FDA approves fourth blood test for Alzheimer's in two years as England school food failings emerge

In a development that could transform early detection of Alzheimer's, the FDA has approved Roche's Elecsys Phospho-Tau blood test, marking a rapid expansion of accessible diagnostic tools. The test detects specific tau proteins in the blood that are linked to Alzheimer's pathology, allowing doctors to identify the disease earlier and potentially intervene sooner. Roche announced the approval on Sunday, highlighting the test's ability to reduce reliance on more invasive and costly procedures like spinal taps and PET scans.

Separately, a report published Monday by Bite Back, a food charity founded by chef Jamie Oliver, has exposed what it calls 'shocking' breaches of school food standards in England. The analysis, based on food offered at nearly 400 state secondary schools, found that three-quarters of them are breaking the rules by serving chips, burgers, and hash browns too often, and providing sweets and crisps at breakfast time. The findings come just ahead of the government's planned expansion of free school meals, raising concerns about the nutritional quality of food children receive.

In sport news, a two-day Test cricket match in Mackay attracted attention for all the wrong reasons, with spectators cheering not-out decisions from umpires—not out of partisanship, but because they wanted to see more play. The match has been described as 'drab and damaging' to the game, with fans reportedly offered free burgers and hot chips as incentives to attend.

Why This Matters

Alzheimer's blood test approval: Provides a faster, cheaper, and less invasive way to diagnose Alzheimer's, which could lead to earlier treatment and better clinical trial recruitment. Patients may avoid painful spinal taps and expensive scans.
School food breaches: With free school meals set to expand, millions of children could be served unhealthy food that breaches standards, potentially harming their health and academic performance. The report calls into question the government's oversight.
Two-day Test cricket: The format's viability is questioned as fans show disinterest, threatening the sport's revenue and tradition. If audiences continue to reject two-day matches, cricket boards may need to re-evaluate scheduling.

Background

The FDA has approved four Alzheimer's blood tests in less than two years, reflecting a surge in biomarker research. Roche's Elecsys Phospho-Tau test joins earlier tests from C2N Diagnostics, Fujirebio, and Quanterix, all targeting different protein markers. These tests are not yet a cure but are seen as crucial for early detection.

School food standards in England were introduced in 2014 to ensure children receive nutritious meals. However, enforcement has been inconsistent. Bite Back, founded by Jamie Oliver—who campaigned for better school food after his 2005 'Feed Me Better' campaign—has repeatedly highlighted violations. The latest report surveyed 390 schools between 2024 and 2026, finding that many serve high-fat, high-sugar items despite guidelines limiting them to no more than two portions a week.

Two-day Tests were introduced to fit modern schedules but have been criticized for producing dull cricket. The Mackay match saw low attendance and frustrated fans, echoing concerns from players and commentators about the format's quality.

Key Perspectives

[Patient advocates and Alzheimer's researchers]: Welcome the new test as a breakthrough for early diagnosis. They argue it could reduce misdiagnosis and help patients plan ahead, while enabling drug trials to enroll participants earlier. [Jamie Oliver and Bite Back]: Condemn the school food breaches as 'shocking' and demand stricter enforcement. Oliver has called for government action, including unannounced inspections and penalties for non-compliance. [Government and school leaders]: Some school leaders argue that budget constraints make it difficult to meet standards, especially with rising food costs. The Department for Education has noted it provides guidance and funding, but critics say enforcement is weak. [Cricket purists]: Say two-day Tests damage the game by reducing it to a slog, encouraging defensive batting and dull play. Traditionalists argue the longer format tests skill and endurance, while shorter formats devalue the sport.

What to Watch

Alzheimer's test rollout: Monitor how quickly Roche's test is adopted in clinics and whether insurers cover it. Watch for FDA post-market monitoring for accuracy.
School food enforcement: Look for government response—whether it issues fines, increases inspections, or loosens standards. Free school meal expansion in 2027 could force compliance issues.
Cricket policy changes: Watch for ICC or ECB decisions on two-day Tests. If attendances remain low, the format may be scrapped or modified.

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