FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Pork Carnitas Products 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert on behalf of Cargill Meat Solutions.

The alert follows a routine inspection that revealed equipment damage, raising concerns that pork carnitas products may be contaminated with metal fragments.

The potentially affected items were produced between April 1 and April 2, 2025, bear establishment number “EST. 46049” within the USDA mark of inspection, and were distributed to Aldi supermarkets nationwide.

These products are sold in 16-ounce...

Exclusive International Trade Centre Interview: Implications of Trump’s Tariff Regime

Julia Spies is the Chief of Trade and Market Intelligence for the International Trade Centre (ITC) in Switzerland. Spies and team analyze trade information and publish findings about market-specific trade intelligence on multiple online platforms, like Tradebriefs.intracen.org.

Recent shifts in the world of trade, including the latest round of United States tariffs and trade measures by other countries, has kept Spies and company busy, to say the least.

However, ITC members have watched trade measures, and in particular their impact on developing countries, long before these recent changes...

Zoetis Receives Conditional License from USDA for Avian Influenza Vaccine

Zoetis today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB) has issued the company a conditional license for its Avian Influenza Vaccine, H5N2 Subtype, Killed Virus. The vaccine is labelled for use in chickens. The conditional license was granted on the demonstration of safety, purity, and reasonable expectation of efficacy based on serology data.

Zoetis is committed to supporting poultry producers with scientific solutions for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The decision to vaccinate commercial poultry flocks against HPAI rests solely with...

2024 Exports Reveal Record-Breaking Year

Each day, I work with strategic partners and my team at the National Pork Board (NPB) to serve America’s 60,000 producers by adding value to every part of the pig, domestically and internationally. Today, I’m fired up to celebrate the record-breaking 2024 year-end pork export data released last week, indicating a volume of 3.03 million metric tons (+4% YoY) valued at $8.63 billion (+6%YoY).

2024 Year-End Data

Let’s look at some key highlights sourced directly from U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF):

• Pork exports to Mexico totaled 1.15...

DJ’s Boudain LLC Recalls Sausage Link Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

D.J.’s Boudain, LLC, a Beaumont, Texas, establishment, is recalling approximately 17,720 pounds of boudain sausage link products that may be contaminated with foreign materials, specifically pieces of a pen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The fresh and frozen boudain sausage link items were produced on January 23, 2025. A list of the products subject to recall can be found here: [view product list]. The labels for the impacted products can be found here: [view labels]...

No Waste Left Behind: Insect Frass Can Improve Soil Fertility

Insect droppings, commonly known as insect frass, may seem useless and downright disgusting, but scientists found that this waste can improve soil health when added as a fertilizer in farming.

Insect frass is a mixture of excreta, feed, and molted skins. These droppings are a by-product of farming insects like yellow mealworms, banded crickets, and black soldier flies. Farmers raise and breed insects, also known as "mini-livestock," to be an alternative protein source for animals and be a more sustainable practice in agriculture.

Insect frass may...

Bone Fragments Lead to USDA Health Alert for Wegmans Chicken Nugget Product

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for frozen, fully cooked breaded chicken breast nuggets, following concerns that they may contain bone fragments.

No recall has been issued, as these products are no longer available for purchase.

The issue was identified after Wegmans received multiple customer complaints.

The affected product is the 46 oz. plastic package of Wegmans Family Pack Fully Cooked Breaded Chicken Breast with Rib Meat, with a best-by date of 08/26/25 and...

Custom Food Solutions Announced a Recall of 105,164 lbs. of RTE Frozen Drunken Chicken

Custom Food Solutions, based in Louisville, Kentucky, has announced a recall of 105,164 pounds of Ready-to-Eat (RTE) frozen drunken chicken after a routine inspection by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) revealed that the packaging did not disclose undeclared allergens—specifically egg and sesame.

The affected products were produced between March 14, 2024, and January 15, 2025, and have a shelf life of one year.

The recalled items are packaged in 60-pound cases, each containing...

The USDA Welcomes Presidential Appointees

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the individuals appointed by President Trump to key senior staff positions. These leaders will play a critical role in advancing the President’s agenda while addressing the needs of America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers. 

Kailee Tkacz Buller has been appointed Chief of Staff. Previously, she served as President and CEO of the National Oilseed Processors Association and the Edible Oil Producers Association. Buller was also appointed by Governor Youngkin as the 8th Congressional District Representative on the Virginia Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services... 

