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The US Food and Drug Administration has released draft guidance covering surgical robotics.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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.