AGP Executive Report

Food Safety: Lidl recalled Eridanous Shortbread Cookies after packaging listed ingredients in a foreign language, leaving four major allergens (wheat, soy, milk, eggs) undeclared in English; the recall covers sales from July 15–22 across multiple East Coast states including New Jersey. Public Health & Care Access: Shionogi’s New Jersey-based subsidiary says the FDA has approved XOCOVA (ensitrelvir) in the U.S. as an oral COVID-19 post-exposure prevention option for adults and teens 12+ after contact. Health Policy: Pennsylvania insurers are seeking average 17% premium increases for Pennie ACA plans in 2027, citing rising medical and drug costs; New Jersey’s Get Covered NJ rate requests were not yet released. Community Health Risk: Keyport residents near a former landfill and Aeromarine plant are reviewing groundwater testing that found multiple chemicals and PFAS above DEP standards, as families await more on whether it’s linked to a cancer cluster. Medical Transparency: The Leapfrog Group says a record number of hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers are publicly rated for patient safety, with participation topping 80% of U.S. inpatient beds. Local Health Leadership: UTHealth Houston named Dr. Kevin Schulz as EMS physician director for the City of Houston, with roots in New Jersey EMS. Biotech & Research: NJII president Michael Johnson is stepping down to launch Multiplex Bio, which will acquire Standard BioTools’ mass cytometry business.

Mental Health Access: New Jersey’s planned 988 crisis response centers in Essex and Bergen are still stuck in limbo because of funding gaps, with other sites in Camden, Monmouth and Morris also unclear—despite hotline demand tripling to more than 180,000 calls a year. Public Health & Research: Rutgers researchers report preliminary signs that eating within a nine-hour window and avoiding food for four hours before bed may help protect against cognitive decline in older age. Sexual Health: A large lab-based study links bacterial vaginosis to higher odds of concurrent STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas and Mycoplasma genitalium. Cancer & Pharma: Johnson & Johnson has proposed a $5.5 billion settlement to resolve ovarian cancer talc lawsuits, covering about 76,000 claims consolidated in New Jersey, with final approval tied to 95% claimant participation. Local Health Philanthropy: George Norcross III is donating $100 million to Cooper University Health Care, the largest gift in the system’s history, aimed at education and community programs in Camden and South Jersey. Care After Incarceration: The New Jersey Reentry Corporation says it has helped more than 31,000 participants statewide, focusing on credentials, job pathways and restoring key documents.

Talc Litigation: Johnson & Johnson agreed to a proposed $5.5 billion settlement to resolve tens of thousands of lawsuits over asbestos-contaminated talc products, covering about 69,000 cases consolidated in federal court in New Jersey, with the deal still needing judge approval. Food Safety: The FDA recalled about 3,000 gallons of Brooklyn Roasting Company pasteurized cold brew concentrate due to botulism risk, including bottles distributed in New Jersey and New York. Infectious Disease: Delaware County, Pennsylvania launched a back-to-school mobile measles vaccination push as cases climb nationwide, while CDC reporting shows Pennsylvania’s total rising sharply; officials stress vaccination for people who can get it, especially to protect infants and pregnant people. Public Health & Access: A New Jersey federal court filing says AbbVie and Ironwood want to block a generic constipation drug launch while patents are active, underscoring how drug access can hinge on litigation. Health Costs: A Rutgers-Eagleton poll finds many New Jersey residents pessimistic about the U.S. economy but more upbeat about their own finances, with younger, Black, and Hispanic residents reporting greater strain and cutting back on essentials including health care. School Health Insurance: An NJ panel approved some premium hikes for school retirees but delayed larger increases for current school workers pending a state treasurer review.

Opioid Funding Watch: A New Jersey analysis warns opioid settlement dollars can get misused through “supplantation,” meaning money intended to expand treatment and prevention may end up replacing existing budgets instead of adding new help. Food & Nutrition: Campbell’s is pushing its protein-forward Chunky Soup brand into frozen meals with Chunky Frozen Bowls, aiming at consumers leaning on higher-protein diets. Public Health & Safety: A New Jersey YMCA summer camp incident sickened 13 children after they reportedly ate mushroom-laced edibles, renewing calls for tighter food safety and supervision. Health Policy: A national report on rural health transformation tracks how states, including New Jersey, are using federal funding to expand access to care. Community Care: Elderly Savior Homecare in Orange, NJ highlights growth in home-based services for aging residents, with a focus on caregiver training and support. Workplace Health: A Rutgers-linked study on restricted eating hours suggests a possible dementia-risk link, adding to the debate over diet timing. Local Health Guidance: A NJ noise-control explainer reminds residents about decibel limits and landscaping hours to avoid disputes that can affect neighborhood well-being.

