Submit comment or question
Note: All comments are displayed with user's screen name. If screen name is not present, user's full name will be used. Please go to My Account to update your screen name.
Comment Policy: Urner Barry has made the comment feature available to encourage further discussion of our news stories. Defamatory or offensive comments, or comments deemed not relevant to the story will be removed, and if necessary, Urner Barry may restrict the right of individual subscribers to offer comments. In all cases, comments represent opinions of the poster only, and do not represent fact, news, opinions or estimates put forward by Urner Barry.
Email Address is required. Password is required.
Taylor Farms Pacific Recalls Kroger Brand Ready-To-Eat Apple Walnut With Chicken Salad Bowl Products
Taylor Farms Pacific, a Tracy, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 19,976 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) apple walnut with chicken salad bowl products due to misbranding and undeclared wheat allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product may contain wheat, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.
The RTE apple walnut with chicken salad bowl products were produced from Feb. 28, 2024, through March 9, 2024. The following products...
USDA Identifies 2024 Food for Progress Priority Countries
USDA, through its administration of the Food for Progress Program, helps developing countries and emerging democracies modernize and strengthen their agricultural sectors. U.S. agricultural commodities donated to recipient countries are sold on the local market and the proceeds are used to support agricultural, economic, or infrastructure development programs.
Food for Progress has two principal objectives: to improve agricultural productivity and to expand trade of agricultural products. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, Food for Progress (FFPr) anticipates awarding seven new cooperative agreements, for projects of three- to five-years in duration...
Statement by Secretary Vilsack on the President’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
Budget Enhances Economic Prosperity for Millions of Americans Living in Rural Areas
The Biden-Harris Administration today released the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2025. Following historic progress made since the President took office—with nearly 15 million jobs created and inflation down two-thirds—the Budget protects and builds on this progress by lowering costs for working families, protecting and strengthening Social Security and Medicare, investing in America and the American people, and reducing the deficit by cracking down on fraud, cutting wasteful spending, and making the wealthy...
USDA Finalizes Voluntary “Product of USA” Label Claim to Enhance Consumer Protection
Today, at the National Farmers Union Annual Convention, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the finalization of a rule to align the voluntary “Product of USA” label claim with consumer understanding of what the claim means. Secretary Vilsack also announced USDA is awarding $9.5 million to 42 projects through the Local Meat Capacity grant program to expand processing options for the meat and poultry industry and new actions to ensure...
Jen's Breakfast Burritos, LLC, Recalls Ready to Eat Breakfast Burrito Products
Jen's Breakfast Burritos, LLC, an Auburn, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 144 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) breakfast burrito products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The RTE breakfast burrito items were produced on February 29, 2024. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:
Salm Partners, LLC, Recalls Johnsonville Polish Kielbasa Turkey Sausage Products
Salm Partners, LLC, a Denmark, Wis., establishment, is recalling approximately 35,430 pounds of Johnsonville turkey kielbasa sausage that may be contaminated with foreign materials, specifically pieces of rubber, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The turkey kielbasa sausages were produced between Oct. 30-31, 2023. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:
CJ Foods Manufacturing Beaumont Corporation Recalls Trader Joe’s Chicken Soup Dumplings
CJ Foods Manufacturing Beaumont Corporation, a Beaumont, Calif., establishment, is recalling approximately 61,839 pounds of steamed chicken soup dumpling products that may be contaminated with foreign materials, specifically hard plastic from a permanent marker pen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The steamed chicken soup dumplings were produced on Dec. 7, 2023. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:
MF Meats Recalls Raw Meat Products Due to Contamination by a Non-Food Grade Substance
MF Meats, a Falconer, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 93,277 pounds of raw meat products, which may have been contaminated with non-food grade mineral seal oil, which is not approved for use in meat processing, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The raw meat items were produced from Nov. 26, 2023 through Feb. 16, 2024. The following products are subject to recall:
M&P Production LTD Recalls Raw Lamb and Beef Samsa Products
M&P Production LTD, a Brooklyn, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 669 pounds of raw lamb and beef samsa 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 sesame seeds, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.
The raw, frozen lamb and beef samsa items were produced between Jan. 2, 2024, and Feb. 22, 2024 and have a shelf-life of one year. The following products are subject to recall...
