Food Safety Watch (Korea): Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety data show 17 Michelin-listed restaurants racked up 21 Food Sanitation Act violations from 2023-2025, with the biggest issues tied to missing mandatory hygiene training and unreported business registration changes. Climate & Harvest Risk (UK): Britain braces for a “worst harvest on record” as extreme heat and dry conditions cut cereal and oilseed output, raising fears of higher food costs. Energy Costs & Food Logistics (South Africa/Eswatini): A diesel price jump is expected to ripple through transport, pushing up costs for food and essentials across the region. Tax Relief vs. Fiscal Strain (Japan): Japan’s Cabinet approved a two-year cut to the consumption tax on food and beverages to 1%, aiming to ease inflation but drawing fiscal-health concerns. Food Security Crisis (Afghanistan): WFP warns 14 million Afghans face severe hunger, with funding cuts limiting aid to just one in nine people. Industry Dealmaking (Food M&A): A family-owned/privately held buyer wave is paying big premiums for listed food brands, including Intersnack’s Utz deal. Beverage Policy (Australia): Australia’s spirits excise rises again, threatening higher drink prices and pressure on venues. Community Food Support (US): A Morton, Illinois pantry reports rising demand as SNAP cuts bite, serving 100-150 people monthly. Food Access Policy (Spain BOE): Spain’s BOE publishes a new framework agreement for the commercial food distribution sector, alongside other labor and administrative updates. Local Food Culture (US/NY): A spotlight on Buffalo’s “Beef on Weck” highlights how regional dishes can drive travel and dining interest.