Cocaine Overdose in Wildwood: A 39-year-old New Jersey man was arrested after a 2-year-old overdosed on cocaine at a Jersey Shore Airbnb; the child was revived with Narcan and later tested positive for cocaine, while authorities say the boy was in his care when the mother showered. Camp Food Safety: Thirteen children were hospitalized after allegedly eating mushroom-laced edibles at a New Jersey YMCA summer camp, prompting police to investigate and raising questions about food-sharing rules at youth programs. Dementia Prevention Study: Rutgers researchers report that limiting eating to a shorter daytime window and avoiding food for about four hours before bed may improve memory and problem-solving in a small trial. Cyclospora Fallout in NJ: The national cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce continues to hit consumer confidence and local business traffic, with lawsuits now piling up against Taco Bell and Taylor Farms. Drug Recall Alert: New Jersey-based Rising Pharma announced a recall of cetirizine tablets due to possible contamination that could trigger severe reactions in people sensitive to ranitidine. Public Health & Safety: Doctors warn that high-speed e-bikes are driving more serious injuries, with some communities considering restrictions or bans.

Food Safety Recalls: Brooklyn Roasting Company recalled pasteurized cold brew concentrate sold in New York and New Jersey after improper room-temperature storage could allow botulism toxin to form; consumers are urged to check best-by dates and codes and throw it out or return it. Allergy Medication Recall: Rising Pharma Holdings and Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories recalled specific lots of cetirizine hydrochloride tablets due to possible cross-contamination with ranitidine, warning of serious reactions for sensitive patients. Public Health—Camp Incident: East Orange police say 13 children at a YMCA summer camp became ill after eating chocolate suspected to be laced with hallucinogenic mushrooms; officials report the kids were stable on-site, with one child taken to a nearby hospital, and no charges filed yet. Healthcare Policy: A new analysis warns the No Surprises Act’s dispute process may tilt costs toward providers, potentially driving higher prices systemwide even as it protects patients from surprise bills. NJ Health Watch: NJ officials say spotted lanternflies remain endemic and urge residents to keep “stomping it out,” even though eradication is considered impossible.

Food Safety Recalls: Brooklyn Roasting Company recalled more than 3,000 gallons (1,219 units) of cold brew concentrate distributed in New Jersey and New York after improper ambient storage raised botulism risk; consumers should check best-by dates between June 3 and Sept. 3, 2026 and discard or return. Allergy Medication Recall: Rising Pharma/Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories recalled specific lots of cetirizine hydrochloride tablets due to possible ranitidine cross-contamination, warning people with ranitidine hypersensitivity could face life-threatening reactions. Cyclospora Outbreak: Federal health officials report 4,100+ cyclosporiasis cases across 41 states, tied to iceberg lettuce served at some Taco Bell locations; Taylor Farms recalled lettuce shipped to 27 states, and NJ shoppers are reporting reduced lettuce sales. Kids’ Health Incident: Police say 13 children at a YMCA summer camp in East Orange became ill after eating suspected mushroom-laced chocolate; all were evaluated and reported stable. Health Care Spending (NJ Medicaid): New Jersey local Medicaid billing snapshots show rising payments for medical supplies and vision/DME services in multiple communities, including Plainfield, Hackettstown, and Jersey City.

Mental Health Access: Penn-St. Luke’s partnership marks 5 years, expanding St. Luke’s Penn Foundation to 35 inpatient and outpatient programs across 30+ locations in eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Food Safety & Public Health: CDC and FDA are tracking a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce and Taco Bell, with cases now confirmed across multiple states including New Jersey; Taylor Farms says it issued recalls and paused sourcing while it reviews its Mexico facility. Child Safety Incident: East Orange police and the YMCA are investigating after 13 children at a New Jersey summer camp became sick after allegedly eating mushroom-laced chocolate; one child was taken to a hospital as a precaution. Infectious Disease Watch: As measles rises in Pennsylvania, officials report dozens of new cases and note New Jersey has recorded one case so far in 2026. Local Health Policy: New Jersey’s noncitizen voter registration error is again in the spotlight, raising transparency questions after a Motor Vehicle Commission software issue reportedly placed about 6,600 noncitizens on voter rolls. Aviation Safety: An NTSB preliminary report says a New Jersey-based plane crash killed a Toms River pilot and two family members after reaching about 125 feet before descending into trees.

