AGP Executive Report

Food Safety Recalls: Walmart and Trader Joe’s recalled frozen organic berries (Great Value blueberries and Triple Berry Blend; Trader Joe’s Mixed Berry Blend) over possible E. coli contamination, with affected lots and “best if used by” dates listed by FDA. Foodborne Illness Update: FDA closed a major lettuce parasite probe tied to cyclospora linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in Mexico, but Mexico’s Cofepris says its lab tests on facility materials and water were negative and that environmental findings alone can’t prove the source. Energy Drinks & Kids: A new warning highlights risks of energy drinks for children and teens, stressing caffeine limits and the difficulty parents face with aggressive marketing. Global Food Prices: UN/FAO data shows global food prices rose in September to the highest level since late 2022, driven by weather, shipping disruptions, and El Niño—raising volatility for U.S. grocery costs. Retail & Value: A “dumpster diving” debate reignited questions about retail waste and who’s responsible when edible products get discarded. Industry/Business: Genentech said FDA accepted its NDA under priority review for fenebrutinib, a BTK inhibitor for relapsing and primary progressive multiple sclerosis.

Food Safety: FDA says it found Cyclospora linked to the biggest U.S. outbreak at a Taylor Farms de Mexico wastewater tank and a nearby grower drainage ditch, closing its probe of the shredded iceberg lettuce recall that sickened 12,883 people in 21 states and killed two. Public Health Research: A University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa study got a $3.3M NIH grant to track how PFAS “forever chemicals” and microplastics may affect infant brain development, following 300 families from pregnancy through the first year. Nutrition Access: Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller highlighted the Child and Adult Care Food Program, which serves about 200 million meals and snacks statewide through more than 12,000 sites. Food Policy & Cost of Living: SNAP benefit changes take effect this month, with inflation-based payment bumps but tighter rules that increase state funding responsibility. Community & Food Skills: Iowa State Extension’s Cyclone Kitchen launches in Lucas County with hands-on cooking sessions aimed at building lasting nutrition habits. Food Industry Recall Watch: FDA also confirmed a large eye-drop recall affecting hundreds of thousands of units sold under multiple brands due to sterility concerns.

Food Safety: The FDA closed its cyclospora lettuce probe tied to Taylor Farms de Mexico, saying it found the parasite in a wastewater tank and a lettuce drainage ditch, but still can’t determine how contamination happened—after nearly 13,000 illnesses across 21 states. Recall Watch: New York state issued alerts for listeria in raw milk from Big Brook Farm and in a nationwide ready-to-eat Starfish cold-smoked seafood trio (lot D139149161-153). Supply & Prices: The UN says global food prices rose in September on tightened supplies and shipping uncertainty, with sugar, cereals and vegetable oils leading. Industry & Trade: Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith introduced the Ecuador Shrimp Tariff Act to protect U.S. wild-caught shrimp producers from surging imports. Local Food Access: SNAP changes and rising grocery costs are pushing more families toward food banks and pantries. Wildlife & Farming: USDA’s NRCS in Tennessee is accepting applications for conservation programs, while researchers in Kentucky track New World screwworm to protect livestock.

Food Safety Recalls: Walmart is recalling Bettergoods frozen pasta nationwide over possible listeria contamination, urging customers to return affected 22-ounce packages for a refund. Regulatory Watch: A federal court in Manhattan reinforced FDA preemption in an OTC cancer-warning fight, dismissing state-law labeling theories tied to benzoyl peroxide products. Public Health Access: The FDA is recruiting consumer representatives for drug and device advisory panels, with applications due Nov. 15, 2026. Dairy & Deal News: Sargento completed its acquisition of La Terra Fina, creating a new deli business unit for dips, spreads and quiches. Agriculture Research: Kentucky State University added a third year of field data on whether biochar can help keep soybean soil productive. Trade & Prices: A CHFA CEO warned consumers could see higher prices and fewer choices as trade tensions drag on. Energy Costs & Food Security: Maine Gov. Janet Mills urged Congress to boost LIHEAP after heating-oil prices surged, warning families may have to choose between staying warm and buying food. Industry Growth: Gong cha climbed to No. 129 on Franchise Times’ Top 400, citing faster Americas expansion.

