USDA Welcomes Nevada into State Meat and Poultry Inspection Program

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced that Nevada has met USDA’s rigorous "at least equal to" food safety standard and will be joining the State Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) Program. Nevada’s participation expands local inspection capacity, food safety oversight, and boosts market access for small and very small processors. This vital partnership builds on USDA’s recently released suite of actions to strengthen the American beef industry.

“We are strengthening the backbone of America’s food system by forging true partnerships with states and empowering local producers,” said Secretary Rollins. “Today’s action builds on our commitment to deliver clear, accountable food safety standards and support small...

USDA Update on Coordinated Federal Response To Protect United States From New World Screwworm

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in close collaboration with our interagency partners and Mexico’s El Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASICA), has made considerable progress in reducing the overall threat of New World screwworm (NWS) to U.S. agriculture and mitigating northern movement of the fly within Mexico. As of November 21, NWS has not been detected in any animals or traps in the United States, and the vast majority of cases within Mexico remain concentrated in southern parts of the country. The Trump Administration remains steadfast in its resolve to safeguard America’s rural economy...

NCC Comments on Definition of “Ultra-Processed Foods”

In response to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) request for information to assist in developing a uniform definition of “ultra-processed foods,” NCC yesterday submitted detailed comments expressing recommendations and concerns.

NCC expressed general concerns about a classification system and contends that FDA and USDA should bolster existing frameworks and consumer education as science evolves instead of pursuing a classification system at all. However, should the Agencies choose to move forward with a classification system, NCC urges the use of a uniform, science-based approach...

USDA Shares New World Screwworm Response Playbook

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing the availability of the New World Screwworm (NWS) Response Playbook. The playbook outlines key approaches, resources, and tools to implement animal health response activities in the event of a U.S. detection of NWS. 

“USDA continues to execute our five-pronged plan to keep NWS out of the United States,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “While we continue to aggressively protect the U.S. border and are working with Mexico to stop the pest from continuing to spread further north, we also have to ensure our domestic response plans are ready to activate if needed...

USDA Appoints New FSIS Administrator, Announces Five-Point Food Safety Plan

Last week, Dr. Justin Ransom assumed the role of FSIS Administrator, leading the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Under this role, Dr. Ransom will oversee the FSIS, ensuring the safety, wholesomeness, and proper labeling of U.S. commercial meat, poultry, and processed egg products.

The presidential appointment was first announced by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins on July 3, with Dr. Ransom officially assuming the role on July 14. 

The FSIS is a federal agency under the USDA responsible for ensuring food...

US Secures Market Access for Poultry Exports to Namibia

The USDA has announced expanded access for US poultry exports to Namibia, a nation located on the southwestern coast of Africa. Effective July 1, Namibia will allow imports of fresh, frozen, and chilled poultry products from the United States, opening a market valued at approximately $15 million.

Additionally, the USDA successfully negotiated the removal of restrictive export and transit permit requirements for processed poultry products—reopening a previously closed trade channel.

This development underscores the Administration’s continued efforts to eliminate non-tariff trade...