Food Safety Watch: CDC expanded its cyclosporiasis outbreak probe tied to Taylor Farms lettuce served at Taco Bell, now listing nine states (including NJ) and warning consumers to avoid recalled iceberg lettuce as officials say earlier positive tests were “false positives” while cases with Taco Bell exposure keep rising. Recall Alert: Amy’s Kitchen recalled about 184,000 cans of Amy’s Organic Lentil Soup (Light in Sodium) in multiple states including New Jersey due to a pull-tab defect that could lead to spoilage. Public Health & Kids: East Orange police and YMCA are investigating after multiple children at a YMCA summer camp allegedly ate suspected mushroom-laced edibles, triggering symptoms and hospital evaluation. New Jersey Health Tech: FDA approved Outlook Therapeutics’ NJ-based eye drug Lytenava for wet age-related macular degeneration, marking the company’s first U.S. commercial product. Wellness in the Community: A Westfield teen launched “Westfield Seeds of Change,” turning backyard surplus produce into donations for a local food pantry. Health Policy: NJ lawmakers are pushing to ban online microbetting, arguing rapid wagers can drive problem gambling.

Public Health & Outcomes: New Jersey saw the largest drop in death rate in the U.S. in recent federal data, with experts pointing to long-running state efforts to expand care for low-income residents. Health Policy & Access: Merck says it’s laying groundwork to expand access in low- and middle-income countries for alimatravir, an investigational once-monthly oral HIV PrEP pill, including early generic licensing and regional manufacturing. NJ Health & Safety Funding: New Jersey’s statewide EMS task force is facing shutdown risk after budget cuts left it with just 60 days of funding, threatening staffing and equipment upkeep. NJ Elections & Health-Adjacent Systems: NJ has hired an independent firm to investigate a software flaw that mistakenly added 6,000+ noncitizens to voter rolls in 2023-2024, with fewer than 400 reportedly voting. Biotech & Jobs: BeOne Medicines will invest an additional $300M to expand its Hopewell, NJ manufacturing and research campus, pushing total U.S. investment above $1B and aiming to create about 120 jobs. Medical Innovation: Johnson & Johnson’s FDA authorization clears its OTTAVA robotic surgical system for multiple soft-tissue general surgery procedures, with a limited rollout planned. Environment & Health: A new USDA equine study will launch in August to track horse health, welfare, and disease risks nationwide.

Food & Farming Policy: A “food emancipation” push is gaining traction, with advocates arguing for looser rules so neighbors can sell homemade and farmstead food with less red tape. Public Health & Environment: NJDEP issued harmful algal bloom advisories across North Jersey waters, restricting swimming and fishing and warning against water contact and eating fish from affected areas. Health Care Access in NJ: NJ is extending free teletherapy for college students, aiming to keep mental health care within reach. Medical Innovation: The FDA expanded the CRISPR sickle cell therapy Casgevy to children as young as 2, potentially opening treatment earlier for thousands of kids. Local Wellness Programming: A 42-acre NJ park is using art and nature-based programs—including “nature medicine” prescriptions—to support healing and lower stress. Biotech Jobs in NJ: BeOne Medicines announced a $300M Hopewell expansion, adding manufacturing capacity and about 120 jobs. Legal/Health Liability: A federal judge ordered talc cancer plaintiffs’ lawyers to back up their science in nearly 70,000 J&J-related lawsuits. Food Safety: Nearly 200,000 cans of soup were recalled nationwide over spoilage risk.

Food Safety Recall: FDA says Taylor Farms’ iceberg lettuce recall linked to cyclospora has expanded to 27 states, including New Jersey, after thousands reported gastrointestinal illness. Maternal Health & Brain Risk: A large U.S. study finds women with ischemic placental disease (like preeclampsia or fetal growth restriction) face about a 50% higher chance of being hospitalized for neurologic or psychiatric disorders in the year after delivery. Local Autism Care: Youth Consultation Service (YCS) in New Jersey received a $155,000 renewal grant to keep free autism evaluations for young children and train doctoral-level clinicians. Diagnostics Watch: New Jersey-based Quest Diagnostics raised its full-year forecast after strong demand boosted second-quarter results. Cancer & Manufacturing: BeOne Medicines announced a $300 million expansion of its Princeton West Innovation Campus in Hopewell, aiming to add capacity and about 120 jobs. Health Policy: A federal judge in Trenton cast doubt on claims in the J&J talc ovarian cancer litigation, saying plaintiffs may need more specific proof of causation. Community Health & Equity: The Hemophilia Association of New Jersey unveiled a redesigned website and refreshed logo, and set its Bleeding Disorders Awareness 5K/Walk for Sept. 13 in East Brunswick.