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Nurture Life Ready-To-Eat Chicken Meal Product
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for Nurture Life’s Chicken Parm with Super Veggie Spaghetti meal products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen. The product’s spaghetti component contains egg white, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers with an allergy to egg are aware that this product should not be consumed...
USDA Under Secretary Alexis Taylor to Lead Historic Native Nations Agribusiness Trade Mission
U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor will lead an historic agribusiness trade mission to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, from June 17-20, 2024. This USDA mission will be the first of its kind, specifically highlighting products made and produced by tribal agribusinesses.
USDA is excited the trade mission will highlight the reinvigoration of historic agricultural trade networks amongst Native Nations across the United States and Canada. Participants will be tribal producers with the Made/Produced by American Indians...
USDA and University of Georgia Break Ground on New Agriculture Research Facility in Tifton, Georgia
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony today for the new state-of-the-art research facility housing the Southeast Watershed Research Laboratory and the Crop Genetics and Breeding Research Unit.
This new research facility will include a new 31,000 square foot building on the UGA Tifton campus. ARS and university employees’ research will advance climate-smart agricultural research ranging from water resources...
Don Novo & Son Recalls Ready-To-Eat Meat Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
Don Novo & Son, a Miami, Fla. establishment, is recalling approximately 9,330 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) 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 RTE meat products were produced on December 21, 2023. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:
Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Charcuterie Meat Products
Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc., a Mount Olive, N.J. establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat charcuterie products containing Coppa that may be under processed, which may have resulted in possible contamination with foodborne pathogens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The RTE Coppa products have various best by dates. The products subject to the recall and the product labels can be viewed here.
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST...
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Ready-To-Eat Poultry Products
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for ready-to-eat (RTE) poultry burrito products containing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated dairy products that have been recalled by Rizo-Lopez Foods, due to concerns that the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that these products, which bear the USDA mark of inspection, should not be consumed...
USDA Announces $270 Million Awarded to Build Food Supply Chain Resiliency
Secretary Vilsack visits with state agriculture leaders at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture conference to highlight grant funding available through federal-state partnerships
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), to date, has awarded over $270 million through cooperative agreements with state departments of agriculture to build resilience across the middle of the food supply chain and strengthen local and regional food systems. The funding is being awarded through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program which...
Canada Concerned That VCOOL Rule and Prop 12 Could Disrupt Supply Chains
Canadian Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay met with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in Washington D.C. last month to discuss strengthening agricultural ties between the two countries.
During their meeting, Minister MacAulay raised proposed changes in voluntary country-of-origin labeling (VCOOL) regulations for meat and livestock. These regulations along with California's Proposition 12 could restrict trade and disrupt supply chains, said the Minister.
The USDA proposed a rule last March that allows the voluntary “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” label claim to be used on...
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Frozen Ready-To-Eat Chicken Pilaf Products
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns of a frozen ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken pilaf product that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically rocks. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase.
The frozen RTE chicken, lentil, and caramelized onion pilaf product was...
U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Key Staff Appointments
The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the names of individuals who will hold senior staff positions in Washington, D.C.
Malcom A. Shorter has been named Assistant Secretary for Administration
Malcolm Shorter is an accomplished administrative and financial professional who has offered his expertise in government relations and operational management at USDA for over a decade. In February 2023, Shorter was selected as the Acting Assistant Secretary for Administration. He previously served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration from March 2021 and from June 2013 through December 2016...
Macgregors Meat and Seafood Ltd Recalls Frozen Ready-To-Eat Pork Products
Macgregors Meat and Seafood Ltd, a Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada establishment, is recalling approximately 2,745 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat pork products that were not presented for import reinspection into the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture 's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:
Hormel Foods Recalls Ready-To-Eat Spiced Deli Ham Products
Hormel Foods, an Austin, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 945 pounds of ready-to-eat spiced deli ham products due to misbranding and undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product may contain milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.
The ready-to-eat spiced deli ham product was packaged on November 17, 2023. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:
5-lb. plastic casing or various weight packages sliced from...
