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.
While the agriculture industry hoped details on proposed “bridge” payments for farmers would be released this week, Ag Secretary Brook Rollins said the USDA is still working with the White House on the finer points.
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