Changes to animal welfare policy in the last year by giants such as Starbucks, Aramark and — most recently — Walmart reflect the fact that farm animal welfare is a growing issue of importance in this country as consumers seek food choices that reflect their values.

The “natural” concept in the beef market has evolved in the United States and continues to gain popularity.

Tyson Foods recently completed its first sustainability materiality assessment.

Unfortunately, while recalls relating pathogens have declined, the overall number of industry recalls seems to be increasing.

On June 11, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the availability of its updated guidance, “Best Practices Guidance for Controlling Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) in Retail Delicatessens.”

The U.S. meat market was valued at approximately $68 billion in 2013 and is projected to reach $84 billion by 2018, according to Canadean’s 2015 “Consumer and Market Insights: Meat Market in the U.S.” report.

A humane certification label assures consumers that farmers and producers across the U.S. are raising these animals under good animal-welfare standards, covering everything from adequate space to air quality, diet, living conditions and the ability to express natural behaviors.

As part of my duties for Independent Processor and The National Provisioner, I have to look through the news for meat industry-related stories.

Stacy and Troy Hadrick truly practice what they preach. This fifth-generation South Dakota ranching couple is helping to make the voice of agriculture louder and more influential by putting a face to the people who put food on our plates.

Since 2010 FSIS has been discussing the need for improved HACCP System Validation, and the agency has published considerable information on the topic.