U.S. Reps. Lance Gooden, R-Texas, and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., recently introduced legislation to require the U.S. Trade Representative to reinstate mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) for imported beef.

On Oct. 19, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced it will undertake a new approach to regulating Salmonella in poultry. 

Water is a critical necessity in producing a safe and wholesome source of protein for consumers.

A new piece of legislation was recently introduced in the House of Representatives and the Senate that will be a game changer for small processors. 

Meat processors and food safety inspectors both want the same thing: safe food. However, the relationship between the two entities can be touch-and-go at times. At the best circumstances, state or local governments and small meat plants can work together to develop successful operations that produce quality meat items. 

On Jan. 25, 2021, a coalition of food safety activist groups and individuals led by Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) petitioned the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to significantly change course on its approach to regulating Salmonella and Campylobacter.

There have been several recent events of note that will impact meat and poultry producers and processors. The recent election of President-elect Biden means there will be new leadership at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

Shortly after taking office in January 2017, the current administration followed up on a commitment to control regulatory costs by reducing regulation. 

On June 4, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS, or the agency) published a Federal Register notice, Expansion of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Testing to Additional Raw Beef Products. 

On April 28, 2020, President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order directing the Secretary of Agriculture to make use of the Defense Production Act (DPA) to assist meat and poultry companies in continuing to remain in operation or returning to operation during the COVID-19 pandemic.