President Trump has issued an executive order to significantly roll back tariffs on over a hundred food and agricultural items, including beef, coffee, fruits and spices, exempting many common grocery goods from the reciprocal tariffs imposed earlier in the year, making the reductions retroactive to Nov. 13. Leslie G. Sarasin, president and CEO of FMI -- The Food Industry Association, said the action "should help consumers, whose morning cup of coffee will hopefully become more affordable, as well as US manufacturers, which utilize many of these products in their supply chains and production lines."

A recent study published in PLOS One reveals high levels of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria from raw cow and sheep milk in Pakistan, posing a significant public health risk as most milk is consumed unpasteurized. The study found that 95% of Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates are highly resistant to penicillin and erythromycin, and 50% are multidrug-resistant. The study highlights the need for responsible antibiotic use and better hygiene in the dairy sector.

Mondelez, Hershey and Barry Callebaut are anticipating a surplus in global cocoa supply in 2026 due to improved weather patterns, which could alleviate the high cocoa prices that have affected their profitability. The International Cocoa Organization projects a shift from a deficit of nearly 500,000 metric tons to a surplus of 150,000 tons, driven by better conditions in West Africa and Ecuador. However, Mondelez CEO Dirk Van de Put notes that while cocoa prices may decrease, consumer prices for chocolate are unlikely to drop significantly due to other economic factors.

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Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a sustainable sanitizer for produce by upcycling waste broth from probiotic production. The method, which combines the broth with mild heat, significantly reduces salmonella and other microbial levels on fresh radish sprouts.

Barry Callebaut has opened its third manufacturing facility in Canada, a $104 million factory in Brantford, Ontario. The plant, equipped with advanced production lines for liquid molding and chocolate, is the company's first new North American factory since 2008 and its largest investment in the region.

Collaborative robots that provide real-time feedback and support, can enhance employment opportunities for autistic people in manufacturing, according to researchers at Virginia Tech. Being paired with the cobots enhances autonomy, competence and relatedness, thereby improving workplace interactions and productivity, according to the researchers.

Michael Del Pozzo, president of North America commercial and customer at PepsiCo, discusses innovation and consumer trends in a podcast interview. He highlights PepsiCo's efforts in functional ingredients with products like Pepsi Prebiotic Cola and Gatorade Lower Sugar, as well as the importance of packaging innovation, such as premium glass bottles, and the operational challenges of achieving a clean label for its brands.