July in review: Examining the SOFI report, “Big Beautiful Bill” impacts on health and nutrition security

In July’s major health and nutrition industry news, we looked at the effects of the Trump administration’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” while examining tensions between public health and food security. We also talked with experts about findings in the 2025 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report.

In our July review, Nutrition Insight highlights some of the month’s biggest stories, including rising famine in the Gaza Strip, calls to end animal testing for human nutrition, and key aspects of the AI for Global Good Summit.

We also looked at NASA’s move to investigate sarcopenia and muscle nutrition, Novonesis and 21st.Bio’s partnership for fermented alpha-lactalbumin (α-lac), calls for new methods of reclassifying ultra-processed foods (UPFs), and innovations at the IFT First 2025 trade show in Chicago, Illinois, US.

NASA-backed research uses microgravity to model age-related muscle loss
A study using muscle microtissues sent to the International Space Station showed that sarcopenia-related muscle decline can be rapidly modeled in microgravity. Researchers said this offers a fast-track platform to study treatments for age-related muscle loss, which affects nearly half of those over 80. Researchers observed significant declines in muscle strength and protein levels after two weeks in space, especially in tissues from young, active donors. Electrical stimulation helped counteract some molecular changes. We looked at the findings, which could accelerate therapeutic development for sarcopenia and inform long-duration spaceflight health strategies.

US Senate’s “Big Beautiful Bill” axes SNAP nutrition education and restricts access
A controversial US Senate bill, passed narrowly without Democratic support, proposed deep cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and nutrition education programs. The cuts eliminate access for millions, including seniors, parents, and veterans, while shifting SNAP costs to states. Experts warned this could worsen food insecurity, harm public health, and increase inequality. In addition, they stated that the administration’s agreement with Coca-Cola to use sugarcane in its soda was a distraction from real health problems.We talked with Daniel Martinez, head of R&D for Human and Animal Health at Bioiberica, about its latest innovations.

Novonesis and 21st.Bio to scale cow-free, precision-fermented alpha-lactalbumin
21st.Bio launched a development program for precision-fermented α-lac using a high-yield strain licensed from Novonesis. The company said its animal-free and scalable milk protein offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional dairy sources, targeting use in infant nutrition and health products. With global dairy protein demand projected to outpace supply by 2030, 21st.Bio said it supports partners with strain access, process development, scale-up, and regulatory guidance. We looked at how the initiative aims to close the impending protein gap while reducing environmental impact and ensuring broader access to high-purity α-lac through precision fermentation. At the same time, a recent scientific review called for more plant-based milk fortification.

Public health versus food security? Experts call for balanced UN trans-fat policy
A proposed UN declaration to eliminate all trans-fatty acids (TFAs) drew criticism from over 115 global nutrition experts, who warned it could harm food and nutrition security in low-income regions. While aimed at reducing diet-related non-communicable diseases, experts said the policy risked discouraging consumption of nutrient-rich animal-source foods that contain small, naturally occurring TFAs. Scientists urged a nuanced, science-based approach that distinguishes between harmful industrial TFAs and those in milk and meat, which are vital sources of essential nutrients for vulnerable populations already facing hunger and undernutrition. The final resolution is set for review at the UN General Assembly in September.

End of an era? Scientists call for ethical non-animal nutrition research
A new review by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) critiqued the widespread use of animals in US nutrition research, calling for a shift to non-animal methods (NAMs). It found that Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees lack the required expertise in alternatives and often approve unnecessarily painful animal tests. Advocates argue NAMs are more ethical, cost-effective, and human-relevant. The US National Institutes of Health and the FDA now support this transition, offering funding and infrastructure.PlantFusion’s CEO, Phil Vigeant, tells us about the latest advancements in plant-based protein powders. We talked with the director of medical research at the PCRM, who stressed that meaningful change requires updated policy, structural reforms, and better training for ethical review committees and highlighted that public support for ending animal testing is strong.

AI for Good Global Summit: WHO, ITU, and WIPO map potential for inclusive use in traditional medicine
At the AI for Good Global Summit, WHO, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) released a roadmap to responsibly apply AI in traditional medicine. The brief emphasized aligning AI with Indigenous knowledge while preserving cultural heritage and data sovereignty. We looked at the plan, which outlined AI’s potential in diagnostics, drug discovery, and biodiversity, while cautioning against risks like biopiracy and exploitation. The report also urged inclusive governance, ethical AI design, strong data frameworks, and investment in human capacity, while highlighting global projects and calls for integrating AI in traditional medicine through regulation, training, and community-led data governance.

Experts call for new ultra-processed food definition as US consumers struggle to identify them
Experts spotlighted that US consumers increasingly recognize the health risks of UPFs, yet many struggle to identify them accurately. Surveys show confusion between harmful and potentially beneficial UPFs, like plant-based cereals. Misconceptions persist, with most failing to cite processed meats as diabetes-linked. Experts also called for clearer, science-based definitions and labeling, as the leading classification system used, Nova, can be vague or misleading. Additionally, the survey pointed out that calls for reform are growing, with 80% of surveyed adults supporting mandatory labeling, as some observational studies linked UPFs to chronic diseases and premature deaths.

IFT First 2025: Spotlight on nutraceutical innovations and “better-for-you” solutions
At IFT First 2025, companies spotlighted clean label and functional ingredients for health-focused foods and beverages. Ayana Bio showcased plant cell cultivation technology to enhance nutritional value, especially in UPFs, debuting rosmarinic acid. Nexira promoted its acacia fiber for gut health and sensory-friendly plant-based drinks. Gelita featured collagen peptides targeting beauty, aging, and sports health. Jungbunzlauer unveiled fine-particle mineral salts for improved taste and bioavailability in gummy supplements. At the same time, Beneo spotlighted its natural weight management formulation toolkit. We talked with the companies about their innovations and the need for science-backed innovation to deliver nutrition, functionality, and sustainability in consumer-friendly formats.We spoke with Charlotte Wallart, Nexira's food product manager, IFT First 2025 about its adaptogens and prebiotics.

SOFI 2025: Global food security and nutrition are growing, but gaps are widening
The SOFI report revealed that global hunger slightly declined in 2024, but disparities persisted. While undernourishment dropped in Latin America and South Asia, hunger rose in Africa and Western Asia. Over 2.3 billion people faced food insecurity, and 512 million are projected to remain chronically undernourished by 2030. Rising food prices, climate shocks, and conflict worsened access to healthy diets, especially in low-income nations. UN agencies called for urgent investment in resilient food systems, social protections, and plant-based agriculture to address systemic inequalities and support the most vulnerable populations. Action Against Hunger spoke with us about the effects of inflation in the SOFI report, and Elisabetta Recine, an IPES-Food panel expert and president of the Brazilian National Food and Nutrition Security Council, who advises Brazil’s government on its hunger policy, talked with us about how Brazil was removed from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization Hunger Map.

Famine grips Gaza: International pressure prompts Israel to declare “humanitarian pause”
Finally, we looked at the humanitarian crisis on the Gaza Strip, which, according to the new Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), faced a Phase 5 Catastrophe famine, with widespread starvation driven by food blockades and intensified conflict. Over 20,000 children suffered acute malnutrition and deaths rose, especially among young children. Food and aid deliveries were severely restricted, with most stocks expected to run out soon. Market shortages and soaring prices also worsened access, while a lack of cooking fuel forced unsafe practices. Despite an Israeli “humanitarian pause,” aid remained insufficient and unevenly distributed. Experts emphasized that nutritional diversity had also collapsed, causing hidden hunger and health risks. The WHO condemned this as man-made starvation and called for urgent international action.