The USDA has said that U.S. meat processors, who would have to essentially shut down while inspectors were laid off, would lose about $10 billion in production.
The Obama administration warned on Friday that across-the-board spending cuts set to take effect in March may result in furloughing every U.S. meat and poultry inspector for two weeks, causing the meat industry to shut down.
For many years the USDA: Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) has had a website on the Internet. At one point in time the website had gotten very large and was difficult to navigate.
USDA recently announced that it is planning on requiring meat companies to begin placing additional safe-handling labeling on steaks that are mechanically or needle-tenderized.
A statement the USDA says that Central Valley Meat Co.’s improved oversight for animal welfare prompted the government to reinstate purchases for federal feeding programs.
The closure of Central Valley Meat Co. after an undercover video showed alleged acts of animal cruelty is also damaging the dairy industry in California’s Valley area. Three congressmen representing the area are calling for the USDA to reopen the plant during the investigation into the company.
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced that Ohio will be the first state to participate in USDA's Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program.
