AGP Executive Report

Food Safety & Recalls: Publix expanded a recall of GreenWise frozen blueberries and mixed berries in eight states over possible E. coli O145 contamination. Food Safety & Outbreaks: Kansas health officials reported 289 cyclosporiasis cases tied to the national outbreak and Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce. Food Waste & Climate: A new study says nationwide food-waste recycling could cut emissions up to 99%, but warns poor composting and packaging could spread plastic onto farmland. Agriculture & Innovation: USDA is launching a veteran hiring initiative to protect the food supply, while researchers and partners back a screwworm prevention project and a U.S.-India NSF-funded soybean “smart sensing” effort. Bees & Environment: MSU research found wildfire smoke disrupts bee navigation, raising stakes for pollination-dependent crops. Retail & Business: 7 Brew opened a second Colorado Springs drive-thru location. Economy & Costs: U.S. GDP growth slowed to 1.5% in Q2 as inflation stayed above the Fed’s target, keeping pressure on household budgets. Immigration & Food Access: Nonprofits sued USDA over anti-DEI conditions tied to grant funding.

Food Safety Fallout: A cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce continues to hit restaurant traffic and sales, with Taco Bell reporting U.S. same-store sales down 2% for July–September after removing Taylor Farms lettuce on July 17; the FDA says the U.S. food supply remains safe, but consumers are still spooked. Retail Recalls: Florida shoppers are being warned about recalled items including GreenWise frozen organic blueberries (possible E. coli), plus other mislabeled or contaminated products; a separate Costco alert flags burritos mislabeled as steak but containing egg, raising allergy concerns. Industry Watch: Cracker Barrel’s CEO Julie Masino is stepping down and will be replaced by Bloomin’ Brands veteran David Deno, as the chain tries to recover with a younger customer focus. Snacking Deal: The Farmer Companies named Randy Johnson CEO as it pushes WHISPS and Cabot-licensed cheese snacks into national growth. Health & Policy: USDA launched a veterans hiring push aimed at strengthening agricultural security, while the U.S. economy grew at a sluggish 1.5% in Q2 as inflation stayed above target—pressuring food budgets.

Foodborne Outbreak Watch: CDC says cyclosporiasis has hit 18,207 confirmed or suspected cases nationwide, with investigations expanding and clusters tied to iceberg lettuce; officials note symptoms can take up to two weeks, keeping grocery and restaurant operators on high alert. Public Health & Consumer Guidance: Doctors weigh symptom relief for frequent diarrhea, including hydration and skin-issue management, as many Americans look for ways to cope while awaiting care. Energy Drink Policy Debate: A new report revisits research and local policy arguments over whether energy drinks mixed with alcohol should be restricted, including a proposed ban on sales to minors. Local Food Economy: South Dakota kicks off National Farmers Market Week Aug. 2-8, spotlighting about 45 markets and urging shoppers to support local producers. Industry/Regulatory: FDA clears expanded indications for VB Spine’s Vitoss bone graft substitute and interbody cage portfolio, signaling continued growth in spine biologics. Workforce Transition: U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell meets BFGoodrich employees in Tuscaloosa as the plant closure nears, focusing on retraining and job resources.

Food Recall Watch: Lidl recalled Eridanous shortbread cookies in 10 states because English allergen labels were missing on foreign-language packaging, with undeclared wheat, soy, milk and egg; no illnesses reported. Food Safety & Consumer Behavior: A Chicory survey found the U.S. cyclospora outbreak is already changing shopping—over 60% said they altered what they buy, with many shifting away from fresh produce. Public Health Update: Michigan reported 10,077 cyclosporiasis cases across 70 of 83 counties as the outbreak expands nationwide, with CDC noting thousands more unconfirmed cases. Hunger Data: Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap named Texas the most food-insecure state again, with 19.4% of Texans facing hunger (about 6.1 million people). Industry Logistics: DoorDash won FAA approval to run commercial drone deliveries beyond visual line of sight, aiming to launch in the fall. Alcohol Distribution: RNDC, the second-largest U.S. wine and spirits distributor, filed for Chapter 11 and will wind down operations. Corporate Finance: Bark named Anya Hamill CFO, bringing CPG finance experience from Laird Superfood. Food & Energy Policy: A new agrovoltaics explainer highlights growing food under solar panels as a potential win for farmers and renewable energy.

