Expert Tips For Surviving FSIS Compliance Audits

A FSIS compliance audit can seem like a meat or poultry processor's worst nightmare, but there are ways to make the experience less painful. - Posted 10/31/05 by JBW

Food Defense Workshops Via Web Cast

The USDA's FSIS announces two additional Food Defense workshops via web cast. - Posted 10/28/05 by JBW

Rising Gas Prices Boosting Some Food Sales

Information Resources Inc. has released a report studying the effects of sudden rises in gasoline prices on purchases of packaged goods. - Posted 10/28/05 by JBW

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner outlined USDA efforts to protect the United States against highly transmissible forms of avian influenza. - Posted 10/28/05 by JBW

Experts Offer Tips To Curtail Condensation

Condensation in meat and poultry plants is the enemy of any food safety program, since it increases the risk of bacteria growth and product contamination. - Posted 10/28/05 by JBW

USDA Testing Flocks For Avian Influenza

The monitoring efforts are necessary to stop the spread of the deadly disease, USDA says. - Posted 10/28/05 by JBW

National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection to Hold Public Meeting

USDA's FSIS announced that the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI) will meet Nov. 15 and 16, 2005. - Posted 10/28/05 by JBW

'We're From The Government...And We're Here to Listen'

Congressional and media pressure fueled by an outcry from small and very small plant operators in Montana helped foment a decision by top federal meat and poultry inspection officials to go to that state for three days of "listening" to operator problems and complaints.  At those sessions, FSIS officials agreed to answer all questions on the spot or through follow-up communications. - Posted 10/26/05 by JMB

Electric Utility Rates Increase Up To 77%

Rates for electricity in Massachusetts are set to go up from 41% to 77% today.  AAMP members in that state who act by October 31 may be able to reduce their electrical costs by contacting APPI, our member benefit and approved energy and utility consultants.  Call APPI at 800-520-6685 or click on above link. - Posted 10/26/05 by JMB

Effectiveness Of Antibacterial Soap Questioned

Government agency investigates claims on antibacterial soaps, some of which are used in meat and food processing plants. - Posted 10/21/05 by JBW

Investigators: Open Gas Valve Led To Triumph Explosion

Investigators blame an open gas valve in the kitchen area for an explosion that killed one and injured 14. - Posted 10/21/05 by JBW

Worker Injury Potential High, Study Finds

Researchers report that poultry processing plant workers have a high rate of work-related injuries. - Posted 10/21/05 by JBW

Johanns Names Link GIPSA Administrator

USDA Secretary Mike Johanns has appointed James Link as administrator of USDA's Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration. - Posted 10/20/05 by JBW

Pork Group Announces Four New Pork Cuts

The National Pork Board introduces four new value cuts to boost pork production. - Posted 10/19/05 by JBW

Avian Influenza Confirmed In Greece

The first case of avian influenza in the European Union raises concerns among governments and consumers. - Posted 10/17/05 by JBW

U.S. Pledges Money To Help Indonesia Fight Bird Flu

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt on Monday promised $3.15 million (USD). - Posted 10/17/05 by JBW

Ninth Circuit Turns Down R-CALF Appeal

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals refused to reconsider its decision to void a lower court's temporary injunction and reopen the Canadian border to live cattle. - Posted 10/17/05 by JBW

Tons Of Poultry Lost In Hurricane

A New Orleans cold-storage warehouse disposes of 20 million pounds of rotting chicken due to Hurricane Katrina-related power loss. - Posted 10/14/05 by JBW

FSIS/FDA Guidelines for Retail and Foodservice Establishments Affected by Natural or Other Disasters

These guidelines provide emergency action, food safety information and recommendations to retail food establishments that are forced to shut down due to natural or other disasters. - Posted 10/14/05 by JBW

Gas Leak Suspected In Triumph Foods Explosion

A worker lighting a welding torch is the presumed cause of the explosion that destroyed part of a Triumph Foods pork processing plant in St. Joseph, MO. - Posted 10/14/05 by JBW

Russia To Cull 460,000 Poultry To Fight Avian Flu

Russia's veterinary service has announced plans to destroy 460,000 fowl in an attempt to wipe out the deadly avian flu virus that has erupted in parts of Siberia. - Posted 10/12/05 by JBW

Senators Call For Trade Sanctions Against Japan

U.S. officials and lawmakers are stepping up pressure on Japan to reopen its border to U.S. beef. - Posted 10/10/05 by AHB

Poultry Industry Ready for AI

Safeguards are in place in the U.S. to stet the spread of a future deadly avian influenza pandemic. - Posted 10/10/05 by AHB

Pork Board Introduces Value Cuts, Beef Board Has New Veal Products

The National Pork Board will promote four new value pork cuts to foodservice operators this year and the Beef Checkoff Program has recently undertaken a new veal promotion. - Posted 10/6/05 by AHB

Japanese Government Says "Outlook Bright" For Resumed Beef Imports

The report delivered by the independent Food Safety Commission called the risk of U.S. beef carrying BSE in Japan extremely low if all import safeguards are followed, meaning favorable conditions for resuming imports in the near future. - Posted 10/6/05 by AHB

E. coli Outbreak Raises Questions About Bagged Salad

A national alert to throw away salad mixes linked to an E. coli outbreak in the Midwest has raised questions about the safety of the popular convenience product. - Posted 10/5/05 by JBW

FDA Sets Proposed Feed Ban Extension

The FDA will publish an expansion on its ruminant-to-ruminant feed ban, making it illegal to include some cattle parts in feed meant for animals other than cattle. - Posted 10/5/05 by JBW

FDA Proposes Additional ''Mad Cow'' Safeguards

FDA today announced new measures to help further protect consumers against the agent thought to cause BSE. - Posted 10/4/05 by JBW

USDA Provides Instant Access to Market News

The USDA's new market news/Web portal is online and providing instant, real-time access to daily and historical reports on agricultural commodities. - Posted 10/4/05 by JBW

Crawford Resignation May Delay Feed Ban Changes, Cloned Beef Decision

Two issues that were moving toward resolution early this fall may have been sidetracked by the unexpected resignation of Lester Crawford. - Posted 10/4/05 by JBW

Ruling On R-CALF Retrial Expected This Week

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals should decide this week whether to rehear the R-CALF case. - Posted 10/3/05 by JBW