A worker at a Green Bay meatpacking plant was killed over the weekend when a large steel plate fell on him, the Brown County medical examiner's office said Monday.

Gregory Davis, 47, of Green Bay, was killed about 9 a.m. Saturday at Green Bay Dressed Beef, an American Foods Group facility, 544 Acme St., reports the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Company spokesman Steve Van Lanen said Davis was a longtime employee who was working on equipment when he was killed. The incident is under investigation, Van Lanen said.

Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette

115 Representatives ask USDA for GIPSA clarification, analysis

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack received a bipartisan letter from 115 members of the U.S. House of Representatives calling for a comprehensive economic analysis of a propose rule on livestock and poultry marketing under the Packers and Stockyards Act. The proposed rule, released by USDA’s Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) in June, was in response to a request made by Congress. However, many elected leaders note that the rule goes above and beyond the intent of Congress.

“In the 2008 Farm Bill, Congress directed the Department (USDA) to promulgate a discrete set of regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act. However, in doing so, GIPSA also included additional proposed regulations that greatly exceed the mandate of the Farm Bill,” the House members penned. “Such a broad rule that extends so far beyond Congress’ direction in the Farm Bill and that would precipitate major changes in livestock and poultry marketing requires a vigorous economic analysis. The analysis contained in the proposed rule fails to demonstrate the need for the rule, assess the impact of its implementation on the marketplace, or establish how the implementation of the rule would address the demonstrated need.”

The letter was led by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.); Ranking Member Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), Livestock Subcommittee Chairman David Scott (D-Ga.) and Livestock Subcommittee Ranking Member Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas).

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Steve Foglesong praised the Representatives who signed the letter.

“These 115 policymakers took the common sense approach to rule making. To further regulate America’s farmers and ranchers with no aggressive economic analysis of the rule’s unintended consequences is foolish. Those supporting this rule are doing so blindfolded with no facts and figures,” said Foglesong. “I encourage my fellow farmers and ranchers to look at this letter carefully and see who signed it and let it serve as a tool on election day.”

Source: NCBA

Jimmy Dean introduces sausage crumbles

Jimmy Dean is introducing a quicker and easier way to add sausage to breakfast favorites with the launch of Jimmy Dean Hearty Sausage Crumbles. Fully cooked and ready in minutes, Hearty Sausage Crumbles offer the taste of sausage in a convenient form, which allows consumers to prepare warm, satisfying breakfast dishes with protein while eliminating the prep time and mess.

Available in three tasty varieties – Original, Hot and Turkey – Hearty Sausage Crumbles are stored in a re-sealable zipper pouch and kept in the fridge. Hearty Sausage Crumbles are a versatile ingredient that can be used in breakfast burritos or other morning recipes, as well as entrees throughout the day.

"We listened to our consumers and heard loud and clear that during the hectic mornings they are in need of mess-free, hassle-free breakfast solutions that will help them prepare hearty, substantial meals for their big days and every day. Through Jimmy Dean Hearty Sausage Crumbles, we’ve created an easy, new way to add delicious flavor and protein to any breakfast dish,” said Daryl Gormley, vice president breakfast and snacking, Sara Lee North American Retail. “This new addition to the kitchen arsenal will allow families to spend less time prepping and more time enjoying a home-cooked meal together that will help ensure a great start to their day.”

Source: Sara Lee Corp.

Monogram makes Inc.'s list of fastest-growing companies

For the second year in a row, Inc. magazine has recognized Memphis-based Monogram Food Solutions on its annual Inc. 5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy, America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs. Monogram ranked 2,272 on the 2010 list, with a three-year sales growth rate of 112 percent.

“The leaders of the companies on this year’s Inc. 5000 have figured out how to grow their businesses during the longest recession since the Great Depression,” said Inc. president Bob LaPointe. “The 2010 Inc. 5000 showcases a particularly hardy group of entrepreneurs.”

“Receiving this recognition two years in a row is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Monogram team over the last several years,” said Karl Schledwitz, Chairman and CEO of Monogram. “This is a huge honor, and we expect to be even higher next year due to recent, profitable acquisitions and the strategic sales and marketing of those brands.”

In addition to being included on the Inc. 5000 list, Monogram surpassed its $100 million sales goal due to profitable expansions and growth, and is confident it will reach $150 million in sales by the end of the year.

“This is a goal we’ve been trying to achieve,” said Schledwitz. “We are thrilled to not only have met our goal, but to have exceeded it. This type of accomplishment fuels our desire to strive for more success and growth in the future.”

Source: Monogram Food Solutions

Mislabled potstickers recalled

Windsor Foods, a Los Angeles, Calif., establishment is recalling approximately 1,608 pounds of Spicy Vegetable Potstickers due to a mislabeling of individual pouches that were packed with Chicken Potstickers.

The products subject to recall include 5-pound boxes of 10-ounce cartons of "H-E-B Spicy Vegetable Potsticker." Each package bears a "Use By" date of Sept 13, 2011. Each package also has "Nutrition Facts" on the back of the label.

The products were produced on September 13, 2010, and were distributed to a retail establishment in Texas. The problem was discovered by a consumer complaint to the establishment.

Source: FSIS

Church's Chicken adds taco to menu

Church’s Chicken is expanding its menu with the addition of a Crispy Chicken Taco. The new product is targeted to consumers looking for lunch, dinner and snack options that are portable, offer great taste and value.

“Our new Crispy Chicken Taco was developed to be more relevant and meet the needs of younger and more mobile consumers,” said Tony Lavely, chief marketing officer of Church’s Chicken. “This portable product is the first on our new menu board, but it certainly won’t be the last of its kind.”

Church’s Crispy Chicken Taco is made with a freshly prepared crispy flour shell filled with seasoned chicken topped with shredded lettuce and real shredded cheddar cheese. It has a traditional Southwestern flavor profile.

Source: Church’s Chicken