Cyclospora Update: The CDC says the U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak has surged again, adding 2,000+ cases to reach 6,707 lab-confirmed illnesses, with more than 11,500 additional suspected cases under review; Michigan remains the hardest hit as officials continue tracing links to recalled iceberg lettuce and restaurants. Food Label Reality Check: A new report highlights how most Americans toss food based on date labels that are often about quality, not safety, and notes California’s push to standardize “quality” vs “safety” labeling. Toddler Nutrition Scrutiny: Researchers auditing 2,783 toddler foods at Austin stores found 81% are ultra-processed, and about half miss nutrient benchmarks—fueling calls for stronger U.S. rules on marketing and nutrition claims. Retail & Consumer Pressure: Coverage also points to rising grocery bills and slipping consumer confidence, with food costs and housing weighing on household budgets. Industry Moves: Heineken is partnering with OpenTable to let diners pre-select designated drivers for its 0.0 push, tying responsible drinking to restaurant bookings.

New Product Launch: Game On Spirits is rolling out WingShot, a buffalo-wing-inspired spirit made to pair with chicken wings, launching July 29 (National Chicken Wing Day) with select-market distribution. Food Innovation: Chef Boyardee debuts Chef Boyardee Protein Canned Pasta nationwide starting August 2026, with five varieties delivering 25–27g protein per can. Restaurant Promo & Hunger Relief: The Cheesecake Factory marks National Cheesecake Day July 30 with any slice half price for dine-in guests and a new Brownie Crunch Choc-a-Lot Cheesecake; it also pledges 25 cents per slice sold through July 29, 2027 to Feeding America. Food Safety: Health officials report Michigan cyclosporiasis cases have climbed to 9,680, with 160 hospitalizations, as investigators continue linking the broader outbreak to contaminated food sources. Public Health & Nutrition: A new study finds 80% of foods marketed for toddlers are ultraprocessed, and many miss key nutrition benchmarks. Retail/Distribution: Refresco’s Carlisle, Ohio site will stay open as a reduced-staff distribution center after manufacturing ended. Corporate Leadership: Hormel Foods names John Ghingo as permanent CEO, replacing interim leader Jeff Ettinger.

Food Safety Watch: The CDC says cyclospora has spread further, with Michigan reporting 9,253 cases and 160 hospitalizations, and officials warning the risk may extend beyond lettuce to other fresh produce and where it’s sourced; FDA/CDC investigations tied the outbreak to Taylor Farms’ iceberg lettuce, prompting a voluntary recall. Legal & Competition: A federal judge rejected Chobani’s bid to dismiss Danone parent Danone’s lawsuit over alleged copying of packaging and the “Bright & Mellow” slogan for cold-brew coffee. Seafood Markets: Alaska pollock prices are climbing back toward 2022 record levels as demand stays firm and inventories remain tight, with processors watching potential EU sanctions on Russian cod. Local Food Funding: Illinois awarded nearly $4M in Local Food Infrastructure Grants to help farms and food businesses expand storage, processing, transport, and distribution of locally grown products. Community & Food Aid: A Veterans Food Drive tied to America’s 250th anniversary collected 4,018 pounds of non-perishables for military families. Public Safety: A shooting at Seattle’s Bite of Seattle food festival killed three and injured four, with a 15-year-old suspect arrested and police searching for a second gunman.

Food Safety Fallout: The CDC and FDA continue to widen the U.S. cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce, with Michigan reporting 9,253 cases and 160 hospitalizations as the outbreak spreads across nine states; lawsuits are also piling up, including claims against Taco Bell and related suppliers in Ohio. Retail & Pricing: New York City’s city-owned grocery stores are set to sell a “core basket” of staples at 30% below typical retail prices. Convenience Beverages: 7-Eleven rolls out 7-Select Soda in three flavors at $1.99 for a 20-ounce bottle. Corporate Moves: Japan’s Create Restaurant Group acquires Hazelwood Food and Drink in Minnesota, keeping the format and staff. Public Health & Nutrition: A survey finds many Native Americans lack awareness of plant-based diets for diabetes prevention, while a Louisiana clinic urges patients to understand the difference between approved, compounded, and experimental peptide products. Fresh Access: Maryland announces nearly $4M in NourishMD grants to expand fresh food retail in food deserts. Food & Trade: Brazil and China push to speed Mercosur-China talks after new U.S. tariffs hit Brazilian exports.