Household Budget Strain: The Penny Hoarder’s 2026 State of Savings survey finds fewer Americans have an emergency cushion, with many using windfalls to cover overdue bills or essentials like groceries and healthcare. Campaign Trail Meets Local Food: GOP congressional candidate Joe Mitchell made stops in Iowa’s Tama-Toledo area, including an ice cream stop at Murph’s Creamery and Grill. Payment Habits Shift: Pew reports 42% of U.S. adults don’t use cash for any purchases in a typical week, a trend that can reshape how food retailers handle checkout and loyalty. Food Safety Recall: Keurig Dr Pepper’s 7UP Tropical recall affects 77,000+ cans in Utah where “Zero Sugar” labels were found on full-sugar soda; consumers are told to discard or return for a refund. Community Hunger Relief: Illinois State University’s Million Meal Pack drew volunteers to assemble 1 million meals for distribution via Midwest Food Bank and partner food banks. Creator Marketing in Retail: Brands report strong returns from creator-led content, with U.S. influencer spending projected to keep rising—relevant for food and beverage promotions. Trade & Food Policy: At the G20, the U.S. sought consensus on priorities including “weaponization of food trade,” but agreement was limited.

Restaurant Expansion: Döner Haus, founded in New York’s East Village, is gearing up for national growth with 11 locations across four states by end of 2026 and is actively seeking franchisees. Food Waste & Community Brewing: Skagit Coalition and WSU Skagit Extension are hosting “Bread to Beer,” turning surplus bread into Chuckanut Brewery’s Baker’s Beer, with leftover grain repurposed into cookies. Retail & Food Access: Feeding America received a $15M Walmart grant to modernize food-bank pickup and cold storage, aiming to rescue 500M pounds of food and expand SNAP outreach. Grocery Footprint: Walmart opened a Neighborhood Market in Crestview, Fla., adding 166 jobs and featuring fresh sushi, ready-to-eat meals, and a deli with tortillas. New Products & Manufacturing: SANY Nutrition Group opened a $30M Jonesboro, Ark., facility and launched its Beyond Resilience protein snack rollouts into Walmart stores. Affordability Pressure: Research finds 70% of Americans juggle multiple affordability burdens, including food, health care, housing, and childcare. Public Health: CDC-backed guidance highlights how parents can build healthy habits to reduce childhood obesity risks. Food Safety: A recall alert flagged raw milk cheese, peperoncini, and cinnamon pulled over E. coli, pest, and lead concerns.

Retail Value Push: Kroger is rolling out a new Kroger Plus credit card tied to its rewards program, aiming to give shoppers easier savings on gas and groceries as fuel costs squeeze budgets. Food Safety Alerts: The FDA announced a multistate recall of cinnamon seasoning due to elevated lead levels, and a separate recall hit Graziers raw milk cheeses after an E. coli outbreak. Pricing & Delivery Tech: McDonald’s is facing more backlash over how AI is used in pricing, while DoorDash is testing drone deliveries and adding a text-message ordering feature. Food Industry Moves: CJ CheilJedang says Bibigo Gimbap sales in the U.S. jumped 59% as distribution expands across major retailers. Community Food Access: Walmart granted $15 million to Feeding America to strengthen food access nationwide. Local Food & Events: An Iowa City family fight over an ICE detention case also spotlighted how food and community support matter during crises.

SNAP Security Upgrade: Virginia began rolling out chip-enabled EBT cards to curb SNAP theft, after reporting more than $1.5M stolen benefits from January–June 2026. Food Safety Alerts: USDA warned that recalled frozen pork breakfast sausage (possible plastic contamination) may still be in restaurant freezers; consumers and businesses should discard or return it. Inflation Watch: The Fed’s preferred PCE inflation gauge cooled in August (0.3% monthly; 3.4% year over year), but markets still saw bond yields firm, keeping rate-hike talk alive. Diesel Pressure on Food Logistics: U.S. on-highway diesel eased to $6.38/gallon, yet freight rates remain high, adding strain to supply chains feeding schools and food banks. Food Access Funding: Walmart pledged $15M to Feeding America to strengthen food rescue, storage, transport, and delivery capacity. Industry & Growth: Barren Inc. honored seven local industries, including Bluegrass Ingredients’ food-industry warehouse expansion in Kentucky. Aquaculture Debate: Chefs and stakeholders pushed back on anti-salmon-farming claims as EU fisheries policy talks increasingly shape future aquaculture support.