Vanee Foods Recalls Chicken Flavored Base Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
Vanee Foods, a Broadview, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 9,564 pounds of chicken flavored base product due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product labeled as chicken flavored base may actually contain beef base, which contains soy and wheat, known allergens, that are not declared on the product label.
The product labeled as chicken flavored base, which may actually contain beef base, were produced July 26, 2023, and packed inside cases labeled as beef ...
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Raw Frozen Pork Dumpling Products
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert because Dim Sum Factory Inc., a Flushing, N.Y., establishment, produced and distributed raw, frozen pork dumpling products without the benefit of federal inspection. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.
The raw, frozen pork wonton dumpling products were produced on various dates since September 6, 2023, and have a shelf life of 18 months. The following product is subject to the public health alert...
USDA Partners with Illinois to Award Over $5 Million to Strengthen Food Supply Chain Infrastructure
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced it has a cooperative agreement with Illinois under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI). Through this agreement, USDA and Illinois are working together to offer over $5 million in competitive grant funding for projects designed to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain. Illinois is accepting applications for this Infrastructure Grant funding through March 15, 2024.
In May 2023, USDA announced the availability of up to $420...
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ready-To-Eat Charcuterie Products
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert out of an abundance of caution due to concerns about Salmonella illnesses that may be associated with ready-to-eat (RTE) charcuterie meat products in Busseto brand Charcuterie Sampler and Fratelli Beretta brand Antipasto Gran Beretta.
The Fratelli Beretta brand Antipasto Gran Beretta was sold at Costco in a 24-oz. twin-pack (two 12-oz. trays). The Busseto brand Charcuterie Sampler was sold at Sam's Club in an 18-oz...
USDA and USTR Seek New Trade Advisory Committee Members
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative are accepting applications for new members to serve on agricultural trade advisory committees.
Members of the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee provide advice to the administration on the implementation and enforcement of existing U.S. trade agreements, negotiation of new agreements, and other trade policy matters.
Members of the six Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees, or ATACs, provide technical advice and recommendations on international trade issues that affect specific agricultural commodity sectors. The ATACs focus on trade in...
USDA Partners with Oklahoma; Awards Over $6.3 Million to Strengthen Food Supply Chain Infrastructure
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced it has a cooperative agreement with Oklahoma under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI). Through this agreement, USDA and Oklahoma are working together to offer over $6.3 million in competitive grant funding for projects designed to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain. Oklahoma is accepting applications for this Infrastructure Grant funding through Feb. 23, 2024.
In May 2023, USDA announced the...
Wayne Farms, LLC, Recalls Ready-to-Eat Chicken Breast Products That May Be Undercooked
Wayne Farms, LLC, a Decatur, Ala. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,377 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken breast products that may be undercooked, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The RTE chicken breast items were produced on October 16, 2023. The following product is subject to recall [view labels]:
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Beef Soup Product due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for ready-to-eat (RTE) product labeled as birria-inspired beef soup due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen. The product labeled as birria-inspired beef soup may actually contain plant-based chicken noodle soup, which contains sesame, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that these products should not be...
Garland Ventures Recalls RTE Chicken Fried Rice Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
Garland Ventures, a Garland, Texas, establishment, is recalling approximately 13,842 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken fried rice products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The RTE chicken fried rice product was produced on November 10, 2023. The following product is subject to recall [view labels]:
- 12-oz. trays containing Freshness Guaranteed brand “CHICKEN FRIED RICE DICED CHICKEN MEAT WITH VEGETABLES AND RICE IN A SAVORY SOY SAUCE...
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Meat and Poultry Jerky Products
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for meat and poultry jerky products due to misbranding and undeclared allergen. The product may contain soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase.
The meat and poultry jerky items were produced on various...
Skyline Provisions, Inc. Recalls Ground Beef Following Complaint of Foreign Object
Skyline Provisions, Inc. is recalling about 5,620 pounds of raw ground beef products after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) received a customer complaint about a foreign object.
In an announcement made on Sunday, the FSIS said the raw ground beef items were produced and packed on Aug. 19, 2023. The products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 19300” and were shipped to institutions in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire...
