Biosecurity Report – August 2026

/in /by

US Foodborne Pathogens

Cyclospora

The Ongoing Outbreak. The Cyclospora outbreak which began this past May has grown into the largest on record in the U.S. The outbreak continued to dominate food safety news throughout the month of August. As of late August, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 17,170 laboratory confirmed cyclospora cases in the U.S. with 922 hospitalizations and two deaths. Both deaths were in Michigan; the state hardest hit by the outbreak.

The CDC has reported multiple cyclospora clusters with the largest outbreak being associated with iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in Mexico. On August 17th, The FDA began an inspection of the Taylor Farms lettuce operation in Mexico. This farm had not been inspected by the FDA for seven years prior to the outbreak.

The lettuce from Mexico reportedly accounted for 9,481 cyclospora infections and 398 hospitalizations. The CDC has been investigating at least six other clusters of cyclospora for which sources have not been confirmed. The outbreak has covered 48 states and the District of Columbia. As of August 27th, the CDC confirmed 11,485 cyclospora-infected patients in Georgia, Tennessee and Texas. As of the end of the month, the death toll from the outbreak stills stands at two.

Cyclospora Inspection. A CBS News analysis, using FDA’s Data Dashboard of import data, found that there are about 47,000 foreign manufacturers accounting for 90% of non-meat food shipments into the U.S. last year and that the FDA had inspected 4.5% of them since 2023. Federal law puts the burden on U.S. companies importing food to ensure their suppliers follow safety standards.

Under FSMA (The Food Safety Modernization Act), Congress set an annual target for foreign inspections at 19,200. However, with a FDA estimate of $38,700 per foreign inspection, the Congressional mandate would cost about $743 million a year, which is more than 10% of the FDA’s entire budget.

Cyclospora Genotyping. On August 20th, the CDC reported for the first time that it was genotyping samples from persons infected with cyclospora and that the parasites causing the illness are genetically related.

While California lettuce has not been implicated in the cyclospora outbreak, California lettuce growers have reportedly destroyed about a third of the crops ready for harvest because of declining sales.

Possible Remedy. A recent “The Packer” article reported on a food safety breakthrough. According to the article, the Onza Corp. has reported that its Fresh Sure technology converts volatile ozone gas into a stable, USDA-organic solid crystal matrix which achieves up to log-five pathogen reductions and extends produce shelf life by up to nine days. The Corporation stated that FreshSure will neutralize foodborne illness risks like cyclospora.

Salmonella

Eggs. In the past two months roughly 19 million eggs were recalled due to Salmonella contamination which sickened nearly 100 people.

Jalapenos. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for 18 meat and poultry products containing FDA-regulated jalapenos contaminated with Salmonella. The Salmonella Javiana outbreak, traced to fresh jalapeno peppers, infected 431 people in 32 states with 57 hospitalizations since early August. The peppers were grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors of San Diego and repackaged by Dairyland Produce, LLC, doing business as Hardie’s Fresh Foods of Houston, Texas.

Many of the implicated products were sold under the Taylor Farms brand, with other brands including Walmart’s Marketside brand and H-E-B brand. Stores receiving the recalled products include Hannaford, Kroger, Stop and Shop, Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart and Whole Foods.

Alfalfa Sprouts. The CDC reported that the number of people infected in an outbreak of Salmonella and E. coli infections has grown to about 60 people, located from coast to coast in 15 states. The outbreaks are associated with Everything Sprouts and Calco brands in 5 oz plastic containers. Fifty-five people have been infected with either E. coli or Salmonella. From the reporting, it is not clear if a 5 oz plastic container contained both Salmonella and E. coli or if some containers contained only one pathogen, while others container the other pathogen.

Pistachio Butter. Imported pistachio butter sold at Walmart stores were recalled because of Salmonella.

Unidentified Source. The FDA investigated an outbreak of Salmonella Newport with 84 patients identified as of 30 August. The FDA is not reporting information about the patients, the location of the outbreak, or the traceback efforts under way.

E. coli

Blueberries. GreenWise frozen blueberries and whole mixed berries were recalled over possible E. coli contamination. The products were recalled by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. after a multistate E. coli outbreak.

According to the FDA, the outbreak sickened 12 people and hospitalized four. The affected berries were sold at Publix stores and have been removed from the store shelves.

Alfalfa Sprouts. A multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections has been linked to recalled alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts, LLC, under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brand. Everything Sprouts is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In contrast to the above reporting under Salmonella, here the reporting only mentioned E. coli contamination of the Everything Sprouts’ alfalfa sprouts.

Listeria

Ricotta Cheese. A dozen persons were sickened from a Listeria monocytogenes contamination of Requeson soft ricotta cheese from Clover Hill Dairy. One of the infected people died.

New World Screwworm

President Trump announced a plan to temporarily allow more foreign beef imports into the U.S. without paying higher tariffs, his latest move aimed at easing a run-up in beef prices for American shoppers. For the next 90 days the administration will allow as much as 300,000 metric tons of ground beef to be imported without triggering higher tariff rates. The beef will reportedly be sold at 25% below current market prices.

The President’s beef plan is enabled by the fact that the New World Screwworm which had been crossing into the U.S from South America, now appears to be under control. Recently the USDA stated that it would re-open ports along the U.S. southern border to Mexican cattle.

The cattle had been prohibited from entering the U.S. due to concerns about spreading the New World Screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite to U.S. cattle.

Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS)

On August 10th, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a proposed rule ending self-affirmed GRAS and would require companies to notify HHS/Food and Drug Administration (FDA) whenever they conclude an ingredient is safe. The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register at 91 FR 51834, docket FDA-3025-N-3262. Comments are open through December 9, 2026.

New FDA Commissioner

President Trump is expected to nominate Dr. Heidi Overton to head the FDA. Dr. Overton is currently Deputy Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council. She will succeed acting chief Kyle Diamantas.

Biosecurity Report – July 2026

/in /by

US Foodborne Pathogens

Cyclospora cayetanensis

What likely began in May, with cases reported in both Michigan and New York, became the largest outbreak of cyclospora ever recorded in the United States with over 20,000 cases throughout the US, with many cases being reported in Michigan. There are currently at least four ongoing outbreaks being investigated by the FDA. These outbreaks have not been linked. As of early August, the cyclospora outbreaks have resulted in two deaths.

Source. For weeks the specific sources of the cyclospora outbreaks eluded health officials. By the middle of July, US health authorities had linked at least one cyclospora outbreak to shredded lettuce at Taco Bell restaurants in five states, but were unable to determine the actual lettuce farm responsible for the outbreak.

News sources reported that the initial cyclospora contamination was thought to be from lettuce sold to Taco Bell originating from Taylor Farms located in California with production facilities throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, and Western Europe. The FDA and Taylor Fresh Foods also recalled certain Marketside-brand bagged lettuce products sold at Walmart.

