NPPC Submits Comments on Proposed USDA Rule for Gene-Edited Livestock

For more than two years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has dragged its feet on the development of gene-edited livestock, an emerging technology with tremendous promise for livestock agriculture,causing American agriculture to fall behind in the global race to advance its development. Thankfully, under a recently proposed rule, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will have primary regulatory jurisdiction, which “will foster innovation, allow for producer access to this technology, and preserve the preeminence of American agriculture globally,” the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) wrote in comments submitted Wednesday to the agency.

Gene editing is used to make specific changes within an animal’s own genome. Gene editing will allow us to produce animals that are more disease-resistant, require fewer antibiotics and with...

Courage Production Recalls Ready-to-Eat, Fully Cooked Polish Sausage Products 

Courage Production, LLC., a Fairfield, Calif., establishment is recalling approximately 1,645 pounds of Ready-To-Eat, fully cooked Polish 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 milk (mozzarella cheese), a known allergen that is not declared on the product label.

The sausage products labeled as “TETON WATERS RANCH POLISH SAUSAGE,” may contain a sausage product with mozzarella cheese. The products were produced on Oct. 9, 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

Conagra Brands Issues Sustainability Accounting Standards Board Disclosure for Fiscal Year 2020

Conagra Brands announced the publication of its Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) metrics for fiscal year 2020. The disclosure details Conagra's ongoing focus on environmental excellence, strong governance, and safe operations. This marks the first time that Conagra has reported to the SASB framework according to the Standard for the Processed Foods industry as defined by SASB's Sustainable Industry Classification System®️ (SICS®️).

SASB is an independent, standards-setting organization dedicated to...

FDA Warns Whole Foods Market After Repeated Food Recalls for Undeclared Allergens

Today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted a warning letter issued to Whole Foods Market for a pattern of receiving and offering for sale misbranded food products necessitating a series of food recalls for allergens. In the last year, Whole Foods Market has recalled more than 30 food products because the presence of major food allergens was not listed on the finished product labels. The FDA noticed similar patterns of numerous recalls by Whole Foods Market for undeclared allergens in previous years as well. These products included...

Perfect Pasta Inc. Recalls Frozen Meat and Poultry Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection

Perfect Pasta Inc., an Addison, Ill. establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of heat treated not shelf stable frozen meat and poultry products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.

The various packages of frozen meat and poultry products were produced between December 2018 and December 2020 and bear an establishment number “Est. 19829/P-19829” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

All products subject to the recall can be found...

Nestlé Prepared Foods Recalls Lean Cuisine Baked Chicken Meal Products

Nestlé Prepared Foods, a Springville, Utah establishment, is recalling approximately 92,206 pounds of LEAN CUISINE Baked Chicken meal products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of white hard plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.

The baked chicken meal products were produced and packaged on September 2, 2020. The following product is subject to recall...

2021 Food Label Trends Deliver Safety and Security for Consumers and Retailers

As U.S. consumers turned to takeout, food delivery and online grocery shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic, food and beverage labeling took on fresh importance. Citing a 15-20% increase in grocery industry sales this year, and e-commerce sales up 43%, sustainable label leader UPM Raflatac found its grocery and restaurant delivery customers want to provide an increasingly safe experience with labels that provide visible safeguards for human health and protections for the environment.

"We knew packaging needs would change for our food industry customers given the COVID-19 shopping impact, and we are encouraged to see...

Continental Glatt Kosher Meats Corp. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products 

Continental Glatt Kosher Meats Corp., doing business as First Choice Kosher Meat & Deli Inc., a Spring Valley, N.Y. firm, is recalling approximately 61,504 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.

The RTE meat and poultry items were produced on various dates from June 26, 2020, through Nov. 20, 2020, with various sell-by dates ranging from October 2, 2020, through April 18, 2021. The products subject to the recall can be found on the following...