Food-safety alarms: A Texas audit of toddler foods found 4 in 5 were ultra-processed and nearly half failed key nutrition standards, as the FDA weighs front-of-package labels and kids’ marketing rules. Recalls: Target recalled Good & Gather baby puree (pea, zucchini, kale & thyme) over elevated lead levels, and the FDA also flagged an egg recall tied to salmonella risk. Cyclospora outbreak: Health officials expanded the U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak to more states, with guidance urging consumers to skip bagged salads while investigations continue. Retail/brand moves: McDonald’s is leaning harder into Gen Z drink trends with elaborate specialty beverages, and Official Fried Chicken opened its first brick-and-mortar site in Edina, Minn. Community and culture: New Orleans hosted major “World Cup of cuisine” qualifying events, while a Mississippi food festival drew 500+ attendees. Public safety: A Seattle Center food festival shooting left 2 dead and 5 wounded, including a toddler, as police investigated and urged people to avoid the area.

Retail Value Hunt: Sam’s Club is pitching frugal shoppers on five dinner staples under $15, led by its Member’s Mark seasoned rotisserie chicken and bulk rice—aimed at stretching grocery budgets at home. Fast-Food Drinks Boom: Specialty drinks are becoming the main draw at fast-food chains, with Gen Z “little treat” culture fueling demand for boba, dirty sodas, and customizable refreshers. Food Safety Alerts: Amy’s Kitchen recalled 184,200 cans of organic lentil soup in 28 states due to a pull-tab seal defect that could lead to spoilage; separately, the U.S. cyclospora outbreak keeps expanding, with Indiana reporting 684 cases since May 1. Health & Nutrition: The American Heart Association says up to 400 mg caffeine/day (about 5 cups of coffee) is generally safe for most adults, but added sugar/cream may blunt benefits; dietitians also warn not to eat moldy bread. Policy & Prices: New U.S. tariffs are drawing fresh pushback from Brazil’s Lula as concerns grow about higher costs for U.S. consumers, with food and other goods flagged. Weather Impact: A second heat dome is driving extreme heat warnings across central and southern U.S., raising risks for kids and older adults—important for food handling and hydration. On-Premise Beer: World Cup watch parties are lifting Illinois on-premise beer sales, but bars still face labor and utility pressure.

FDA & Health: FDA approved bemotrizinol, the first new general sunscreen ingredient in 20 years, aiming for broader, longer-lasting UV protection as melanoma rates rise. Food Safety: The CDC and FDA are expanding the U.S. cyclospora investigation tied to produce, with Ohio getting “disease detectives” support and “lettuce-gate” chatter growing as cases spread across more states. Policy & Prices: Lawmakers are pushing back on “surveillance pricing” from electronic shelf labels, raising concerns that grocery prices could shift based on shopper data and timing. Trade & Groceries: Trump threatened tariffs on Canada over wildfire smoke and on Mexico over “problematic lettuce,” while global hunger risks remain elevated as conflict drives up food prices. Local Food Business: A Pennsylvania bakery is rebranding and expanding into a new Easton location with a curated market. Industry & Innovation: Ford is reviewing self-serve kiosks at U.S. factories after employee firings tied to alleged theft, with workers pointing to possible kiosk flaws.

Food Safety Alerts: The FDA says a salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened at least 98 people and hospitalized 26 across 17 states, with investigators pointing to Midwest Poultry Services as a likely source. Produce Outbreak Watch: CDC and FDA updates keep expanding the Cyclospora crisis linked to recalled iceberg lettuce, with cases now reported across nine states and investigators still working to confirm the full exposure picture. Recall Roundup: Amy’s Kitchen recalled about 184,000 cans of Organic Lentil Soup (pull-tab issue) and USDA-FSIS flagged imported smoked bacon from Canada for recall after routine inspection findings. Nutrition Policy: A new study finds FDA’s voluntary sodium reduction targets had minimal impact on new packaged foods, with sodium content not consistently dropping. Grocery Cost Pressure: USDA expects food-at-home prices to rise about 2.7% this year, as shoppers report “rockets and feathers” grocery inflation that doesn’t quickly reverse. Supply Chain Shock: Diesel prices are rising after the Iran conflict, and economists warn the “workhorse fuel” effect can ripple into everyday goods.