On July 18th the FDA stated that a sample of shredded iceberg lettuce from a Taylor Farms in Mexico tested positive for cyclospora. However, due to the complexity of detection of cyclospora, FDA laboratory experts re-reviewed the sample results and concluded that the finding did not represent a true amplification and should be considered a false positive. However, Taylor Farms in Mexico voluntarily removed iceberg lettuce from central Mexico.

As of the end of July, there has been no confirmed source for the cyclospora outbreak.

Cyclospora Contamination. Cyclospora are microscopic parasites that only infect humans. It can be spread if a farm worker’s hands are not properly cleaned after a bowel movement. The eggs of the parasite, called oocytes, can be transferred from an infected worker’s hands to crops, such as lettuce. If the oocyte-infected crop (i.e. lettuce) is then eaten by another person, that person will then grow the parasite in his intestine and will shed oocytes in the newly infected person’s feces. Cyclospora oocyte contamination of water used for crops irrigation can also spread the disease.

Cyclospora infection can cause severe, prolonged gastrointestinal distress, to include explosive diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, dehydration, and relapses which can last for weeks. While death does not generally occur from a cyclospora infection, death may occur in persons with other co-morbidities.

Complicating the investigation into cyclospora is that there is no whole genome sequencing(WGS) detection for this parasite, only targeting genotyping, which is slower and less precise than WGS.

Cyclospora Outbreak Impact

  • Consumers are refraining from eating fresh produce.
  • Some school districts have removed fresh produce from school cafeterias.
  • Visits to US Taco Bell locations were down as much as 31%.
  • Because farmers can not sell their lettuce the crop is being plowed back into fields.

Recommendations

  • End-to-end produce traceability with the implementation of US Food Traceability Rule (FSMA 204).
  • Rebuild public health surveillance systems. Federal employees have expressed concerns that the cuts over the last year to federal programs are behind the poor response in management of the outbreak stating that budget cuts, policy delays, and personnel turnover are exacerbating an already delicate situation.
  • Federal CDC grants to support to state and local health departments was decreased by $5.78 billion. This needs to be reversed.

Listeria

Frozen Blueberries. The FDA issued a recall for 55,000 pounds of frozen blueberries due to a potential Listeria contamination. Source information was not provided.

Fresh Peaches. Fresh peaches sold at Kroger and Trader Joe’s were recalled over a Listeria risk.

Listeria monocytogenes. The FDA reported eight confirmed patients with Listeria monocytogenes infections. While the FDA has begun traceback and onsite inspections, it has not reported what food is being traced or what location is being inspected.

Salmonella

Salmonella Javiana. The FDA reported 106 patients confirmed to have Salmonella Javiana infections. No information was reported concerning the food the FDA was tracing.

Moringa Leaf Powder Capsules. Moringa Leaf Powder Capsules produced by Relay Peak Research LLC under the brand name of Zen Principle Naturals were recalled due to possible Salmonella contamination.

Eggs. Nearly 1.6 million white and brown eggs were recalled over possible contamination with the bacterium salmonella enteritis. The eggs were shipped to foodservice and retail customers in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana, Brookshire Grocery stores in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Mississippi. Nearly 100 people may have been sickened by the same Salmonella strain found in the recalled eggs.

E. coli

Organic Frozen Blueberries. Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. recalled organic IQF frozen blueberries under the brand name GreenWise due to possible E. coli contamination.

New World Screwworm

The USDA is lifting a more than yearlong ban on Mexican cattle imports caused by the spreading of the flesh-eating New World Screwworm, a move that could ease soaring beef prices. The US plans to resume importing Mexican cattle at the port of entry in Douglas, Arizona in August and eventually open two additional ports of entry in New Mexico. The border has been closed to cattle imports since November 2024 after the worm was detected in southern Mexico. Mexican cattle entering a US port of entry will move through a disinfectant dip vat.

Other Food Contaminants

Plastics

PT Organics Limited recalled banana and Strawberry Fruit Puree pouches under the brand names of Pumpkin Tree Peter Rabbit Organics due to the potential presence of soft plastic in the puree.

Mars Petcare US, Inc. recalled Pedigree high protein chopped chicken and duck flavor wet dog food due the potential of foreign plastic contamination in the food.

Legal Issues

Agricultural Act of 2026 (“Farm Bill 2.0”)

The Agricultural Act of 2026 is a 902-page discussion draft released in the US Senate by Agricultural Committee Chairman John Boozeman (R-AR). This bill is intended to be “for the people who feed America” and is intended to strengthen the farm safety net, expand crop insurance and bolster rural economies. This bill is designed to counter and negotiate with the House-passed “Farm, Food, and National Security Act” and is to provide long-term policy certainty and predictability to producers facing high inflation, steep input costs, and volatile market prices. Specifically, the bill intends to:

  • Expand crop insurance options to cover losses caused by a decline in market prices, as opposed to traditional policies which only covering natural disasters.
  • Provides dedicated funding for specialty crop mechanization, automation research, and assistance programs.
  • Codifies the ReConnect Rural Broadband Program, invests in essential services like safe drinking water, and creates new market opportunities for American-grown products.

Pesticides and Driscoll

The world’s largest berry company, Driscoll’s, is facing a consumer fraud class action lawsuit alleging that the California fruit company’s strawberries contain “forever chemicals”. The Watsonville-based berry company is accused of consumer fraud and deceptive practices in a lawsuit filed by six people living in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Illinois.

The lawsuit hinges on a laboratory report that tested two boxes of Driscoll’s strawberries and found that the produce “contained residues of 12 different pesticides at levels prohibited in the European Union, Taiwan, Chile, Korea, and Russia.

The reporting did not state whether or not “forever chemicals” are banned in the four US states where the lawsuit has been filed.

Mexican Dumping of Strawberries

US Senator Rick Scott has called on the federal government to investigate what he describes as the suspected dumping of Mexican strawberries during Florida’s peak strawberry season.

Scott said more than 200 million kilograms of Mexican strawberries entered the US market between November and March, which coincides with Florida’s main production period. He said that the dumping of Mexican strawberries on US soil is more than just an economic threat to American farmers; it is a health and safety issue for American consumers.

The investigation was the result of a petition filed by Strawberry Growers for Fair Trade with the US Department of Commerce and the US International Trade Commission. The group alleges that Mexican strawberries are entering the US market at prices below those of Florica-grown fruit.

Issues Outside the United States

Russia

Tomato Seeds. Russia’s phytosanitary authority, Rosselkhoznadzor, said it will ban imports of tomato seeds from French producer BAYER SEEDS SAS, Mas de Rouzel, Chemin des Canaux, 30900 Nimes, from July 17, 2026, including shipments transiting through Belarus.

The measure was introduced to prevent the entry and spread of Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) and Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), both of which are quarantine pest for Russia and the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union.

The two viruses were reportedly detected previously during phytosanitary checks in tomato seed consignments originating from the French shipping location and arriving in Belarus.