USDA Announces Planned Trade Missions for 2024
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced next steps in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s efforts to bolster U.S. agricultural trade, including the department’s planned trade missions for 2024 and the opening of a public comment period for the new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). These efforts will help to support further growth in U.S. agricultural exports and introduce high-quality U.S. agricultural products to new markets.
“Market diversification is an important tool for maximizing growth opportunities for U.S. agriculture, as well as hedging...
NCBA Again Strongly Opposes USDA’s Decision to Allow Paraguayan Beef Imports
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) strongly opposes the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to allow Paraguayan beef imports starting next month. NCBA has repeatedly raised concerns with USDA over Paraguay’s history of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and the outdated information used to justify Paraguay’s access to the U.S. market. NCBA is concerned that USDA’s failure to use information from recent site visits in the risk assessment may pose great risk to the safety of the U.S. cattle herd...
Agricultural Markets Brace for Potential Gov't Shutdown Ahead of Holiday Season
Agricultural market participants are bracing for a potential government shutdown, which is just days away should Congress fail to extend funding past November 17.
House Speaker Mike Johnson proposed a two-step spending bill, which has received tentative support from Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer. If passed, it would extend government funding for four appropriation bills to January 2024 and funding for the remaining eight bills into February. The bill must clear the House before moving to the Senate...
JX Restaurant, Inc. Recalls Chicken Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
JX Restaurant, Inc., a Maryland Heights, Mo. establishment, is recalling approximately 621 pounds of fully-cooked chicken product due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains sesame oil, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.
The fully-cooked chicken product was produced on various dates between Oct. 27 and Nov. 8, 2023. The following product is subject to recall [view labels]...
USDA Announces Progress to Further Competition in Agriculture, Level Playing Field for Farmers
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced progress on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) comprehensive approach to address the many, complex competition issues in agricultural markets and create a fairer playing field for small- and mid-size farmers. In support of these efforts, USDA has finalized the first in a series of rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act, which is aimed at helping contract poultry growers compete more effectively and better understand the terms of their agreements with major processing companies...
Bird Flu Infects Commercial Table Egg Layer Farm for First Time in 11 Months
A commercial table egg layer operation has tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, for the first time in eleven months.
The impacted operation had 940,000 birds in Wright County, Minnesota, according to USDA data. The government lists the confirmation data as November 3, 2023.
Prior to last week's detection, the latest commercial layer operation to be hit by bird flu was a farm with 239,700 birds in Weld County, Colorado on December 20, 2022...
Tyson Foods Recalls Nearly 30,000 Pounds of Frozen Chicken Nuggets
Tyson Foods, Inc. is voluntarily recalling nearly 30,000 pounds of its frozen, fully cooked chicken “Fun Nuggets” due to consumer complaints of small metal pieces in the chicken patty product.
The product was produced on September 5, 2023, and was sold to retailers in 29-ounce packages.
In a notice issued Saturday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) stated that the following product is subject to recall:
Fairmont Foods, Inc., Recalls Frozen Spaghetti Loops With Meat Sauce Entree Products
Fairmont Foods, Inc., a Fairmont, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 147,132 pounds of frozen spaghetti loops with meat sauce entrée products due to misbranding and undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains egg, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.
The frozen not ready-to-eat spaghetti loops with meat sauce entrée products were produced on various dates from December 2022, through August 2023...
Q’Delicia Recalls Ready-To-Eat Empanada Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection
Q’Delicia, a Jacksonville, Fla. establishment, is recalling approximately 639 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry empanada 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 meat and poultry empanada items were produced from February of 2023 to October of 2023. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:
Meat Institute’s Dr. KatieRose McCullough Appointed to USDA Food Safety Advisory Committee
The Meat Institute today announced Dr. KatieRose McCullough was appointed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) bringing her scientific expertise and industry knowledge to federal food safety agencies.
“Dr. McCullough has her finger on the pulse of industry food safety best practices, scientific research and rulemaking,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “Her collaborative and passionate work in the scientific community to help meat companies ensure their products are safe is going to be an...
Bird Flu Detected in Several U.S. Commercial Turkey Flocks Last Week
Last week, several commercial turkey operations spanning four states reported positive detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds.
