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
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses Canada’s new soil health strategy, its implications for producers, and its potential to support sustainable agriculture in Canada compared to USDA funding for conservation.
White House hosts “Celebration of Agriculture” as Trump administration signals new farmer support, including potential tax breaks and upcoming renewable fuel policy updates.
AFBF Economist Danny Munch breaks down a new Farm Bureau analysis showing that producers now earn less than 6 cents of every food dollar, as farm input costs continue to squeeze margins.
Productivity gains are supporting supply despite limited herd expansion.
The Biden Administration launched the Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access (ILCMA) program in 2023 to help underserved farmers facing barriers to land ownership.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer provided guidance on navigating the R&D tax credit, emphasizing record-keeping, eligibility, and maximizing potential savings as crop margins remain the key pressure point for farmers.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The $221 million will help farmers and ranchers cover losses from Hurricane Helene that USDA programs didn’t cover. They’ll focus on infrastructure, markets, timber, and future economic losses.
The Tennessee State Fair features a variety of attractions, including rides, tasty foods, and dozens of agricultural competitions to enter and win. But what goes into picking achievements in each category?
Tom Peterson with the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association says taxpayers are “unfortunate casualties” of this overlay now that the Mexican wolf population is stable under ESA guidelines.
Co-Bank Lead Dairy Economist, Corey Geiger, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report for a further look at the drop in replacement heifers and the trend’s longterm impact on dairy producers and cattle prices.
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.