FMI Statement on August CPI Food Price Numbers

Today, FMI – The Food Industry Association issued the following statement in response to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which shows a 0.6% monthly increase in food-at-home prices for August and a 2.7% rise on a year-over-year basis.

FMI Vice President of Tax, Trade, Sustainability and Policy Development Andy Harig stated, “The rise in grocery prices after remaining flat in July is likely a result of significant production cost increases in July flowing through the supply chain...

FMI Proposes Amendments and Extended Deadline for FDA Food Traceability Rule

Today, the Food Industry Association (FMI) submitted comments on the proposed changes to the Food Traceability Rule by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Among the suggestions, the FMI requested extending the compliance deadline to July 2028, believing that its amendments would facilitate a more efficient implementation of the rule

“FMI is grateful for FDA’s recognition of the need to reduce the regulatory burden on the food industry by extending the compliance date for the Food Traceability Rule. We also strongly...

China, UK Trade Talks Pose Positive Opportunities for US Animal Food Industry

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is pleased to see a cooling of U.S. tariffs on and retaliatory tariffs from China and a proposed trade agreement with the United Kingdom coming to fruition, given discussions late last week and over the weekend between the U.S. and respective countries’ trade officials. Both China and the United Kingdom present valuable opportunities for U.S. animal food manufacturers, which produce some of the safest, highest quality and innovative feed, feed ingredients and pet food globally...

NCC Statement on Withdrawal of Salmonella Framework

NCC today released the following statement in response to FSIS withdrawing the proposed Salmonella Framework for Raw Poultry Products:

“We remain committed to further reducing Salmonella and fully support food safety regulations and policies that are based on sound science, robust data, and are demonstrated to meaningfully impact public health,” said Ashley Peterson, Ph.D., NCC senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs.

Peterson said as it was written, though, this Framework:

• Was legally unsound;
• Relied on misinterpretations of the science;
• Would have had no meaningful impact...

NCBA Statement on White House Reciprocal Tariff Announcement

Today, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane issued a statement after attending President Donald J. Trump’s reciprocal tariff announcement at the White House:

“For too long, America’s family farmers and ranchers have been mistreated by certain trading partners around the world. President Trump is taking action to address numerous trade barriers that prevent consumers overseas from enjoying high-quality, wholesome American beef. NCBA will continue engaging with the White House to ensure fair treatment for America’s cattle producers around the world...

Statement from Smithfield Foods

Smithfield is pleased to announce that on October 24, 2024, FACTA, LLC, a third-party animal welfare assurance, certification, and training organization, which is accredited as a certifying agent by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to perform audits under the Farm Animal Confinement Initiative (Prop 12), recertified that farms 42104, 42105, 42106, 42107, and 42108, operated by Smithfield’s subsidiary Murphy-Brown LLC in Cedar City, Utah, were in compliance with CDFA’s Animal Confinement Regulations. And previously, on April 8, 2024, FACTA, LLC certified that farms 42100, 42101...

Farm Bureau Congratulates Rep. Angie Craig on Agriculture Committee Leadership Role

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the election of Rep. Angie Craig to be ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee.

“Farm Bureau congratulates Rep. Angie Craig on her nomination to serve as the next ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee. Rep. Craig has a long history of working in a bipartisan manner to advance the needs of America’s farmers and ranchers.

“Her leadership is needed now more than ever, as farmers face economic headwinds including inflation, high supply costs and...

NCBA Responds to Dietary Guidelines Report and Reiterates Role of Beef in a Healthy Diet

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) reiterated the important role of beef in a healthy diet and responded to the questionable advice published in the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s Scientific Report. Despite a wealth of high quality scientific evidence that beef has an important role to play in a healthy diet, the committee is advising the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that federal nutrition guidelines include a reduction in red meat consumption... 

Statement on the Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee- Meat Institute

The Meat Institute today released the following statement regarding the Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (Report):

“The Meat Institute remains strongly opposed to the Report’s recommendation to reduce meat consumption and will urge the agencies to reject it,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts.

“Meat products provide high quality protein that is critical for developing, maintaining, and repairiing strong muscles; vital for growth and brain development in children; beneficial for providing satiety and maintaining... 

Properly Cooked Pork Remains Safe Amidst Oregon H5N1 Swine Detection

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) confirms there is no food safety concerns about the nation’s pork supply after the detection of H5N1 influenza in swine on a small backyard farm in Oregon. NPPC continues to work closely with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services and pork industry stakeholders on disease surveillance programs.

“The confirmed case in Oregon poses no threat to consumer health or food safety; properly handled and cooked pork products remain safe for...