HPAI can be spread by direct or indirect contact with infected domestic or wild birds including ducks and geese. The disease can also be spread by contact with the virus on surfaces such as hands, shoes, clothing, and animal fur.
Poultry owners are urged to increase their biosecurity practices to protect their flocks, especially with fall migration underway.
California
On October 26, HPAI was detected in...
Capitology, LLC Recalls Ineligible Pork Chicharrones Products Imported from Honduras
Capitology, LLC, the importer of record located in Charlotte, N.C., is recalling approximately 4,679 pounds of pork chicharrones products. The products were imported from Honduras, a country ineligible to export pork products to the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The following products are subject to recall, regardless of the product date:
The product subject to recall does not bear an establishment number nor a USDA...
U.S. Consumers Spent More on Food in 2022 Than Ever Before, Even After Adjusting for Inflation
The USDA, Economic Research Service’s (ERS) Food Expenditure Series (FES) provides a comprehensive measure of the total value of all food purchases in the United States. The series tracks spending on food intended to be prepared at home, such as from grocery stores, and food that is prepared away from home, such as at restaurants. The FES allows Government agencies, academic researchers, and industry stakeholders to assess and track developments in consumer food-buying behaviors and the U.S. food supply...
USDA Works to Update Contingency Plans Ahead of Possible Partial Government Shutdown
Time is rapidly winding down for Congress to avert a partial government shutdown, which will begin on Sunday if lawmakers fail to reach an agreement on spending legislation or approve a stopgap bill known as a continuing resolution (CR), to extend funding through November 17.
As the Democratic-led Senate and House Republicans continue to work at odds, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is preparing for a potential partial shutdown that could cause widespread disruptions for millions of Americans and impact key reports that protein traders rely on to conduct their day-to-day businesses...
What the Potential Government Shutdown May Mean for Agricultural Price Reporting
A potential government shutdown is just days away, raising concerns among those who depend on critical data to make timely market assessments and business decisions. A shutdown will begin on October 1 at 12:01 a.m., the start of the federal fiscal year, if Congress does not pass a funding plan that President Biden signs into law.
The Senate is currently preparing its own bipartisan plan for a stopgap measure to keep offices funded after Saturday’s deadline. Failure to reach an agreement on a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the federal...
July Pork Exports Continue Above Year-Ago; Slow Month for Beef Exports
Building on a robust first-half performance, July exports of U.S. pork continued to outpace year-ago levels, according to data released by USDA and compiled by USMEF. Beef exports took a step back in July, posting the lowest volume since January, but export value per head of fed slaughter again exceeded $400.
July pork exports totaled 219,014 metric tons (mt), up 5% year-over-year, while export value increased 1% to $628.7 million. Through the first seven months of 2023, pork exports were 13% above...
Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Groundbreaking of New Saline River Farms Facility
With support from the state's EDGE program and a USDA grant, Saline River Farms is investing $34.5 million to repair and expand its existing 60,000 square foot facility
Governor JB Pritzker and Saline River Farms today joined local leaders and partners to break ground on Saline River Farms' new state-of-the-art USDA meat processing facility. Supported by the Economic Development for a Growing Economy Tax Credit (EDGE) program and a $1.5 million grant through the Meat & Poultry Supply Chain Capital Grant Program along with...
USDA Makes $123 Million in Grants Available for Meat and Poultry Processors
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, partnering with the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, has made $123 million in grants available through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) Phase 2.
The first round of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program began in November 2022, when the Biden-Harris Administration invested $73 million in 21 grant projects.
MPPEP provides grants to help eligible processors expand their processing capacity. USDA Rural Development designed the MPPEP "to encourage competition and sustainable growth in...
USDA, USTR Name New Agricultural Trade Advisors
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai today announced the appointment of 130 new private-sector representatives to serve on seven agricultural trade advisory committees that represent the diversity of U.S. agriculture. The new group of advisors will join the 70 existing committee members whose terms have not expired.
Complete rosters of the committees, including the 130 new appointees and 70 members already serving, are available at:
- Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee
- Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Animals and Animal Products
- Agricultural Technical...