Tarantino Wholesale Foods Distributor Recalls Ready-to-Eat Chicken Breast Products

Tarantino Wholesale Foods Distributor, a San Diego, Calif., establishment, is recalling approximately 1,115 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken breast products due to undercooking, resulting in the potential survival of bacterial pathogens in the products, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The ready-to-eat grilled chicken breast items were produced on October 23, 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

Stuffed Foods LLC Recalls Frozen Snack Products

Stuffed Foods LLC, a Wilmington, Mass., establishment is recalling approximately 1,818 pounds of snack 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 frozen snack product, “Mac & Cheese Bites,” may actually contain frozen “Buffalo Style Chicken Poppers” that were produced on Sept. 28, 2020. The following product is subject to recall...

First Exports of UK Beef To the USA in 20 Years Underway

The first shipments of UK beef are to depart for the USA today, marking a historic moment for UK farmers and food producers.

Following the USA’s longstanding ban on EU beef – introduced in the wake of the BSE outbreak in 1996 – market access for UK beef was granted in March 2020. UK beef producers now have access to the US market for the first time in over 20 years.

Today’s news means the sector can now begin to reap the economic benefits of trade with the US – with industry estimating beef exports will be worth £66 million over the next...

US Foods Fall Scoop Helps Restaurant Operators Stay On Point With Evolving Off-Premise Trends

US Foods Holding Corp. announced the launch of Fall Scoop 2020, titled “On Point With Off-Premise – Designed To Make It.” This special edition of Scoop features 14 products designed to address trends within off-premise dining such as labor-saving products perfect for DIY meal kits and products that will help ease diner safety and hygiene worries, including tamper-evident packaging and sanitation items.

“The restaurant environment has changed immensely with the surge in off-premise dining, and the ability for restaurant operators to adapt with creativity, labor savings and safety in mind is...

Cher-Make Sausage Company Recalls Fully Cooked Meat Sausage Products 

Cher-Make Sausage Company, a Manitowoc, Wis. establishment, is recalling approximately 429-lbs of fully-cooked meat sausage products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced. The product contains milk (cheese), which is not declared on the packaging label.

The product labeled as “Old Fashioned Wieners” may contain cheddar wieners product. The product was produced on July 23, 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

Bell & Evans Begins Construction On an Organic Chicken Facility

Premium poultry producer Bell & Evans began construction on a new 411,500 square foot, Organic-Certified Chicken Harvesting Facility in Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania. The first precast walls were placed in July, and the facility will be operational by late 2021. The project will cost the company approximately $330 million and double its current production capacity.

Bell & Evans produces 100% premium Raised Without Antibiotics chicken and Organic chicken, approximately 60% and 40% of its business, respectively. The additional capacity will allow Bell & Evans to continue expanding...

Food Safety and Inspection Service Highlights September as Food Safety Education Month

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) wanted to highlight to the public the importance of health and safety in the kitchen at the start of National Food Safety Education Month.

FSIS noted proper kitchen safety behaviors to keep themselves and the loved ones they are feeding safe from foodborne illness.

“My vision for food safety includes enhancing and emphasizing consumer education,” said Under Secretary for Food Safety Mindy Brashears. “Consumers play a vital role in reducing foodborne illness – and by providing scientifically..."

Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods Recalls Chicken Salad Product 

Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods, a Richmond, Va. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,202 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken salad product due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product may contain almonds, a known allergen, which are not declared on the product label.

The RTE chicken salad item was produced on August 26, 2020. The following product is subject to recall...

Oberto Snacks Recalls Smoked Sausage Products

Oberto Snacks Inc., a Kent, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 309 pounds of smoked 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 product contains soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The smoked sausage items were produced on March 21, 2020. The following product is subject to recall...

Faribault Foods Recalls Canned Soup Product 

Faribault Foods Inc., a Faribault, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 15,134 pounds of canned soup 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 milk and soy, known allergens, as well as beef and pork, which are not declared on the product label.

