Insights

TAG perspectives and recommendations on today’s top topics in food safety and public health.

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Mar

Food Safety

Infant Formula Concerns Again Spurring Industry Impact

Infant formula is, o...

dry production, FDA, FDA budget, infant formula

Mar

Composition with CBD oil and hemp leaves on wooden table

Cannabis

Too High or Not High Enough: Cannabis Mislabeling Causes Recalls & Lawsuits

Across the U.S. and ...

dispensaries, lawsuits, manufacturers, mislabeling, recalls, THC limits

Mar

Hands of kid holding globe COVID-19 pandemic infection disease c

Communicable Disease

The “Next Pandemic” – Everything Old is New Again

The summary of the N...

botulism, CDC, infectious disease, Measles, pandemic, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix

Mar

Food Safety

FDA Allocates One-Third of Budget Request to Food & Nutrition

It’s budgeting tim...

2024, budget summary, chemical, FDA, food safety, labeling, nutrition programs, promote health

Mar

Canada

Mexico Organic Equivalency Increases Shopper Options and Industry Markets

If you are a certifi...

CMOEA, equivalency, livestock, organic, plant origin

Mar

close up hands of children or Pupils At preschool Washing hands

Communicable Disease

As Tracked Diseases Wane, Protections Shouldn’t

The US is currently ...

CDC, COVID Protections, infectious disease, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix

Mar

Close up eye level view of a herd of grazing livestock on a catt

Food Safety

Meat & Poultry “Made in the US” Labeling Likely to See New Limits

Last week, USDA prop...

egg allergies, Made in the USA, meat, poultry, Product of USA, USDA

Mar

Communicable Disease

The Facts about Avian Influenza

The approach of spri...

avian flu, bird migration, CDC, infectious disease, poultry

Mar

Food Safety

What Does FDA’s Priority Guidance List Tell Us about 2023?

With FDA’s release...

FDA, FDA guidance, Foods Program, FSMA, labeling, level 1 guidance

Mar

Simplified

Red Dye

Question: It seems t...

FDA, food industry, red dye, synthetic color additives

Mar

Communicable Disease

Do Masks Aid in Respiratory Protection?

The conclusions of a...

CDC, COVID Protections, Face Masks, infectious disease, Respiratory Illness, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix

Feb

Food Safety

Import Alert Removal: A Costly and Complex Process

U.S. Food and Drug A...

DWPE, FDA, food industry, import alert, import alert petition

Feb

Communicable Disease

Norovirus and COVID: Different Viruses with Different Controls

Norovirus is continu...

CDC, COVID Protections, norovirus, norovirus protections, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix

Feb

Massive freight train derailed along the tracks. Tracks, freight

Food Safety

The Ohio Train Derailment: Updates and Lessons for Food Businesses

The February 3 derai...

East Palestine Ohio, EPA, hazardous material, Ohio train derailment, train derailment

Feb

Canada

What the US Traceability Rule Means for Canada

While both Canada an...

CFIA, FDA, food traceability list, labeling, traceability

Feb

Promising Covid-19 Vaccine concept. Hand of a researcher take a

Communicable Disease

COVID Single-Shot Vaccine Could Be Just Around the Corner

In late January, the...

CDC, COVID vaccine, FDA, Measles, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix

Feb

Food Safety

Noncompliance with “Nonbinding” Guidance Could Lead to Enforcement Action

Continuing its Close...

baby food, closer to zero, FDA, food industry, lead in food

Feb

businessman looking out of window with city view, successful con

Cannabis

CBD Legalization: Each Small Step Forward Countered with Giant Steps Back

Reminiscent of the c...

CBD, CBD Legalization, FDA

Feb

Communicable Disease

Norovirus Trends Upward with Peak Expected by March

We are continuing to...

CDC, norovirus, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix, Vaccination

Feb

FDA concept. Magnifier glass with text on the white background in sunlight.

Food Safety

Will “Reimagined” FDA Unification Move the Agency Forward?