Food Safety Alert: CDC says the shredded-iceberg-lettuce cyclospora outbreak has grown to nine states (Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania added), with 1,947 illnesses and 98 hospitalizations; FDA is still investigating a separate cyclospora outbreak with no source identified. Recall Watch: FDA recalled 1.59 million dozen eggs after salmonella risk; illnesses reported in 17 states, with Midwest Poultry Services flagged as the likely source. Grocery Pricing Policy: New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed a law banning “surveillance pricing” that uses shoppers’ personal data to set grocery prices. Delivery Fees: DoorDash is changing how it calculates delivery and service fees, aiming for more transparency and distance-based pricing. Industry & Community: An Asheville BBQ event raised mental-health awareness and funds for counseling for food and beverage workers. Trade & Supply Chain: R-CALF USA argues beef herd rebuilding is being hurt by imports and trade policy, as U.S. cattle numbers hit multi-decade lows.

Cyclospora Watch: CDC says the shredded-iceberg-lettuce outbreak tied to Taco Bell has expanded to Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania, bringing the confirmed linked states to nine; officials report 1,947 linked cases (about 4,000 total illnesses under investigation) and urge people to avoid and return recalled Taylor Farms lettuce. FDA Food Safety: FDA and partners are also probing a separate cyclospora outbreak reported in 72 people with no source identified yet, while Michigan’s outbreak continues to drive the national response. Peptide Policy: An FDA advisory panel backed loosening compounding rules for several unapproved peptides (including BPC-157, KPV and TB-500), setting up a potential wider, prescription-based supply route despite thin safety/benefit data concerns. OTC Pain Relief: FDA approved a new over-the-counter fixed-dose combo pill of Tylenol plus naproxen sodium for up to 12 hours of pain relief for adults and kids 12+. Trade & Costs: The U.S. extended forced-labor-focused tariffs with 10%–12.5% duties on imports from about 60 countries, a move that could ripple into food and beverage pricing. Summer Sips: The spritz’s U.S. boom continues, with National Spritz Day on Aug. 3 highlighting how the Italian aperitif became a mainstream American cocktail category.

Food Safety Alerts: FDA says Midwest Poultry Services is recalling nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs from Texas over potential Salmonella Enteritidis contamination; no illnesses reported, but retailers and foodservice customers across several southern states are affected. Parasite Outbreak Watch: Cyclospora cases keep climbing, with Oklahoma reporting 172 confirmed/probable cases and Kentucky warning of illnesses tied to shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell; Mexico’s health ministry says tests of Taylor Farms lettuce and water samples were negative, while U.S. officials continue investigating. Regulatory/Health Policy: An FDA advisory committee recommended four peptides (including BPC-157 and TB-500) for compounding pharmacy use, despite critics citing limited studies and reported adverse reactions. Child Nutrition & Access: Byron-Bergen’s Summer Food Service Program added Grab & Go meal pickups, distributing 2,500+ meals in the first week. Industry & Tech: OpenAI rolled out a ChatGPT health feature for U.S. adults linking Apple Health and medical records, aiming for more personalized health answers.

Food Safety Watch: The FDA says it’s investigating a new cyclospora outbreak tied to an unspecified product, with 72 reported cases and no source identified yet—coming as CDC counts climb to 4,173 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases across 41 states and Michigan alone tops 7,600. Recall Alert: Nearly 1.6 million cartons of eggs are being voluntarily recalled over possible Salmonella Enteritidis contamination, with affected lots distributed to retailers including Kroger and Brookshire. Affordability & Access: A new analysis argues grocery affordability depends more on what’s left after housing and essentials than on shelf prices alone, while SNAP rules tied to payment accuracy could push more states toward higher costs and potential benefit cuts. Policy Pressure: Idaho is rolling out Medicaid expansion work-reporting requirements starting Jan. 1, 2027, including an 80-hour monthly participation standard and semi-annual renewals.