AGP Executive Report

QSR Shake-Up: KFC rolled out its “next chapter” with new menu items, refreshed branding, and modernized restaurants—starting in the UK/Ireland and expanding to Australia and the U.S., with sauces and customization at the center. World Cup Food & Travel: Miami’s first FIFA match kicks off today, with Hard Rock Stadium enforcing a strict clear-bag policy (plus one sealed 20-ounce disposable water bottle) and cashless rules—while the Fan Festival at Bayfront Park runs through July 5 with food and family activities. Food Safety Enforcement: Florida regulators ordered two South Florida restaurants shut—Belle Cuisine Caribbean Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale (rodent activity) and La Parrilla Liberty in Miami Beach (live roaches)—citing repeat training/certification and sanitation violations. Local Summer Heat Reality: A heat advisory is in effect as humidity pushes heat index levels higher across parts of Florida, with guidance to prepare for worsening conditions. Farm Stand Rules: Cottage-food farm stand owners are adapting to Florida’s Cottage Food limits (no refrigeration) and summer heat, shaping what they can sell and how they label products.

Food Safety Watch: The FDA upgraded an Alfredo sauce recall to a Class I (highest risk) after a dry milk powder ingredient was flagged for possible Salmonella contamination; the recall covers 913 cases sold in 41 states, including Florida, and involves specific UPC 0039954921963 and multiple “best by” batches. Local Business & Culture: A Florida-linked yerba mate brand tied to Barron Trump launched its first product with a Florida-inspired twist, pitching SOLLOS as a Sunshine State drink for outdoor life. Theme Park Dining: Disney World confirmed changes at Disney Springs, replacing the removed food truck area with a shaded outdoor seating setup meant to boost quick-service capacity. Community Food Needs: Collier County’s senior homelessness story underscores growing pressure on local support systems, with advocates pointing to rising costs and disaster fallout. Wildlife & Food Systems: A Florida wildlife note highlights native predators (like bobcats) helping curb invasive species such as green iguanas—an ecosystem angle that can affect local landscaping and, indirectly, food supply chains.

Food Safety: The FDA issued a Class I recall for Alfredo sauce sold in 41 states, warning of possible Salmonella contamination tied to a dry milk powder ingredient; no illnesses reported yet, but the risk is highest for kids and older adults. Consumer Watch: A new wave of complaints targets cruise tipping add-ons, as lines raise daily “crew appreciation” charges and stack on drink and specialty dining fees after booking. Local Food & Community: Florida’s Summer BreakSpot program is serving free breakfast and lunch to kids statewide at thousands of sites, including walk-in options in parts of the First Coast. Dining & Openings: A Chocolate House dessert franchise is set to open its first Florida location in Pensacola with crepes, waffles, sundaes and “crazy shakes.” Health & Supplements: A study links the popular joint supplement glucosamine to higher risk of memory decline and death in people with Alzheimer’s-related conditions. Policy & Accountability: Republican AGs, including Florida’s, are urging the EPA to treat abortion medication mifepristone as a water contaminant, despite experts saying there’s no clear harm evidence.

Food Safety Alerts: The FDA issued a highest-risk Class I recall for Alfredo sauce sold in 41 states after a dry milk powder ingredient raised salmonella concerns. More FDA Recalls: The FDA also flagged a Farm Rich frozen pizza snack recall in 21 states for possible metal contamination, affecting about 160,000 pounds. Community Meals: First Coast YMCA is offering free weekly Grab & Go meal packages for children 18 and under through Aug. 6 at sites in Nassau and Clay counties. Local Dining & Deals: District Taco is running a World Cup delivery promo—$5 off delivery orders with code “SOCCER26” from June 11 through July 19. Public Health at Home: USF public health experts share how to wash kitchen towels to reduce germs, including when warm or hot water and bleach are appropriate. Food & Culture: Miami’s Overtown Block Party & Heritage Market for Juneteenth weekend highlights local food options and small businesses. Industry Watch: A breakfast chain’s Florida franchisees filed for bankruptcy, though the manager says the three locations will stay open.

