Synthetic food safety: A peer-reviewed study in Scientific Reports warns that “synbio milk” contains 93 uncharacterised compounds and 236 fungal proteins not tested for human consumption, raising fresh questions about the safety claims behind Perfect Day-style products. Food additives and health: A large European Heart Journal observational study links higher intakes of common preservatives (including potassium sorbate, citric acid, sodium nitrite and ascorbic acid) with increased hypertension risk, urging regulators to re-check additive assessments. Alcohol demand shift: IWSR forecasts global alcohol volumes will keep falling through 2031 and remain down by 2035, with spirits, beer and wine all losing volume as consumers drink less and weight-loss drugs change habits. Hospitality pressure: UK hospitality groups renew calls to cut hospitality VAT, arguing the sector is “on its knees” versus lower VAT rates in France, Spain and Italy. EU food protection: The EU now protects more than 3,700 food and drink geographical indications, reinforcing origin labels across member states. Energy shock and food risk: Commentary highlights how Middle East conflict and fertiliser supply disruptions could feed into higher food prices and shortages across Europe.