US chemical accidents rising as Trump rolls back protections, report finds

The number of chemical accidents in the US has increased by at least 51% since 2021. Deaths and injuries were up at least 20%. The report comes on the heels of two high-profile emergencies, including a malfunctioning chemical tank in Garden Grove, California, which caused the evacuation of more than 40,000 residents and a chemical tank collapse in Longview, Washington, which killed 11 workers. The Clean Air Act requires more than 12,500 high-risk facilities to develop protocols to prevent catastrophes and limit fallout. The Biden administration strengthened the protections in 2024, but the Trump administration is pressing on with its controversial plans to dismantle the federal disaster management system.

Viewpoint: Europe clears the way for gene-edited crops — but fear-driven restrictions still slow their full potential

On 17 June 2026, the European Parliament adopted new rules on plants obtained by certain new genomic techniques (NGTs) and food and feed made from them. This is the most radical change in the regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the EU in the last three decades. European consumers need to adjust their risk perception of genetic modification.

Viewpoint: In this age of disinformation, how can scientists and farmers promote food literacy

Luigi Mariani and Aldo Ferrero write in the June 2026 issue of Scientific Reports that productivity, land use efficiency and their influence on future land demand must be taken into account when discussing the effects of agriculture on climate and consumer well-being. In the age of disinformation, conscious food literacy can lead to better health, climate, and public trust.

Costco accused of selling protein powder contaminated with lead, arsenic

Orgain Organic Protein Powder contains lead, cadmium and arsenic, according to Consumer Reports. The FDA doesn't review, approve or test protein powder supplements before they are sold to consumers. Consumers are asking a federal judge to force Costco to disclose the presence and levels of heavy metals in the powder.

Microplastics: research and commentary

There is increasing evidence that microplastics are harmful to human and environmental health. The EPA is doing nothing about it. There are some recent examples of what's out there on microplastic. . i I have collected items on the topic.

Indian mangoes have been banned from Japan

Japan has banned fresh mango imports from India, because the world's biggest producer failed its pest-control checks. India's spices, seafood and rice all face restrictions, bans and extra inspections in America, Europe and Asia. EU has issued 365 alerts against various Indian food products in the past two years.

Costco faces class-action lawsuit alleging protein powder was laced with toxic heavy metals

Costco is accused of selling protein powders with high levels of toxic metals and misleading consumers by marketing them as "good clean fuel" The Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder contained significant levels of arsenic, cadmium and lead, which can have adverse health effects. The protein powder is not facing any recalls and is currently being sold by Costco and other major retailers.

Oregon Records 5 Years of Zero Pesticide-Related Deaths in Bees

There have been no pesticide-related bee deaths in Oregon since 2021. The state legislature established a Task Force on Pollinator Health in 2013 after a mass-mortality event in a parking lot in 2013. The task force developed a suite of educational materials to inform businesses and professionals how to use pesticides in a way that protects bees. In 2018, the issue was expanded with the Oregon Bee Project, an initiative aimed at disseminating those materials to as many people as possible.

Specialty farmers adapt harvests, protect crops in face of extreme heat

The recent heat dome has affected some specialty farmers who produce fruits and vegetables. Specialty farmers don't have access to the same safety net as farmers of traditional commodity crops such as corn and soybeans when extreme weather hits. Annie Woods works in the coolest parts of the day in the morning and evening on her 50-acre farm in Brooksville, Kentucky. Paul Rasch's crew has to step up harvesting of raspberries.

Costco Shoppers Sue Over Protein Powder—Should You Stop Using It?

Costco is being sued in federal court in Washington state. The case centers on Orgain Organic Protein Plant Based Protein Powder - Vanilla Bean sold in Costco stores nationwide. Seven consumers allege Costco violated consumer protection laws by failing to disclose the presence and alleged levels of heavy metals in the product. According to Consumer Reports, the product contained lead at 143 percent of its benchmark level.

US chemical accidents rising as Trump rolls back protections, report finds
US chemical accidents rising as Trump rolls back protections, report finds

The number of chemical accidents in the US has increased by at least 51% since 2021. Deaths and injuries were up at least 20%. The report comes on the heels of two high-profile emergencies, including a malfunctioning chemical tank in Garden Grove, California, which caused the evacuation of more than 40,000 residents and a chemical tank collapse in Longview, Washington, which killed 11 workers. The Clean Air Act requires more than 12,500 high-risk facilities to develop protocols to prevent catastrophes and limit fallout. The Biden administration strengthened the protections in 2024, but the Trump administration is pressing on with its controversial plans to dismantle the federal disaster management system.

