Food News

Bankruptcies Hit Highest Mark in Over a Decade (Image Credits: Flickr) The U.S. food sector wrapped up 2025 amid escalating pressures from a torrent of bankruptcy filings, chronic understaffing at the FDA, and consumers honing in on value amid persistent cost concerns.[1] Bankruptcies Hit Highest Mark in Over a Decade Companies in the food and restaurant space sought court protection more frequently in 2025 than at any point since 2010. Filings reached 785 for businesses with significant assets or public debt, fueled by narrow margins and post-pandemic debt burdens.[1] December alone recorded 72 insolvencies, the second-highest monthly total on record, … Read more

From Hype to Reality (Image Credits: Unsplash) Los Angeles – The Tesla Diner on Santa Monica Boulevard combines Supercharger stalls, a drive-in theater screen, and classic diner grub in a retro-futuristic package that draws both EV drivers and curious food lovers.[1][2] From Hype to Reality Elon Musk first floated the idea of a Tesla diner back in 2018, envisioning a spot where drivers could charge while grabbing burgers. The concept evolved into a full-fledged venue described as “Grease meets The Jetsons with Supercharging.”[2] Construction wrapped up in Hollywood, and the diner opened its doors on July 21, 2025, complete with … Read more

Landslide Vote Reflects Mounting Worker Anger (Image Credits: Unsplash) Greeley, Colorado – Thousands of meatpacking workers at JBS USA’s flagship beef plant delivered a resounding mandate this week, voting 99% in favor of authorizing an unfair labor practices strike after eight months of stalled contract talks.[1][2] Landslide Vote Reflects Mounting Worker Anger United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 announced the results on February 5, following a full day of voting that accommodated all shifts at the plant. Union members, numbering around 3,800, gathered at a local hotel with translators available for over 50 languages spoken in the diverse workforce.[3] … Read more

Cocoa Surge Tests Resilience (Image Credits: Unsplash) Hershey’s executives detailed plans to temper the effects of price increases on sales volumes while addressing lingering cocoa cost pressures. Cocoa Surge Tests Resilience Record cocoa prices in late 2024 challenged the confectionery sector, but Hershey moved swiftly with hedging strategies.[1] Both Hershey and rival Mondelez secured cocoa rates before the commodity’s sharp drop this year. Futures prices stayed elevated above historical norms. Executives noted that pricing actions taken in 2025 fell short of fully offsetting cocoa inflation for the following year.[1] President and CEO Kirk Tanner emphasized this gap during analyst discussions … Read more

A Major Adjustment to Long-Standing Rules (Image Credits: Unsplash) United States – The Food and Drug Administration unveiled updated guidance on food coloring labels, enabling manufacturers to declare “no artificial colors” on products that incorporate naturally derived additives instead of petroleum-based synthetics. A Major Adjustment to Long-Standing Rules Previously, companies could only make such claims on items entirely free of added colors, regardless of origin. The new policy shifts that stance significantly. Producers now qualify if their products avoid synthetic dyes derived from petroleum. US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr highlighted the intent behind the move. “We are making … Read more

A Bold Step in Dairy Market Consolidation (Image Credits: Pixabay) Barcelona, Spain – Dutch family-owned dairy producer Royal A-ware announced the acquisition of Global Dairy Ventures, a prominent Spanish distributor of premium cheeses and dairy specialties, from private equity firm Abac Capital.[1][2] A Bold Step in Dairy Market Consolidation Royal A-ware revealed the deal on February 6, 2026, with completion expected in the coming weeks. The transaction value remained undisclosed. This move marks another chapter in Royal A-ware’s aggressive expansion strategy across Europe.[1] The company, with over 135 years of history, produces a wide array of products including cheeses, fresh … Read more

A Strategic Deal in a Booming Sector (Image Credits: Unsplash) Refresco, the Netherlands-based beverage manufacturer, announced its agreement to purchase US company SunOpta for $6.50 per share to deepen its involvement in plant-based drinks. A Strategic Deal in a Booming Sector The acquisition values SunOpta shares at $6.50 each, a price that reflects Refresco’s commitment to the expanding plant-based market. Both companies’ boards approved the transaction, which now awaits SunOpta shareholder approval and standard closing conditions. Refresco, majority owned by private equity firm KKR, expects the deal to finalize in the second quarter of 2026.[1] This move positions Refresco to … Read more

Severe Illness Strikes Multiple Households (Image Credits: Foodsafetynews.com) Idaho – Public health officials reported 10 cases of serious E. coli infections connected to unpasteurized milk from a local dairy.[1] Severe Illness Strikes Multiple Households Central District Health identified nine illnesses in Ada County and one in neighboring Canyon County. All affected individuals consumed raw cow milk produced by R Bar H Dairy in Caldwell. Two children among the patients developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a dangerous complication that threatens kidney function.[2] Investigators confirmed Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, or STEC, in several cases through patient interviews and milk sample testing. Symptoms appeared … Read more

Tests Trigger Swift Action (Image Credits: Pixabay) Quebec – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a recall for Les Aliments Johnvince brand raw pecan halves after laboratory tests detected possible Salmonella contamination.[1][2] Tests Trigger Swift Action Routine testing by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency revealed the presence of Salmonella in the product, prompting an immediate recall on February 5, 2026.[1] This Class 2 recall targets items sold exclusively in Quebec, where Distributions Alimentaires Le Marquis Inc. distributed the pecans. No illnesses have been reported in connection with the consumption of these pecans so far.[3] The agency emphasized that the affected … Read more

Why Party Foods Enter the Danger Zone (Image Credits: Unsplash) Fans nationwide stock grocery carts with wings, pizza, and dips as Super Bowl LX nears on February 8, featuring a rematch between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks.[1][2] Why Party Foods Enter the Danger Zone Popular game-day items often linger on tables for hours, creating prime conditions for bacteria growth. The temperature range between 40°F and 140°F, known as the danger zone, allows harmful microbes to multiply rapidly.[3][4] Hosts focus on the action on screen while perishables like buffalo wings and creamy dips sit unattended. Foodborne illnesses strike thousands … Read more