National Pork Producers Council Launches 'Keep America First In Agriculture' Campaign

Today, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) launched “Keep America First in Agriculture,” a new campaign to highlight the importance of establishing a proper regulatory framework for gene editing in American livestock.

Gene editing technology, which introduces useful genetic variation into food animal breeding programs, promises significant animal health benefits, including a natural immunity to disease and a reduction in the need for antibiotic use.

“Gene editing is a huge step forward for America’s farmers, as it offers a powerful new way to combat animal disease..."

Tyson Foods: We’re Activating the Ingredients for More Growth

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) continues to meet changing consumer needs and is well-positioned for long-term, sustainable growth, company officials told investors and analysts today during Tyson Foods’ Investor Day at the New York Stock Exchange.

Chairman John Tyson, President and CEO Noel White and members of the company’s senior management team spoke at the event, which showcased the strength of Tyson’s diversified portfolio, execution of its long-term growth strategy, efforts to increase its value-added product offerings, continued innovation in food and sustainability, and expansion into new global markets.

“We’re poised for long-term growth because we understand consumers and can meet their needs through a broad portfolio of diverse products,” said White. “As we look ahead, prepared foods and value-added chicken are expected to be...

Boston Market Launches New Summer Sandwich Menu 

The first day of summer – and longest day of the year – is just around the corner, and that can only mean one thing: time to sack the sad sack lunch. While the nation gears up for summer Fridays and weekend picnics in the park, we quickly forget that lunch is arguably the most important meal of the day, and no one deserves a subpar sandwich. To help guide the way (well, minus the "sub") toward more mouth-watering midday options, the rotisserie everything experts at Boston Market® are debuting four new sandwich offerings this month that must be tasted to be believed – literally.

Friday, June 21 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Boston Market is inviting everyone to leave that corner bakery and/or cafe in the dust and enjoy a free sandwich on the house – pitting "theirs" against ours in a full-on sandwich throwdown. Simply bring in your current favorite sandwich and taste the difference fresh, never frozen (and never "fil-a'd") rotisserie chicken can make. You'll be hooked. Guests are then invited to vote for...

Ruiz Foods Products Inc Recalls Bacon Breakfast Wrap Products

Ruiz Foods Products Inc., a Denison, Texas, establishment, is recalling approximately 246,514 pounds of frozen, not ready-to-eat (NRTE) breakfast wrap products containing bacon that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically small rocks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen egg, potato, bacon and cheese wrap items were produced on Jan. 17, 2019 and Jan. 18, 2019. The following product is subject to recall...

Table 87 Frozen, LLC Recalls Pork and Beef Pizza Products

Table 87 Frozen, LLC., a Brooklyn, N.Y. firm, is recalling an undetermined amount of frozen pizza products containing pork and beef 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 scope of this recall now includes ready-to-eat, prosciutto and pepperoni pizza products produced from June 3, 2017 through June 4, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

NPPC Supports Executive Order to Keep America First in Agriculture 

Based on recommendations by the administration’s Rural Development Taskforce, President Trump today signed an executive order to streamline regulations for agriculture biotechnology, a development welcomed by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC).

“Agriculture is one of the crown jewels of the U.S. economy,” said David Herring, NPPC president and a pork producer from Lillington, North Carolina. “Today’s executive order paves the way for common sense regulation to keep America first in agriculture so that we remain the global leader in an economic sector that has offset the U.S. trade imbalance for decades and that is so critical for the prosperity of our rural communities.”

The executive order (EO) provides a framework to support leadership in emerging technologies such as gene editing for livestock, an innovation that promises to eliminate costly diseases that...

U.S. Pork Producers Seek Main Course, Not Crumbs

Expanding U.S. export markets is vital to the success of American pork producers, but trade disputes with some of our top markets, most notably China, are hampering growth and have caused severe financial harm to U.S. hog farmers, National Pork Producers Council Vice President and Counsel of Global Government Affairs Nick Giordano said today at a Global Business Dialogue event in Washington, D.C.

“Mostly because of free trade agreements, the United States is the leading global exporter of pork. As a result, U.S. pork is an attractive candidate for trade retaliation. America’s hog farmers – and many other sectors of U.S. agriculture...

Smithfield Foods Marches Forward with Renewable Energy Projects

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is pleased to announce the construction of new biogas gathering systems in Missouri and Utah, which bring the company steps closer to delivering renewable natural gas (RNG) to communities in multiple states using manure from its hog farms. Detailed in its recently released Sustainability Report, Smithfield’s “manure-to-energy” projects are part of Smithfield Renewables, the company’s platform that unifies and accelerates its renewable energy efforts to help meet its goal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 25% by 2025.

