Closer Look at AMI Lawsuit Reveals Long List of Complaints

The heart of the AMI lawsuit against the USDA and APHIS is based on the contention that the agencies have relied on standards set by OIE. - Posted 12/31/04 by JBW

Notice 61-04  Listeria monocytogenes Risk-Based Verification Testing Program

New Listeria monocytogenes risk-based verification testing program, RTE001, for the sampling of only post-lethality exposed ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products. - Posted 12/30/04 by JBW

Notice 60-04, FSIS Domestic Sample Collection Forms for Meat and Poultry Products

Various official FSIS forms to identify samples and request laboratory analyses.

AMI Launches Suit Against USDA, Calls Ban On Older Cattle 'Capricious'

AMI has filed a lawsuit demanding an end to the ban on the importation from Canada of cattle 30 months of age or older. - Posted 12/30/04 by JBW

Possible New BSE Case In Canada

A downer animal in Canada has tested positive several times for BSE; definitive test results will not be available for three to five days. - Posted 12/30/04 by JBW

Not Enough and Too Much:  Industry Reacts To Canadian Border Rule Change

USDA's decision to adopt a final rule reopening the Canadian border to live Canadian cattle seems to have made no one happy. - Posted 12/30/04 by JBW

FSIS Offers New Scenario Addressing Humane Ritual Slaughter

A new Humane Interactive Knowledge Exchange (HIKE) scenario designed to improve in-plant humane handling and slaughter procedures is now available online. - Posted 12/30/04 by JBW

 

HIKE Scenario 01-04

USDA Reopens Canadian Border To Live Cattle Imports

March 7, 2005, will mark the end of the 19-month-old ban on the importation of live Canadian cattle into the United States. - Posted 12/29/04 by JBW

USDA Releases Rule To Establish Minimal-Risk Regions For Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy

The USDA announced that it is establishing conditions under which it will allow imports of live cattle under 30 months of age and certain other commodities from regions with effective BSE prevention and detection measures. - Posted 12/29/04 by JBW

FSIS Cracks Down on Veal Growth Drug Implants

The USDA/FSIS has issued a warning to slaughterers of young calves to reassess their HACCP system. - Posted 12/29/04 by JBW

  

USDA Press Release

FSIS Issues Notice For HACCP Reassessments At Plants That Slaughter Young Cattle

Low-Carb Diet Popularity Trending Down

Recent research indicates the low-carbohydrate diet craze is on the decline. - Posted 12/22/04 by JBW

FDA To Conduct Consumer Food-Safety Survey

FDA and the DHHS will conduct a 2005 Food-Safety Survey to collect information about consumers' food-safety awareness, knowledge, concerns and practices. - Posted 12/22/04 by JBW

E.U. BSE Update

Europe reports a total of 767 cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in 2004. - Posted 12/22/04 by JBW

More Talks

Japan says addition discussion is needed before it opens its market to U.S. beef. - Posted 12/21/04 by JBW

Canada Denies Adulterated Feed Poses BSE Risk

Canada's chief veterinarian told reporters that the risk of the feed causing bovine spongiform encephalopathy is extremely low. - Posted 12/20/04 by JBW

FSIS Uniform Compliance Date For New Food Labeling Regulations

FSIS has established a uniform compliance date in order to minimize the economic impact of labeling changes. - Posted 12/17/04 by JBW

Feed samples tested by the Canadian government labeled vegetable-only had undeclared animal content. - Posted 12/17/04 by JBW

FDA Criticized For 'Loopholes' In BSE Feed Ban

FDA criticized for its failure to tighten animal feed rules to prevent future cases of BSE in the United States. - Posted 12/16/04 by JBW

Sausage Maker Sentenced

Stuart Alexander, found guilty for murdering meat inspectors earlier this year, is sentenced to death. - Posted 12/15/04 by JBW

Wild Horse Meat

Long considered by U.S. ranchers as pests, certain wild horses can be sold for slaughter. - Posted 12/14/04 by JBW

United States Will Offer Grading System To Verify Cattle Age To Japan

The USDA has nearly finished its 45-day study and will submit a proposal to Japanese agriculture authorities for a new approach to verifying the age of cattle. - Posted 12/14/04 by JBW

Feed Law Changes

Canada proposes banning specified-risk material from livestock feed. - Posted 12/13/04 by JBW

Trade Plan

The U.S. will outline its beef-testing method as part of the plan to resume exports to Japan. - Posted 12/13/04 by JBW

COMMENTARY:  U.S. Food Supply is the Safest in the World

Commentary regarding former Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson's comment about the vulnerability of our food supply. - Posted 12/13/04 by JBW

Bush Administration Defends Beef Checkoff

A Bush administration attorney defended the beef checkoff program as "government speech," not subject to the First Amendment. - Posted 12/10/04 by JBW

IKE Scenario Regarding Verification Of Listeria Control For RTE Products Is Available Online

A new Interactive Knowledge Exchange (IKE) Scenario has been issued that illustrates the updated information for the interim final rule for Listeria monocytogenes control for ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products. - Posted 12/9/04 by JBW

FDA Issues Final Rule on the Establishment and Maintenance of Records to Enhance the Security of the U.S. Food Supply

The FDA issued a record-keeping rule meant to protect the U.S. food supply in the event of a credible threat to the health of humans and animals. - Posted 12/9/04 by JBW

Interstate Shipment Is Not Just A Meat Processing Issue

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments this month regarding interstate shipment and the direct marketing of wine. - Posted 12/9/04 by JBW

Kosher Community Responds To PETA Slaughterhouse Videotape

A group of rabbis and certifying agencies defend the humaneness of the kosher process. - Posted 12/9/04 by JBW

Raw Talent:  America's Ham Artisans Take On Europe's Masters

International Hotel and Motel Restaurant Trade Show exhibit on air dried hams/different styles. - Posted 12/8/04 by JBW

Jamaica Lifts Ban On U.S. Beef Products

The USDA announced that the Jamaican Ministry of Agriculture has lifted its ban on U.S. beef products. - Posted 12/7/04 by JBW

FDA Releases Final Food Bioterrorism Rule

The FDA issued a record-keeping rule meant to protect the U.S. food supply. - Posted 12/7/04 by JBW

Thompson Warns Of Possible Attack On Food Supply

Thompson said "I cannot understand why the terrorists have not attacked our food supply, because it is so easy to do." - Posted 12/7/04 by JBW

FSIS Report on Assessing the Effectiveness of the Listeria monocytogenes Interim Final Rule

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) released the report, which outlined the impact of the interim final rule and made recommendations for future actions. - Posted 12/3/04 by JBW

Reaction To Johanns Nomination Mixed

Industry observers seemed to be lukewarm, but not hostile, to the announcement that Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns would replace Ann Veneman as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. - Posted 12/3/04 by JBW

Governor Johanns named as 28th U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

- Posted 12/2/04 by JBW

Britain To Change Rules Regarding Older Cattle

Cattle over 30 months of age will be allowed back in the food chain next year. - Posted 12/2/04 by JBW

FSIS Reversal Regarding Retail Exemption & Wholesale Clarification

- Posted 12/1/04 by JBW

Report Finds Listeria Rule Sparks Major Industry Changes

A report outlining the impact of the interim final rule released for public comment today by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). - Posted 12/1/04 by JBW

WHO: Bird Flu Deadlier Than SARS

A World Health Organization official said the H5N1 strain of avian influenza has potential to unleash a pandemic that could kill up to 50 million people. - Posted 12/1/04 by JBW