It may not be quite ...

FDA, FDA unification, food industry

Feb

charming boy in nature drinking Apple juice

Simplified

Heavy Metals

Q. I’ve been seein...

baby food, Baby Food Heavy Metals, heavy metals

Feb

Business woman hands sanitizer, covid hygiene and office protocol for healthcare safety, corona virus protection and cleaning compliance. Responsible work disinfection of germs, bacteria or flu risk

Communicable Disease

Continued Protections Help Reduce Transmission of Infectious Disease

As we, once again, s...

CDC, H5N1, infectious disease, norovirus, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix

Jan

Organic produce vegetable fruits aisle with signage word in supe

Food Safety

USDA’s Organic Final Rule: Annual Inspections and Traceability Requirements

With USDA’s declar...

food industry, national organic program, organic, organic enforcement final rule, USDA

Jan

Communicable Disease

Respiratory Viruses Decline, Norovirus Intensifies

The good news: we ar...

CDC, infectious disease, norovirus, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix

Jan

The process of washing apples in a fruit production plant

Food Safety

PSR Harvest/Post-Harvest Ag Water Requirements Come Due

In July 2022, the FD...

agricultural water, FDA, FSMA Produce Safety Rule, post-harvest

Jan

farmer-controlling-quality-of-blooming-marijuana-2022-10-20-20-59-43-utc

Cannabis

Cannabis Quality Key Factor in Consumer Purchasing

We often write about...

dispensaries, edibles, HashTAG, marijuana

Jan

Coronavirus COVID-19 – Arrière-plan de virus flottant – Virolog

Communicable Disease

COVID Now Being Seen as Regional vs. Seasonal Disease

While COVID appears ...

CDC, COVID variant, Ebola, regional transmission, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix

Jan

Food Safety

Will GRAS Panel Guidance Allay Concerns of Bias?

In the spring of 202...

FDA, food additive, GRAS, GRAS Panel

Jan

combine-harvesting-wheat-2022-11-16-00-04-44-utc

Canada

Canada’s Labour Shortage Having Significant Agribusiness Impact

Labour shortages are...

Agriculture, CFIB, food safety, labour shortage

Jan

Time to travel. The concept of safe rest during a pandemic Covid-19 Coronavirus. Suitcase for travel with a medical mask and China flag.

Communicable Disease

COVID Continues & China Travel Reopens. Should You Go?

COVID continues to m...

CDC, China travel, COVID variant, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix, The Kraken

Jan

Interior Of Busy Delicatessen With Customers

Food Safety

2022 Food Code: The Regulatory Eye on Retail Stays Keen

In FDA’s sixth rev...

FDA, FDA Food Code, retail

Jan

BF.7. New variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Subvariant of O

Communicable Disease

2023 Continues Virus Trends with Holiday Impacts Anticipated

It may be a new year...

CDC, COVID variant, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix, vaccine recap

Jan

Food Safety

The Supply Chain – back to normal … or not?

Supply chain issues ...

food industry, supply chain, TAG perspective

Dec

Vitamins medicines for flu woman in background

Communicable Disease

Make Employee Wellness a New Year’s Resolution

While influenza cont...

CDC, employee wellness, infectious disease, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix

Dec

Loading bar for 2023 goal planning business concept, vector illu

Food Safety

2022 Events Will Impact the Industry’s 2023

From heavy metals an...

chemicals, FDA, food industry, FSIS, heavy metals

Dec

Christmas gift boxes with a mask and a sanitizer bottle

Communicable Disease

Keeping Healthy through the Holidays

While cases of influ...

CDC, Ebola, infectious disease, Measles, MERS, Risk Matrix, RSV, TAG Risk Matrix

Dec

Food delivery moto scooter driver with red backpack behind back

Food Safety

Food Delivery Is Target of New Guidance

In a previous articl...