The cans labeled as chicken noodle soup actually contain a meatball and pasta product. The canned soup items were produced on May 26, 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

215 Poultry Facilities Recognized for Exceptional Safety Performance

The Joint Industry Safety and Health Council recently recognized 215 chicken and turkey facilities with safety awards. The companies were honored in recognition of their outstanding performance through the implementation of innovative and effective employee safety and health programs.

Award consideration was based on injury statistics over three years (2017 – 2019) and an evaluation of written applications by academia and other safety experts. Sixty-one facilities received...

Cargill Releases Annual Report

Fiscal 2020 was a year like no other. In such a challenging environment, Cargill has anchored to its purpose and values. The company exists to nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Despite challenges facing the food and ag system and disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, Cargill’s FY 2020 annual report, Nourishing the World, demonstrates how the team’s resiliency and agility helped to keep supply chains moving to put food on family tables around the globe.

“The last year taught us that we are capable of so much more than we previously thought. We can move faster, with more agility, navigating a crisis while keeping our people’s wellbeing front and center,” said David MacLennan, Cargill’s chairman and CEO. “We are grateful to our employees, customers and...

JBS Food Canada ULC Recalls Raw Boneless Beef Products

JBS Food Canada ULC, a Brooks, Alberta, Canada establishment, is recalling approximately 38,406 pounds of boneless beef head meat products that were not presented for import re-inspection into the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The raw, frozen, boneless beef head meat items were imported on July 13, 2020 and were further processed by another company into ground beef products. The following products are subject to recall...

Jamaican Tastee Patties Recalls Meat and Poultry Patty Products

Jamaican Tastee Patties, LLC, a Miami, Fla. firm, is recalling approximately 60,457 pounds of meat and poultry patty products that were repackaged, relabeled and redistributed without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The firm also applied the mark of inspection of another federal establishment without proper authorization.

The baked and unbaked, frozen beef and chicken patty items were produced on various dates from September 2018 through July 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

Coco's Italian Market Recalls Italian Meatball, Beef Ravioli, and Pepperoni Pizza Products

Coco's Italian Market, a Nashville, Tenn. establishment, is recalling approximately 16,868 pounds of various ready-to-eat frozen meat 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 frozen Italian meatball, beef ravioli, and pepperoni pizza items were produced on various dates from January 2019 through July 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

Hafiz Foods Recalls Samosas Containing Chicken Produced Without Benefit of Inspection

Hafiz Foods, Inc., a Houston, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 675 pounds of chicken samosas that contain poultry 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-cook, frozen chicken samosas were produced from May 2020 to June 29, 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

Maple Leaf Foods Releases 2019 Sustainability Report

Maple Leaf Foods, Inc., announced the release of its 2019 Sustainability Report, outlining the company's key programs and achievements during the past year, as well as future initiatives and priorities supporting Maple Leaf Foods' purposeful journey to be the most sustainable protein company on earth.

In 2019, Maple Leaf Foods continued its commitment to sustainability and made meaningful progress, including becoming the first major carbon neutral food company in the world and setting science-based greenhouse gas emissions targets. Maple Leaf Foods' commitment to the environment comes from a recognition that producing nutrient-dense protein takes...

NCBA Applauds Introduction of DIRECT Act

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) applauded the introduction of the bipartisan legislation to create new direct-to-consumer options for beef producers, processors and small meat markets without compromising federal food safety standards or market access under existing trade agreements.

Introduced by U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R - At-Large, SD) and Henry Cuellar (D - 28th Dist., TX), the Direct Interstate Retail Exemption for Certain Transactions (DIRECT) Act of 2020 would amend retail exemptions under current law to allow meat processed under state-inspected establishments to be sold across state lines through e-commerce, providing beef producers and local processors alike with...

Charoen Pokphand Foods Maintains Strict Preventive Measures Against ASF and COVID-19

Charoen Pokphand Foods PLC (CPF) will keep in place its strict preventive measures against African Swine Flu (ASF) in pigs and novel coronavirus (COVID-19) despite a low level of domestic transmission. Having been organized is employee training on New Normal farming that will concurrently protect both pigs and human and sustainably assure food safety for consumers.

