Items Tagged with 'Food Safety and Inspection Service'

USDA is relying heavily on outside groups and federal retirees to help farmers use the billions of dollars in new conservation funding for climate-smart practices. Based on data provided to Agri-Pulse under the Freedom of Information Act, the Natural Resources Conservation Service now employs about 5,000 people a year who work for partner organizations. 

The Natural Resources Conservation Service is up to 11,709 full-time staff, a level not seen in over a decade, amid its efforts to roll out $19.5 billion in additional conservation funding provided through the Inflation Reduction Act.

Several farm groups, led by the International Fresh Produce Association, filed a lawsuit Tuesday evening against the Department of Labor’s H-2A rule finalized in April.

Parts of Georgia, the Carolinas and Tennessee are experiencing devastating crop and farm damage from Hurricane Helene, which touched land on Florida’s panhandle Thursday.

The National Chicken Council has asked USDA for an extended comment period for the agency’s proposed salmonella framework for raw poultry products. 

Boar’s Head announced Friday it plans to indefinitely close its Jarratt, Virginia plant, which produced deli meat linked to a deadly listeria outbreak. 

Records show USDA inspectors found about 92 instances of noncompliance between Jan. 1, 2022 and Aug. 1, 2023 at the Boar’s Head Jarratt, Virginia plant now associated with a major listeria outbreak that has left nine dead.  

USDA inspectors found mold, a “rancid smell,” rusted equipment and insects at a Boar’s Head facility now associated with a major listeria outbreak that has resulted in nine deaths, according to agency records.

USDA has updated its guidance on validating animal-raising and environment-related claims on meat and poultry labeling in response to criticism that companies were making claims without backing them up.

President Joe Biden will address the Democratic National Convention tonight to help kick off what the Democrats hope will be an important step toward retaining control of the White House – and both chambers of Congress.