss key nutrition benchmarks. Retail/Distribution: Refresco’s Carlisle, Ohio site will stay open as a reduced-staff distribution center after manufacturing ended. Corporate Leadership: Hormel Foods names John Ghingo as permanent CEO, replacing interim leader Jeff Ettinger.

Food Safety Watch: The CDC says cyclospora has spread further, with Michigan reporting 9,253 cases and 160 hospitalizations, and officials warning the risk may extend beyond lettuce to other fresh produce and where it’s sourced; FDA/CDC investigations tied the outbreak to Taylor Farms’ iceberg lettuce, prompting a voluntary recall. Legal & Competition: A federal judge rejected Chobani’s bid to dismiss Danone parent Danone’s lawsuit over alleged copying of packaging and the “Bright & Mellow” slogan for cold-brew coffee. Seafood Markets: Alaska pollock prices are climbing back toward 2022 record levels as demand stays firm and inventories remain tight, with processors watching potential EU sanctions on Russian cod. Local Food Funding: Illinois awarded nearly $4M in Local Food Infrastructure Grants to help farms and food businesses expand storage, processing, transport, and distribution of locally grown products. Community & Food Aid: A Veterans Food Drive tied to America’s 250th anniversary collected 4,018 pounds of non-perishables for military families. Public Safety: A shooting at Seattle’s Bite of Seattle food festival killed three and injured four, with a 15-year-old suspect arrested and police searching for a second gunman.

Food Safety Fallout: The CDC and FDA continue to widen the U.S. cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce, with Michigan reporting 9,253 cases and 160 hospitalizations as the outbreak spreads across nine states; lawsuits are also piling up, including claims against Taco Bell and related suppliers in Ohio. Retail & Pricing: New York City’s city-owned grocery stores are set to sell a “core basket” of staples at 30% below typical retail prices. Convenience Beverages: 7-Eleven rolls out 7-Select Soda in three flavors at $1.99 for a 20-ounce bottle. Corporate Moves: Japan’s Create Restaurant Group acquires Hazelwood Food and Drink in Minnesota, keeping the format and staff. Public Health & Nutrition: A survey finds many Native Americans lack awareness of plant-based diets for diabetes prevention, while a Louisiana clinic urges patients to understand the difference between approved, compounded, and experimental peptide products. Fresh Access: Maryland announces nearly $4M in NourishMD grants to expand fresh food retail in food deserts. Food & Trade: Brazil and China push to speed Mercosur-China talks after new U.S. tariffs hit Brazilian exports.

Food-safety alarms: A Texas audit of toddler foods found 4 in 5 were ultra-processed and nearly half failed key nutrition standards, as the FDA weighs front-of-package labels and kids’ marketing rules. Recalls: Target recalled Good & Gather baby puree (pea, zucchini, kale & thyme) over elevated lead levels, and the FDA also flagged an egg recall tied to salmonella risk. Cyclospora outbreak: Health officials expanded the U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak to more states, with guidance urging consumers to skip bagged salads while investigations continue. Retail/brand moves: McDonald’s is leaning harder into Gen Z drink trends with elaborate specialty beverages, and Official Fried Chicken opened its first brick-and-mortar site in Edina, Minn. Community and culture: New Orleans hosted major “World Cup of cuisine” qualifying events, while a Mississippi food festival drew 500+ attendees. Public safety: A Seattle Center food festival shooting left 2 dead and 5 wounded, including a toddler, as police investigated and urged people to avoid the area.