APHIS Updates Policy to Enhance Surveillance of Turkey Flocks in HPAI Affected States

As part of its ongoing, multi-faceted efforts to combat the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today is updating its policy for pre-slaughter surveillance to enhance testing of turkey flocks in affected states. In late December 2024, APHIS became aware of a genetic link between turkeys potentially infected with HPAI H5N1, virus detected in raw pet food, and an infected household cat.

Out of an abundance of caution, and to...

USDA Shares Enrollment of Six Additional States in Its National Milk Testing Strategy for H5N1

USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy Now Accounts for Two-Thirds of the Nation's Dairy Herds

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced an additional six states are enrolling in the National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS). This brings the total number of states testing under NMTS guidelines to 36 since the first round of states joined in early December.

With the enrollment of six additional states, the NMTS will account for bulk milk tank...

APHIS Eases Trade Limits on Unvaccinated Poultry and Ducks from France and EPTR

The USDA's APHIS is easing trade restrictions imposed on October 1, 2023, regarding imports of unvaccinated live poultry from France and unvaccinated live ducks from the European Poultry Trade Region (EPTR), including Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

APHIS determined that the following live animal commodities are unlikely to receive vaccinations, and the HPAI vaccination campaign has not greatly impacted the risk of HPAI virus entering the U.S. through their importation:

• Non-duck poultry and hatching eggs from France
• Hatching eggs from France derived from unvaccinated...

UP Products, LLC, DBA Meyer Wholesale Recalls Ready-To-Eat and Raw Sausage Products

UP Products, LLC, doing business as Meyer Wholesale, a Ewen, Mich. establishment, is recalling approximately 400 pounds of sausage products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product labels.

The ready-to-eat pork and beef Polish sausage and raw pork and beef potato sausage items were produced on various dates from October 30, 2024, through January 7, 2025...

FSIS Issues Recall for Frozen Chicken and Cheese Taquitos Sold at Aldi Due to Safety Concerns

The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) have announced the recall of 24,870 pounds of frozen chicken and cheese taquito products that may be contaminated with metal.

Bestway Sandwiches, a Valencia, California company, say customer complaints made them aware of the issue, one of which reported a dental injury.

The affected taquitos are packaged in 20-ounce cartons labeled CASA MAMITA CHICKEN & CHEESE TAQUITOS. They were produced on July 3, 2024 and...

USDA Imposes Animal Import Restrictions on Belize Due to Screwworm Threat

The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued a statement on January 7, 2025 regarding live animals originating from or transiting Belize.

Based on the confirmation of New World screwworm in cattle, restrictions have been imposed, effective January 3, 2025 until further notice on the importation of animal commodities.

The restriction omits the importation of dogs who carry a certificate confirming the animal has been inspected for screwworm within 5 days prior to its shipment to...

FSIS Issue Public Health Alert for Contaminated Ground Beef Products from Stockyards Packing 

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has  announced a public health alert concerning possibly contaminated fresh and frozen ground beef products. The product is no longer available to purchase so a recall was not issued.

This problem came to light after a customer reported hard plastic and metal in the meat to the company.

The ground beef was produced on December 10, 2024 and bears establishment number "EST. M2035" inside the USDA mark of inspection...

Poultry Farmers Must Pass Biosecurity Audit to Qualify for Indemnity Payments Under New USDA Rule

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced an interim final rule that updates the conditions for poultry facilities to receive indemnity and compensation after testing positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). 

APHIS said that it will now require farmers to undergo a biosecurity audit before restocking their poultry following an HPAI detection and before receiving any indemnity payments. The decision was based on evidence that strong biosecurity measures remain the most effective strategy for combating HPAI...

No USDA Market Reports on Christmas Eve Due to Federal Holiday

President Joe Biden recently issued an executive order declaring Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, as a holiday for federal employees, with exceptions for those in national security, defense, or other public need. 

Under Donald Trump's previous presidency, federal employees were given Christmas Eve off in 2018, 2019, and 2020, while President Barack Obama designated December 26, 2014, as an additional holiday. 

As the USDA observes Christmas Eve this year, no USDA market reports will be released tomorrow. However, Expana's market assessments and...

Over 10,000 Pounds of Meat Products Recalled for Misbranding and Lack of Inspection 

The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) have announced two recalls for meat items since Friday, December 20.

First, Ralph's Packing Company recalled 3,132 pounds of ready to eat pork and beef bologna due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The establishment notified FSIS that the labels applied to the product did not declare a known allergen it may contain, milk.   

Those items have been produced since September 2022 and may be frozen. The recall includes...

