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
Read the full press release published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Shaun Haney, Host of RealAg Radio on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147, joined us with his 2026 cattle market outlook and insights on beef prices.
Farmer Bridge Assistance payments provide immediate balance-sheet support heading into 2026, but remain a short-term bridge rather than a substitute for long-term market recovery.
High ownership does not always translate into high output, underscoring the importance of structural differences in understanding state-level farm performance.
Record yields are cushioning production declines, but softer prices underscore the importance of cost control and market timing for vegetable growers.
Cuba remains a small but dependable, cash-only outlet for U.S. grain and food products.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.
The Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas features a competitive steer showcase highlighting top-quality cattle and the accomplishments of driven youth exhibitors.
CoBank Knowledge Exchange’s Jeff Johnston shares the group’s positive perspective on expanding data centers into rural areas and weighs the risks and rewards for those communities.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer discusses how January’s WASDE report could impact ARC and PLC payments and updates on disaster relief programs as farmers navigate a challenging market environment.
Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller joined us to discuss data center expansion, farmland preservation, rural economic impacts, and imminent cattle biosecurity concerns affecting agriculture today.
The Pennsylvania Farm Show continues through Saturday, wrapping up another successful year of celebrating agriculture in the Commonwealth.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.