Food Safety & Trust: A new survey finds only 31% of Americans strongly agree the U.S. food system produces safe food, as scrutiny grows around a delayed traceability rule and a withdrawn salmonella plan for raw poultry. Prepared Meals: Aldi says it will roll out fresh ready-made meals in October, with single-serve options under $8 and family meals under $15, aiming for nationwide availability by January 2027. Food Allergy Innovation: DBV Technologies filed with the FDA for the VIASKIN Peanut Patch for children ages 4–7, seeking priority review after results from its large VITESSE trial. Food Costs Squeeze: A Georgetown analysis says 68% of Michigan residents face at least one basic-cost burden—housing, food, health care, or child care—mirroring the national 70% figure. Fast-Food Tech Push: McDonald’s is expanding its digital ad ambitions with a “Media Network” that could eventually place third-party ads across restaurant screens, starting with drive-thru menu boards. Consumer Pressure: Primerica’s Household Budget Index reports middle-income purchasing power is improving modestly, but necessity costs remain a key stress point.

AI Pricing Shake-Up: McDonald’s is using an AI engine to recommend “optimal” menu prices by location, potentially pushing different customers to pay different prices for the same items and raising franchisee and antitrust concerns. School Meal Funding: Senators introduced a bill to permanently raise school meal reimbursement rates, aiming to help districts facing higher costs and to expand access for military families. Food Assistance Pressure: A SNAP overhaul deadline approaches Sept. 30, with states taking on more costs tied to benefit-payment error rates—raising the risk of delays or denials for recipients. Food Safety Recalls: Multiple recalls are in the mix, including tuna and breakfast sausage tied to contamination risks, plus a nationwide cheese recall. Hunger Relief on the Ground: Produce giveaways and food bank partnerships are serving record numbers, including a Food Lion–Carolina Hurricanes effort targeting up to 150,000 meals. Controlled-Environment Produce: CEAg World named ENZA Zaden as signature sponsor for its controlled environment agriculture conference, spotlighting innovation for growers. Seafood Cold-Chain: Lineage and BSF extended a 25-year seafood warehousing and distribution partnership through 2028. Brand/Label Watch: A guide highlights how “Parmesan” can differ from protected Parmigiano Reggiano, urging shoppers to check labels.

Food Safety Watch: FDA added two new foodborne illness investigations to its outbreak table—Listeria (40 sick) and E. coli O157:H7 (25 sick)—with the specific foods still not identified. Recall Alert: Buckhead Meat Company recalled about 333 pounds of tuna after elevated scombrotoxin levels; distribution listed across PA, MD, NY, CT, and NJ. Another Recall: Mezzetta voluntarily recalled a specific lot of Golden Greek Peperoncini after a viral video raised concerns about a possible pest contaminant; no illnesses reported. GLP-1 Safety Scrutiny: A new report says FDA flagged a vision-loss signal (NAION) for GLP-1 drugs in 2025, but U.S. labels still reportedly lack a NAION warning. Trade & Drinks: The U.S. began banning nearly $1B in Canadian imports at midnight ET Tuesday, including alcoholic beverages and dairy ingredients—another escalation in the U.S.-Canada trade fight. Water & Food Supply: Shreveport issued a precautionary boil advisory for 19 streets after water main breaks lowered pressure, with no contamination confirmed.

Fast-Food Inflation: WalletHub reports fast food prices up 3.2% over the past year, outpacing inflation, with big gaps between cities—Detroit and Cleveland top the “share of income” list while Henderson, Nevada lands at the bottom. AI Retail Readiness: CPGs are racing to get product data “AI-ready,” since shoppers may never see the full shelf—brands that don’t land in the first few recommendation spots risk losing the whole meal. Central Valley Water Funding: The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation awarded $34M for water infrastructure in Kern and Tulare counties, including $25M for conveyance capacity and $9.3M for a Seaborn Reservoir project. McDonald’s Next Investment Push: At its investor day, McDonald’s outlined major funding for its “Next” playbook, including $8.5B in partner support through 2036. Food Safety Training Focus: HACCP training is getting more attention as regulators and certifiers demand proof of real competence, not just paperwork. Pet Obesity Messaging: World Pet Obesity Month spotlights updated communication guidelines and tools to help vets and owners talk about body condition more respectfully. Holiday Catering Trend: Research points to more restaurant-prepared items at home gatherings, boosting demand for interactive formats like mobile hibachi. Recall Watch: Mezzetta pepper jars were recalled after reports of a dead mouse found inside.