Potential Impact of a Government Shutdown on USDA Reports

With a potential government shutdown looming, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data on livestock and meat markets, along with numerous other reports and statistics, may become unavailable until further notice.

As Congress races to reach an agreement before the midnight deadline to avoid a shutdown, industry stakeholders are increasingly aware of the importance of maintaining access to unbiased market intelligence to operate effectively. 

In the event of a shutdown, USDA food inspectors and federal animal care workers will remain on duty, but most other federal employees will not be at work...

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ineligible Pork Products Imported From Ecuador

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for frozen ready-to-eat pork mortadella products that may have been illegally imported from Ecuador, a country ineligible to export meat and poultry products to the United States. FSIS is continuing to investigate the origins of this product, and there may be additional products affected.

The following products subject to the public health alert are [view labels]:

• 1-lb. vacuum-sealed packages containing “Mortadela ESPECIAL BOLOGNIA...

USDA Launches Agribusiness Trade Mission to Morocco

U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitley arrived in Casablanca today to begin a USDA-sponsored agribusiness trade mission. Whitley is leading a delegation of nearly 50 U.S. agribusinesses and trade groups and 14 state departments of agriculture to expand U.S. farm and food exports to Morocco and other West African markets.

"I am honored to lead this delegation to Casablanca as we work to strengthen vital connections, grow U.S. agricultural exports, and showcase the broad array of products American agriculture has to...

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ineligible Beef Tallow Products Imported From Mexico

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for beef tallow products that were illegally imported from Mexico and are ineligible for entry into the United States. The products were not certified for export to the U.S. by the government of Mexico as being produced under equivalent inspection, they do not identify a certified establishment number on their packaging, and they were not presented to FSIS for import reinspection as required. These factors make the products...

USDA's FSIS Shuffles Leadership

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced leadership changes aimed at advancing its public health mission. Dr. Denise Eblen, previously FSIS’ Assistant Administrator for the Office of Public Health Science, has been named FSIS Administrator. With 25 years of experience at USDA, Dr. Eblen will continue to lead the agency in using science-based decision-making to modernize inspection strategies and improve public health.

Paul Kiecker, with over 30 years of experience at FSIS, will become Assistant Administrator of...

Yu Shang Food, Inc. Recalls RTE Meat and Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

Yu Shang Food, Inc., a Spartanburg, SC, establishment, is recalling approximately 72,240 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products within their shelf life that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). This release is being reissued to expand the scope of the November 9, 2024, recall.

All ready-to-eat products produced prior to October 28, 2024, are subject to recall. View full product list. View labels...

USDA Announces More than $2 Billion to Strengthen Specialty Crops Sector, Expand Crop Storage 

Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the creation of new programs that will help farmers who grow fruits, vegetables, and nuts overcome market barriers for their products, and help producers access necessary pre-market storage for their crops following severe weather events, including recent hurricanes. Specifically, the new Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops initiative will provide $2 billion to assist specialty crop growers in maintaining a strong domestic supply and expanding market opportunities for their crops...

Yu Shang Food Inc. Recalls Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Products 

Yu Shang Food, Inc, a Spartanburg, SC, establishment, is recalling approximately 4,589 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products out of an abundance of caution. These products may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The ready-to-eat meat and poultry items were produced from October 21 to October 27, 2024. These products have “used by” dates ranging from 21-AUG-2025 through 27-AUG-2025. View full product list...

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Shares Update on H5N1 Detection in Oregon Swine

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is sharing key updates regarding the detection of HPAI H5N1 in a backyard farm operation in Crook County, Ore., as well as additional information about the agency’s proactive efforts to protect livestock, farms and communities from avian influenza.

On Wed., Oct. 30, USDA APHIS announced that H5N1 avian influenza was detected in one of the pigs at this backyard farm, that two pigs tested negative...

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...

Federal and State Veterinary Agencies Share Update on HPAI Detections in Oregon Backyard Farm

There is no concern about the safety of the nation’s pork supply as a result of this finding.   

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Oregon state veterinary officials are investigating positive cases of H5N1 in a backyard farming operation in Oregon that has a mix of poultry and livestock, including swine. The Oregon Department of Agriculture announced on Friday, Oct. 25, that poultry on this farm represented the first H5N1 detection in Crook County, Oregon. On Tuesday, Oct...  

USDA Builds on Actions to Protect Livestock and Public Health From H5N1 Avian Influenza

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is planning to enhance national surveillance of H5N1 on dairy farms, building on measures taken by USDA since the beginning of the avian influenza outbreak. In partnership with state veterinarians, USDA will implement a tiered strategy to collect milk samples to better assess where H5N1 is present on U.S. dairy farms, with the goal to better inform biosecurity and containment measures, as well as to inform state-led efforts to reduce...