Food Insecurity: A new report highlights that 1 in 12 seniors in Florida is food insecure, with Southwest Florida older adults skipping meals to cover meds and bills; local nonprofits and businesses are stepping in with meal kits and support. Food Safety Recall: The FDA warned a frozen snack recall affecting Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers in 21+ states, including Florida, after possible metal pieces were found. Restaurant Reshuffle: Three Village Inn franchisee locations in Florida filed for bankruptcy, but a manager says the Brandon, Land O’ Lakes, and Zephyrhills spots will stay open. Community & Dining: A viral fundraiser helped Vietnamese restaurant owner Lieng Le of Café Bích Nga in Pinellas Park get a new home after she was found living in her restaurant. Health & Supplements: University of Florida researchers report a concerning Alzheimer’s link tied to glucosamine use, adding pressure on how people choose over-the-counter supplements. Local Business Growth: Sarasota County is pushing a zoning code update to unlock more industrial space for small businesses trying to expand.

Food Safety Alerts: FDA posted a recall of Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers in 21 states, including Florida, over possible metal fragments; Azuma Foods also issued an allergy alert for Tako Wasabi (seasoned octopus) due to undeclared fish, distributed in Florida. Consumer Pressure: A WalletHub study found fast-food prices have risen about 60% over the past decade, and Alabama ranks high for how much fast food takes from household income—another reminder of squeeze on budgets. Local Dining Scene: Tampa’s Heights Public Market at Armature Works is highlighted as a top Florida food hall with 20+ vendors and Michelin-recognized anchors. Restaurant Shakeups: On The Border will close all company-owned locations nationwide, but franchise sites—including Florida—will stay open. Policy & Health: Florida AGs joined a push to classify mifepristone as a water contaminant, despite experts saying there’s no evidence of harm from medication abortion in wastewater. Community/Politics: Kendrick Meek Jr. entered Florida’s District 24 race, with affordability and food-on-the-table messaging front and center.

Food Safety Recall: FDA says Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers (about 160,200 pounds) were recalled in 21 states, including Florida, after possible metal fragments were found in some packages—consumers are urged to check lots and stop eating the snack. Allergy Alert: Azuma Foods International recalled Tako Wasabi–Seasoned Octopus (3-pack, 5.3 oz) because it may contain undeclared fish; distribution included Florida, and people with fish allergies face serious reaction risk. Local Business Closures: Two Riverside restaurants are shutting down (Clarke Bros. June 20; Prospect Five Points June 9), with an additional St. Augustine spot (Amici) reportedly at risk. Non-Alcoholic Drinks Expansion: Botanical Brewing is taking over two Cape Coral spaces, including Scotty’s Bierwerks’ former industrial site and a new Leonard Street location, to boost production for its plant-based, mood-focused drinks. AI & Public Safety: A Florida man is suing after AI facial recognition allegedly helped trigger a wrongful arrest in 2024. Recycling & Waste: Broward’s recycling rate sits around 38%, and cities are being asked to align under a new 40-year solid waste masterplan.

Food Insecurity Fundraiser: Rocco’s Pizza & Cantina’s College World Series Jello Shot Challenge keeps rolling—proceeds support student food pantries, with the latest push topping $500K for food relief. Public Health & Food Safety: FDA classified a frozen pizza snack recall as Class II metal-risk after a three-week regulatory lag; Rich Products’ Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers were pulled in 21 states, including Florida. Local Charity & Community Meals: Polk County is expanding free summer meal sites through USDA’s Summer BreakSpot, with Boys & Girls Clubs serving thousands of weekday meals as need grows. Housing Stability: Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice won a $250,000 grant to prevent evictions and homelessness for 189 families across Southwest Florida, including 225 children. Animal Health Watch: New World screwworm detections in Texas and New Mexico are prompting Florida to tighten shelter-pet restrictions as officials stress the human food supply remains safe. Dining & Culture: Naples marks National Sushi Day with dozens of local sushi options, while South Florida grocer Sedano’s is leaning into World Cup match-day snacks and fan rituals.

