Health & Food Safety: Researchers report microplastics in human brain tissue and artery plaque, linking higher levels to a 4.5x increased risk of heart attack, stroke or death; they also point to ultra-processed foods as a major exposure route and suggest swapping away from ultra-processed items and avoiding heated plastic contact. Beverage Business: PepsiCo says North American demand weakened as consumers tightened budgets amid higher gas prices, with snack volumes flat and beverage volumes down; the company is pushing smaller pack sizes and meal bundles. EU Food Policy: Investors argue against reopening the PPWR timeline, saying regulatory certainty is crucial for companies already investing in the clean packaging transition. Brand & Retail: Campari steps up to defend Aperol against copycat spritzes as the spritz category grows and Aperol remains a major share of group sales. Food & Drink Regulation (Africa): Ghana seized banned alcoholic energy drinks; Nigeria’s NAFDAC warns importers and consumers about health risks from mixing alcohol with stimulants. Packaging Innovation: A look at whether banana-leaf wrapping—already popular in parts of Southeast Asia—could scale as a low-waste alternative elsewhere. Dairy & Nutrition (Europe): Ireland’s milk is increasingly being turned into high-protein medical nutrition drinks, with Danone planning a liquid medical nutrition facility in Cork. Tourism & Prices: Euronews compares holiday price levels across popular destinations, with Turkey cheapest overall and France most expensive among the seven countries.