Food & Health Policy: France’s Nutri-Score debate is heating up again as a citizen petition pushes to make the front-of-pack nutrition rating mandatory, after major brands like Lactalis, Coca-Cola, Mars, Ferrero and Mondelez opted out or pulled back following stricter 2025 rules. Consumer & Workplace Culture: A “coffee gate” moment has Starbucks fans and job seekers arguing over whether bringing iced coffee into interviews looks unprofessional—or just reflects modern priorities. Nutrition Research: A new study in the British Journal of Nutrition links “morning-concentrated” coffee drinking with a 20% lower likelihood of metabolic syndrome, while spreading coffee across the day showed no clear benefit. Food Service & Operations: Camp Humphreys in South Korea is reopening food services gradually after a weekend water outage, with restaurants and coffee shops operating in limited capacity as lines are repressurized. Market & Lifestyle: U.S. consumers are still spending on hobbies despite “funflation,” with leisure spending rising even as recreation prices climb. Plant-Based Trends: WalletHub ranks Chicago among the top 15 vegan- and vegetarian-friendly cities, citing restaurant options and grocery affordability. Food Safety: Nearly 1.7 million pounds of sugar were recalled over possible contamination.

FDA/Health: Moderna’s first mRNA flu vaccine, mFlusiva, is now available for adults 50+ at 13,000+ locations, after FDA approval and unanimous vaccine-adviser support. Food Safety: FDA recalled nearly 333 pounds of tuna across five states after tests found elevated scombrotoxin linked to food poisoning risk. Grocery Pricing: Retailers are cutting prices early as shoppers hunt bargains—Aldi is rolling out fresh-food discounts, while other chains are pulling back on markups and spotlighting markdowns. Food Insecurity: Atlanta Hawks and State Farm hit a milestone by assembling 1,002,402 meals for metro Atlanta through the 2026 Million Meal Pack. Immigration & Ag Supply: Kansas agriculture groups are pushing back after ICE raids in southwest Kansas, warning disruptions could affect worker safety and beef supply. Policy/Packaging: New Hampshire lawmakers are moving to strip PFAS from food wrappers, as PFAS concerns keep spreading. International Food Security: FAO warns El Niño and conflict are colliding with a major funding shortfall in the Horn of Africa.

Child Nutrition Funding: Guam’s Head Start program won a $1.01M federal supplemental award to upgrade nutrition, facilities and services for 27 preschool centers across 19 schools. Food Safety Recall: So Delicious Dairy Free recalled select Salted Caramel Cluster non-dairy frozen dessert pints over possible foreign materials that could cause choking or mouth injury. Public Health Alert: FDA warned against La Serranita black clams from Ecuador tied to a hepatitis A outbreak, with dozens sickened and most hospitalized. Packaging Chemicals: Sen. Maggie Hassan reintroduced bipartisan legislation to ban PFAS in food wrappers and packaging, citing health risks and noting some fast-food brands already moved to phase them out. Food Prices & Protein Shift: USDA Sec. Brooke Rollins told Americans facing high beef prices to consider other proteins as beef costs remain elevated. Community Food Help: Volunteers in Atlanta packed 1 million meals at State Farm Arena to support residents facing food insecurity. Supply Chain/Trade: The U.S. surged to become Cuba’s top supplier in 2026 amid tightening sanctions. Restaurant Ingredient Innovation: Chipotle’s Seoul location uses a locally developed long-grain rice variety from Sejong University.

McDonald’s $8.5B turnaround: The chain is rolling out drive-thru voice AI, cash and rent support for franchisees, and store upgrades through 2036 as it warns U.S. traffic recovery could lag. Food safety recall: FDA classified a sugar recall affecting about 1.7 million pounds of light brown and powdered sugar in eight states due to possible undeclared wheat contamination. Diesel squeeze: Record diesel prices are pressuring farmers, trucking, and retailers, with the Trump administration weighing fuel relief options including possible regulatory changes. Dairy spotlight: For National Chocolate Milk Day, The Dairy Alliance is pushing chocolate milk as a post-workout recovery drink, citing protein and carbs. Snack culture: Kraft Dinner is launching a limited-edition KD x Solly’s cream soda, sparking online debate. Trade watch: A U.S.-China tariff proposal could improve access for some Michigan farm and food exports, but details are still pending. Label literacy: A guide highlights how to read FDA Nutrition Facts labels.