Pests. Russia’s phytosanitary authorities reported several cases of import restrictions and quarantine pest detections in late June and early July. Inspectors blocked entry of 499.7 tonnes of fresh cabbage, onions, tomatoes, dried fruit, nuts, and other high-risk regulated products, as well as 228,000 units of saplings and greens at the Russian-Kazakh border in the first half of 2026 due to missing or invalid certificates, document discrepancies, and the detection of quarantine organisms. Non-compliant shipments were returned to senders, while infested consignments were destroyed.

Infested crops and pests noted were Western flower thrips in peppers, potato tuber moths in potatoes, South American tomato moth in tomatoes and easter fruit moth in a variety of fruits.

Biosecurity Report – June 2026

/in /by

Pathogens

Cyclospora cayetanensis

The most reported pathogen in the month of June, 2026 was a widespread outbreak of parasitic Cyclospora infections. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and state public health officials have reported over 2000 infections across at least 17 states in the US, a number which may continue to rise. While generally not life threatening, the parasite is also not likely to be killed by routine disinfection or sanitizing methods. To date, there have been no deaths reported.

Cyclospora is a unicellular (one cell) parasite that causes intestinal infection. Persons with the parasite in their intestine excrete its oocytes in their feces. Unlike E. coli and salmonella, which can also be spread by animal feces, Cyclospora can only be spread through human feces. Inadequate sanitary conditions pass these excreted cyclospora oocytes onto water or foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Individuals can become infected with cyclospora when they consume the contaminated water or food which then can be passed on to others given continuing inadequate sanitary conditions. Cyclospora infects the small intestine and typically causes watery diarrhea with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements.

While, as of the end of June, the specific source(s) of the current infection have not been identified, fruits and vegetables with variegated surfaces, such as raspberries, blackberries, lettuce, cilantro, green onions, and basil are more likely to have cyclospora. These foods are also less likely to be cooked, which can kill the parasite.

E. coli

Frozen blueberries sold at Publix grocery stores have been recalled because of contamination with E. coli 0145:H28, a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Twelve persons have been reported sick from the pathogen.

The blueberries were from a Chilean grower/packer that sells under the Comfrut brand which announced the recall of its 10-ounce GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries after the berries tested positive.

These blueberries were distributed exclusively to Publix stores across eight states; Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Listeria

Additional patients have been identified in a deadly outbreak of Listeria traced to cheese made by Clover Hill Dairy LLC of Mechanicsville, MD. Ten patients have been hospitalized and one has died. The sick people lived in Maryland, New York, and Virginia.

Samples from sick people were collected from March 2026 to June, 2026 with genome sequencing showing that the patients were sickened by the same strain of Listeria monocytogenes, with the same strain detected in Clover Hill Dairy cheese. As a result, Clover Hill has recalled all of its cheese products.

Salmonella

The FDA has recalled over 900 cases of Alfredo sauce at its highest risk level (Class 1 Event) after a supplier recalled a dry milk powder ingredient used in the product due to a potential salmonella contamination. The Alfredo sauce is packaged in 3-pound, 7-ounce sealed poly bags with 12 bags per case. The Coffee Connexion Co., Inc. based in Lebanon, Tennessee, voluntarily initiated the recall in May and the recall remains ongoing.

USA. An outbreak of Salmonella Enteritis involving 70 persons was reported by the FDA beginning on 10 June. The FDA has begun traceback efforts but has not revealed the food it is tracing. Information on location of the outbreak was also not reported.

Europe. More than 100 people were sickened in 11 countries as part of a Salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouted seeds from India. Other suspected sources are alfalfa seeds, clover seeds, broccoli seeds and radish seeds from Italy, which may have been shipped to Italy from India. The outbreaks, beginning in January, confirmed Salmonella Bovismorbificans infections in 10 European countries with 2 deaths and 18 others requiring hospitalization.

Botulism

The FDA inspected two foreign plants that manufactured Nara Organics infant formula tied to an outbreak of botulism. The FDA found deficiencies at both plants. The FDA did not name the businesses involved nor the country.

However, other reporting noted that a German company, Milchwerke Mittelelbe GmbH, brand name Elb-Milch, a subsidiary of the Kruger Group, is the maker of infant formula linked to the outbreak of infant botulism. The formula was manufactured for Nara Organics. The whole milk powder used in the production of the Nara infant formula was made with milk supplied by Organic West Milk and spray dried by Dairy Farmers of America. Organic Milk West was also associated with the November 2025 outbreak of botulism that sickened 48 babies across 17 US states. A second foreign plant was not identified.

Three infants contracted infant botulism after consuming Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula. No deaths have been reported.

Campylobacteriosis and Cryptosporidiosis

The Louisiana Department of Health is investigating the source of raw milk responsible for 11 cases of infection, two of which tested positive for campylobacteriosis and cryptosporidiosis and were hospitalized.

Closed Cases

Cronobacter in Infant Formula. The US DOJ ended its investigation into the Abbott Laboratories manufacture of infant formula tied to the 2021-22 outbreak of cronobacker infections.

Other BioSecurity Threat

Parasites and Insects

New World Screwworm (NWS): Cochliomyia hominivorax

The US government and tens of thousands of Texas ranchers are now waging a campaign against the parasitic Screwworm. Drones are being used to monitor unusual behavior in herds and insecticides are being deployed. Additionally, sterilized screwworm males are being grown to suppress the population with the USDA stating it needs about 500 sterile male flies a week to eliminate the screwworm pest.

The Screwworm is a fly that lays hundreds of eggs in the open wounds of warm-blooded animals, even wounds as small as a tick bite. The larvae in the wound use their screwlike spines to burrow into and feed on tissue, often resulting in an infection that can kill an animal in weeks.

The Trump Administration has stated that it is moving quickly to surge sterile screwworm production, expand surveillance and trapping efforts, strengthen coordination across federal agencies, and recently deployed every available tool to protect American agriculture, ranchers, wildlife, pets and food security. The Administration has also stated that, in addition to failed border security policies and a broader breakdown in enforcement, transnational criminal organizations and unchecked smuggling networks created conditions that allowed the screwworm threat to move north.

Additional Screwworm Issues

  • The FDA announced an Emergency Use Authorization for the drug nitenpyram to treat screwworm infestations in dogs and cats, making it the first generic drug approved for use against the screwworm.
  • The early termination of USAID funds for a United Nations screwworm monitoring program last year was blamed by some for the resurgence. The amount of that foreign aid was likely not significant in that the USDA’s spending on screwworm eradication has topped $1 billion.
  • Critics of the current sterile fly approach are stating that this approach should be combined with the Screwworm Adult Suppression System (SWASS), which kills fertile adult flies. The combination of the two programs would have the best chance of screwworm elimination.
  • Many cases of screwworm myiasis have been documented in humans.