Dr. Damnoen Chaturavittawong (D.V.M), Senior Vice President of Swine Veterinary Service Department at CPF, said that strict animal and human disease control measures have been continually practiced at the Company for both livestock and aquaculture businesses, as required by international standards. In the outbreak of ASF epidemic and COVID-19 pandemic, additional stringent measures and guidelines have been...

Pilgrim's Pride Corporation Recalls Chicken Breast Nugget Products

Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, a Waco, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 59,800 pounds of fully cooked chicken breast nugget products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically flexible rubber material, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken breast nugget items were produced on May 6, 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

USDA, FDA Says Food Export Restrictions Not Consistent with COVID-19 Science

In a joint statement, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D., said that countries currently restricting global food exports over worries related to COVID-19 transmission are not consistent with science.

“The United States understands the concerns of consumers here domestically and around the world who want to know that producers, processors and regulators are taking every necessary precaution to prioritize food safety especially during these challenging times. However, efforts by some countries to restrict global food exports related to..."

Joint Statement from USDA and FDA on Food Export Restrictions Pertaining to COVID-19

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D., issued the following statement regarding food export restrictions pertaining to COVID-19:

“The United States understands the concerns of consumers here domestically and around the world who want to know that producers, processors and regulators are taking every necessary precaution to prioritize food safety especially during these challenging times. However, efforts by some countries to restrict global food exports related to COVID-19 transmission are not consistent with the known science of transmission.”

“There is no evidence that people can contract COVID-19 from...

La Bodega Meat Recalls Beef Products Distributed Without Benefit of Import Re-Inspection

La Bodega Meat LLC, a Farmers Branch, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 83,038 pounds of raw beef products that were not presented for import re-inspection into the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The various raw beef items were imported on June 2 and June 3, 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

Smithfield Foods Releases 2019 Sustainability Impact Report

Smithfield Foods, Inc. today released its 2019 Sustainability Impact Report, demonstrating significant progress in reaching major milestones and continuing efforts to feed the world’s population in a responsible way. Smithfield’s industry-leading sustainability program operates across five key pillars, representing areas of strategic focus that are important to its business, communities and society-at-large. These include the humane treatment of animals, stewardship of the environment, production of safe and high-quality food, contributions to strengthen its local communities and safety and well-being of its people.

“2020 has presented the world with an unprecedented crisis that is impacting the health, well-being and sustainability of people, communities and businesses everywhere. In turn, we have seen an increased reliance upon critical industries and companies to provide essential products and services at...

Lakeside Refrigerated Services Recalls Beef Products due to Possible E.coli O157:H7 Contamination

Lakeside Refrigerated Services, a Swedesboro, N.J. establishment, is recalling approximately 42,922 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The raw ground beef items were produced on June 1, 2020. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF Only)]  

- 1-lb. vacuum packages containing “MARKETSIDE BUTCHER ORGANIC GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF” and a use or freeze by date of 07/01/20 and lot code P-53298-82.

- 1-lb. vacuum packages containing four ¼ lb. pieces of “MARKETSIDE BUTCHER ORGANIC GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF PATTIES” and a use or freeze by date of June 27, 2020 and lot code P-53934-28.

Nestle Prepared Foods Company Recalls Lean Cuisine Fettuccini Alfredo Products

Nestle Prepared Foods Company, a Jonesboro, Ark. establishment, is recalling approximately 29,002 pounds of chicken product labeled as Lean Cuisine Fettuccini Alfredo because the product contains undeclared soy, a known allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The Lean Cuisine Fettuccini Alfredo is not supposed to contain chicken and chicken does not appear in the ingredients statement or on the label.

