Food Safety Crackdown (India): Maharashtra has imposed a one-year statewide ban on analogue (non-dairy) paneer, ordering only pure-milk paneer to be sold—after inspections found widespread adulteration. Food Safety Crackdown (Korea): A report says 17 Michelin-listed restaurants in Korea violated food sanitation rules 21 times from 2023-2025, with the biggest issues tied to hygiene training and registration changes. Food Safety & Environment (India): A University of Delhi study found microplastics in every freshwater fish sampled from the Yamuna, with higher contamination in Delhi stretches—raising concerns about what ends up on plates. Retail Demand (Singapore): June retail sales rose 4% y/y, but food & beverage services fell 2.3% y/y, showing consumers are spending elsewhere. Heat & Consumer Spending (Korea): Record summer heat is driving demand for indoor “hotelcation” packages at Lotte Hotel World, with July sales up about 35% y/y. GLP-1 Ripple Effect (ANZ): Australia and New Zealand are emerging as mature GLP-1 markets, pushing product makers to rethink protein, fibre and “clean label” positioning beyond just medication users. Policy Watch (Japan): Japan’s Cabinet approved a two-year cut to the consumption tax on food and beverages to 1% from 8% starting next April. Brand/PR Risk (Korea): Police raided Starbucks Korea over its “Tank Day” promotion, after accusations it mocked victims of a sensitive democracy uprising. Sports Tourism (Malaysia): Malaysia is banking on a “mega sports weekend” in October—anchored by F1—to lift sports tourism and spending.