Colorado Potato Beetle

Vermont researchers and farmers are testing new strategies to combat the Colorado potato beetle, a pest that has developed resistance to more than 200 chemical compounds and devastates potato, eggplant, and tomato crops. Researchers believe that decades of pesticide use have caused evolutionary pressure on the beetle, essentially creating a new insect or an “evolutionary super soldier”.

Strategies being considered include RNA interference, delayed planting so that emerging beetles find no host crops, and decoy planting.

Spotted Lanternfly

Georgia is monitoring the spread of the spotted lanternfly after the invasive insect was first detected in Atlanta in 2024. The spotted lanternfly has not yet been found in Georgia outside of the Atlanta area. The fly was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since been spreading across the East Coast. The lanternfly feeds primarily on grapes but also feeds on peaches and plums.

Chemicals/Toxins

Cereulide

The toxin Cereulide was discovered in infant formula sold by several European companies and was responsible for 140 cases of food poisoning across 10 countries this year. The European Commission is considering tighter regulation of baby formula and special infant foods.

Inorganic Arsenic and Lead

Inorganic arsenic and lead topped the list of foodborne chemicals threatening the world food supply, according to the World Health Organization’s latest foodborne illness estimates. Cardiovascular diseases related to the two chemicals caused almost 90% of foodborne chemical deaths.

Lawsuits and Agreements

Monsanto Company v. Durnell

The US Supreme Court ruled in mid-June that federal law preempts lawsuits at the state level over labeling of potentially carcinogenic pesticides. The decision in Monsanto Company v. Durnell overturns a Missouri jury decision in favor of man who sued the maker of Roundup after he developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a blood cancer. The Supreme Court decision could result in the dismissal of thousands of similar lawsuits against Bayer (which acquired Roundup manufacturer Monsanto) which are currently pending in state courts.

USMCA

The US decided not to renew the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in its current form. The decision introduces new uncertainty for US farmers who rely on the USMCA integrated supply chains which the agreement underpins. One of the issues to be discussed concerns disputes of Canada’s protection of its dairy industry. The next round of talks is scheduled for July 20 in Mexico City.

Proposed Reforms to H-2A Farm Worker Bill

The proposed Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (SAWA) seeks to update the program through changes related to worker eligibility, wage calculations, and administrative procedures. The following are some of the Bill’s proposed reforms:

  • Removing the requirement that agricultural work be both seasonal and temporary. Visas would apply to agricultural labor or services of a temporary nature only, with job contracts allowed for up to 350 days.
  • Authority for defining agricultural labor and services would be transferred to the Secretary of Agriculture and extend eligibility to activities including controlled environment agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, and livestock harvesting.
  • Provide an opportunity for existing unauthorized agricultural workers to access the H-2A program if they meet eligibility requirements, including background checks and in-person interviews. This does not include a pathway to citizenship.
  • The bill addresses labor costs. Annual wage adjustments would be limited to a maximum increase of 3.5% or maximum decrease of 1.5%. Housing would be calculated as a daily rate charge rather than an hourly rate.
  • Administration of the program would be streamlined with a single online platform for interactions between employers, workers, and government agencies, with a clarification of agency responsibilities and the introduction of multi-year labor certifications and housing inspection.

U.S Farmer’s Plight

The Wall Street Journal interviewed Beth Ford, the CEO of Land O’Lakes on the plight of US Farmers. The following bullets highlights some of her concerns.

  • Bankruptcies have doubled in the past year in American agriculture.
    • This perhaps is a significant reason farming has such a high suicide rate.
  • Median farm income is trending downward.
  • Roughly 90% of family-owned farms and ranches rely on alternative sources of income to survive.
  • Fewer than 5% of farms are profitable.
  • 70% of the counties in rural America are food insecure.
  • Roughly two-thirds of US agricultural workers are noncitizen immigrants.
    • This is why immigrants are essential for the growth of the American economy.
    • There is a universal understanding that most of the time American citizens don’t want these jobs.
  • Ms. Ford stated that “I think Americans don’t really understand the fragility of the food system, the amount of work that goes into it, or the geopolitical instability.”

BioSecurity Issues in Foreign Countries

Australia

Between 30,000 to 40,000 mango trees have been bulldozed in Australia’s Northern Territory as growers deal with mango twig tip dieback (MTTD), a fungal disease affecting orchards across the Greater Darwin region.

Brazil

Akorn Technology announced the commercial launch of Akorn Natural Guard, a new class of multifunctional post-harvest solutions developed to eliminate or significantly reduce reliance on conventional chemical fungicides and double shelf life. All formulations are 100% natural, plant-derived, and designed for compatibility with global export markets.

Akorn Natural Guard for Mangoes was validated through trials conducted in Brazil’s Sao Francisco Valley, one of the world’s premier mango growing regions. The product demonstrated full control of anthracnose, the most important post-harvest disease of mango, affecting 30-60% of production in many growing regions.

Columbia

A new packing facility in Columbia enhances avocado traceability to major markets.

Spain

The Yellow Vein Chlorosis Virus has been detected on at least 12 farms in Alicante and 5 in Murcia, posing a threat to the agricultural sector by causing the uprooting of thousands of lemon trees across both regions.

United Kingdom

The UK Cold Chain Federation (CCF) has called on the UK government to make potential disruptions to the country’s food system an immediate priority, citing risks including fuel shortages, cyber-attacks, extreme weather, border delays, and international conflicts. The chief of CCF stated that these risks are becoming increasingly dangerous to food supply in the country.

Ukraine

Ukraine adopted a new law on 30 June 2026 regulating the production, circulation and labelling of organic products, with the aim of bringing the country’s organic sector in line with current European Union standards and making the market more transparent for consumers, producers, and traders.

Biosecurity Report – May 2026

/in /by

Listeria Contamination

Enoki Mushrooms. Two California-based companies have recalled enoki mushroom products after testing identified potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes according to a FDA report on May 14, 2026. HH Fresh Trading of Los Angeles recalled 120 cases of the enoki mushrooms distributed to Texas and Florida through local wholesalers. IQ Produce LLC of Vernon, California also recalled 528 cases after the FDA identified Listeria monocytogenes contamination. No illnesses have been reported in connection with either recall.

Headcheese. Lab tests have shown that Daisy Brand headcheese is the source of Listeria monocytogenes in a foodborne illness outbreak. The headcheese was distributed to retail deli locations in Illinois and Indiana. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service is reporting that whole genome sequencing test results show that Daisy Brand headcheese collected in unopened packages by the agency is positive for the outbreak strain of Listeria. The headcheese was produced at Crawford Sausage Co. Headcheese is a ready to eat pork deli meat product typically made from meat and seasonings that are cooked together to form a loaf or jelly-style product.

eCcoli Contamination

Broccoli Microgreens. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a recall for Les Lufa brand broccoli microgreens due to possible contamination with pathogenic E. coli. The broccoli was sold online in Ontario and Quebec between 20 April and 8 May, 2026. The recall was initiated by the company and has been linked to no illnesses.