Outstanding First Half for U.S. Pork Exports; Beef Exports Below Record Pace of 2022
U.S. pork exports concluded an excellent first half with another strong performance in June, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). While well below the record pace established in 2022, June beef exports topped $900 million in value, pushing first-half export value to nearly $5 billion.
June pork exports totaled 245,964 metric tons (mt), up 12% from a year ago, while export value climbed 6% to $691.4 million. Through the...
Instacart Becomes First Grocery Marketplace to Accept Snap Online in All 50 States
Instacart, the leading grocery technology company in North America, today announced that Electronic Benefits Transfer for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (EBT SNAP) can now be used to buy groceries online via Instacart in every state, making Instacart the first and only online grocery marketplace to accept SNAP in all 50 states and Washington D.C. The company recently launched online SNAP acceptance in Alaska with Albertsons Companies banner Safeway, completing the commitment Instacart made in 2022 as part of the launch of its Instacart Health initiative and the...
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Fresh Salads and Wraps with Meat and Poultry
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns that ready-to-eat (RTE) salads and wraps with meat and poultry may contain contaminated lettuce. The lettuce, which is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), may be contaminated with deer feces. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that this product should not be consumed.
The RTE salad and wrap products were produced on August 1, 2023...
USDA Accepting Applications for Agribusiness Trade Mission to Southeast Asia
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor will lead an agribusiness trade mission to Malaysia and Singapore on Oct. 30-Nov. 3. USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service is now accepting applications from U.S. exporters who wish to participate in the trade mission.
“Malaysia and Singapore are important markets in our efforts to diversify prospects for U.S. food and agricultural exports in Southeast Asia. These markets provide both a source of stability for American...
USDA FNS Certifies Wynshop for SNAP/EBT Payments Online
Wynshop, the leading provider of digital commerce and fulfillment solutions for local store-based retailers, announced today that it is now a USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) approved SNAP/EBT payments processing partner, through Aurus. Wynshop can now facilitate expedited processing of FNS procedures for any retailers who wish to offer EBT benefits through Wynshop.
The USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides more than 42 million economically disadvantaged Americans with food subsidies that they can redeem at grocery stores. FNS's electronic benefits transfer system (EBT)...
Mulan Dumpling, LLC, Recalls Frozen Meat and Poultry Dumpling Products
Mulan Dumpling, LLC, a Hyattsville, Md. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,560 pounds of frozen meat and poultry dumpling 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.
Suya Slice LLC, Recalls Ready-to-Eat Beef Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection
Suya Slice, LLC, a Memphis, Tenn. establishment, is recalling approximately 445 pounds of ready-to-eat beef 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 products subject to recall do not bear the USDA...
New Investments to Improve Monitoring and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest $300 million through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to improve measurement, monitoring, reporting and verification of greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration in climate-smart agriculture and forestry. The new investments, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, will advance priorities set by the broader Federal Strategy to Advance Greenhouse Gas Measurement and Monitoring for the Agriculture and Forest Sectors (PDF, 813 KB), which was...
Perdue Premium Meat Company, Inc. Recalls Brookside Brand Fully Cooked Beef Wiener Products
Perdue Premium Meat Company, Inc., doing business as Alexander & Hornung, a Saint Clair Shores, Mich., establishment, is recalling approximately 3,204 pounds of fully cooked beef wiener products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product may actually contain smoked sausage, which contains milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the wiener product label.
Panamerican Foods, LLC Recalls Ineligible Pork and Beef Bean Stew Products Imported from Brazil
Panamerican Foods, LLC, a distributor and importer of record located in Kearny, N.J., is recalling approximately 4,978 pounds of the pork and beef bean stew products that were imported from an establishment in Brazil that is not eligible to export meat products to the United States, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “76 S.I.F.” on the...
House of Raeford Recalls Foster Farms Brand Mini Chicken Corn Dog Products Due to Possible Spoilage
House of Raeford, a Nesmith, S.C., establishment, is recalling approximately 76,961 pounds of corn dog products due to possible spoilage, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The product subject to recall bears the establishment number “P- 9136” printed on the package. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.
The problem was discovered after the firm notified FSIS that it received consumer complaints that the product had an odor, off appearance, and...
