Pork producers are raising concerns over potential federal guidelines from the MAHA Commission that could classify certain foods as “ultra-processed,” a designation they say may unfairly impact popular pork products.
The Missouri Pork Association warns that the proposed definition focuses heavily on processing level rather than nutritional value, which could place products such as sausage and certain bacon products in a challenging regulatory category.
“Under that definition, sausages, possibly even some bacons, could end up in the ultra-processed category,” said Hays with the Missouri Pork Association. “That’s where we start to have a problem. When you don’t consider the nutritional value and only talk about the amount of processing, you’re leaving a lot of important information out.”
Hays says the concern extends well beyond how pork products are labeled on grocery store shelves. Processing, he notes, has long been used to improve food safety and extend shelf life, practices the industry considers essential.
“We’ve used processing for years for food safety reasons and for shelf-life reasons, and we need to continue that,” Hays said. “What some folks don’t realize is that the MAHA movement could dig back into animal feeds. So we have some concerns there.”
While no final decision has been made on how “ultra-processed” foods will ultimately be defined, the pork industry says it is closely monitoring the issue and actively engaging with federal agencies as discussions continue.
Industry leaders say they hope policymakers will consider both nutritional value and long-standing food safety practices as any new guidelines are developed.
Livestock profits are propping up overall sentiment, but crop producers remain cautious amid tight margins and uncertain policy signals.
November 04, 2025 01:45 PM
·
Farmers for Free Trade Executive Director Brian Kuehl shares more about the tour to gather farmers’ insights on the economic challenges they face in the ag economy.
November 04, 2025 01:15 PM
·
Wheat futures briefly hit a three-month high before retreating as the markets wait for word on whether the deal will actually happen.
November 04, 2025 12:19 PM
·
Expect modest relief on several produce lines, mixed protein trends into holiday buying, and softer veg-oil costs — a good week to sharpen forward buys selectively.
November 04, 2025 11:29 AM
·
USDA will meet part of November SNAP benefits under court direction, citing insufficient funds for full payments.
November 04, 2025 10:20 AM
·
Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses ways families can approach changes in aging loved ones over the holiday season and manage care with compassion and empathy.
November 03, 2025 01:24 PM
·
Laramie Sandquist discusses Nationwide Agribusiness’s commitment to grain bin safety initiatives, including providing life-saving equipment and training to fire departments across the country.
November 03, 2025 01:13 PM
·
The WASDE/Crop Production combo will be the first full read on supply, demand, and yield that could move basis and hedging plans since the government shutdown more than a month ago.
November 03, 2025 09:34 AM
·
China’s grain expansion model may be hitting its limit. Lower prices, high rents, and policy fatigue threaten future output — with ripple effects across global feed and oilseed markets.
November 02, 2025 05:06 AM
·