Seafood Supply Chain Pressure: Jacksonville-based BSF (formerly Beaver Street Fisheries) says it’s starting fuel surcharges for seafood shipments as container and freight costs squeeze margins, while tariff refund delays add more friction. Food Assistance in Action: Daytona Beach’s Food Brings Hope keeps drawing long lines to its weekly Fresh Market giveaway at the John H. Dickerson Community Center as inflation keeps household budgets tight. World Cup Food Costs: Stadium food and drink pricing varies widely for fans, with Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium cited among the pricier stops for beer. Jamaican Food Expansion: Juici Patties opened its first Georgia location in Atlanta, bringing its Jamaican patties and cocoa-bread pairing to a new market beyond Florida and New York. Community Foodways Exhibit: Flagler County’s AACS is set to open “From Seed to Soul,” a new exhibition tracing African, Indigenous and immigrant food traditions through local artifacts and stories. Produce Tips: A local guide shares how to pick better asparagus—firm stalks, tight tips, and avoiding slimy or dried-out spears—so meals don’t suffer. Inflation Watch: New data shows May inflation at 4.2%, with fuel and energy costs a major driver.

Pet Food Recall: Go Raw LLC expanded a voluntary recall of Steve’s Real Food Freeze-Dried Chicken Recipe pet food in multiple states, including Florida, due to possible low thiamine (vitamin B1) that can trigger serious neurological symptoms. Candy Safety Fight: Florida health officials face pushback from outside experts and candy makers after releasing a report alleging heavy metal contamination in popular sweets, with the state citing cancer risk and strict “safe” annual limits for children. Food Access in Focus: Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s Mobile Farmers Market marked its first year in Volusia County, delivering 5,490 pounds of produce and filling hundreds of produce prescriptions through its “Food is Medicine” effort. Affordability Pressure: United Way Suncoast’s ALICE report says a family of four in its region needs over $106,000 for basic necessities, with nearly half of households living below the ALICE threshold—highlighting how rising costs hit grocery budgets hardest. Watch Parties & Spending: South Florida restaurants are gearing up for FIFA World Cup watch parties, turning food and drink into a major draw for fans during the tournament.

Beef Prices Surge: Ground beef hit a fresh record as drought and the New World screwworm keep the U.S. cattle herd smaller for longer, leaving consumers with fewer chances at relief. Food Safety & Policy: Florida agriculture officials moved to strengthen emergency rules after new screwworm detections in Texas and New Mexico, tightening animal import restrictions to protect the state’s livestock industry. Grocery Coffee Expansion: Sprouts Farmers Market is partnering with Tampa-based Buddy Brew Coffee to add 10 in-store cafes across Florida, bringing espresso drinks and breakfast items to shoppers in multiple counties. Sun Protection Update: The FDA approved bemotrizinol, a new sunscreen ingredient, which could mean better UVA/UVB protection for Florida residents and visitors. World Cup Eats in Miami: Bayfront Park’s free FIFA fan fest is set to draw tens of thousands daily with 42 international food vendors, big screens, and entertainment during match days. Local Affordability Pressure: A new ALICE report says Sarasota and Manatee families need over $100,000 to afford basic necessities, with large shares of households falling below the threshold.

Livestock & Food Safety Alert: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, with additional detections reported across Texas and a dog in New Mexico—prompting tighter animal transport rules and renewed cross-border scrutiny. Public Health & Recalls: A moringa leaf powder supplement-linked Salmonella outbreak has expanded to 119 illnesses across 36 states, with FDA/CDC reopening the probe after new cases and an expanded recall of affected capsules. Alzheimer’s & Supplements: University of Florida research links glucosamine use to faster Alzheimer’s progression in people with mild cognitive impairment, raising questions about common OTC supplement safety. Retail Food News: Publix announced a Naples store rebuild opening July 2, and Costa Family McDonald’s opened its 19th Florida location in Panama City Beach (24/7, 75 jobs). Seafood Supply: The University of Hawaiʻi joined a $13.5M aquaculture consortium aimed at strengthening U.S. seafood supply and expanding sustainable marine farming. Pet Food Recall: Go Raw LLC expanded a freeze-dried chicken pet food recall over potential thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. Local Food Culture: A Cedar Rapids-based “Leftover Loop” app launches to help restaurants sell surplus meals at up to 50% off, with a Florida founder behind the concept.