Ground Beef (suspect). FSIS reported there was an outbreak of E. coli in May 2026. The suspect source was ground beef. No other data was provided.

Salmonella

Multi-Country Outbreak. Between January and May, 2026, 62 cases of Salmonella Stanley have been reported from Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Lithuania, Netherlands, the UK and the USA. No source had yet been identified. Whole genome sequencing of the bacteria isolated from patients showed that they were closely genetically related. This means there is likely a common source of the infection.

Blackstone Recall. Blackstone Products had a market safety recall of its Parmesan Ranch seasoning due to a potential Salmonella contamination.

Kroger Recall. On 18 May, 2026 Kroger had a market safety withdrawal of Sugar Foods, LLC cheese and garlic croutons due to a potential Salmonella contamination.

Malazi Recall. On 18 May, 2026, Malazi had a market safety withdrawal of Nassar Investment Co., LLC Tahina due Salmonella contamination.

Restaurant Contamination. The Piper Arms restaurant in Stone Creek, Ontario, Canada has finally reopened after being closed since April 13, 2026 due to an outbreak of Salmonella. There are 29 confirmed patients, 57 patients who are awaiting confirmation, and nine patients who have been hospitalized. Evidence suggests cross-contamination contributed to transmission within the premises rather than a sole food item as the source of the illness.

Outbreak at Jail. Local media in Sount Bend IN are reporting that 23 inmates at a country jail are part of a Salmonella outbreak. The inmates became sick on April 29 with symptoms including diarrhea, dehydration, and fever. The jail’s medical staff determined the Illnesses were caused by Salmonella. The immediate source of the contamination was not found.

Cantaloupe Outbreak Over. The CDC has declared that a Salmonella Newport outbreak traced to cantaloupe has ended. The agency had not previously reported the outbreak to the public, which had sickened at least 70 people from 25 states. The Samonella Newport strain was linked to cantaloupe imported from Guatemala ay Ayco Farms Inc. of Pompano Beach, Florida. No product from the farms will enter US commerce until the companies have demonstrated that they have overcome the violations that resulted in the outbreak.

Clostridium botulinum Contamination

Fish Contamination. Terra Medi, LLC had a Hellas Meze Golden Smoked Whole Herring market withdrawal due to a potential for Clostridium botulinum contamination.

Wild Mushroom Deaths

An outbreak of mushroom poisonings in California is the largest in US history according to health officials. The mushrooms have sickened 47 people, killing four. Four of the patients required liver transplants. The mushrooms were likely Death Cap and Western Destroying Angel mushrooms which have been collected in a wide variety of locations across northern and central coastal areas outside the Monterey and San Francisco Bay areas. These amatoxin containing mushrooms are unexpectedly blooming beyond normal seasonal expectations

Fusarium Wilt of Bananas

Banana production in South-East Asia, Africa, and South America, continues to face pressure from a highly destructive soil-borne pathogen, Fusarium Wilt, also known as Tropical Race 4 (TR4). TR4 infects plant roots and persists in soil for decades, with no direct control once established. It affects multiple banana varieties.

Yellow Vein Chlorosis infecting Citrus Trees.

Yellow Vein Chlorosis in citrus plantations in Alicante, Spain, has caused great concern among growers, as there is no treatment against the virus, and the removal of affected trees is required to prevent it from spreading.

Metal Fragment Contamination

The Straus Family Creamery had a voluntary safety withdrawal of various ice cream products in both pint and quart sizes due to the presence of metal fragments.

 

Pesticides and Herbicides

Pesticide residue on Driscoll Strawberries. Testing of both conventional and organic Driscoll strawberries purchased from a Southern California grocery store and submitted to an EPA-certified lab in Virginia, detected 12 pesticide residues on the conventional strawberries with 8 of the compounds identified as PFAS-linked pesticides or related fluorinated compounds. PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals used in products designed to resist heat, grease, water, and stains. The compounds degrade slowly and may accumulate in PFAS exposure to the environment and the human body over time.  Exposure to PFAS has been linked to increase risks of kidney and testicular cancer and certain PFAS compounds are classified as Group 1 carcinogens.

Vermont Bans Paraquat. Vermont is first US state to ban the herbicide paraquat. The law will take effect on 1 November. A special permit may allow paraquat use on fruit-producing orchards, berries, and other small fruit crops until 31 December 2030. NIH studies have linked paraquat exposure to increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. Studies have also connected the herbicide exposure to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and childhood leukemia. Paraquat remains on the most widely used herbicides in the US and is used on crops, to include soybeans, cotton, corn, grapes, pistachios and peanuts. Syngenta, a longtime manufacturer of the herbicide, states there is no credible evidence linking it to Parkinsons. However, there are currently more than 8,000 pending cases on this issue in US courts, and Syngenta has announced it will stop manufacturing paraquat.

US Supreme Court Oral Argument on Roundup. The US Supreme Court heard oral arguments earlier this month over the role of the weedkiller Roundup in individual cancer cases. The case will involve the tension between federal and state rules governing potentially cancer-causing substances.

Politics Related to BioSecurity Concerns

The Iran War. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which not only oil and natural gas but also fertilizer is shipped, is hitting global food production, particularly in poor countries where farmers are more vulnerable to sudden cost increases. Concern is growing, especially across Asia and developing world, that prolonged food price rises could lead to shortages if farmers abandon fields or use less fertilizer.

The war, and new Chinese export restrictions, have sent sulfuric-acid prices soaring and raised concerns about the availability of a chemical that the world relies on for food, metal, paper, computer chips and clean water. Sulfuric acid is used to produce phosphate fertilizers. As much of the world’s sulfur comes from the Persian Gulf oil refineries and gas plants which have been choked off at the strait, there is a threat to fertilizer and food supply. This has prompted China, the world’s biggest sulfur producer, to restrict exports this May, boosting prices and further straining availability. The WSJ noted that the markets likely to hit hardest by Chinese export controls are Chile and Indonesia.

In the US, farmers overseeing million of acres of land from North Dakota to Kentucky are changing which crop seeds to plant, cutting fertilizer purchases and using fewer seeds. A likely switch will be to plant more soy and less corn, as soybeans require less fertilizer

Changes at the Food and Drug Administration. There have been significant personnel changes in the Health and Human Services (DHS). The Commissioner of DHS’s Food and Drug Administration  (FDA), Marty Makary has left, along with much of the FDA’s senior leadership and scientific personnel. Tracy Beth Hoeg, the head of the FDA drug division has announced she is also leaving. She is the fifth person to hold this position since President Trump took office. The current acting head of the FDA is Kyle Diamantas, a lawyer who has represented Abbott Labs in the past. According to the Wall Street Journal, because of the change of leadership at the FDA, drug investors have moved past the FDA chaos and now see the MAHA (Make American Healthy Again) threat as diminished.