USDA Efforts Lift Ban on U.S. Poultry Exports to Colombia
Quick action by FAS, USDA’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has resolved an issue that temporarily stopped U.S. poultry product exports to Colombia, our 10th largest market for these products.
Colombia’s Ministry of Agriculture instructed all Colombian ports to deny import permits to any poultry products beginning June 1 on concerns of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Roughly $1.1 million in U.S. exports were impacted by the ban between June 3 and June 8...
New X9 Forum, Open to All, Will Determine Best Path To Modernize USDA SNAP/Food Stamp Cards
The Accredited Standards Committee X9 Inc. (X9) today announced that it has kicked off a new Industry Forum to investigate how best to modernize the EBT cards for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. X9 develops and maintains the ANSI standard that governs the processing of SNAP cards and is seeking participants for the new initiative. Participation in an X9 industry forum does not require a paid X9 membership.The purpose of this...
Senators Coons, Wicker to Introduce Legislation to Increase Reimbursement During HPAI Outbreak
U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) announced the Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification (HPAI) Act alongside 11 of their Senate colleagues. This bipartisan bill would expand the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) compensation program to all poultry growers and layer operations within a highly pathogenic avian influenza control area, rather than only those whose flocks are infected.
“Delaware has the largest per capita chicken industry in the country, and Delaware’s independent family farmers and poultry...
Old Bulls Bring New Genetic Benefits To Light
Animal genetics plays a crucial role in modern agriculture, enhancing food sustainability, and animal adaptation to a changing climate. Over the years, animal breeders have underlined the significance of genetics in enhancing animal productivity. Preserving diverse sources of animal germplasm is crucial to maintaining genetic diversity, which provides economic sustainability and food security in the face of new diseases and climate change, and advances our knowledge of animal genetics and genomics.
USDA's Agricultural Research Service's National Animal Germplasm Program (NAGP) has collected and preserved more than one million samples from over...
USDA Issues Final Rule Regarding Preserving Trust Benefits Under the Packers and Stockyards Act
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a notice in the Federal Register on June 23, 2023, implementing revisions to regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act (Act). These revisions implement the Livestock Dealer Statutory Trust, which provides financial protection for cash sellers of livestock. These updated regulations are part of USDA’s efforts to support transparency throughout the supply chain and ensure fair prices for farmers and livestock producers. The revisions go into effect on July 24, 2023.
Congress amended the Act providing for a statutory...
Hog Report Expected to Show 0.7% Decrease in Total Herd vs Year Prior
The USDA’s quarterly hogs and pigs report, scheduled for release Thursday afternoon, is expected to show a decrease in the U.S. swine herd versus June 2022.
Analysts on average predict the all hogs and pigs number as of June 1 to be down 0.7% from a year ago.
The average of the estimates for all hogs and pigs would project 72.016 million head, compared with 72.524 million a year ago.
The survey showed on average the number of females kept for breeding at 0.7% below a year ago...
Distribuidora El Paisano Import, LLC, Recalls Ineligible Ready-To-Eat Pork Rind Product
Distribuidora El Paisano Import, LLC, a distributor and the importer of record located in Providence, R.I., is recalling approximately 1,715 pounds of imported ready-to-eat pork rind product that was imported from Guatemala, a country ineligible to export meat products to the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
5.3 oz. (150g) foil pouch packages containing "TorTrix Con Chicharrón."The product subject to recall does not bear an establishment number nor a USDA mark of inspection...
BCI Foods Inc. Recalls Chicken Noodle Soup Products Produced without Benefit of Import Reinspection
BCI Foods Inc., the importer of record located in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada, is recalling approximately 13,561 pounds of chicken noodle soup products that were not presented for import reinspection into the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
Conagra Brands, Inc., Recalls Frozen Beef Shepherd’s Pie Products
Conagra Brands, Inc., a Russellville, Ark. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,717 pounds of frozen beef shepherd’s pie products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically clear, flexible plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
4.31 lbs. cases of “MC Beef Shepherd’s Pie” with lot code 5006306020, BEST BY FEB 24 2024 and case code 2113100032, containing six 11.5 oz. carton packages of "Marie Callender’s BEEF SHEPHERD’S PIE”
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST 233” next to the USDA mark of...