A Tu Gusto, LLC Recalls Frozen Croquette Products Produced Without the Benefit of Inspection 

A Tu Gusto, LLC, a Lehigh Acres, Fla. firm, is recalling approximately 7,630 pounds of frozen meat and poultry croquette products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection and may contain undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains soy, sesame seed and wheat, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.

The frozen meat and poultry items were produced between April and October of 2024... 

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ineligible Meat and Poultry Products Illegally Imported 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for various meat and poultry products that were illegally imported from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. FSIS is continuing to investigate how these products entered the country.

The following products are subject to the public health alert, regardless of the product date. View labels in Burmese.

• 180-g. cans containing “BEST BEEF CURRY.”
• 425-g. cans containing “BEST Chicken Biryani...

BrucePac Recalls Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

Editor’s Note: October 17, 2024 – FSIS is working diligently to identify all recalled products that were distributed to consumers, including those purchased by schools. A preliminary list of schools that received products that include BrucePac recalled ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry have been added. The products that went to these schools were not part of USDA’s National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs; schools also purchase food directly from other vendors. FSIS will continue to update this...

Perdue Champions New Standards For "Pasture-Raised" Labeling at Ninth Annual Animal Care Summit

The new labeling guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture redefines "pasture-raised" as chickens that spend the majority of their lives physically on pasture

Perdue Farms, a leader in animal care, no-antibiotics-ever and innovative regenerative farming practices, is setting a new standard for transparency in the poultry industry with its successful petition for a more accurate guideline to the "pasture-raised" label. Perdue's pioneering raising models, which align with the new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines...

Meat Institute: USDA Continues to Over-Regulate Beef and Cattle Market

Following the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) requests for more information on possible new rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act on price discovery in cattle markets, Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts today made the following statement:

“Biden’s USDA is once again attempting to assert government control over the free market to the detriment of cattle producers, packers and consumers,” said Potts. “This is not about transparency. This is about the government dictating how cattle may be bought and sold...

BrucePac Recalls Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

BrucePac, a Durant, Okla. establishment, is recalling approximately 9,986,245 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The ready-to-eat meat and poultry items were produced from June 19, 2024, to October 8, 2024. These products were shipped to other establishments and distributors nationwide then distributed to restaurants and institutions. Information regarding product labels and the list...

NCBA Shares Hurricane Helene Disaster Resources

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) shared updated information about disaster relief programs available to cattle producers impacted by Hurricane Helene and opportunities to support disaster recovery through NCBA state affiliates.

“The cattle industry is a family and together we will recover from the devastation brought by Hurricane Helene,” said NCBA President Mark Eisele. “I encourage you to utilize the relief programs available through USDA and contact NCBA if you encounter any challenges or need assistance.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended flexibilities and waivers to disaster...

Biden-Harris Administration Delivers Over $26.7 Billion In Market Access for U.S. Agriculture

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that the Biden-Harris Administration has secured over $26.7 billion in agricultural market access across the globe for America’s farmers, ranchers, fishers, and food manufacturers. Under President Biden and Vice President Harris’s leadership, United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack have worked to ensure American agriculture can reach global markets and customers around the world...

Pork Dynasty Inc. Recalls Ready-to-Eat Fried Pork Skin Products 

Pork Dynasty Inc., a Houston, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 469 pounds of ready-to-eat fried pork skin products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The following products are subject to recall, regardless of the product date [view labels]:

• 3.5-oz. plastic bags containing “TEXARONES BORN IN THE PHILIPPINES – MADE IN TEXAS FRIED OUT PORK FAT...

After Unfulfilling FSIS Public Meetings and Mounting Unanswered Questions, NCC Requests more Time 

As a result of recent unfulfilling public meetings and a growing series of unanswered questions, the National Chicken Council (NCC) today requested an additional 90-day extension to the comment period for FSIS’ proposed Salmonella Framework in order to properly analyze the proposal and provide meaningful comments.

NCC was very pleased when the Agency announced in its Constituent Update two webinars “to share information about the science behind its Salmonella Framework for Raw Poultry Products proposed rule and determination to reduce Salmonella illnesses linked to raw poultry...

Dearborn Sausage Company, Inc. Recalls Wiener Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Dearborn Sausage Company, Inc., a Dearborn, Mich. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,944 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) wiener products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The labels of the two products implicated in the recall were inadvertently swapped resulting in soy, a known allergen, and pork not being declared on the product labels.