DTC, FDA, food delivery, TPD, USDA

Dec

Businessman analyzing bacteria microscopic close-up 3D rendering

Communicable Disease

Communicable Diseases Across the Global Scale are Climbing

Not only is influenz...

CDC, communicable diseases, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix

Dec

Food Safety

The Regan-Udall Evaluation – Something New or Same Old Story?

Evaluations of FDA�...

FDA, Regan-Udall Evaluation, TAG perspective

Dec

Cannabis

CBD-Infused Food? FDA Approval Not Expected Anytime Soon

Despite the results ...

Cannabis, CBD, CBD-infused food, FDA

Dec

Flu Season theme with viral and hygiene objects

Communicable Disease

Be Prepared for Absenteeism as Flu Cases Increase

The U.S. is continui...

CDC, infectious disease, influenza, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix, Vaccination

Dec

young-black-man-choosing-grocery-goods-on-shelves-2022-06-15-23-52-15-utc

Food Safety

Allergen Labeling: What’s New from FDA?

With food labels bei...

allergen, FD&C, FDA, labeling

Dec

burning-fireplace-with-firewood-at-home-2021-08-31-13-58-58-utc

Simplified

Wood-Burning Fireplaces

I have a wood-burnin...

fireplace, indoor fireplace, wood burning, wood burning fireplace

Nov

injecting injection vaccine vaccination medicine flu woman docto

Communicable Disease

Vaccination Key to Reducing Transmission of Current Infectious Diseases

In our continuing tr...

CDC, infectious disease, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix, WHO

Nov

burgers-and-fries-2022-11-08-06-01-03-utc

Food Safety

Will Your Food Packaging Be Banned?

Potential risk aroun...

FDA, food packaging, GAO Report

Nov

female-laying-in-bed-sick-with-the-flu-or-cold-2022-11-14-03-32-10-utc

Communicable Disease

What Flu Do I Have?

Influenza is continu...

CDC, covid, monkeypox, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix

Nov

Food Safety

The Traceability Rule is Final. Are You Prepared for Compliance?

It’s finally here ...

critical tracking events, food traceability list, key data elements, traceability rule

Nov

australian-road-train-2021-08-29-03-28-45-utc

Canada

CFIA Maintains Flexibility in Cattle Transport Compromise

Earlier this year, t...

animal transport, animal welfare, cattle, CFIA, CFIA animal transport regulations

Nov

Communicable Disease

Flu Levels Bring States into the “Purple”

The CDC influenza ma...

CDC, infectious disease, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix

Nov

Food Safety

The Impact of Priority Pathogens on Foodborne Illness

An analysis of patho...

e. coli, foodborne illness, Listeria, salmonella

Nov

Communicable Disease

Respiratory Diseases on the Rise: What it means

Rates of respiratory...

CDC, COVID variant, infectious disease, influenza, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix

Nov

The words back to basics made of letters on wooden blocks. back to basics – fundamental principles concept

Food Safety

Back to the Basics: Using Data to Manage Risk

As consultants, the ...

back to basics, bacteria, CDC, quality assurance

Nov

Cannabis

Countering the Black Market in Cannabis-Legal States

Despite the legaliza...

black market, cannabis legalization, illegal cannabis, marijuana

Nov

Shallow depth of Field image of Nutrition Facts

Simplified

Chemicals in Food

Whenever I read a fo...

chemicals, chemophobia, IFAC, international food additives council

Nov

Communicable Disease

Cooling Weather Brings Increase in Respiratory Diseases.

With RSV (respirator...

CDC, respiratory disease, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix

Nov

Food Safety

The Consequences of Foreign Facility Inspection Refusals

Whether you are a fo...

FDA, foreign supplier, Inspections, supply chain

Oct

Rising Stock Chart During Corona Virus Pandemic 2020 3D Illustra

Communicable Disease

As Upper Respiratory Illnesses Increase, Advice Stands: When Ill – Stay Home

While we are continu...

