Food Prices & Affordability: South Africa’s Household Affordability Index rose in July, pushing up a wide food basket—apples, maize meal, cooking oil, eggs, tomatoes and more—while some items like carrots and onions fell. Food Safety & Outbreaks: U.S. officials are still untangling the biggest cyclospora outbreak in years, with Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce from central Mexico tied to the case while investigators look for how contamination reached produce. Policy & Cost of Living: Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi is moving toward a temporary cut to the food sales tax (8% to 1% for two years), aiming to blunt household inflation. Food Waste: Legends Global joined the U.S. Food Waste Pact, pledging more local sourcing and better waste diversion across live events. Retail Access: New York City’s city-run grocery plan would sell a core basket about 30% cheaper once a month, targeting staples like produce, meat, seafood, eggs, milk, cheese and bread. Beverage Culture: USA TODAY’s 2026 Bars of the Year spotlighted 38 venues, including Cloverleaf Tavern (Caldwell) and Lone Wolf Lounge (Savannah), underscoring the food-and-drink scene’s pull. Consumer Guidance: Experts warn many “expired” foods are still edible, and date labels often signal quality—not safety. Packaging & Compliance (Food Supply Chain): A China-based supplier promoted food-grade plastic bucket manufacturing with compliance systems for bulk food packaging. Street-to-Table Tech: Seoul is easing international access to food delivery by removing Korean phone/credit-card barriers for Baemin users. Taste & Awards: Two Cantabrian canneries, Conservas Catalina and Conservas Juanjo, earned 10 total stars at the Great Taste Awards for anchovies and bonito del norte.