USDA lays out a five-point plan towards food safety standards

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says USDA is making changes to food safety with a focus on meat and poultry.

“USDA is announcing a five-point food safety plan, which will serve as the department’s road map for an even safer, more robust food supply moving forward. First, we are enhancing microbiological testing and oversight. Number two, equipping our inspectors with advanced tools and training, including new data collection on listeria risk factors and empowering inspectors to spot emerging problems early and prevent outbreaks. We’re also enhancing our training at USDA for these inspectors. Number three, we’re implementing a common-sense strategy to reduce salmonella. We’ve instructed FSIS to launch a new practical approach to salmonella control that focuses on effective and achievable strategies to truly reduce those illnesses. Number four, strengthening state and local partnerships, and finally, number five, empowering inspectors across the USDA,” said Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins.

She adds that USDA will strengthen enforcement to prevent repeat violations and make sure food facilities follow strict safety rules.

Related Stories
Rising government payments are helping offset higher production costs as inflation-adjusted farm income declines.
USDA researchers say the method could also produce healthier males for release in the field.
Stronger mill use is providing a boost for extra-long-staple cotton demand, though overall volumes remain limited.
Lower beef and pork inventories point to tighter supplies, while growing turkey stocks could add pressure heading into fall.
Farm Bureau economist Dr. Faith Parum says year-round E15, higher renewable fuel standards, and expanded trade could boost demand for American agricultural products.
The House also passed a stopgap spending bill to keep the government funded through Dec. 11.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Nothing changes immediately. This is a supplemental proposal, and EPA will accept comments for 30 days after publication in the Federal Register before developing a final rule.
USDA plans to reduce producer surveys while improving how agricultural data is collected and reported.
Rising transportation costs are increasing the price of U.S. corn and soybeans delivered to Japan, adding pressure to export competitiveness.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe have both opposed export taxes on natural resources headed to the United States.
USDA’s Ranchers First Initiative includes new risk management tools, processing programs and efforts to rebuild the American beef herd.