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

Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has launched a public consultation on a proposed regulatory framework for Complementary Health Products (CHPs) under the Health Products Act (HPA). The consultation is open until 29 July 2026 and covers a wide range of products including health supplements. The proposal forms part of Singapore’s ongoing effort to transfer the regulation of CHPs from the Medicines Act to the Health Products Act, with full implementation targeted by t

The Georgian government has postponed its ban on certain beverages sold in plastic bottles from 1 February 2027 to 1 February 2031. The change was introduced by Decree No. 173, published on 1 May 2026. From 2031, the production, import and sale of the covered beverages in plastic bottles will be prohibited, except for products manufactured for export. Existing exemptions remain unchanged, including drinking water in containers of at least three litres and other beverages in c

Panama has formally adopted the Central American Technical Regulation (RTCA) 67.01.07:10 on the General Labelling of Prepackaged Foods, completing the implementation of the harmonised regional framework developed within the Central American Integration System (SIECA). The regulation is already in force in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition to adopting the harmonised regional labelling requirements, Panama introduced a country-specific prov

The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) has published an opinion concerning a severe case of liver and kidney damage associated with the excessive consumption of two sports nutrition supplements: Isostar Mass Gainer and Eafit Pure Whey. The case involved a consumer who developed decompensated cirrhosis, acute renal failure and ultimately required a liver transplant. Following an investigation launched in October 2025, ANSES concluded

On 10 June 2026, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in Qatar has introduced a Food Establishments Guide for Food Recall Requirements, establishing a comprehensive national framework to standardise and strengthen procedures for recalling unsafe or non-compliant food products. This initiative aims to enhance consumer protection and reduce food-related risks, aligning with international food safety best practices. The guide clearly outlines the roles and responsibilities of al