April 2026 News Brief
Watch our new monthly video series, INC News Recap Trade & Tariff Update USA: Launch of Tariff Refund System The US government is rolling out the system it will use to issue refunds to American importers for the payment of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which were declared unlawful […]
INC Presents Sustainability Certification to US Industry Professionals
Following the formalization of its partnership with DFA of California as an official auditing body, the INC Sustainability Certification continues to gain strong momentum with first audits now underway! Most recently, the program was presented by INC Sustainability Manager, Ramon Botet, at Safe Food California—DFA’s flagship annual conference held in Monterey from April 7–9. The […]
New Research Supports Early Introduction as Key to Achieving Peanut Tolerance
Younger siblings of children who eat peanuts have an increased risk of peanut sensitization and allergy, but this sensitization can be mitigated by early peanut introduction, according to new research presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), held in Philadelphia from February 27 to March 2, 2026. […]
Food Safety Update
EU: Plant Protection Products Update The European Commission has published an implementing regulation on the methods of sampling and analysis, and on the interpretation of results for the official control of pesticide residues in and on food and feed of plant and animal origin. The new regulation, which repeals Directive 2002/63/EC and will apply from […]
INC Tariff Report & Updates
Iran: US Announces Blockade of Iranian Ports After Failed Peace Talks Following the breakdown of US-Iran peace talks in Pakistan on April 12, 2026, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports, effective April 13. The announcement said the blockade would “be enforced impartially against vessels of […]
Regular Nut Consumption Linked to Sperm Quality
A recent study published in the journal Andrology found that eating nuts regularly is associated with higher total sperm count and concentration in healthy young men of reproductive age. To evaluate the association between nut consumption and sperm quality parameters, researchers conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from 222 men between the ages of 18 […]
Almonds May Provide Cognitive and Metabolic Benefits in People With Prediabetes
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition suggests that daily almond consumption for six months may enhance cognitive performance while improving metabolic markers in middle-aged adults with prediabetes. Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of daily almond consumption on cognitive performance in 60 middle-aged Asian Indians with prediabetes. Participants […]
INC Provides Input on First Draft of Codex Code of Practice on Ochratoxin A
As noted previously, the INC is taking part in a Codex Alimentarius electronic working group tasked with developing a code of practice aimed at preventing and reducing ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination in dried fruits, specifically raisins, dried apricots, dried figs, dried dates, and prunes. In March, the chair of the working group shared the first […]
INC Tariff Report & Updates
Australia-EU: Implications of Free Trade Deal for Australian Tree Nuts The Australian government has published additional details on how the Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement will affect trade in tree nuts. Upon entry into force, the agreement will immediately remove tariffs on Australian tree nuts exported to the EU, including the current EU tariffs of […]
Food Safety Update
EU: Discussions on Increasing Nickel ML in Hazelnuts According to FRUCOM, in recent technical meetings between the European Commission and Member States, an increase in the maximum level (ML) for nickel in hazelnuts from 3.5 to 4 mg/kg was discussed. This level was achieved based on a data set supplied by the European Food Safety Authority […]