Food Safety Watch (India): FSSAI told restaurants to use only food-grade, corrosion-resistant cutting tools and to remove any rusted or damaged knives/blades, with hygiene and sanitization rules enforced under the Food Safety and Standards Act. Traceability Tech (US): Körber launched STEPLogic Tracker to help food firms prepare for FDA Food Traceability Rule FSMA 204, aiming to speed up lot-level record retrieval for recalls. Beverage Expansion (Japan/India): Asahi and Varun Beverages agreed to franchise CALPIS in India as a ready-to-drink, non-alcohol/non-carbonated dairy beverage launching in late 2026 with Original and Mango. Restaurant Business Pressure (UK): Whitbread reported a 5% drop in food and drink sales after announcing it will exit branded restaurants and focus on hotels. Local Food Economy (Philippines): Gov. Yvonne Cagas led hospital food-pack distribution during a 59th anniversary event, highlighting community support for patients. Street Food Growth (US): A Korean street-food concept, Izzie’s K-Dogs, opened a permanent Spokane storefront after pop-up success. Inflation & Staples (Singapore): Rising rice prices are pushing up hawker stall costs, threatening affordability for long-time customers. Food Fraud Crackdown (South Africa): JMPD uncovered expired goods allegedly chemically altered to extend expiry dates, plus suspected stolen cables, during a CBD operation. Awards & Community (UK): Muddy Stilettos named Kent’s top independent businesses, including artisan food and drink producer XOKO Bakehouse and other local winners.