PFAS & “forever chemicals” Scrutiny: A new push to ban more PFAS in the EU is putting renewable-energy supply chains (including EV battery materials) under fresh pressure, with drinking-water contamination and health risks driving the debate. Public Health & Enforcement: Seoul plans to formally designate Cheonggye Stream as a no-drinking/no-smoking zone and start fining violators—an example of cities tightening rules around beverages in public spaces. Water Stress Hits Food & Drink: Europe is losing nearly a quarter of treated water to leaks, while drought and cross-border water governance (including Switzerland’s shared-lake negotiations) show how water policy can quickly become a food-and-beverage issue. UK Food Inflation Cools: Reuters reports UK food and non-alcoholic beverage inflation has fallen to a near two-year low, helped by supermarket competition and better supplier cost hedging. Hemp Beverages Politics: A Louisiana voter survey finds 70% prefer regulating hemp beverages over banning them, shaping the next policy fight. Food Marketing Crackdown: India’s FSSAI warns influencers and celebrities to stop promoting unverified health claims, signaling tighter enforcement for beverage and supplement brands. Packaging & Compliance: Packaging-industry updates highlight how brands are responding to accelerating sustainability rules with new functional coatings and materials.