“By finding innovative ways to reduce GHG emissions and use existing resources to power our planet, we are playing a critical role in providing consumers with nutritious food, as well as...

NAMI Joins More than 950 Groups to Call for Swift Congressional Ratification of the USMCA

The North American Meat Institute today joined more than 950 organizations representing the U.S. food and agriculture industries to urge Members of Congress to swiftly ratify the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

In a letter sent to Congress, more than 950 groups representing the U.S. food and agriculture value chain at the national, state and local levels called on Congress to support the ratification of USMCA. The letter reiterates that USMCA will benefit the U.S. agriculture and food industry while providing consumers a more abundant supply of high-quality, safe food at affordable prices...

African Swine Fever Affects China's Pork Consumption

China’s pork consumption has dropped by 10% to 15%, year-to-date, by our estimates, driven by food safety concerns. The level of consumption change varies greatly between the different distribution channels. Looking forward, and reflecting on the current situation and trends, it is quite possible we have seen the ‘peak’ of pork consumption.

Pork Consumption in China has Dropped by 10% to 15%

The losses in China’s pig herd are very difficult to estimate – estimated losses range from 20% to 70%. Data from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) has the sow herd down by 22% in the year to April – this is one of the most optimistic estimates we have seen. However, hog and pork prices struggled in April and May, after a brief surge in March, raising significant questions...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Hog Slaughter

Taylor Farms Illinois Inc Recalls Bacon Quiche Products 

Taylor Farms Illinois, Inc., a Chicago, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 51 pounds of cheese and bacon quiche 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 eggs, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The Jarlsberg cheese and bacon quiche items were produced on June 5, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

April Beef and Pork Exports Below 2018 Levels; Lamb Still Trending Higher

April exports of U.S. beef and pork were lower than a year ago while U.S. lamb exports continued their upward trend, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Beef exports totaled 105,241 metric tons (mt) in April, down 5% year-over-year, though export value was down only slightly at $674.2 million. For January through April, exports were 4% below last year’s record pace in volume (412,547 mt) and 1% lower in value ($2.58 billion).

On a per-head basis, beef export value per head of fed slaughter averaged $305.61 (down 7% from April 2018). The January-April average was $308.34 per head, down 3% from a year ago...

Table 87 Frozen LLC Recalls Pork Pizza Products

Table 87 Frozen, LLC., a Brooklyn, N.Y. firm, is recalling approximately 649 pounds of frozen pizza products that contain pork 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 prosciutto pizza products were produced from April 1, 2019 through June 4, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

This Week in Retail: Looking Ahead to Father’s Day Spending

Father’s Day is coming up on Sunday, June 16^th, and retailers are prepping for the second big grilling holiday of the summer.

According to the National Retail Federation, Father’s Day spending in 2019 is expected to reach an all-time high of $16 billion. That’s up from last year’s $15.3 billion. This monumental spending figure still, however, pales in comparison to spending for Mother’s Day, coming in at a whopping $25 billion.

Mother’s Day has long been known as a foodservice holiday, but Father’s Day tends to favor grilling at home with some quality steaks, burgers, chops or ribs. The NRF also reports that spending for Father’s Day has grown 70 percent over the last decade, with special outings playing a big part of that growth, accounting for a projected $3.3 billion. With 76 percent of...

Hard Rock International Debuts its Most Extensive Menu Innovation

Hard Rock International is announcing its most extensive menu innovation in the company's history with more than 20 new offerings debuting in locations around the world on Friday, June 14, 2019. The legendary restaurant's new menu puts the spotlight on its lineup of all-new, award-winning Steak Burgers, headlined by the world's first edible 24-Karat Gold Leaf Steak Burger™ that will benefit Action Against Hunger.

Steak Burgers aren't the only items making their debut on Hard Rock's new menu, which also includes Instagram-worthy Boozy Milkshakes, Sliders and Shareables that encourage adventure and exploration, allowing fans to curate their most flavorful playlist. The global launch of the new menu coincides with...

Pork Quality Assurance Plus Revisions Take Effect Today

Revisions to the Pork Quality Assurance® Plus (PQA Plus®) 4.0 are effective today. The updated program reflects pork producers’ commitment to continuous improvement and features two training options – first-time and recertification.