Respiratory Illness, Risk Matrix, RSV, TAG Risk Matrix

Oct

Meat processing plant.Industrial equipment at a meat factory.Modern poultry processing plant.People working at a chicken factory – stock photo.Automated production line in modern food factory.

Food Safety

USDA Continues to Set its Sights on Salmonella

After announcing its...

chicken, FSIS, salmonella, USDA

Oct

Canada

Class-Action Lawsuits Underscore Importance of Prevention

In 2017, E. coli-con...

consumer illness, e. coli, lawsuit, recall prevention

Oct

Covid british and england variant, covid-19 virus with english f

Communicable Disease

U.S. Seeing Some Increased Activity of New COVID Variants

COVID cases are cont...

CDC, infectious disease, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix

Oct

Male worker restocking refrigerated case in grocery store

Food Safety

Food Safety Focal Point Shifts to Retailers

As the sales end poi...

consumer, FDA, foodservice, Memorandum of Understanding

Oct

Court gavel in front of national flag of the USA having shadows

Cannabis

What Does Federal Pardoning of Marijuana Possession Mean for the Industry?

Don’t hold your br...

federal legalization, federal pardoning, marijuana

Oct

Communicable Disease

Respiratory Disease Increase Likely Attributable to Annual Seasonal Factors

Key Points: COVID In...

CDC, infectious disease, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix

Oct

Communicable Disease

The Long-Term Impacts of Infectious Disease

Key Points: COVID In...

food industry, foodborne illness, foodborne pathogen, norovirus

Oct

Food Safety

HAV Foodborne Transmission Is Possible and Hazardous

Although the primary...

food industry, foodborne transmission, hepatitis a

Oct

Syringe with INFLUENZA VACCINE text and conceptual rising graph. 3D rendering

Communicable Disease

Expected Fall Increase in Respiratory Illness Has Begun

Key Points: COVID In...

CDC, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix

Oct

Food Safety

Do You Make “Healthy Foods”? If So, Changes Are on the Way.

Food manufacturers h...

Daily Value, dietary guidelines for americans, healthy foods

Oct

Couple of Surgeons Washing Hands Before Operating.

Communicable Disease

Hep A Spreads in Europe; Prevention includes Good Hand Hygiene

Key Points: COVID In...

hand hygiene, handwashing, hepatitis a

Sep

Simplified

MSG

I’ve heard all kin...

FDA, food safety, MSG, toxicology

Sep

Doctor with blood sample of New Variant of Covid-19 Omicron B.1.

Communicable Disease

US on Positive Trajectory, though COVID Variant Emergence Continues

Key Points: COVID In...

COVID variant, Omicron, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix

Sep

Hand washing personal hygiene woman washing hands rubbing soap for 20 seconds following steps, cleaning wrists and rinsing under water at home bathroom. COVID-19 infection prevention handwashing.

Communicable Disease

Norovirus Returning: Time is of the Essence for Handwashing

Key Points: COVID In...

CDC, handwashing, infectious disease, norovirus

Sep

Compliance rules regulation policy law. Business technology concept.

Food Safety

FDA Report Holds Implications for Entire Food Industry

Just as TAG had pred...

Cronobacter, FDA, food safety culture, infant formula, recordkeeping

Sep

Canada

Heavy Metals Continue to Have Heavy Focus in Foods

Reductions in allowa...

Baby Food Heavy Metals, heavy metals

Sep

Communicable Disease

Infectious Diseases on Positive Trend; Handwashing Remains Key Practice

Key Points: COVID In...

CDC, covid, influenza, monkeypox, norovirus, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix, Vaccination

Sep

Communicable Disease

Norovirus Cases Up … and Down

Key Points: COVID In...

CDC, COVID variant, norovirus, Omicron

Sep

Food Safety

OJT Worker Training Can Aid or Thwart Food Safety Efforts

Food safety training...

food safety education month, training, worker training

Sep

Blue Raspberry Delta-8 Gummies with Hemp Leaves

Cannabis

Food Safety Education for Cannabis Producers

With cannabis edible...