The US Farm Bill. The five-year plan to lay out the budget for farmers and food-poverty programs was passed by the US House of Representatives. The primary dispute of the farm bill centers on whether makers of pesticides should be shielded from lawsuits. (See concerns with paraquat, above.) The corn fuel lobby also held up the bill, seeking a change in the law that would permit the year-round sale of E15 fuel (which consists of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline) and limits waivers from the Renewable Fuel Standard (ethanol mandates) for small refiners. The Senate now will take up the bill.

Horse Meat. Over the past 20 years no horse has been legally slaughtered for human consumption in the U.S. While there is no law banning horse slaughter, and Congress has not made it illegal to eat horse meat. This is because there are no required USDA inspectors on site during slaughter, which means that no horse meat can be sold legally in the US.

However, exporting horses from the US for all purposes remains strong. It is perfectly legal to eat chevaline (horse meat) in most other countries. Exports increased from January to February 2026 by 42.5%, rising from $12.2 to $17.4 million. Japan, Mexico, Ireland Canada, and China were top buyers in 2026.

Other Foreign Biosecurity Issues

Ban on Prince William Island Potato Wart Disease. The National Potato Council and 13 U.S. state potato organizations have asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to reinstate a ban on fresh potato imports from Prince Edward Island following a new detection of Potato Wart disease in a previously unregulated field. The organizations stated that the latest case indicates the disease extends beyond previously known areas. According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the fungus can survive in soil for more than 40 years and currently has no chemical treatment for eradication. The U.S. industry has raised concerns over mitigation measures since a temporary suspension was lifted in May, 2022.

Philippines Launch Rapid Heavy Metal Crop Testing. The Department of Agriculture in the Philippines has partnered with the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute to develop rapid, non-destructive heavy metal detection systems for crops in the Davao Region. The system focuses on testing methods that allow crops to be screened for contaminants without damaging samples. The technology will provide faster crop testing while improving food safety monitoring and will be used for high-value crops like coconut, mango, corn, banana, cacao, coffee and cabbage.

Ecuador Ban of Insecticide. Ecuador has officially prohibited the import and registration of the insecticide chlorpyrifos. The ban was enacted by Agrocalidad, the Agency for Phytosanitary and Zoosanitary Regulation and Control by a resolution published May 19, 2026. Ecuador’s ban aligns with a global shift away from organophosphate insecticides influenced by market demands from the EU and the US.

Biosecurity Report – April 2026

/in /by

Food Pathogens

 

Clostridium botulinum Contamination of Garlic

On April 1, 2026, Tops Friendly Markets recalled Christopher Ranch and Garland Fresh peeled garlic because of potential Clostridium botulinum contamination, which can cause severe botulism poisoning. The product was distributed in New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.

 

Lysin bacillus fusiformis Contamination

On April 8, 2026, Baline Labs recalled antiseptic wound care gels (Revitaderm and Tridergel) due to contamination with Lysin bacillus fusiformis, an environmental organism.

 

Salmonella Contamination of Cantaloupes

Ayco Farms recalled more that 8,000 cartons of whole cantaloupes due to potential Salmonella contamination. The melons were sold in Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, and California.

 

Salmonella and Nanoplastics

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are looking at Salmonella on plastics used in packaging for ground turkey. The researchers found that the physiology of Salmonella, in response to nanoplastics, had an increased expression of virulence-related genes. The bacteria also formed thicker biofilms, further indicating they are becoming more virulent.

 

Salmonella Saintpaul Outbreak

The FDA issued a report about a Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak linked to mangos, but then redacted key information, including what companies, states, and importers were involved.

 

According to an additional report from the Center for Disease        Control, backyard poultry flocks are infecting people with antibiotic resistant Salmonella. As of April 13, there were 34 confirmed patients infected with the outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul.  The patients were spread across 13 states, with 13 patients being hospitalized.

 

Salmonella Newport Outbreak

The FDA is investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Newport which has sickened at least 68 people. The FDA has begun traceback efforts and sample testing, but has not reported what food it is tracing.

 

Other Contaminations

 

Eye Drop Contamination

Millions of eye drop products have been recalled over concerns they may not be sterile, according to a report from the FDA. Product producer, K.C. Pharmaceuticals, issued a voluntary recall of more than three million bottles of eye drops sold under various brand names and having expiration dates ranging from April to October.

 

Updates on Prior Contamination Reports

 

E. coli Outbreak in U.S.

 

The Raw Dairy Products multi-state outbreak of E. coli noted last month continues. The E. coli contamination is linked to the Fresno, California Raw Farm’s LLC raw cheddar cheese and raw milk. Nine people in three states (California, Florida, and Texas) were hospitalized as of 9 April, with one victim developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can cause kidney failure.

 

RFK, Jr. Backs off his Raw Milk Promotion

An article in the Wall Street Journal on April 16, 2026 has back off his raw milk promotion and is not answered outreaches from Raw Farm’s chief executive, Mark McAfee.

 

E. coli Outbreak in France

Scientist have shared more details on a severe and unusual E. coli outbreak that killed 3 people in France. In January 2025, an outbreak of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in adults caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) was detected. The incident included 18 confirmed cases, 5 probable or possible cases and two cases from Scotland and Belgium. Whole genome sequencing identified the outbreak strain as 077 g:K92:H18. An epidemiological investigation implicated raw milk cheese produced by Perrin-Vermot as the source.

 

Salmonella Outbreak

The Salmonella Newport and Salmonella Kentucky outbreaks reported last month, which were linked to Rosabella brand

Moringa powder capsules, were reported as over on April 1, 2026.

 

Influenza Avian

The United States is now in its fifth year of playing defense against an outbreak of avian influenza, the most significant threat to global animal health and food security. It has also become the costliest avian influenza response in U.S. history. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, is a disease caused by a virus that mainly affects birds but can also affect mammals, including humans.

 

Other Significant Food Safety Developments

 

New Pesticide for Farmers

Pesticide maker Syngenta stated that it will begin selling a new weedkiller capable of eradicating grass weeds that have evolved to resist other crop sprays, and threaten soybean and cotton crops. The chemical, called Vire Stina, is part of a multibillion-dollar race among agriculture companies and will be available for sale in Argentina this June.

 

Canadian Salmonella Outbreak

The Public Health Agency of Canada provided an update on April 13, 2026 on a Salmonella outbreak linked to pistachios which is still active since recording the outbreak’s first infection. Twenty-six persons have been hospitalized.

 

Snails in Ecuadorian Pineapples

While not considered a pathogen, a quarantine pest, a small snail of the genus Succinea has been found in GreenControl-LA pineapples from Ecuador. If the pest is found at destination, the cargo can be destroyed or returned. Traditional measures such as methyl bromide are not effective in controlling the snail as it is extremely resistant to conventional treatments.

 

Legal Issues

California Food Safety Bills

Bills now pending in the California’s state legislation address toxic chemicals on produce, heavy metals in supplements, and ultra-processed food (UPF).

