Tariff Trouble: Fresh Produce Prices Expected to Spike

The proposed tariffs by the Trump administration on Mexico and Canada are expected to significantly increase fresh produce costs in the U.S.

FI Fast Break audio news: March 12, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on the smaller and regional brands that have begun to emerge as consumers seek affordability.

Egg Shortage Solution: Turkey Steps In as U.S. Battles Bird Flu

A Trump administration official is advocating for vaccination and improved biosecurity measures to combat bird flu. Meanwhile, Turkey has started exporting eggs to the U.S. to address shortages caused by the virus.

Egg Limits Hit Shelves in Bird Flu’s Wake

Egg shortages and soaring prices are being driven by the double whammy of severe weather and the bird flu, which has wiped out millions of birds and tightened supplies nationwide. As a result, grocers are implementing measures like purchase limits.

FDA Red Dye No. 3 Ban One Week Out: What You Need to Know

The FDA’s recent ban on Red Dye No. 3, effective January 2027, marks a significant shift for food manufacturers, as the colorant has been linked to cancer in animal studies. The decision has sparked debate over food safety, consumer pressure, and the influence of international standards.

Bird Flu Update: Scientists Fear U.S. Headed Toward Red-Light Scenario

The spread of bird flu has alarmed experts as it increasingly infects cattle and swine. With human cases rising and genetic mutations detected, the virus’s trajectory toward higher transmissibility could pose significant risks to humans, and the food supply chain.

FDA, USDA Evaluate Food-Labeling Burnout

The FDA and USDA are taking steps to understand how consumers interpret common food date labeling terms such as “Sell By” and “Use By” to understand whether it is leading to confusion.

Farm Bill Extension: Crisis Averted, but for How Long?

Congress narrowly avoided a government shutdown by passing a stopgap spending measure that prolongs the U.S. farm bill for another year. Experts warn that failing to modernize the farm bill within the next year could exacerbate food price volatility.

Brooke Rollins, Trump’s Ag Secretary Choice, Targets Foreign Farm Ownership

Donald Trump has nominated Brooke L. Rollins, a farm-raised leader of the America First Policy Institute, as his pick for agriculture secretary. She’s expected to focus on tightening regulations around foreign ownership of U.S. farmland.

Is Organic Losing Its Luster? Inflation, Skepticism Reshape Market

Organic food once thrived on consumer perception of health benefits but is now struggling due to increased competition and consumer confusion about labeling. Experts say organic producers must adapt by emphasizing additional value.

Japan’s Rice Shortage Prompts Concerns as Stocks Reach 25-Year Low

Japan is facing a rice shortage, with stocks at a 25-year low and prices at an 11-year high. The crisis highlights the vulnerability of Japan’s rice supply chain and may prompt efforts to develop new rice varieties.

Boar’s Head Recall Exposes Gaps in Food Safety Standards

In the wake of headline-grabbing Boar’s Head deli meat recall, industry experts say more safety standards and inspections are needed to prevent foodborne illness.

Sealing the Deal: Certifications Become Competitive Edge for Food

Today’s consumer is interested in far more than just taste when it comes to the food they purchase. The values and the mission of the brands they buy from need to align with consumers’ beliefs. …

Bird Flu Approaching Danger Point

The USDA is ramping up efforts to stem H5N1 avian influenza as the virus has spread to a third worker, and cattle in at least nine states,

Momentum Building for Grass-Fed Beef

Per the 2024 Power of Meat report, 83% of consumers seek a “better-for-you” option when they purchase protein, such as grass-fed beef, and many brands are eager to accommodate.

HPAI in the Dairy Industry and Implications for Human Health

Recent updates from the FDA indicate that ongoing national testing of retail dairy products demonstrates the efficacy of the pasteurization process in inactivating the HPAI virus.

H5N1 Avian Flu Hits Dairy Herds

The recent spread of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strain (H5N1) to dairy cows in the United States has raised concerns about the potential impact on the dairy and beef industries. While the U.S. …

Say Cheese: Report Reveals Biggest Cheese-Loving Nations

According to the USDA, global cheese consumption is projected to reach a record high of 21.6 million metric tons this year. Cheese consumption is up 5.7% compared to five years ago.