“Pork producers are committed to the six We CareSM ethical principles because we want to do what’s best for people, pigs and the planet,” said David Newman, incoming National Pork Board president and a pork producer from Jonesboro, Arkansas. “This program has been a collaborative effort between producers, packers and industry representatives for over 30 years.”

New research information has been incorporated into the latest version to increase the program’s effectiveness and to help ensure its validity with customers and consumers. Pork producers remain focused on providing...

Pork Checkoff Names 2019-2020 Officers

David Newman, a pork producer from Arkansas, was elected president of the National Pork Board at the organization’s June board meeting in Des Moines, Iowa. The National Pork Board’s 15 producer-directors represent America’s pig farmers.

“The U.S. pork industry is facing a time of unprecedented change and I look forward to serving America’s 60,000 pig farmers in the year ahead,” Newman said. “From preparing the global food industry for the threats facing us from foreign animal disease, implementing our Secure Pork Supply plan and driving home our messages of what sustainable pig production looks like in the U.S. and abroad, I cannot wait to lead the Pork Checkoff in delivering value to our producers.”

Newman is in his second term as a board member and owns and operates a farrow-to-finish Berkshire farm in Myrtle, Missouri, that markets pork directly to consumers throughout the U.S. Serving with Newman on Pork Checkoff’s executive officer team are...

NAMI Calls on California Department of Food and Agriculture to Postpone Implementation of Prop 12

The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) today submitted public comments regarding California’s Proposition 12 calling for postponement of the law’s implementation so multiple problems affecting consumers and producers may be addressed.

“The Meat Institute appreciates the opportunity to submit these comments,” said Mark Dopp, Senior Vice President of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs and General Counsel in comments submitted on behalf of NAMI. “NAMI wishes to repeat its request that CDFA [California Department of Food and Agriculture] postpone implementing Prop 12 for at least two years and longer as necessary to ensure conversations and a common understanding among the agency, the industry, and consumers about...

Tyson Foods Completes Acquisition of Thai and European Businesses from BRF S.A.

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) announced today the successful completion of the acquisition of the Thai and European businesses from BRF S.A. The purchase includes four production facilities in Thailand, and one each in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. These businesses build on the company’s growth strategy to expand offerings of value-added protein in global markets.

“The addition of this experienced and talented team combined with these businesses strengthens our capabilities and increases our reach to new markets. I’m glad to welcome them to the Tyson Foods family,” said Noel White, president and CEO of Tyson Foods. “We’re now strategically aligned to better serve customers in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, building on our global strategy.”

It’s estimated that approximately 90 percent of global protein consumption growth will occur outside the United States, with 60 percent of the volume growth coming from...

Los Hernandez Tamales, LLC Recalls Chicken and Pork Products

Los Hernandez, LLC., a Moxee, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 9,090 pounds of chicken and pork tamales 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 tamale products were produced from Dec. 3, 2018 through Feb. 7, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

NPPC Appeal: Let's Move Forward with USMCA, Leave Tariffs at Zero

In response to President Trump’s plan to impose five percent tariffs on all Mexican imports as of June 10, 2019, David Herring, president of the National Pork Producers Council and a pork producer from Lillington, North Carolina, issued the following statement:

“We appeal to President Trump to reconsider plans to open a new trade dispute with Mexico. American pork producers cannot afford retaliatory tariffs from its largest export market, tariffs which Mexico will surely implement. Over the last year, trade disputes with Mexico and China have cost hard-working U.S. pork producers and their families approximately $2.5 billion.

“Let’s move forward with ratification of the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, preserving zero-tariff pork trade in North America for the long term; complete a trade agreement with Japan; and resolve...

This Week in Retail: Wholesale vs. Retail Action

There are two sides to every story, and the retail meat situation is no different. This week in retail, we look at some of the dynamics at play in the wholesale arena for beef and pork and how retail has responded.

There seems to be a contra-seasonal trend happening in the wholesale boxed beef market, for grilling items in particular. The loin complex—where we get strip steaks, T-bones, porterhouse steaks and filets—is currently moving in a contrary direction to its historical norms, residing at multi-year lows.

When we look at the retail items derived from this market, bone-in rib steaks are featured nearly 19 percent below year ago levels, at an average $7.19 per pound. Boneless strip steaks are down a whopping 29 percent from this time last year! Porterhouse steaks are right about on par with year ago levels, while T-bones are down 20 cents per pound. Tenderloin filets are down nearly...