Retail Value Hunt: Sam’s Club is pitching frugal shoppers on five dinner staples under $15, led by its Member’s Mark seasoned rotisserie chicken and bulk rice—aimed at stretching grocery budgets at home. Fast-Food Drinks Boom: Specialty drinks are becoming the main draw at fast-food chains, with Gen Z “little treat” culture fueling demand for boba, dirty sodas, and customizable refreshers. Food Safety Alerts: Amy’s Kitchen recalled 184,200 cans of organic lentil soup in 28 states due to a pull-tab seal defect that could lead to spoilage; separately, the U.S. cyclospora outbreak keeps expanding, with Indiana reporting 684 cases since May 1. Health & Nutrition: The American Heart Association says up to 400 mg caffeine/day (about 5 cups of coffee) is generally safe for most adults, but added sugar/cream may blunt benefits; dietitians also warn not to eat moldy bread. Policy & Prices: New U.S. tariffs are drawing fresh pushback from Brazil’s Lula as concerns grow about higher costs for U.S. consumers, with food and other goods flagged. Weather Impact: A second heat dome is driving extreme heat warnings across central and southern U.S., raising risks for kids and older adults—important for food handling and hydration. On-Premise Beer: World Cup watch parties are lifting Illinois on-premise beer sales, but bars still face labor and utility pressure.

FDA & Health: FDA approved bemotrizinol, the first new general sunscreen ingredient in 20 years, aiming for broader, longer-lasting UV protection as melanoma rates rise. Food Safety: The CDC and FDA are expanding the U.S. cyclospora investigation tied to produce, with Ohio getting “disease detectives” support and “lettuce-gate” chatter growing as cases spread across more states. Policy & Prices: Lawmakers are pushing back on “surveillance pricing” from electronic shelf labels, raising concerns that grocery prices could shift based on shopper data and timing. Trade & Groceries: Trump threatened tariffs on Canada over wildfire smoke and on Mexico over “problematic lettuce,” while global hunger risks remain elevated as conflict drives up food prices. Local Food Business: A Pennsylvania bakery is rebranding and expanding into a new Easton location with a curated market. Industry & Innovation: Ford is reviewing self-serve kiosks at U.S. factories after employee firings tied to alleged theft, with workers pointing to possible kiosk flaws.

Food Safety Alerts: The FDA says a salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened at least 98 people and hospitalized 26 across 17 states, with investigators pointing to Midwest Poultry Services as a likely source. Produce Outbreak Watch: CDC and FDA updates keep expanding the Cyclospora crisis linked to recalled iceberg lettuce, with cases now reported across nine states and investigators still working to confirm the full exposure picture. Recall Roundup: Amy’s Kitchen recalled about 184,000 cans of Organic Lentil Soup (pull-tab issue) and USDA-FSIS flagged imported smoked bacon from Canada for recall after routine inspection findings. Nutrition Policy: A new study finds FDA’s voluntary sodium reduction targets had minimal impact on new packaged foods, with sodium content not consistently dropping. Grocery Cost Pressure: USDA expects food-at-home prices to rise about 2.7% this year, as shoppers report “rockets and feathers” grocery inflation that doesn’t quickly reverse. Supply Chain Shock: Diesel prices are rising after the Iran conflict, and economists warn the “workhorse fuel” effect can ripple into everyday goods.

Food Safety Alert: CDC says the shredded-iceberg-lettuce cyclospora outbreak has grown to nine states (Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania added), with 1,947 illnesses and 98 hospitalizations; FDA is still investigating a separate cyclospora outbreak with no source identified. Recall Watch: FDA recalled 1.59 million dozen eggs after salmonella risk; illnesses reported in 17 states, with Midwest Poultry Services flagged as the likely source. Grocery Pricing Policy: New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed a law banning “surveillance pricing” that uses shoppers’ personal data to set grocery prices. Delivery Fees: DoorDash is changing how it calculates delivery and service fees, aiming for more transparency and distance-based pricing. Industry & Community: An Asheville BBQ event raised mental-health awareness and funds for counseling for food and beverage workers. Trade & Supply Chain: R-CALF USA argues beef herd rebuilding is being hurt by imports and trade policy, as U.S. cattle numbers hit multi-decade lows.