The RTE wiener items were produced August 7, 2024. The following...

FDA Approves Inneo as New Food Processing Aid Against Listeria

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have granted GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status to INNEO, a food processing aid made to eliminate Listeria monocytogenes. This innovative technology, developed by Canadian biotechnology company Innodal, uses antimicrobial peptides to eliminate the harmful pathogen. With this approval, Innodal is set to launch industrial-scale projects with U.S. processing companies, marking its entry into the U.S. market.

INNEO, Innodal's flagship product, has been successfully commercialized in Canada for four years and will now be available...

Hickory Hollow Jerky Recalls Ready-To-Eat Jerky Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection

Hickory Hollow Jerky, a Eufaula, Ala., establishment, is recalling approximately 6,229 pounds of ready-to-eat jerky products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The beef jerky and bacon jerky products were produced on various dates between Jan. 19, 2024-Aug. 21, 2024. The products were produced without the benefit of inspection by two different owners of the establishment. Ownership changed hands on...

USDA Releases Updated Guideline to Strengthen Substantiation 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today the availability of an updated guideline that makes recommendations to strengthen the documentation that supports animal-raising or environment-related claims on meat or poultry product labeling. Today’s action builds on the significant work USDA has already undertaken to protect consumers from false and misleading labels and to implement President Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American economy.

“USDA continues to deliver on its commitment to fairness and choice for both farmers and consumers, and that means supporting transparency and high-quality standards...

Diverse Crop Rotations Reduce Risk of Crop Loss Under Poor Growing Conditions

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are responding to the increasingly uncertain climate. The warmer and more unpredictable weather has been a source of instability on U.S. farms. ARS agroecologists turned to history for a solution to this challenge, which inspired them to better understand the benefits of crop rotations.

Growing a sequence of different crops in rotation has been practiced for millennia. Crop rotations can rebuild soil health, fight pests and diseases, and spread-out risk of various pests and crop disease... 

FSIS to Start H5N1 Beef Monitoring Sampling

On September 16, 2024, the FSIS will be adding H5N1 influenza A monitoring in dairy cows at slaughter to its already robust national surveillance programs for pathogens and chemical contaminants.

FSIS will leverage its existing National Residue Program (NRP) and conduct H5N1 sampling in the muscle samples of dairy cow carcasses already collected for this program. Samples will be tested by FSIS laboratory personnel using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Carcasses sampled under the NRP are held by establishments pending results of residue testing...

Perdue Foods LLC, Recalls Frozen, Ready-To-Eat Chicken Breast Nugget and Tender Products 

Perdue Foods LLC, a Perry, Ga. establishment, is recalling approximately 167,171 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat chicken breast nugget and tender products that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen, ready-to-eat chicken breast nugget and tender items were produced on March 23, 2024. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:

• 22-oz. (1.38-lbs.) vacuum-sealed plastic packages containing...

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Ineligible Meat and Poultry Products Illegally Imported

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for various meat and poultry products that were illegally imported from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Myanmar is a country ineligible to export meat and poultry products to the United States. FSIS is continuing to investigate how these products entered the country.

The products and labels in the attached list are subject to the public health alert, regardless of the product date. View labels [here]...

ARS Scientists Discover Strategically Applied Livestock Grazing Can Benefit Sagebrush Communities

While a cow grazing in a field isn’t typically remarkable, United States Department of Agriculture scientists have identified potential ecological benefits of strategically applied livestock grazing in sagebrush communities across U.S. western rangelands.

As recently published in the scientific journal Ecosphere, the collaborative research effort among Agricultural Research Service (ARS) rangeland scientists at Burns, Oregon, and Fort Collins, Colorado, challenged the outdated dogma that livestock grazing in the sagebrush steppe always negatively impacts these ecosystems and, in fact, can convey desirable outcomes, particularly in regard to limiting both wildfire...

USDA, USTR Name New Agricultural Trade Advisors

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai today announced the appointment or reappointment of 55 members to serve on seven agricultural trade advisory committees.

The advisory committee system was created by Congress to ensure that U.S. agricultural stakeholders have input and insight into U.S. trade policy and negotiating objectives. The Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee is comprised of senior representatives from across the U.S. agricultural community who advise the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on overall trade policy matters, while members of the six...

