food industry

The US Food and Drug Administration has released draft guidance covering surgical robotics. The document, reported by MedTech Dive, outlines the agency's current thinking for developers and manufacturers of robotic surgical systems. Stakeholders in the medical device industry typically have the opportunity to comment on such drafts before final guidance is issued, which shapes approval expectations for robot-assisted surgery technologies.

Immigration enforcement raids are disrupting meatpacking operations in Kansas, according to Farm Policy News. The operations are a core part of the state's agricultural economy, and workforce removals threaten production at processing plants. The report adds to a wider debate over workplace immigration enforcement and its effects on the food supply chain and rural communities that depend on packinghouse labor.

American ranchers are warning that a tightened immigration crackdown could drive beef prices even higher, on top of already elevated costs at the grocery store. The industry relies heavily on immigrant labor for processing and herding, and producers say labor shortages would shrink supply and raise costs. The warning adds to consumer concerns about food inflation in the United States.

A Cornell University study argues that trust is the key missing element preventing wider adoption of artificial intelligence in food safety. Researchers found that even when AI tools can improve monitoring and detection of food risks, industry and consumer confidence in the technology lags behind its technical capabilities.

FEFAC, the European feed manufacturers' federation, is calling on the European Union to draw up a contingency plan to secure feed supplies for livestock farming. The request reflects concern in the agri-food sector over the EU's vulnerability to disruptions in imports of feed materials such as soy and other protein sources, with the industry seeking guarantees that animals can be fed even if supply chains are interrupted.

The 29th FHC Shanghai Global Food Trade Show will take place from November 10 to 12, 2026, at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. The event is one of the major international food and beverage exhibitions in China, offering a platform for cross-border trade. Business accounts are sharing the dates with exhibitors and buyers in the food industry.

AbbVie has won US Food and Drug Administration approval for a Parkinson's disease treatment developed through its $8.7 billion acquisition of Cerevel Therapeutics. The approval validates the company's large bet on neurology and gives AbbVie a new product in a market where its flagship franchise faces eventual competition. Industry observers are watching how quickly the drug can reach patients and generate revenue.

A new industry analysis examines how rising consumer demand for gluten-free products is intersecting with evolving food regulations worldwide. As more shoppers adopt gluten-free diets for health or lifestyle reasons, regulators are tightening labeling standards and testing requirements. Industry observers say manufacturers face pressure to prove authenticity and safety, with clearer rules potentially reshaping product formulations and marketing across the global gluten-free food market.

Indian nutrition company Hexagon Nutrition has introduced a stabilised vitamin A formulation designed for large-scale food fortification across African markets. The product aims to address vitamin A deficiency, a widespread public health problem on the continent, by withstanding harsh processing and storage conditions in staple foods such as flour and oil. Industry coverage highlights growing investment in micronutrient fortification solutions for developing regions.

McDonald's has announced the launch of a new advertising network, moving into the fast-growing retail media space. The move means the fast food giant will sell ad space across its own channels, joining retailers and brands that have built media businesses on their customer data and reach. Industry observers are watching how a restaurant chain competes in a space dominated by grocery and e-commerce players.

Major food companies in India are urging regulators to reconsider the red colour proposed for warning labels on packaged foods, Reuters reports. The industry argues the red symbol could stigmatise products, while health advocates support strong front-of-pack warnings to combat rising obesity, diabetes and high salt, sugar and fat consumption in the country.

Federal immigration agents are conducting raids at meatpacking plants in Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma. In response, cattle industry groups including the Texas Cattle Feeders Association issued a joint statement warning that these disruptions could lead to higher beef prices for consumers and shake the entire meat supply chain.

McDonald's is facing questions over how to build a viable in-store retail media business, turning its restaurants and digital menu boards into advertising inventory for brands. Industry observers are debating whether the fast-food giant can translate its massive foot traffic into ad revenue, a challenge other brick-and-mortar retailers have struggled to solve compared with online rivals.

Convenience retailer Kent Kwik is preparing to open its first new-build travel center in Tennessee, marking an expansion of the chain into that state. The company operates a network of convenience stores and fuel stations, and the location will serve travelers with fuel, food and retail offerings.