Food Safety Alert: USDA says beef kofta sold at The Kebab Shop may contain Shiga toxin–producing E. coli O157:H7, with customers in California, Texas, and Florida urged to watch for serious illness after the chain stopped selling the product. Retail Expansion: Sprouts Farmers Market announced a new Lecanto store opening June 4, with fresh produce, wellness items, and in-store sushi and deli prep. Restaurant Industry Watch: Upscale Italian spot Casa D’Angelo permanently closed its Aventura location, with no explanation given. Quick-Service Delivery Shift: Chick-fil-A opened its first Florida delivery-only “ghost kitchen” in Wynwood (CloudKitchens), designed for citywide delivery with no dine-in or drive-thru. Local Dining Development: Jacksonville is reviewing site-clearing and construction plans for Ellianos Coffee at 8700 Beach Blvd., a new drive-thru kiosk location. Community Food Support: Catholic Charities Jacksonville launched a summer hunger backpack program, serving up to 100 students weekly on Mondays. Food & Drink Culture: Fort Myers’ Backyard Social is hosting World Cup watch parties and “Drink Around the World” themed stations.

Livestock Health Alert: USDA confirmed five new New World screwworm cases—Texas calves, a Texas goat, and a New Mexico dog—prompting quarantines, movement controls, and sterile-fly releases as officials race to stop a parasite that can destroy animals fast. SNAP Rules: USDA says Florida is among states restricting SNAP purchases of non-nutritious items like soda and candy, with more states rolling out limits over the coming months. World Cup Food Buzz: Brands are leaning hard into matchday menus and deals, from soccer-themed Crumbl desserts to World Cup-themed food and collectibles rolling out across the U.S. Local Dining: Coral Gables is getting its first Italian food hall this summer—Zuccaly—bringing multiple stations, pasta, gelato, and a market under one roof. Delivery Expansion: Chick-fil-A opened a Florida “ghost kitchen” in Wynwood for delivery-only orders. Community Giving: Second Harvest’s Ultimate Garden Party raised $370,000+ to help fund 1.5 million meals for Central Florida families facing hunger.

Screwworm Threat to Florida Food Supply: USDA confirmed new New World screwworm cases in Texas (now four total), raising alarms for cattle health and potentially pushing beef prices higher—an issue that matters for Florida’s ranch-to-table supply chain. Restaurant & Retail Moves: Better Than Sex is closing its Orlando location after 10 years, while Just Salad opened in Altamonte Springs with plant-centric meals and grand-opening promos. Local Food Safety Watch: North Miami Beach’s Sichuan Fish Restaurant was ordered shut after inspectors found rodent activity and moldy food, with follow-up cleanup required before reopening. Beef Antitrust Payouts: Walmart/Target shoppers may claim part of an $87.5 million beef price-fixing settlement by June 30, no proof needed. Cottage Food Training: UF/IFAS Pasco Extension is running a virtual “Introduction to Cottage Foods in Florida” class for would-be home bakers. Summer Heat Prep: UF/IFAS guidance highlights how to hydrate safely during Florida’s hottest stretches.

Food Safety Watch: A Florida mother and daughter sued Campbell’s and Walmart over alleged worms/parasites in SpaghettiOs, claiming illness after the June 6, 2024 discovery; the companies deny wrongdoing. FDA Outbreak Updates: FDA is investigating two mystery foodborne illness outbreaks (Listeria and Cyclospora) while continuing salmonella probes tied to recalled moringa capsules linked to illnesses in 14 states, including Florida. Grocery & Consumer Law: Trader Joe’s faces a fast-approaching June 9 deadline for a $7.4M class-action settlement over a 2019 credit-card digit mix-up. Inflation at the Checkout: A new report warns another inflation wave is headed for grocery stores, driven by weather, tariffs, and cattle supply pressures. Local Food & Community: North Florida’s Tomato Festival is spotlighting the future of farming as younger growers struggle to break in and stay profitable. Dining Expansion: Salt & Straw is adding Doral and Wynwood scoop shops, betting on South Florida’s growing dessert scene. Livestock Risk: Florida enacted emergency rules to keep the New World screwworm out after Texas detection, tightening animal import and inspection requirements.