31 August 2026 — The European Commission has opened a call for evidence on the implementation of the EU’s new rules for plants produced using new genomic techniques (NGTs). The consultation covers the criteria and verification process for Category 1 NGT plants, considered equivalent to conventionally bred plants, as well as the consent and authorisation procedures for Category 2 plants and their products. The feedback will feed into an implementing regulation setting out the

During the LXVI meeting of the Common Market Group (GMC), Mercosur’s main decision-making body, Member States approved GMC Resolution 23/26, which updates GMC Resolution 25/02 establishing maximum limits for aflatoxins in milk, peanuts and maize. The revised limits are: Peanuts: total aflatoxins (B1+B2+G1+G2) – 15 μg/kg Liquid milk: aflatoxin M1 – 0.5 μg/kg Powdered milk: aflatoxin M1 – 5 μg/kg Maize kernels for further processing: total aflatoxins (B1+B2+G1+G2) – 15 μg/kg Ma

The Turkish Plants Commission published two scientific opinions on the safety of the following plants: 1. Pinus nigra, Pinus brutia and Pinus sylvestris cones The Plants Commission concluded that the liquid product obtained by boiling the green cones of P. nigra, P. brutia and P. sylvestris species in water must comply with the limits specified in the Turkish Food Codex Grape Molasses Regulation in terms of HMF and contaminants, and the label must include the footnote: "Produ

On 26 June, the European Commission published Regulation (EU) 2026/1388 in the Official Journal on plants obtained through certain new genomic techniques (NGTs) and their products, amending Regulation (EU) 2017/625. The regulation aims to modernize the existing legislative framework in light of scientific and technological advances in plant breeding by establishing two distinct authorization pathways for NGT-derived plant products. Category 1 (NGT-1) covers plants with geneti

Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) and Scandinavian Halal Certification AB (SHC) of Sweden signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA). Through this agreement, Scandinavian Halal Certification AB officially becomes the first Foreign Halal Institution in Sweden recognized by BPJPH. This recognition forms the basis for implementing mutual recognition of halal certificates in accordance with the laws and regulations of each country, thus supporting the smooth flo

On 11 August the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a report presenting a new mapping table linking Codex food codes with the corresponding EU food commodity codes set out in Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. The initiative aims to support the scientific assessment and consistent implementation of Codex Maximum Residue Limits (CXLs) for pesticide maximum residue levels (MRLs) within the European Union. Codex CXLs may be incorporated into EU legislation wher

The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) have published a guidance designed to support the interpretation and application of updated definitions for genetically modified (GM) food and novel DNA under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. The newly-published document provides practical explanations and examples to help regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders consistently determine whether foods developed using new breeding techniques fall within the s

The EU’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Regulation (EU) 2025/40, began to apply generally on 12 August 2026. Subject to transitional provisions, it replaces the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive and establishes harmonised rules covering all packaging and packaging waste in the EU. The PPWR introduces requirements concerning packaging composition, recyclability, recycled content, minimisation, labelling and reuse. These obligations will be phased

Argentina has introduced a significant institutional change in the oversight of food products through Decree 697/2026. Under the new measure, the National Administration of Medicines, Food and Medical Technology (ANMAT) will no longer be involved in procedures and regulatory activities related to foods, beverages, food supplements, packaging and food contact materials. Responsibility for the registration, inspection, control and import authorisations of these products has bee

Kazakhstan’s Trade Ministry has updated the list of food products subject to mandatory identification tagging under Order No. 199-NK of 26 May 2026, as amended on 30 June 2026. The order brings several additional categories into the mandatory tagging regime, with implementation phased between 2026 and 2029: - dietary supplements, from 01 September 2026; - certain vegetable oils and oil-and-fat products in consumer packaging, from 01 April 2027; - confectionery in consumer pac

The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) organises the annual conference on research in food safety. This year, the conference focuses on Emerging food contaminants: from PFAS and other POPs to Microplastics - Risks, Impacts and Regulation. This conference, supported by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), serves as a vital platform to foster collaborations within Luxembourg. Date: Monday 28 September 2026, 14:00 to 19:00 Place: Cercle Cité (Luxembourg

The East African Community (EAC) has proposed a major revision of its soft drinks standard, introducing a dedicated regulatory framework for energy drinks for the first time. The draft standard, DEAS 29-1:2026 Water-based Flavoured Drinks – Specification – Part 1: Carbonated and Non-carbonated Soft Drinks, would replace the current standard EAS 29:2000 and establish a new structure for regulating the beverage sector. A key feature of the proposal is the division of the existi