GLP-1 Legal Fight: Novo Nordisk sued Eli Lilly in U.S. District Court in New Jersey, accusing Lilly of “deliberately false” weight-loss drug advertising and using outdated trial comparisons. Drug Recalls: Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories voluntarily recalled four lots of cetirizine hydrochloride tablets after potential cross-contamination with ranitidine (Zantac generic), and FDA also posted recall updates for other blood pressure drugs and allergy products. Public Health Watch: CDC reported 2,260 measles cases nationwide as of July 16, with summer travel driving new exposures as vaccination rates decline. Food Safety in NJ: Health officials tracked a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to produce, including lettuce concerns, with NJ case counts cited in coverage and ongoing advisories. Local Health & Safety: A House hearing spotlighted Delaney Hall ICE detention center conditions in Newark, with lawmakers clashing over medical care and sanitation claims. NJ Health Infrastructure: New Brunswick’s HELIX life-science hub is expanding near the train station, aiming to boost Rutgers research and attract major employers like Nokia Bell Labs. Workforce & Care Access: NJEDA paused new Aspire tax credit applications, a move that could affect financing for housing and health-related development projects.

Food Safety Alert: The Princeton Health Department issued a public advisory on cyclosporiasis (Cyclospora) as NJ reports 46 domestically acquired cases through July 11—within the state’s usual seasonal range of 30 to 50—with no local clusters tied to Princeton retailers/restaurants so far. Outbreak Watch: National reporting continues to track the wider cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to shredded lettuce and the investigation into sources and handling. Medication Recall: The FDA announced a voluntary recall of four lots of generic cetirizine hydrochloride (a Zyrtec alternative) due to possible cross-contamination with ranitidine, which could trigger severe allergic reactions in sensitive people. Policy & Access: Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ) introduced the MediKids Act to expand Medicaid to all children and young adults up to age 26, regardless of citizenship status. Health Coverage/Workforce: New Jersey expanded job-protected family leave protections effective July 17, 2026, extending coverage to more workers. Business/Health Tech: Novo Nordisk sued Eli Lilly in NJ federal court over alleged misleading GLP-1 weight-loss drug advertising.

GLP-1 Legal Clash: Novo Nordisk filed a federal lawsuit in New Jersey against Eli Lilly, accusing Lilly of “deceptive” nationwide ads that compare Zepbound/Mounjaro highest doses to older, lower-dose versions of Wegovy/Ozempic—Novo says the claims use outdated trial data and omit newer context. Food Safety Alert: A cyclosporiasis-linked iceberg lettuce recall continues to affect shoppers in New Jersey and 26 other states, but FDA says some lab results were a false positive—health experts stress you should avoid only the specific recalled products and check packaging. Drug Recall: A New Jersey-based company, Rising Pharma Holdings, issued a voluntary recall of certain 5 mg cetirizine tablets after possible cross-contamination with ranitidine, which could trigger life-threatening allergic reactions. Health Coverage Proposal: Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ) unveiled the MediKids Act, a long-shot plan to automatically enroll every child in federally funded coverage from birth through age 26. Behavioral Health Expansion: Beacon Behavioral Partners expanded into Michigan and Ohio through a deal with Pure Psychiatry, adding 17 outpatient locations.

GLP-1 Legal Fight: Novo Nordisk sued Eli Lilly in U.S. District Court in New Jersey, accusing Lilly of false advertising for Zepbound and Mounjaro by comparing older dose results while allegedly omitting newer, higher-dose Wegovy data; Novo is seeking ad take-downs and a corrective campaign. Health Policy & Access: Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) unveiled MediKids, automatic free healthcare for uninsured children and young adults up to age 26, aiming to build momentum toward broader universal coverage. Insurance Costs in NJ: A new report finds ACA premiums could rise about 14% in 2027 in some states, a potential bellwether for New Jersey’s GetCoveredNJ filings as subsidies and coverage losses continue to ripple. Food Safety Watch: After a Cyclospora outbreak tied to Taylor Farms lettuce, the FDA said a test result was a “false positive” while the recall stays in effect—leaving consumers and retailers still navigating confusing guidance. Nursing & Workforce: Rutgers’ Margaret Quinn was inducted as a fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, highlighting pediatric nurse practitioner education and children’s health.