Advocacy in Action | July 23, 2026
Cyclospora Outbreak
The FDA, CDC and public health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served in 5 states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
The FDA’s traceback investigation has identified a convergence on a single supplier of iceberg lettuce and is working with that supplier to determine if contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce remains on the market. Per the CDC, it is also investigating other outbreaks and illnesses of cyclosporiasis nationally that are unrelated to this outbreak. Read the latest FDA and CDC statements.
Serving nearly 200 million guests each day in communities nationwide, restaurants are some of the most regulated businesses consumers use each day. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code, along with state and local regulations, provide very specific public health rules regarding food safety, sanitation, and hygiene that restaurant workers must follow.
The National Restaurant Association and Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association will continue to support public health officials as they investigate the outbreak and ensure our members have the information they need to evaluate their food safety decisions.
Latest on Tariffs
The Trump Administration announced new tariffs of up to 50% on a broad range of Canadian imports. The tariffs, announced under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, are expected to take effect around August 19 and would apply to many Canadian products regardless of their treatment under the previous U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The Administration's decision not to exempt USMCA-compliant products also raises concerns about future trade relations and the possibility of additional Canadian retaliatory measures.
Examples of products subject to the new tariffs include alcohol beverages, milk powders, lactose, whey products, packaging, plywood, cement, cosmetics, textiles, toys, and sporting goods. Several categories appear to be exempt, including energy products, potash, fish, critical minerals, and products already covered by existing Section 232 tariffs.
Details on U.S. autos, dairy, and alcohol. Please note that there are food and restaurant items in the auto list as well, so be sure to look at all three.
The new Canada tariffs signal a more aggressive U.S. trade posture toward a key trading partner. Restaurant operators and suppliers should assess potential exposure now and monitor for additional guidance before the tariffs take effect in August.
Common Cents Act Passes in House
The U.S. House passed the Common Cents Act (H.R. 3074) last week. The National Restaurant Association helped craft and advance this bill to provide a clear and workable rounding standard for businesses that do not have enough pennies to make exact change.
As the legislation advances, the National Restaurant Association are engaged with Senate offices and key stakeholders to build support for timely consideration in the Senate.
Other Local & Federal Advocacy Updates
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New Jersey: NJ Legislature OKs bill to fine some employers with workers on Medicaid. Read more.
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Federal wage bills signal future labor policy debate: Congressional Democrats have reintroduced the Wage Theft Prevention and Wage Recovery Act, which would expand the U.S. Department of Labor's authority to investigate wage-and-hour violations and recover unpaid wages. A second proposal, the Living Wage for All Act, would gradually increase the federal minimum wage to $25 per hour over five years while eliminating the federal tip credit.
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Food Safety: The National Restaurant Association has joined a broad coalition of food, agriculture, manufacturing, retail, and consumer products organizations urging Congress to pursue a single national approach to food ingredient safety, review, and labeling requirements. The coalition argued that science-based federal reforms can strengthen consumer confidence while preventing a growing patchwork of state regulations.
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Forced Labor in Global Supply Chains: The National Restaurant Association submitted comments to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) regarding proposed Section 301 actions aimed at addressing forced labor in global supply chains. The Association voiced support for the Administration’s goal of eliminating forced labor while urging policymakers to avoid measures that could unintentionally increase food costs and disrupt restaurant supply chains. The Association urged USTR to expand exemptions for seafood products, alcoholic beverages, and specialty food products.
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American Franchise Act: The House Education and Workforce Committee approved the American Franchise Act (H.R. 5267), a bipartisan bill supported by the National Restaurant Association that would establish a clear, franchise-specific joint employer standard and provide long-term certainty for restaurant franchise businesses. The legislation would clarify that a franchisor can be considered a joint employer only when it actually exercises substantial, direct, and immediate control over key employment decisions, such as hiring, wages, scheduling, discipline, and supervision. The bill applies specifically to franchisor-franchisee relationships under both the National Labor Relations Act and Fair Labor Standards Act.