 

President wants 100% American farm workforce

Agricultural Secretary Brooke Rollins last summer said the Trump Administration’s goal is to create a 100% American farm workforce. Since then, the Administration has quietly conceded that too few Americans want these grueling jobs, and that its policy is in risk of driving up food prices. It is now taking steps to hire seasonal guest workers on H-2A visas. With the current near cessation of illegal aliens, higher wages for have not resulted in attracting more U.S. workers for temporary or seasonal agricultural jobs. (WSJ, 7 April, 2026.

 

Requirement for Legal Foreign Labor for Farms

In the “Letter to the Editor” section of the April 11, 2026 edition of the Wall Street Journal, Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation stressing the need for legal foreign labor on US farms. He noted that Americans prefer other jobs over the hard work of farming and that fewer than 1% of available jobs are ever filled by an American. This means that 1000’s of positions go unfilled and that fruit goes unpicked and tomatoes rot in fields. Qualified Guestworkers are willing to provide to do this work. He stressed that the President and Congress must pass long-overdue legislation that reduces costs and allows guestworkers to provide a stable agricultural workforce.

 

US Department of Justice Investigation of Beef Prices.

The Justice Department’s antitrust division is investigation whether large meatpackers supplying American consumers engaged in criminal anticompetitive conduct after President Trump called for a probe of the companies. Criminal antitrust cases are typically reserved for allegations of price fixing, market collusion or competitors rigging their bids to customers. Officials have not revealed it the investigation is a criminal probe. (WSJ, 21 April, 2026)

 

Personnel

Mindy Brashears is back as Under Secretary for Food Safety at the USDA. She as confirmed this past December and is serving for a second time as the federal government’s top food safety official. She last held the job from March 23, 2020 to January 20 2021

 

Biosecurity Events – March 2026

/in /by

Biosecurity Events: March 2026

Food Pathogens

Listeria monocytogenes Contamination. Various cream cheeses and tofu spreads were recalled by the FDA on 20 February 2026 in New York City for potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. These products were under the “Made Fresh Salad” brand.

Salmonella Outbreak. Capsules and powder from brands like “Why Not Natural” and “Live it Up” were recalled following a multi-state Salmonella outbreak. The specific pathogens were Salmonella Newport and Typhimurium detected in Moringa Powder and Super Greens.

E. coli Contamination. Nine people were sickened by an expanding outbreak of E. coli food poisoning tied to raw milk and cheddar cheese mad from Raw Farm, a Fresno, California producer. This is not the first Raw Farm’s raw milk and cheddar outbreak. In August and October of 2023, Raw Farm had Salmonella outbreaks. In February of 2024 it had an E. coli outbreak. In November of 2024 it had bird flu detected in raw milk with animal deaths linked to consumption, and in March of 2026 there was an E. Coli outbreak linked to raw cheddar cheese. Raw Farm refused a recommended voluntary recall in the current E. coli outbreak.

Potential Norovirus Contamination. The FDA is advising restaurants and retailers not to serve or sell select oysters harvested in British Columbia by Stellar Bay Shellfish Ltd. Due to potential contamination with norovirus.

Botulism Risk. Marvel Food and Deli, INC. of Auburn, WA, is voluntarily recalling the product labeled “Country-Style Adjiks” due to a botulism risk from a processing issue.

Norovirus-like Illness. Washington state is recalling oysters, clams, and all shell stock harvested from Drayton Harbor between 2/13/26 and 3/3/26 due to Norovirus-like illnesses associated with raw oyster consumption.

Patulin Contamination. Tippy Toes Baby Food Apple Banana puree was recalled nationwide (except Alaska) due to elevated levels of patulin, a mold-producing toxin.

Rat Lungworm Contamination (Angiostrongylus cantonensis). A neurological disease called rat lungworm has been found in wild animals and one zoo in San Diego County, marking its first establishment in California. The parasite can cause severe neurological symptoms, with the highest risk for those consuming raw freshwater crabs, prawns, frogs, snails and unwashed produce.

Glass Contamination. On March 3, 2026 over 36 million pounds of Ajinomoto Foods North America frozen chicken and pork products were recalled due to glass contamination. Carrots used in the products were identified as the likely source. This was an expanded recall on products manufactured between October 2024 and February 2026. Affected brands include:

  • Trader Joe’s Chicken/Vegetable/Japanese Style Fried Rice, Chicken Shu Mai
  • Kroger Ling Lin, Tai Pei, and Ajinomoto brand frozen meals

Rodent and bird, and possibly Salmonella contamination. Thousands of products distributed in Minnesota, Indiana, and North Dakota were recalled on January 29, 2026 due to rodent and bird contamination and possibly Samonella contamination at a Minneapolis facility. The FDA found that the facility had rodent excreta, rodent urine, and bird droppings. Impacted items include:

  • Pantry Staples- Cheerios, Pringles, Takis, and Kraft Mac and Cheese
  • Beverages- Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Gatorade, and Arizonia Iced Tea
  • Candy- Hershey’s, Reese’s, Skittles, and Starburst.

Metal Contamination. On 22 February 2026, the USDA FSIS announced that Rosina Food Products, Inc., a West Seneca, N.Y establishment recalled about 9,462 pounds of ready to eat frozen meatballs products that may be contaminated with metal and were sold at Aldia stores nationwide. The specific item was the 16 oz plastic, vacuum-packed, packages containing “White Oak Pastures, Radically Traditional Farming, Grassfeed Ground Beef”.

Plastic contamination. Over 500,000 pounds of frozen potato products were recalled across 28 states due to potential plastic contamination.

In addition, more than 20,000 peanut butter products sold in 40 states were recalled by the FDA for potential plastic contamination. This recall was initiated in April of 2025 and updated to a Class II classification on 12 February 2026.

Milk Allergen Contamination. On 4 March 2026, the FDA recalled Miss Vickie’s Spicy Dill Pickle Potato Chips produced by Frito-Lay, due to an undeclared milk allergen.

Tadalafil Contamination. On 27 February, 2026, the FDA recalled RHINO Chocolate from USA LESS Company due to an undeclared Tadalafil contamination.

Cottage Cheese not fully Pasteurized. On 24 February, 2026 Saputo Cheese USA, Inc. recalled Great Value cottage cheese because it was not fully pasteurized.

Products Containing Unlisted Ingredients. There were a number of products recalled due to ingredients found in the products that were not listed on the product labels.

Public Health Alert. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a public health alert for various raw beef and pork products that were produced without benefit of federal inspection and may bear a false mark of inspection. The meat products were produced from April 2024 through March of 2026 and included at least 7 different varieties of Blackwing Organic Meats. Four of these products used a false USDA mark of inspection. The items were shipped to wholesale and retail locations nationwide. There have been no confirmed reports of illness or injury due to the products.

Updates

Update on radioactive Shrimp. In addition to the radioactive shrimp which was recalled in February, a Department of Homeland Security bulletin stated that the contamination was very likely to continue and has spread beyond shrimp to spices, specifically to cloves from the Indonesian-based company PT Natural Java Spice. No contaminated product is known to have entered the U.S. market place.