U.S. Pork Producers’ Biosecurity Practices Virtually Eliminate Trichinella, Proving Safety of Pork

At the urging of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), a newly published U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) study found zero Trichinella positives in more than 3.2 million pork samples, demonstrating to domestic and global consumers the safety of U.S. pork.

“USDA scientists have confirmed that U.S. pork producers’ rigorous biosecurity efforts to keep pigs healthy are working,” said NPPC President Lori Stevermer, a pork producer from Easton, Minn. “Because of decades of pork industry research and hard work on the farm, consumers can continue to be confident... 

Boar's Head Provisions Co. Expands Recall for Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products 

Boar's Head Provisions Co., Inc., a Jarratt, Va., establishment, is expanding itsJuly 26,2024, recall of deli meat products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The establishment is recalling approximately 7 million additional pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. Whole genome sequencing results show that a liverwurst sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health tested positive for the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes...

Boar's Head Provisions Co. Recalls RTE Liverwurst And Other Deli Meat Products 

Boar's Head Provisions Co., Inc., a Jarratt, Va., establishment, is recalling all liverwurst product produced by the establishment that is currently available in commerce because it may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The company is also recalling additional deli meat products that were produced on the same line and on the same day as the liverwurst and, therefore, may be adulterated with L. monocytogenes. The company is recalling approximately 207,528 pounds of products...

United States' Department of Agriculture Shuffles Leadership

Several key staff appointments and promotions have been made by the United States' Department of Agriculture (USDA) on July 17.

Promotions

Eric Deeble, who was the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the office of Congressional Relations, has been promoted to Deputy Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs.

Cindy Long will uphold her position as Deputy Under Secretary for Food and Nutrition Service after serving as Administrator for the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

After nearly three years as Senior Advisor for Climate in the Office of the... 

USDA Makes Record-Breaking $14.3 Million Investment in Farm to School Grants

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is awarding a record-breaking $14.3 million in Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants to 154 projects in 43 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico. These investments will help 1.9 million children eat more tasty, nutritious foods in school, while supporting farmers and producers in their local and regional communities.

“Farm to School is a huge win for children, schools, farmers, producers and communities,” said Secretary Vilsack. “When schools have access...

AW Farms Recalls Ready-To-Eat Hot Dog Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection

AW Farms, an Argillite, Ky., establishment, is recalling approximately 6,900 pounds of hot dog products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The ready-to-eat hot dogs were produced on various dates since approximately May 30, 2024, and have a shelf-life of 45 days. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:

• 10-lb. boxes containing two 5-lb. vacuum-packed packages containing “FRENCH CITY FOODS 6” ...

Taylor's Sausage, Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Landjaeger Sausage Products 

Taylor's Sausage, Inc., a Cave Junction, Ore., establishment, is recalling approximately 74 pounds of ready-to-eat Landjaeger sausage products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The shelf-stable, ready-to-eat Landjaeger sausages were produced on Dec. 8, 2023, and packaged on Dec. 19, 2023. The following products are subject to recall:

• 14.4 oz. vacuum-packed packages containing...

FSIS Announces Recall on Frozen Ready-To-Eat Chicken Products, Possible Listeria Contamination

The United States' Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall of approximately 2,010 pounds of frozen ready-to eat chicken products. 

Ontario, Canada based company, Al-Safa US LLC, says items could have been adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes. These items were produced on June 5, 2024 then imported to the U.S. on June 13 and June 21. The recall includes:

• 12.1 oz carboard box package containing "Al Safa Halal Charcoal Grilled Chicken Seekh Kebab Grilled, minced, Chicken Patty Kebab".  "NOV 30 25"...

AFBF Appreciates Packers and Stockyards Act Updates

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on USDA’s release of the Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets proposed rule, intended to improve fairness and competition in the livestock, meat and poultry sectors. This is the fourth rule issued by USDA to address fairness and competitiveness in livestock markets under the Packers and Stockyards Act.

“We appreciate USDA’s ongoing work to bring fairness to the marketplace for America’s farmers and ranchers. The proposed rule may impact growers differently depending on their business structure...

Proposed Changes to Packers & Stockyards Act Rules Will Hurt Meat and Poultry Producers, Consumers

Will Set Meat Quality & Consumer Demand Back Decades

The latest proposed rule change to the Packers and Stockyards Act by the Biden Administration is attempting to set meat production back decades by encouraging litigation and limiting how livestock producers can market their animals to packers.

In the proposed rule, USDA attempts to circumvent Congress and the courts to reverse the longstanding legal standard that parties must demonstrate harm to competition to sue and win under the Packers and Stockyards Act Section 202(a) or (b)...