Consumer Health – USA/UK/Asia/ROW Regulatory News – Feb 2025

USA

Investigation into Listeria monocytogenes: Frozen Nutritional Shakes

The FDA and CDC, in partnership with state and local authorities, are examining a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections associated with Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes. These products were produced by Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. at its Fort Wayne, Indiana facility. 

Consumers and retailers are advised not to sell or use the recalled shakes. The FDA’s investigation remains ongoing.

UK

New Industry Guidance on Allergen Information for Out-of-Home Food Businesses

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has released updated best practice guidance to help food businesses provide clear written allergen information for customers with food hypersensitivities. The guidance applies to restaurants, cafés, delis, market stalls, takeaways, and other out-of-home food providers.

MALAYSIA

Cosmetic Products Containing Scheduled Poisons Detected by Ministry of Health

The National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Authority (NPRA) under the Ministry of Health Malaysia has urged consumers to stop purchasing or using certain cosmetic products found to contain scheduled poisons such as mercury. Mercury is banned in cosmetics due to its ability to be absorbed into the body, potentially causing kidney and nervous system damage, skin irritation, and developmental harm to unborn or young children.

PHILIPPINES

Survey for FDA Academy Training on Food Product Registration – Region III (10–11 June 2025)

To support improved regulatory compliance and streamline the registration of prepackaged and processed food items, the FDA Academy of the Food and Drug Administration is conducting a survey for participants interested in attending training on Food Product Registration and other key authorization processes under the Center for Food Regulation and Research (CFRR).

SINGAPORE

Two Adulterated Food Products Found with Banned Substances

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) identified two food products adulterated with prohibited or medicinal substances not permitted in food:

• Product: SUSENJI MOFA+ 
• Detected substance: Sennosides 
• Product: Fabulous Boom Chocolate Flavour 
• Detected substance: Sibutramine 

Both products were sold through various local e-commerce platforms and marketed with weight-loss claims such as appetite suppression, detoxification, hunger control, digestive support, and metabolic acceleration. SFA collaborated with these platforms to remove the listings and has warned sellers to immediately cease distribution.

AUSTRALIA

TGA Issues Literature Review on Sunscreen Ingredients

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) published a literature review examining active ingredients used in sunscreens to identify any emerging evidence regarding their safety. Current clinical guidance confirms that the protective benefits of sunscreen far outweigh potential risks. With approximately 2,000 deaths annually from skin cancer in Australia, sun protection—including sunscreen use—remains essential. Any theoretical long-term risks from frequent sunscreen application are minimal compared to the proven dangers of excessive sun exposure and sunburn.

ANVISA Publishes 2024 Food Regulation Activity Report

ANVISA released the Activity Report of the General Management of Food, summarizing key outcomes from 2024. The report highlights work related to risk and safety assessments, food and packaging regulation, establishment of regulatory and service standards, and efforts to enhance transparency and communication.