USDA Launches Effort to Strengthen Substantiation of Animal-Raising Claims
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that it is implementing a multi-step effort aimed at strengthening the substantiation of animal-raising claims. This 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.
“Consumers should be able to trust that the label claims they see on products bearing the USDA mark of inspection are truthful and accurate,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “USDA is taking...
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the names of individuals who will hold senior staff positions in Washington, D.C.
Rudy Soto has been appointed Acting Director of External and Intergovernmental Affairs
Rudy Soto has served as USDA’s Rural Development State Director for Idaho since January 2021. In this role, Soto has been instrumental in promoting economic development, increasing access to healthcare, and improving infrastructure in Idaho’s rural communities. Before that, Soto served as a legislative staffer in the U.S. House of Representatives, covering energy, environment, agriculture, and tribal affairs...
DEKA Trading Corp. Recalls Ineligible Ready-To-Eat Pork Rind Products Imported from Guatemala
DEKA Trading Corp., the importer of record located in Miami, Fla., is recalling approximately 13,771 pounds of imported ready-to-eat pork rind products. The products were imported from Guatemala, a country ineligible to export meat products to the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
- 5.3 oz. (150g) foil pouch packages containing “TorTrix Con Chicharrón...
J.T.M. Provisions Company Recalls Frozen Beef Chili Products Due To Possible Contamination
J.T.M. Provisions Company, a Harrison, Ohio establishment, is recalling approximately 22,530 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat beef chili with beans products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically white plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The frozen, ready-to-eat beef chili with beans items were produced on February 27, 2023. The following products are subject to recall:
- 30-lb. case of “CHILI WITH BEANS” containing six 5-lb. boilable bags of “CP5309 CHILI WITH BEANS” with...
E.N.A. Meat Packing Inc. Recalls Frozen, Raw Lamb Products Imported Without Benefit of Reinspection
E.N.A. Meat Packing Inc, the importer of record located in Paterson, N.J., is recalling approximately 39,947 pounds of frozen, raw lamb products that were imported without the benefit of import reinspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The frozen, raw lamb items were produced on Feb. 22 through March 13, 2023. The following products are subject to recall:
- Cartons weighing approximately 40-lb., containing raw frozen pieces of “Simunovic S.A. Frozen Bone in Lamb Leg ABO” produced by...
Great Plains Drought Hits Hay Crops
The market for hay is overshadowed by wheat and other crops hit by a drought in the Great Plains, but it can have a similar impact on food prices.
Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas are typically among the top 10 hay-producing states, according to U.S. Agriculture Department data, and swaths of each state are experiencing extreme drought, according to the National Drought Mitigation Center, a project from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the USDA and other partners.
This year's average seasonal price for all types of alfalfa and grass hay...
Mitten Gourmet, LLC, Recalls Ready-to-Eat Pork Rind Products Produced without Benefit of Inspection
Mitten Gourmet, LLC, a Freeland, Michigan establishment, is recalling approximately 1,137 pounds of ready-to-eat pork rind 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 pork rind products of various flavors were produced on various dates from September 9, 2021, through May 5, 2023. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:
Eastern Meat Solutions, Inc. Recalls Raw, Boneless Pork Products Imported without Benefit of Import
Eastern Meat Solutions, Inc., the importer of record located in Ontario, Canada, is recalling approximately 40,763 pounds of raw, boneless pork products that were not presented for import reinspection into the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The raw, boneless pork products were imported from Canada, and further processed by another company into barbeque pork products. The following products are subject to recall:
Urner Barry Releases May Pulse Protein Report
As of May 10, Ethiopia remains in the top spot of the dried pea export value chart, with a 55% increase in value year-over-year (YoY) noted. Cameroon holds the fifth spot, with a 71% decrease in value. Canada is holding the number one spot for dried lentils with a 1% decrease and Mexico holds the number three position with...
FEATURED STORIES
Podcast: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 7 - Meet Us in Las Vegas for the 48th Executive Conference
ANALYSIS: January Chicken Exports Off to a Strong Start
ANALYSIS: South American Beef Exporters Diversifying Beyond China In 2024
ANALYSIS: Beef 50s and Pork 42s Take Diverging Paths