In a move that the FDA said “marks a new era in FDA enforcement,” the agency has announced its intent to expand the use of unannounced inspections at foreign manufacturing facilities that produce foods, essential medicines and other medical products intended for U.S. consumers and patients.

The European Commission has released its 2024 annual notification report on food contact materials (FCMs) and related articles, highlighting the key products affected and the most frequently reported issues.

On 19 May, the General Administration of Customs of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government Environment and Ecology Bureau signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Inspection, Quarantine and Hygiene Requirements for Meat Products Exported from Hong Kong to the Mainland and a Cooperation Arrangement for the Export of Dairy Products from Hong Kong to the Mainland. The two agreements facilitate food trade between Hong Kong and the Mainland, and the development of Hong Kong’s meat and dairy products businesses. Hong Kong-manufactured meat and dairy products meeting the requirements set out in the agreements will be allowed to be imported into the Mainland. The agreements also put in place monitoring of food safety at source for Hong Kong-manufactured meat and dairy products exported to the Mainland, and lay out requirements for testing in relation to raw materials, production management, and the storage and transportation of food products. The Centre for Food Safety of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the General Administration of Customs will discuss operational details in due course.

The increasingly health-conscious Gulf states represent a potential bonanza for international food exporters.