Cyclospora Watch: CDC says the shredded-iceberg-lettuce outbreak tied to Taco Bell has expanded to Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania, bringing the confirmed linked states to nine; officials report 1,947 linked cases (about 4,000 total illnesses under investigation) and urge people to avoid and return recalled Taylor Farms lettuce. FDA Food Safety: FDA and partners are also probing a separate cyclospora outbreak reported in 72 people with no source identified yet, while Michigan’s outbreak continues to drive the national response. Peptide Policy: An FDA advisory panel backed loosening compounding rules for several unapproved peptides (including BPC-157, KPV and TB-500), setting up a potential wider, prescription-based supply route despite thin safety/benefit data concerns. OTC Pain Relief: FDA approved a new over-the-counter fixed-dose combo pill of Tylenol plus naproxen sodium for up to 12 hours of pain relief for adults and kids 12+. Trade & Costs: The U.S. extended forced-labor-focused tariffs with 10%–12.5% duties on imports from about 60 countries, a move that could ripple into food and beverage pricing. Summer Sips: The spritz’s U.S. boom continues, with National Spritz Day on Aug. 3 highlighting how the Italian aperitif became a mainstream American cocktail category.

Food Safety Alerts: FDA says Midwest Poultry Services is recalling nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs from Texas over potential Salmonella Enteritidis contamination; no illnesses reported, but retailers and foodservice customers across several southern states are affected. Parasite Outbreak Watch: Cyclospora cases keep climbing, with Oklahoma reporting 172 confirmed/probable cases and Kentucky warning of illnesses tied to shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell; Mexico’s health ministry says tests of Taylor Farms lettuce and water samples were negative, while U.S. officials continue investigating. Regulatory/Health Policy: An FDA advisory committee recommended four peptides (including BPC-157 and TB-500) for compounding pharmacy use, despite critics citing limited studies and reported adverse reactions. Child Nutrition & Access: Byron-Bergen’s Summer Food Service Program added Grab & Go meal pickups, distributing 2,500+ meals in the first week. Industry & Tech: OpenAI rolled out a ChatGPT health feature for U.S. adults linking Apple Health and medical records, aiming for more personalized health answers.

Food Safety Watch: The FDA says it’s investigating a new cyclospora outbreak tied to an unspecified product, with 72 reported cases and no source identified yet—coming as CDC counts climb to 4,173 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases across 41 states and Michigan alone tops 7,600. Recall Alert: Nearly 1.6 million cartons of eggs are being voluntarily recalled over possible Salmonella Enteritidis contamination, with affected lots distributed to retailers including Kroger and Brookshire. Affordability & Access: A new analysis argues grocery affordability depends more on what’s left after housing and essentials than on shelf prices alone, while SNAP rules tied to payment accuracy could push more states toward higher costs and potential benefit cuts. Policy Pressure: Idaho is rolling out Medicaid expansion work-reporting requirements starting Jan. 1, 2027, including an 80-hour monthly participation standard and semi-annual renewals.

FDA & Food Safety: FDA opened a new Cyclospora investigation after 72 illnesses from an unidentified source, as officials continue responding to a much larger multistate outbreak tied to recalled shredded iceberg lettuce. Recalls & Allergen Risk: Fresh & Ready Foods recalled spicy breakfast burritos sold in grab-and-go markets and vending machines in eight states after customers found undeclared sausage that may contain soy. Public Health Guidance: Canada issued a travel advisory for cyclosporiasis, warning U.S. visitors about explosive diarrhea symptoms and prevention steps. Dining Safety: A restaurant survival guide urges diners to watch for bad odors, dirty menus/condiments, and other hygiene red flags before ordering. Community Food Access: Three Sisters Market in Charlotte is pushing toward a full-service cooperative grocery to serve a long-underserved food corridor. Policy & Oversight: A U.S. House committee advanced a food-safety bill that would give HHS authority to dispose of “significant” public health risks at ports of entry.