Pork Oversupply Possible Threat to U.S. Economy

Eggs and bacon or sausage: The traditional American breakfast – or at least it used to be. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that the pork industry currently is so efficient, it’s producing more meat …

Study: Eating Red Meat Increases Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Eating red meat just twice a week may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a new Harvard University study. Meanwhile, data shows that a relatively small percentage of people eat a …

Expect Surging Beef Prices to Continue

It is an expensive time to be a carnivore with beef prices surging. Retail beef prices are sizzling despite an overall (and very much welcomed) downturn in the overall prices of food as the holidays …

Beef Prices Hitting New Highs at Retail and Restaurants

Domestic beef prices continue to reach new highs. Retail beef prices hit another record high in August, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a price of $8.31 per lb., according to Wells Fargo analysis …

Drought Sending Pasta Prices Soaring

Pasta, that quick, go-to meal for hungry and cash-strapped college students and busy parents, is no longer the inexpensive choice it once was, with prices for noodles up 8% in the U.S. and 12% in …

What Do Americans Think ‘Natural’ Foods Are?

When a food says “natural” on it, 51% of U.S. adults assume the product is made entirely of whole ingredients and 49% believe there are no preservatives.

FI First Look: Revolutionary New Tech in Egg Production; Midwest Farms Endure Heatwave

In-ovo sexing, a technology that promises to make egg production more efficient, has been rolled out in Europe and Innovate Animal Ag is pushing for its adoption in the U.S. Innovate Animal Ag, a nonprofit …

The Summer of Butter

Every dairy category has seen positive growth, from milk, natural cheese, and eggs to yogurt, cream cheese, dairy processed cheese, and whipped toppings, all helping power the #SummerOfButter.

How Soon Will Cultured Meat Impact Plant-Based Sales?

As the gate to cell-cultured meat sales swings open in the U.S., what’s in store for the alt-meat sector? The Food Institute checked in with Jennifer Bartashus at Bloomberg Intelligence to discuss potential market implications in the months ahead.

Meat Producers Look For A Bottom — And For Answers

The cycle has turned against meat producers with a perhaps unprecedented vengeance. In response, investors and industry participants face two key questions. First, when does the cycle turn? More importantly, what can meat producers do …

Resurgence of Avian Influenza Predicted in Spring

The USDA predicted a resurgence of avian influenza in spring as wild birds begin their semiannual migration.

Ag Roundup: Brazil’s Record Grain Crop, Inflation Impacts Organic

Brazilian officials said the country’s grain crop is expected to hit a record 312.2 million tons, up 15% from last year, Reuters reported. The estimate, however, was lower than previous projections. The government food and …

Bird Flu Cull Surpasses 2015

More than 52 million birds in 46 states have been culled so far this year due to highly pathogenic avian influenza, topping the record set in 2015, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service …

FDA Issues First Approval for Cell-Cultured Chicken

Cultivated meat producer Upside Foods received regulatory approval from the FDA, making it the first company to reach this milestone in the U.S. While not a green light for the industry at large, the decision opens the door to more approvals

Second Wave of Bird Flu Hitting US, Canada

Highly pathogenic avian influenza was reported in five turkey flocks in the U.S. in September, among eight outbreaks reported in the U.S. and Canada.

As Food Recalls Mount, Experts Urge Food Safety ‘Culture’ Change

Recent food recalls illustrate a “disturbing” lack of food safety culture, according to Dr. Vanessa Coffman. One in six Americans fall ill from foodborne illness annually these days. Making matters worse, the public is often …

UPDATE: The Latest Regenerative Ag Trend: Criollo Cattle

Criollo cattle have adapted to dry rangelands and could help regenerate soil while needing less water and feed than other cattle.

Middle-Tier Restaurants Threatened as Industry Bifurcates

Middle-tier restaurants would be wise to alter their business models amid raging inflation and predictions of a recession later this year.