Cannabis, cannabis regulations, food safety, food safety education month, HashTAG

Sep

Communicable Disease

TAG’s Diseases Matrices and Updates Evolve to Keep You Informed

Key Points: COVID In...

CDC, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix

Sep

Communicable Disease

Stay Up to Date on CDC’s Definition of Up to Date

Key Points: COVID In...

COVID booster, COVID variant

Sep

Food Safety

You Ask, TAG Answers: From Leafy Greens to Compressed Air

Answering client que...

compressed air, food industry, food safety, leafy greens

Sep

Coronavirus cases reduction chart. End of pandemic. medical fron

Communicable Disease

COVID and Monkeypox Showing Positive Trajectories

Key Points: COVID In...

communicable diseases

Sep

Simplified

Pesticides

I see so many articl...

food safety, pesticides, Simplified

Sep

COVID-19

Be Prepared: Fall Typically Brings Increased Respiratory Disease

Key Points: COVID In...

CDC, infectious disease

Sep

Image of workplace in office room without people with open lapto

Food Safety

FDA’s Expanded RRAs Make Every Facility More Susceptible to “Assessment”

During the pandemic,...

FDA, food safety, remote regulatory assessments, RRAs

Sep

Medical research vector illustration. Concept with icons related

COVID-19

The Ups and Downs of Today’s Communicable Diseases

Key Points: COVID In...

communicable diseases

Aug

COVID-19

2022-23 U.S. Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Overview

Key Points: COVID In...

Aug

Young Woman Controlling Production at Food Factory

Food Safety

Why BE Labeling Carries Risks for Manufacturers

Intended to help con...

bioengineered, food safety, GMO, regulations, USDA

Aug

Canada

Country Food Systems Vary but Achieve Recognized Superiority

A recent study commi...

Canada, food industry, food safety, FSA

Aug

Monkeypox (infectious disease) diagnosis medical concept on tabl

Continuing Trending of Monkeypox and Covid

Key Points: COVID In...

CDC, communicable disease, COVID variant, Risk Matrix, TAG Risk Matrix

Aug

Food Safety

The Incessant Pursuit of Zero

Over the last year, ...

ethylene oxide, food industry, food safety, pet food

Aug

Flu influenza concept. Hands closeup listening with stethoscope

Communicable Disease

Southern Hemisphere Flu Season Bodes Ill for U.S.

Key Points: COVID In...

Aug

Cannabis

Could a Roadside Test Move the U.S. Closer to Cannabis Legalization?

If the research and ...

Cannabis, CBD, HashTAG, legalization, roadside test

Aug

Vial of Covid – 19 vaccine and mask on yellow background

Communicable Disease

TAG Expands Assessments to Include Current Communicable Disease Data

TAG Expands Assessme...

communicable diseases

Aug

Uncategorized

The “Why” Behind Day 6 and Multiple COVID Testing

Key Points: In today...

Aug

Food Safety

Breaded Stuffed Raw Chicken Products: Who’s Responsible for their Food Safety?

Reports of mishandli...

food industry, food safety, salmonella, stuffed chicken, USDA

Aug

Cubes dice with arrows up and down and risk

Communicable Disease

Positive COVID Trends Enable Focus on other Emerging Disease

Key Points: In today...

Aug

Communicable Disease

Monkeypox Takes Headlines as COVID Turns a Corner

Key Points: In today...

CDC, COVID hospitalizations

Aug

Nutrition expert testing food products in lab

Food Safety

How Likely Is Proposed GRAS Act to Become Law?

Historically, the ru...

FDA, food industry, food safety, GRAS

Aug

Communicable Disease

Indicators Point to CDC Reductions in COVID Control Guidelines

Key Points: In today...

CDC, COVID guidelines

Aug

Food Safety

Ag Water Compliance Looms Ever Closer

Having proposed revi...

ag water, food industry, food safety, FSMA, harvest