Update on Infant Formula Clostridium botulinum. The investigation into infant formula contamination was declared over in February 2026. The outbreak included 48 confirmed or probable cases of infant botulism linked to whole milk powder.

Update on raw oyster Salmonella Tele Kebir. An investigation into raw oysters that sickened 80 people across 23 states ended in late February 2026.

Regulations, Significient Changes, and Politics

High Beef Prices set to Last. A tight cattle supply, with high prices and robust demand has resulted in ranchers reluctant to increase the size of their herds. As a result, the U.S. cattle herd is at its lowest level in 75 years with prices up 17% from a year earlier, according to the USDA

Proposed Breakup of Meat Industry. The Wall Street Journal reported on 4 March 2026 that democratic lawmakers are preparing legislation that would break up U.S. meatpacking companies, escalating government efforts to curb record high beef prices. The proposed bill would prevent companies from processing more than one type of meat and could require major processors to spin off beef plants.

Beef Plant Workers Strike. Workers at the JBS beef processing plant owned by JBS, whose headquarters is in Brazil, went on strike in mid-March. JBS is one the largest plant of its type in the US accounting for 5% of the U.S. beef processing capacity and comes at a time when meat companies are losing billions of dollars annually producing beef. The local Greely, Colorado union stated that JBS had refused wage increases that kept pace with inflation.

Smithfield Plans First New Pork Plant in Decades. Virginia based Smithfield Foods will spend $1.3 billion over three years on a new facility in Sioux Falls, S.D. which is expected to employ bout 3000 workers and slaughter 20,000 hogs a day. Since 2013, Smithfield has been a subsidiary of the Chinese pork company WH Group.

FDA Priorities. For 2026, the FDA’s Human Foods Program is prioritizing reforms in “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) substances, microplastics research, and safety reviews of food chemicals like phthalates.

MAHA/Farmer Pesticide Battle. The Wall Street Journal reported on 23 February 2026 that President Trump gave the farm industry a victory against Make America Healty Again (MAHA) by signing an Executive Order designating glyphosate herbicides and phosphorus, a popular fertilizer, as critical to national defense. MAHA advocates have been attempting to remove pesticides in food.

 

Evolving World Situations

Fertilizer Supply. The Wall Street Journal reported on 13 March 2026 that the Middle East war has choked off big chunks of the world’s supply of Ammonia, urea, sulfur and phosphates and 20% of the supply of liquid natural gas which fertilizer makers in Europe and elsewhere rely. For American farmers the war has boosted prices for certain fertilizers by about 30%.

A second Wall Street Journal article on March 25th, 2026 elaborated on the above problem, discussing the impact of the Middle East war on the global food supply. The closing of the Gulf of Hormuz combined with the Iranian missile strike on the Qatar Ras Laffan Industrial City have the dual effect of blocking fertilizer supply to much of the world, and destroying the movement of liquified natural gas feedstock which powers fertilizer manufacturing in those countries that might have compensated for the Gulf’s missing output of fertilizer.

Roughly 50% of the globally traded urea, the nitrogen fertilizer that underpins nearly half of global food production, originates in the Gulf and transits the strait. The impact of the impasse in the Gulf of Hormuz is not only impacting fertilizer availability and cost of both energy and logistics but will likely cause spring planting shortfalls in 2026 and decreased grain stocks in 2027.

Biosecurity Events – November 2025

/in /by

Biosecurity Nov 2025

The following are some events which occurred in November which you may want to be aware of.

US Soybeans

There were numerous reports of Soybean farmers problems in November. There were several issues. First, there was a bumper crop of soybeans this year, which means that there were plenty of beans for domestic use which brought down the price. But much more relevant was the impact of the US-China trade wars, with the Trump administration slapping various types of tariffs on China resulting in China reciprocating by not buying our soybeans.

China is the world’s biggest importer of soybeans with an average annual import from the US of 29 million metric tons over the past 10 years. Instead of buying the US crop, this year China purchased its soybeans principally from Argentina and from Brazil. Over the past several years China has spent tens of billions of dollars building up the agriculture supply chain and infrastructure of South America, especially in Brazil. Last year Brazil provided 70% of China’s soy imports.

There are other members of the soybean farming industries being impacted by the tariff war. In addition to the farmers’ loss of profits, an entire logistics chain has been constructed around soybeans and to support shipment of soybeans to China. This includes crushing and processing plants, rail lines, and upgrades to West Coasts ports.

There are attempts to mitigate the problems of US soybean farmers. President Trump has pledged a multibillion-dollar bailout to keep farms afloat. In trade negotiations this month there was an agreement between the US and China in which Trump said he would cut Chinese tariffs if China curtailed the export of fentanyl ingredients and imported soybeans. China pledged to buy 12 million metric tons of soybeans this harvest period and 25 metric tons a year for the next 3 years.

Beef Industry

Beef prices rose 17% this past quarter, while beef sale volumes fell 8%. The US has its lowest cattle supply since the 1950s. Slaughterhouse operators have accrued hundreds of millions of dollars in losses. Several reasons are proposed for this decline.

Ranchers have stated that the rising prices of beef are the result of a shortage in cattle. Herds were thinned following financial losses during the COVID-19 pandemic and were also thinned because of severe drought conditions and the rising cost of ranching. In addition, there are restrictions on Mexican cattle imports due to a flesh-eating parasite spreading through Mexico’s livestock. Further, tariffs on Brazilian beef imports have helped keep US prices elevated.

Others in the ranching business have held that prices are being artificially raised. In response to these allegations, the US Justice Department is launching an investigation into meatpacking companies and whether they are engaging in collusion to drive up prices.

In late November, Tysons Foods, America’s largest meat supplier, stated it is planning to close one of its largest beef-processing plants in Nebraska. This Lexington, Nebraska plant employs about 3000 people and can slaughter almost 5000 cattle a day. Tysons Foods is also moving its Amarillo, Texas plant from two shifts a day to one shift.

Infant Formula Botulism

Infant formula maker, By-Heart, has recalled all of its products in the US after the FDA opened an investigation into a multistate botulism outbreak. Fifteen infants, all having consumed this formula, have had suspected or confirmed cases of botulism reported in 12 states. All infants were hospitalized with no reported deaths. No botulism spores have yet to be found in By-Heart formula cans.

Food Assistance Program

In November the prolonged government shutdown caused the federal government to use emergency funds to pay partial benefits under the federal food assistance program. The funds were used to keep the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) going during the shutdown. The SNAP funding will pay about 50% of the monthly payments for eligible households.

University to Spend $30 Million for Farmer Programs

Cornell University will pay $60 million to the federal government for its violation of federal civil rights laws. $30 million of this money is to be spent on (unidentified) programs that will benefit U.S. farmers. This is part of a deal with the Trump administration in which the federal government will restore research funding to the University and in return the University will comply with federal civil rights laws.