Food Safety Crisis: CDC says cyclosporiasis cases tied to recalled iceberg lettuce are still climbing, with 4,173 confirmed cases across 41 states and 7,400 more reported but not yet confirmed, as FDA continues tracing shredded lettuce from Taylor Farms. Regulatory Watch: FDA moves to remove outdated color additive authorizations, including revoking Orange B and proposing to revoke Citrus Red No. 2, as it pushes a more modern food-color framework. Supply Chain & Pricing Pressure: Analysts warn Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on imported generic drugs (rising to 200% in 2029) could strain supply and raise medicine bills for patients. Policy & Food Access: Summer hunger remains a major gap for families, with USDA programs like SuN Bucks helping during school breaks while advocates push for stronger support. Industry & Trade: House passes a bill to let FDA destroy hazardous imported food products, aimed at protecting Louisiana’s shrimp industry from unsafe, low-cost imports. Beverage Trends: A new market report projects rapid growth for tea-infused sparkling water, driven by demand for less sugary drinks.

Cyclospora Outbreak: CDC says cyclosporiasis cases have surged past 4,000 in 41 states, with hundreds hospitalized and more lab confirmations expected as reporting lags. FDA vs. Taylor Farms: FDA disputes Taylor Farms’ claims about a “false positive,” while the company’s handling of the recall has fueled confusion and scrutiny. Local Health Guidance: States and local providers urge careful produce handling—wash well, consider cooking when possible—while officials continue tracing sources. Organic Soup Recall: Amy’s Kitchen recalled more than 184,000 cans of Organic Lentil Soup – Light in Sodium due to potential spoilage, distributed across many states including Illinois and Pennsylvania. Food Safety at the Farm Level: Little Leaf Farms says its greenhouse-grown lettuce hasn’t been affected, highlighting how growing methods may change risk. Trade Pressure on Food: New 50% tariffs on many Canadian goods are set to intensify pressure on U.S. grocery bills, with dairy and alcohol among the flashpoints. Big Sports, Big Reach: The World Cup final drew nearly 63M U.S. viewers, a reminder that mainstream attention can quickly reshape consumer culture.

Food Safety Crisis: The U.S. cyclospora outbreak tied to bagged shredded lettuce continues to spread, with Michigan reporting 6,571 cases and 102 hospitalizations as investigators say the source is still hard to pin down. FDA Update: HHS Secretary RFK Jr. told reporters the outbreak is “under control,” while the FDA says earlier Taylor Farms positives were a false positive and that it’s still investigating the source. Public Health Pressure: Sen. Jon Ossoff demanded answers from HHS over the shutdown of CDC’s FoodNet tracking program, arguing officials have “very little insight” into origins. Legal Fallout: Lawsuits are piling up, including actions targeting Taco Bell and Taylor Farms over “explosive diarrhea” claims. Consumer Guidance: States like Alabama and North Carolina are urging safe food handling and reminding residents that symptoms can take days to appear, complicating traceback. Industry Moves: Taylor Farms continues to pull implicated lettuce as brands and retailers adjust supply and messaging.

Food Safety Update: The FDA says a Cyclospora-positive test tied to Taylor Farms lettuce was a “false positive,” but the agency insists its outbreak investigation and the voluntary recall still have “overwhelming” support pointing to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms locations in central Mexico. Public Health Impact: The cyclosporiasis outbreak has now spread across dozens of states, with Michigan surpassing 6,000 cases as local produce sales slide and health officials urge caution even as lab results shift. Consumer Guidance: Multiple outlets report the FDA’s message is not “stop worrying,” but “avoid the implicated lettuce,” since epidemiology still links the product to illness. Industry Watch: Domino’s latest quarter shows resilience as supply-chain revenue grows on store ordering and pricing, even while restaurant sales stay soft amid cautious consumer spending. Weather & Supply Chain: Tropical Storm Bertha is expected to bring flash-flood risk along the Gulf Coast, adding another pressure point for food distribution and grocery operations. Policy & Costs: New reporting highlights Americans leaning on credit to cover groceries as prices stay high, underscoring how food shocks hit household budgets fast.