National Updates
New U.S. Dietary Guidelines Coming in December
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will release updated dietary guidelines this December. The upcoming recommendations will address saturated fat intake, ultra-processed foods, and potential adjustments to dairy and meat guidelines. Reuters
Food Safety Alert: Listeria Outbreak in Pre-packaged Pasta Meals
An outbreak of listeria linked to pre-packaged pasta meals has caused six deaths and twenty-plus illnesses across the U.S., raising concerns about food system vulnerabilities. KFF Health News
Calls to Reassess Hepatitis B Birth Dose Timing
Researchers are pushing for an independent review of whether the birth-dose of the hepatitis B vaccine remains the most effective schedule choice, ahead of upcoming vaccine advisory committee discussions. STAT
Texas Updates
UT Health San Antonio’s School of Dentistry received $6 million in NIH grants for oral cancer treatment and pain-management research. UT Health San Antonio
Beneficiaries in Texas under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are facing changes in payment timing and amounts amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. Michigan Medicare Assistance Program
Texas voters approved Proposition 14, establishing the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas with a $3 billion fund dedicated to dementia research. en.wikipedia.org+1
Global Health Alerts
Global Aid Cuts Risk Health Gains
Global health experts warn that reductions in U.S. and European health aid are undermining preparedness and response for outbreaks, non-communicable disease programs, and maternal/child health globally. nature.com+1
More Than 100 Outbreaks Recorded Worldwide in 2025
A recent analysis shows over 100 reported disease outbreaks with human transmission across 66 countries this year, covering 20 different diseases—from vector-borne to respiratory to food-borne illnesses. KFF
Clinical Tips for Providers
Discuss upcoming dietary guideline changes with patients: emphasize whole foods, reduced ultra-processed food exposure, and lifestyle rather than fad diets.
For patients consuming pre-packaged meals, particularly older adults or immunocompromised individuals, provide alert about current listeria risk and reinforce safe food handling.
Stay alert to any changes in vaccine scheduling recommendations, particularly for hepatitis B in newborns—ensure communication with pediatric partners.
Reinforce global health literacy: remind patients that aid cuts can affect vaccine/medication supply chains, especially for travelers or supported populations.
Anticipate rising public awareness of outbreak counts—use it as opportunity to discuss preventive care (vaccination, hygiene, vector control) even locally.