Senators Raise Concerns that USDA Trade Aid will Continue to Benefit Foreign Corporations

Nine U.S. Senators, led by Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry, today raised concerns that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will continue to allow foreign companies to profit from the Trump Administration’s plan to assist American farmers affected by their trade policies.

Last week, the Administration announced it would provide up to $1.4 billion to purchase commodities targeted by retaliatory tariffs. In the previous round of aid, lucrative purchasing contracts were awarded to several foreign entities, including nearly $62.5 million in pork products from JBS USA, which is owned by Brazilian parent company JBS SA.

“…It is counterproductive and contradictory for these companies to receive assistance paid for with U.S. taxpayer dollars intended to help American farmers struggling with this Administration’s trade policy,” the Senators wrote...

Antibiotic Alternative Scores Well in Second Round of Swine Trials

Travelling can be stressful experience—whether it be to a vacation spot or business destination. The stress of travel also extends to piglets, such as when they’re weaned from their mothers and transported to nursery barns.

Now, instead of using dietary antibiotics to help the piglets cope and avoid illness, scientists with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are investigating a naturally occurring amino acid known as L-glutamine.

Initial laboratory studies in 2017 showed glutamine-fed piglets gained just as much weight as antibiotic-treated ones, among other health benefits. But the researchers, led by ARS animal scientist Jay Johnson, wanted to try and...

United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Pays Dividends to American Farmers and Exporters

The United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (CTPA) entered into force on May 15, 2012, laying the foundation for a surge in U.S. agricultural exports. Since 2012, U.S. agricultural exports to Colombia nearly tripled from $1.1 billion to $2.9 billion in 2018. Despite its geographic proximity to major U.S. competitors Brazil and Argentina, Colombia, the third-largest economy in South America, purchases half of its agricultural imports from the United States. Preferential access from CTPA and a strong Colombian economy have allowed the United States to increase its market share from 19 percent prior to CTPA, to 50 percent in 2018. Changing demographics, a growing middle-class, and consumer trends toward more modern retail outlets is expected to keep demand strong into the future for high-quality U.S. agricultural exports.

Colombian Macro-economic Trends and Changing Demographics

In addition to CPTA, political stability and a dynamic economy have contributed to Colombia becoming the United States’ 12th-largest destination for agricultural exports, up from...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Hog Slaughter

The Urner Barry hog slaughter poll for the week ending 6/01/19 resulted in an average industry participant response of 2,109,000 head...

Algenex and Global DX Agree to Develop Diagnostic Products for the Detection of African Swine Fever

Algenex SL, a private biotechnology company delivering disruptive technologies for recombinant biologics production, and Global DX Ltd, a company dedicated to improving the quality of animal care by facilitating accurate diagnosis for veterinarians worldwide, today announce that they have entered into an agreement to jointly develop and commercialize diagnostic products for the detection of African Swine Fever. The first product to be developed will be a point-of-care rapid diagnostic test to identify pigs who have been exposed to the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV). The agreement is the first collaboration between the two companies and provides the framework for further co-developments across a potentially wide range of diagnostic areas.

Under the terms of the agreement, Algenex will deliver the diagnostic reagents and Global DX will provide the technical expertise to develop and manufacture the point-of-care rapid diagnostic tests. Both companies will collaborate in the distribution of...

ANALYSIS: ASF Update; Changing Global Protein Flows

At the time of this report, African Swine Fever continues to spread generally unchecked through China and has more recently expanded to the neighboring nations of Hong Kong, Vietnam and Cambodia, in addition to the revelation that North Korea has been dealing with it since at least February. The lastest official numbers from China admit a 20.8% drop in the April hog herd vs last year and sow losses of 22.3% year over year. As China is notoriously selective with the amount and accuracy of data that they provide the world, this situation could be...

Sikorski Sausages Co Ltd Recalls Meat and Poultry Sausage Products 

Sikorski Sausages Co., Ltd., a London, Ontario, Canada establishment, is recalling approximately 74 pounds of various imported meat and poultry sausage products that were not presented for import re-inspection into the United Sates, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The various ready-to-eat meat and poultry sausage items were imported on May 14, 2019. This spreadsheet contains a list of the products subject to the recall.

The products subject to recall bear Canadian establishment number...

China Says Making Progress on African Swine Fever Vaccine

China will start work on clinical trials of an African swine fever vaccine, state media said on Friday, as the disease continues to spread through the world’s biggest hog herd.