The Guardian
corporate
Viewpoint: Europe clears the way for gene-edited crops — but fear-driven restrictions still slow their full potential
Viewpoint: Europe clears the way for gene-edited crops — but fear-driven restrictions still slow their full potential

On 17 June 2026, the European Parliament adopted new rules on plants obtained by certain new genomic techniques (NGTs) and food and feed made from them. This is the most radical change in the regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the EU in the last three decades. European consumers need to adjust their risk perception of genetic modification.

Genetic Literacy Project
science
Viewpoint: In this age of disinformation, how can scientists and farmers promote food literacy
Viewpoint: In this age of disinformation, how can scientists and farmers promote food literacy

Luigi Mariani and Aldo Ferrero write in the June 2026 issue of Scientific Reports that productivity, land use efficiency and their influence on future land demand must be taken into account when discussing the effects of agriculture on climate and consumer well-being. In the age of disinformation, conscious food literacy can lead to better health, climate, and public trust.

Genetic Literacy Project
science
Costco accused of selling protein powder contaminated with lead, arsenic
Costco accused of selling protein powder contaminated with lead, arsenic

Orgain Organic Protein Powder contains lead, cadmium and arsenic, according to Consumer Reports. The FDA doesn't review, approve or test protein powder supplements before they are sold to consumers. Consumers are asking a federal judge to force Costco to disclose the presence and levels of heavy metals in the powder.

Courthouse News Service
news
Microplastics: research and commentary
Microplastics: research and commentary

There is increasing evidence that microplastics are harmful to human and environmental health. The EPA is doing nothing about it. There are some recent examples of what's out there on microplastic. . i I have collected items on the topic.

Food Politics by Marion Nestle
food_safety
Indian mangoes have been banned from Japan
Indian mangoes have been banned from Japan

Japan has banned fresh mango imports from India, because the world's biggest producer failed its pest-control checks. India's spices, seafood and rice all face restrictions, bans and extra inspections in America, Europe and Asia. EU has issued 365 alerts against various Indian food products in the past two years.

The Economist
corporate
Costco faces class-action lawsuit alleging protein powder was laced with toxic heavy metals
Costco faces class-action lawsuit alleging protein powder was laced with toxic heavy metals

Costco is accused of selling protein powders with high levels of toxic metals and misleading consumers by marketing them as "good clean fuel" The Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder contained significant levels of arsenic, cadmium and lead, which can have adverse health effects. The protein powder is not facing any recalls and is currently being sold by Costco and other major retailers.

New York Post
corporate
Oregon Records 5 Years of Zero Pesticide-Related Deaths in Bees
Oregon Records 5 Years of Zero Pesticide-Related Deaths in Bees

There have been no pesticide-related bee deaths in Oregon since 2021. The state legislature established a Task Force on Pollinator Health in 2013 after a mass-mortality event in a parking lot in 2013. The task force developed a suite of educational materials to inform businesses and professionals how to use pesticides in a way that protects bees. In 2018, the issue was expanded with the Oregon Bee Project, an initiative aimed at disseminating those materials to as many people as possible.

Good News Network
technology
Specialty farmers adapt harvests, protect crops in face of extreme heat
Specialty farmers adapt harvests, protect crops in face of extreme heat

The recent heat dome has affected some specialty farmers who produce fruits and vegetables. Specialty farmers don't have access to the same safety net as farmers of traditional commodity crops such as corn and soybeans when extreme weather hits. Annie Woods works in the coolest parts of the day in the morning and evening on her 50-acre farm in Brooksville, Kentucky. Paul Rasch's crew has to step up harvesting of raspberries.

The Washington Times
corporate
Costco Shoppers Sue Over Protein Powder—Should You Stop Using It?
Costco Shoppers Sue Over Protein Powder—Should You Stop Using It?

Costco is being sued in federal court in Washington state. The case centers on Orgain Organic Protein Plant Based Protein Powder - Vanilla Bean sold in Costco stores nationwide. Seven consumers allege Costco violated consumer protection laws by failing to disclose the presence and alleged levels of heavy metals in the product. According to Consumer Reports, the product contained lead at 143 percent of its benchmark level.

Newsweek
corporate
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