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
“We can easily move this Food for Peace Program over to USDA. It’ll be more efficient, it’ll save taxpayers money, and more of the food will get to the people who need it the most.”
“Such recommendations really lack scientific support to justify this proposal,” according to NPPC
“Make sure the food aid continues”

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Crop producers face tightening credit and lower incomes, while strong cattle markets continue to stabilize finances in livestock-heavy regions.
Supplemental Disaster Relief Program Stage Two will disburse around $16 billion, approved by Congress last year. Sign-ups begin Monday, and producers have until April to return applications.
An outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) first appeared after livestock events in Texas and Arizona, and some horses have already died.
Removing the 40% duty sharply lowers U.S. beef import costs on beef, coffee, fertilizer and fruit, and restores Brazil’s competitiveness during a period of tight domestic supply.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer explains the USDA’s Stage Two Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, including application details, deadlines, and guidance for rural producers.