Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins has a new plan to reduce foodborne illnesses. The latest initiative from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) outlines five key areas of focus for the Food Safety and Inspection Service, including enhanced testing, updated training for inspectors, a new approach to Salmonella in poultry, and expanding state partnerships.
Secretary Rollins made the announcement yesterday at the grand opening of a new food safety lab in Missouri, where researchers will do Listeria testing.
The USDA says the new facility will enable more in-person food safety assessments, with Rollins also indicating that the department will collaborate more closely with state safety programs to ensure expectations are met.
A report from the US PIRG Education Fund revealed a 25 percent increase in confirmed foodborne illnesses in 2024, accompanied by a significant rise in severe cases, including hospitalizations and deaths, many of which were associated with outbreaks involving Listeria, Salmonella, or E. coli.
Spring Weather Splits Conditions Across American Farm Country
April 27, 2026 05:34 PM
·
NAAA’s Andrew Moore joins us to discuss the role of ag aircraft in crop protection and emerging concerns surrounding stolen agricultural drones.
April 27, 2026 04:25 PM
·
Dr. Peter Beetham with Cibus joins us to discuss the Supreme Court review of a case about glyphosate use, its potential impact on Bayer and Roundup, farmers who use the products, and the ag industry as a whole.
April 27, 2026 03:18 PM
·
Meredith Petersen joined us to discuss the National Swine Health Strategy, how it was developed through industry collaboration, potential challenges ahead, and its expected benefits for pork producers.
April 27, 2026 03:05 PM
·
K-State researchers advise producers to take action, highlighting that prevention is essential for controlling tick populations as cases spread West.
April 27, 2026 02:48 PM
·
Shaun Haney joined us to discuss rising concerns over farmland ownership in Canada, actions being considered by provinces and farm groups, and the potential impacts of tighter regulations.
April 27, 2026 01:21 PM
·