State-owned Harbin Veterinary Research Institute has found two vaccine candidates, proven in laboratory tests to offer immunity to the disease, China National Radio said in a post on China’s microblogging site Weibo.

“In the next step, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences will accelerate the progress of pilot and clinical trials, as well as vaccine production,” said the report...

This Week in Retail: The Memorial Day Rundown

It’s finally here, the unofficial start to summer and the very official start to the grilling season. In the week leading up to Memorial Day weekend, the beef category claims the top spot for protein feature volume at 27 percent, followed by seafood at just under 26 percent.

Chicken managed to knock out pork for the number three spot with 22.5 percent of ad space, leaving pork with 18 percent. Cheaper grilling items like thighs and drumsticks helped boost chicken featuring volume this week. Meanwhile, the beef segment presents the ultimate showdown between ground beef and steak. In the pork complex, we see an increase in pork chop featuring, up nearly 8 percent week over week.

Taking a closer look at the beef complex, Urner Barry’s weekly retail beef index is right on par with the 3-year average at $5.85 per pound. This is down from the previous week’s index of $6.47 per pound. Ground beef features are modestly lower year over year at an average...

USDA Announces Support for Farmers Impacted by Unjustified Retaliation and Trade Disruption

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will take several actions to assist farmers in response to trade damage from unjustified retaliation and trade disruption. President Trump directed Secretary Perdue to craft a relief strategy to support American agricultural producers while the Administration continues to work on free, fair, and reciprocal trade deals to open more markets in the long run to help American farmers compete globally. Specifically, the President has authorized USDA to provide up to $16 billion in programs, which is in line with the estimated impacts of unjustified retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods and other trade disruptions. These programs will assist agricultural producers while President Trump works to address long-standing...

USDA Releases Baseline Data on Antimicrobial Use by Beef and Swine Operations

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is releasing the results of two national studies that examine antimicrobial use and stewardship on beef feedlots and on large swine operations during 2016.

The data USDA collected and studied will help animal health officials – as well as the human health community and consumers – better understand how antimicrobial drugs are used on livestock farms. The studies include details on what antimicrobials were used, why they were used and how they were administered...

JBS USA Highlights 2018 Sustainability Accomplishments and Progress Toward 2020 Goals

JBS USA, a U.S.-based global food company, today announced the release of its 2018 Sustainability Report and progress toward 2020 sustainability targets. The report is the company’s first interactive, digital report and represents the most comprehensive and transparent view to date of the global company’s sustainability progress in its operations in Australia, Canada, England, France, Mexico, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, New Zealand and the United States.

“At our core, we are a food company with a passion to be a part of the family meal, providing sustainable food solutions to our customers and consumers that they can proudly share and serve,” said Andre Nogueira, President and CEO of JBS USA. “The JBS USA 2018 Sustainability Report details our economic, social and environmental progress and the important role...

Canada, US Agree on Safe Trade Zones in Event of African Swine Fever Outbreak

Restaurant Food Costs: What does ASF Mean for Protein Prices in the US?

Rabobank expects food costs in the US to increase in the second half of the year, as protein prices are impacted by stronger export demand following the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak. Pork and chicken prices will be the most impacted. Beef will be the last to see increases materialize, but QSR patty prices are expected to be the most vulnerable component. If a trade agreement with China were to be brokered, price increases would be faster and steeper.

Restaurants Should Expect Rising Protein Prices

For the past two years, restaurants have been favored by a relatively benign food cost environment, which helped compensate for rising costs in other areas (labor, real estate). We expect this situation to change (for proteins) towards the second half of the year and...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Hog Slaughter

Industry Reacts to U.S. Lifting Metal Tariffs on Canada and Mexico 

On Friday, the United States and Canada announced a deal to remove tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum in exchange for keeping dumped metals from China and other countries out of the United States, paving the way for a similar pact with Mexico. The quota-free deal eliminated the U.S. metal tariffs as well as Canada's retaliatory tariffs on about $12 billion worth of U.S. products, including pork and beef. The 25% tariff on steel and 10% tariff on aluminum from Canada and Mexico were a major hurdle to ratification of the new trade deal to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue stated that Congress should swiftly move to ratify the USMCA after the Section 232 Tariffs were removed from Canada and Mexico. "The announcement is a big win for American agriculture and the economy as a whole. I thank President Trump for negotiating a great deal and for negotiating the removal of these tariffs...