The frozen, Lean Cuisine Fettuccini Alfredo products were produced and packaged on April 22, 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

Conagra Brands Recalls Frozen Not-Ready-To-Eat Chicken and Turkey Bowl Products

Conagra Brands, Inc., Russellville, Ark. and Marshall, Mo. establishments, are recalling approximately 276,872 pounds of not ready-to-eat chicken and turkey bowl products because the products may contain extraneous material, specifically small rocks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The scope of this recall has been expanded to include Healthy Choice Power Bowls Chicken Feta & Farro Bowls, Healthy Choice Power Bowls Unwrapped Burrito Scramble Power Bowls, and Healthy Choice Power Bowls Turkey Sausage & Egg Scramble Power Bowls produced on various dates. The products were produced at two different establishments.

The following additional products are subject to recall...

Evans Food Group Recalls Ready-To-Eat Pork Skin Products

Evans Food Group Ltd., an Arlington, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 3,796 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) pork skin products due to misbranding, 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 product that contains soy – the red hot fried pork skins – is packaged in a variety pack that does not declare soy on the outside package display panel; however, soy is declared on the individual 1-oz. product label and is listed in the individual product’s list of ingredients. The consumer would not be able to see the soy ingredient on the label unless they open the larger box.

The RTE fried pork skin items were produced from April 15, 2020, to May 11, 2020. The following product is subject to recall...

Ideal Foods Recalls Meat and Poultry Flatbread Pizza Products

Ideal Foods, a North Las Vegas, Nev. establishment, is recalling approximately 3,302 pounds of meat and poultry flatbread pizza products that were produced, packed and distributed without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The flatbread pizza products made with meat and poultry items were produced on various dates from October 2019 to April 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

Jowett Farms Corporation Recalls Pork Products Produced Without Benefit of Import Inspection

Jowett Farms Corporation, a Blumenort, Canada establishment, is recalling approximately 42,587 pounds of raw pork trimmings that were not presented for import re-inspection into the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The raw pork trimmings were imported on April 2, 2020 and further processed into sausage products. The following products are subject to recall...

Conagra Brands Recalls Frozen Not-Ready-to-Eat Chicken Bowl Products

Conagra Brands, Inc., a Russellville, Ark. establishment, is recalling approximately 130,763 pounds of not ready-to-eat chicken bowl products because the product may contain extraneous material, specifically small rocks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen, not-ready-to-eat chicken bowl items were produced on Jan. 23, 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

Family Traditions Meat Company Recalls Ready-to-Eat Meat Stick Products 

Family Traditions Meat Company, an Ackley, Iowa establishment, is recalling approximately 270 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) beef stick 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 milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The fully cooked, ready-to-eat beef stick items were produced on Nov. 14, 2019, Dec. 3, 2019 and Jan. 6, 2020 and have a shelf life of six months. The following product is subject to recall...

Cargill Conducts Voluntary Recall of a Single Lot of NutreBeef Transition Pellet 

Cargill’s animal nutrition business is conducting a voluntary recall of a single lot (382 bags, 50 lb each) of NutreBeef Transition Pellet (MH) beef cattle feed because the product may contain mispackaged feed with elevated levels of monensin. The affected product was sold in Kansas and Texas. At elevated levels, monensin can be toxic to cattle and can cause colic-like symptoms, hypokalemia (low potassium), myoglobinuria (breakdown of muscle in the urine), chronic cardiovascular issues, and possible death.

The following affected product was manufactured at Cargill’s McPherson, KS, facility and is being recalled from...

Astrochef LLC. Recalls Pepperoni Stuffed Pizza Sandwich Products

Astrochef LLC., a Rockwall, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 7,363 pounds of pepperoni stuffed pizza sandwich products because the product is mislabeled and contains undeclared soy, a known allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products are labeled as pepperoni stuffed pizza sandwich products but may contain meatball stuffed pizza sandwich products inside the package.

The frozen, stuffed pepperoni pizza sandwich items were produced on June 4, 2019 and July 3, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

Amity Packing Company Recalls Raw Ground Beef Products

Amity Packing Company Inc., a Chicago, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,020 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically clear, thin pliable plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The raw ground beef items were produced on Jan. 6, 2020. The following products are subject to recall...