Summer party shopping often means buying in bulk, but return policies for perishable foods, bakery orders, and alcohol can be far narrower than shoppers expect. Store rules and state alcohol laws can determine whether leftovers are refundable at all. Continue Reading
Fresh fruits and vegetables are getting more expensive again, and the reasons go far beyond the grocery aisle. From weather shocks to freight costs, the price jump is reshaping how Americans shop, cook, and plan their food budgets. Continue Reading
Undeclared milk remains one of the most common food-allergen recall triggers in the U.S., and several 2026 recalls show how easily affected products can blend into routine grocery purchases. Federal notices and company statements show the problem often starts with labeling mistakes or temporary production breakdowns rather than obvious dairy foods. Continue Reading
Federal recall databases update far more often than most shoppers realize, and food safety agencies say a quick weekly check can help households spot recalled groceries before they are cooked or served. The routine is simple: review official recall notices, match lot codes, and separate any affected products. Continue Reading
The FDA has formally warned the infant formula supply chain to tighten oversight after two multistate infant botulism outbreaks and a separate ingredient contamination event. The agency said manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, and suppliers all have responsibilities to catch safety risks before products reach families. Continue Reading
The USDA said it is making $500 million available through a fertilizer expansion program aimed at boosting domestic production and easing supply-chain strain for U.S. farmers. The funding targets independent producers as fertilizer costs and market concentration continue to shape the industry. Continue Reading
Two federal settlements announced this year target costs at different points in the food supply chain, from tractor repairs on farms to pricing data used by major meat processors. Together, the cases show regulators pushing more aggressively into practices they say can raise costs for farmers, grocers, and shoppers. Continue Reading
The USDA has delayed a poultry grower payment rule until the end of 2027 and is weighing rescinding two other Packers and Stockyards Act measures tied to competition and trust rights. The moves affect protections that farm advocates and growers spent years pushing through the federal rulemaking process. Continue Reading
U.S. grocers are increasingly steering shoppers toward later trips as labor costs, shrink, and promotion strategies reshape store operations. Industry data shows evening traffic can help retailers spread demand, clear perishables, and manage higher operating expenses. Continue Reading
Del Monte Foods permanently closed its Modesto fruit processing plant on April 7, 2026, eliminating 765 jobs in one of California’s largest food-manufacturing layoffs this year. The shutdown followed the company’s 2025 Chapter 11 bankruptcy and ended operations at a Central Valley facility that had processed fruit for more than a century. Continue Reading