The trade agreement between the United States and Russia over U.S. poultry exports has hit another snag, as Russia has raised “further issues” with the deal, Reuters reports. Chicken industry sources and government sources did not specify the nature of the issues, but it was reported that USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack is concerned and monitoring the situation.
A USDA spokesperson later said the department was working with the United States Trade Representative "to ensure the terms of the agreement are fulfilled."

"The Russians are now raising further issues about the provisions of the agreement. We hope these matters can be resolved speedily and are awaiting further clarification from the U.S. government," the National Chicken Council said in a statement on Tuesday.

Source: Reuters

Nearly 150,000 pounds of canned meatballs recalled due to undeclared allergen

Ugo. DiLullo & Sons, a Westville, N.J., establishment, is recalling approximately 147,667 pounds of canned meatball products because they contain an allergen, egg, which is not declared on the label, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced.

The product subject to recall includes 6-pound, 10-ounce cans of "U. Dilullo's Deluxe Meatballs In Sauce." Each package bears the establishment number "Est. 1153" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The canned meatball products were produced on various dates between May 1, 2009, and August 2, 2010, and were distributed to institutions, including food banks, in Maryland, New Jersey and New York. The problem was discovered by FSIS during a routine inspection. FSIS and the company have received no reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

Source: FSIS

FPL Food to expand South Carolina plant

FPL Food LLC, an Augusta, Ga., processor, is planning to expand its South Carolina operations, adding about 75 jobs. The South Carolina Commerce Department said Tuesday that FPL Food LLC will expand its processing facility near Columbia, according to AP reports.

The company opened its Lexington County plant two years ago and expects to employ 150 people after the expansion. The company said it will create 75 new jobs and transfer 75 employees from its Augusta facility, reports The State.

The plant in West Columbia has been closed twice in the last two-and-a-half years. It was originally a chicken processing facility that closed in 2007 when ownership changed hands. FPL reopened the plant in April 2008 as a chipped beef plant and closed it again that December, citing economic issued. Production was moved to Augusta

FPL Food makes corned beef hash, marinated beef steak tips, pre-seasoned frozen beef patties, precooked roast beef and pre-seasoned ground beef.

Source: Associated Press, Business Week, The State