Excise Tax Watch (Qatar): Qatar’s General Tax Authority published a guide for its new tiered volumetric excise model on sweetened drinks, with rates rising by sugar content and low-sugar drinks under 5g/100ml exempt, starting July 6, 2026. Food Safety & Fraud: A study highlights how carrot extract can help “fake ghee” pass some quality tests, raising concerns as dairy ghee prices climb. Public Health Policy (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe’s sugar tax and fast-food tax push is facing scrutiny as officials say fast-food proliferation continues, with emphasis on education and awareness. Food Safety & Climate: Research links climate change to higher antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella, suggesting warming and rainfall shifts could make foodborne illness harder to treat. Retail & Hospitality Demand (Netherlands): Dutch accommodation and food services turnover rose 2.2% in Q1 2026, while retail turnover climbed 3.4% in April, including 3.2% growth in food retail. Local Planning (UK): Sheffield council rejected Urban Pitta’s plan to move its flagship takeaway into a nearby Farmfoods site, citing a childhood obesity concern. NoLo Drinks (Switzerland): Solos expanded dealcoholization capacity in Switzerland via Rimuss & Strada and Dealco Swiss to help wine producers offer premium alcohol-removed options. Food Waste Tech (Canada): Canada’s $58B food waste problem could be tackled with small sensors and camera-based freshness tracking to catch spoilage earlier. Beverage Business (Nigeria): Benue Investment and Property Company targets 50% of the state’s beverage market, promoting Zeva Beer and local bitters/malt. Heat & Operations (Philippines): Cuenca, Batangas issued a heat index warning up to 48°C, urging residents to avoid heat stress—relevant for food service and outdoor markets.