USDA Enhances African Swine Fever Surveillance Efforts

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is furthering its overall African Swine Fever (ASF) preparedness efforts with the implementation of a surveillance plan. As part of this plan, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will work with the swine industry, the states, and veterinary diagnostic laboratories to test for ASF.

ASF is a highly contagious and deadly disease affecting both domestic and feral (wild) pigs. It does not affect human health and cannot be transmitted from pigs to humans. ASF has never been detected in the United States...

More Wild Boars Detected in Belgium with African Swine Fever in April and May

According to the World Organization of Animal Health (OIE), Belgium reported 18 cases of individual wild boar inflicted with African Swine Fever between April 16^th and May 10^th 2019. All cases were reported and resolved, meaning the affected animals were culled, on the same day. These were the first reported ASF cases in Belgium since September 2018. Belgium continues to be the Western-most European nation afflicted with ASF.

Nestled between France and Germany, these outbreaks present a very real concern for the...

MIBO Fresh Foods LLC Recalls Salad with Meat Products

MIBO Fresh Foods LLC, a Fort Worth, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 1,460 pounds of salad with meat 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 anchovies, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The ready-to-eat Chef salad with ham and turkey items was produced on May 10 and May 13, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Hog Slaughter

First Quarter Beef, Pork Exports below Last Year’s Pace; Lamb Exports Trend Higher

For the first quarter of 2019, U.S. beef exports were slightly below last year’s record pace while pork exports continued to be slowed by trade barriers, according to March data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). U.S. lamb exports were a first quarter bright spot, trending significantly higher than a year ago.

March beef exports totaled 107,655 metric tons (mt), down 4% year-over-year, while value fell 2% to $678 million. For the first quarter, exports were down 3% at 307,306 mt valued at $1.9 billion (down 0.8%).

March beef exports were very strong on a per-head basis, with export value per head of fed slaughter averaging $335.81 – up 1% from a year ago and the highest since December...

HelloFresh Elevates the At-Home Dinner Experience with the Launch of New Premium Menu Items

HelloFresh SE (HFG), the leader in delivering delicious ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes to households worldwide, today announced the launch of two new premium menu offerings: Craft Burgers and Taste Tours. Beginning today, customers can select from an alternating menu of Craft Burgers and Taste Tours dishes that are designed to elevate the at-home cooking experience by bringing everything needed to create fully-loaded burgers and flavorful global cuisines right to your doorstep.

Upping the ante on HelloFresh’s beloved burger offerings, the new Craft Burgers bring a gastropub experience to the kitchen table with loads of gourmet toppings like truffle, bacon, and caprese-style. For home cooks who love global cuisine like dim sum and paella, the new Taste Tours dishes take customers on...

NPPC Statement on Planned Trade Relief Package

The Trump administration today indicated it is planning a trade relief package in response to the U.S. trade dispute with China. The following statement may be attributed to David Herring, a pork producer from Lillington, North Carolina and president of the National Pork Producers Council:

“U.S. pork has suffered from a disproportionate share of retaliation due to trade disputes with Mexico and China. This retaliation turned last year — which analysts had forecast to be profitable — into a very unprofitable time for U.S. pork producers. The financial pain continues...

Kroger and Home Chef Launch Pilot for Three New Retail Meal Solutions

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) and Home Chef announced today a pilot to enhance its existing selection of meal kits sold in more than 900 Kroger Family of Stores across the country with three new options.

• Home Chef Oven-Ready meals feature fresh, ready-to-cook ingredients packed in an oven-safe tin to make both meal preparation and clean-up quick and effortless.
• Home Chef Heat & Eat meals are delicious, fully-cooked, ready-to-heat meals, proteins and sides that can be prepared in as little as five minutes.
• Home Chef Lunch Kits include salads, grain bowls, sandwiches and more with fully cooked proteins and can be prepared easily...

Tyson says Hog Disease Impact to Linger for Years

Global meat prices are poised to rise after China culled tens of millions of hogs to contain a fast-spreading swine disease, the chief executive of Tyson Foods Inc. said.

The top U.S. meat processing company already is paying higher prices for U.S. hogs and other meat as Chinese buyers crank up purchases, Tyson executives said Monday. In the months ahead, Tyson anticipates higher meat costs for consumers, as well as stronger profits in its own pork, beef and chicken-processing operations.

Noel White, CEO of the Arkansas-based company, said the potential impact of the past year's African swine fever outbreaks was unprecedented, and could lower global meat supplies by 5% at a time when protein consumption is on the rise world-wide...