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News Articles Archives

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• Nov 5, 2018 FDA Issues Two Guidance Documents on Nutrition Facts Label Issues The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week issued one final and one draft guidance on topics related to two final rules updating the Nutrition Facts label.    more...  
• Nov 4, 2018 FDA Announces Plant and Animal Biotechnology Innovation Action Plan The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) detailed steps the agency will take through 2020 to promote innovation in plant and animal biotechnology applications.    more...  
• Nov 2, 2018 FDA Seeks Input on Sesame Allergies and Food Labeling The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is requesting information regarding the prevalence and severity of sesame allergies in the U.S. to inform possible regulatory action that would require sesame to be labeled as an allergen on packaged foods.    more...  
• Oct 31, 2018 NHDSC and Beef Checkoff Promote New, Trendy Recipes for National Bologna Day The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC) celebrated National Bologna Day, October 24, in partnership with the Beef Checkoff, showcasing bologna's classic deliciousness with innovative, new chef-developed recipes that show how trendy bologna can be.    more...  
• Oct 30, 2018 USDA Lifts Restrictions on Certain Pork Imports from Poland The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) lifted restrictions on some fresh and frozen pork imports from Poland that were instituted October 18, 2018, due to potential risk from African Swine Fever (ASF).    more...  
• Oct 29, 2018 2020 DGAC Charter Filed USDA last week filed with Congress the charter for the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC or Committee), as required by the Federal Advisory Committee Act.    more...  
• Oct 29, 2018 U.S., EU Begin Informal Trade Talks; EU Commission Approves U.S. Beef Quota Negotiations U.S. and European Union (EU) negotiators met let week in Washington, DC, to begin consultations ahead of formal transatlantic trade talks. The preliminary discussions focused on regulatory issues and other topics that could be part of future trade negotiations.    more...  
• Oct 26, 2018 Meat Institute Testifies at Cell-based Meat Public Meeting The Meat Institute last week participated in a public meeting hosted jointly by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the use of cell-culture technology to develop products derived from livestock and poultry. In oral testimony , Senior...    more...  
• Oct 26, 2018 Meat Institute and NHDSC Win Thoth Award for 2017 Bologna Day Efforts The Meat Institute and National Hot Dog and Sausage Council won a Public Relations Society of America National Capital Chapter Thoth Award for the 2017 National Bologna Day campaign.    more...  
• Oct 25, 2018 Trump Administration Announces Intent to Negotiate Trade Agreements with Japan, EU and UK U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer last week notified Congress that the Trump Administration intends to negotiate three separate trade agreements with Japan, the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK).    more...  
• Oct 24, 2018 Frank Yiannas to replace Ostroff at FDA Frank Yiannas, Walmart’s vice president for food safety, will replace retiring Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Deputy Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine Stephen Ostroff.    more...  
• Oct 24, 2018 Administration Launches Food Waste Initiative USDA, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration last week signed a joint agency agreement launching the “Winning on Reducing Food Waste” initiative, which aims to improve coordination and communication across federal agencies to better educate Americans on the...    more...  
• Oct 23, 2018 Administration Releases Fall 2018 Unified Agenda Detailing Federal Regulatory Actions and Priorities The Administration issued the Fall 2018 Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions (Unified Agenda), a semiannual update that provides uniform reporting of data on regulatory and deregulatory activities under development throughout the federal government.    more...  
• Oct 23, 2018 FDA Announces Webinar to Help Food Facilities with 2018 Biennial Registration Renewal Period The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will hold a webinar October 25 at 1 p.m. ET to provide food facility registrants with information regarding the 2018 Biennial Registration Renewal, which began October 1.    more...  
• Oct 23, 2018 Trade Data Through August 2018 Now Available The latest Trade and Market Statistics Report released by USDA and compiled by the Meat Institute presenting data through August 31, 2018, is now available.    more...  
• Oct 22, 2018 Meat Institute and Beef Checkoff Connect with Dietitians at FNCE The Meat Institute, in partnership with the Beef Checkoff, is exhibiting at the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) in Washington, DC this week.    more...  
• Oct 19, 2018 Circuit Court Decision Clarifies OSHA Inspection Authority The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit recently ruled recorded injuries and illnesses do not justify the issuance of an administrative warrant for evidence of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violations.    more...  
• Oct 19, 2018 House, Senate Lawmakers Urge Expanded China Tariff Exclusion Process A bipartisan group of House lawmakers, led by Reps. Jackie Walorski (R-IN) and Ron Kind (D-WI), sent a letter urging U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer to establish a process to allow U.S. companies to request an exclusion from tariffs recently imposed on $200 billion worth of...    more...  
• Oct 17, 2018 NAMI Scholarship Foundation Announces 2018-2019 Award Winners The NAMI Scholarship Foundation last week announced the recipients of its 2018-2019 undergraduate scholarship awards. Eleven high-performing undergraduate students received a combined total of $55,000 to pursue degrees in animal, meat and food science, and in culinary arts.    more...  
• Oct 17, 2018 Registration, Housing and Exhibit Sales Now Open for 2019 Annual Meat Conference Registration, housing and exhibit sales are now open for the 2019 Annual Meat Conference (AMC), hosted jointly by the Meat Institute and the Food Marketing Institute.    more...  
• Oct 16, 2018 Article Describes Latest on U.S. Agricultural Trade Landscape A piece published in AgWeb details recent developments in agricultural trade policy. The article discusses the ongoing U.S.-China trade dispute and explains specifics concerning USDA’s Trade Mitigation Program, which began accepting sign-ups and distributing payments September 4 to producers...    more...  
• Oct 15, 2018 Meat Institute Releases 2017 Meat & Poultry Facts The Meat Institute last week released the 2017 edition of the Meat & Poultry Facts, the livestock and meat industry's leading statistical book.    more...  
• Oct 15, 2018 Meat Institute Submits Comments on FDA’s Nutrition Innovation Strategy The Meat Institute submitted comments in response to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Nutrition Innovation Strategy (Strategy). According to FDA, the Strategy would promote public health through improved nutrition and would encourage industry innovation to create healthier products that...    more...  
• Oct 14, 2018 CCFN Details GI Progress in USMCA The Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN), to which the Meat Institute belongs, cited progress made in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) regarding geographical indications (GI) policy and the protection of common food names.    more...  
• Oct 12, 2018 New Background Check Requirements Take Effect Effective September 21, 2018, employers who use third-party vendors to obtain background checks must utilize an updated version of the “Summary of Your Rights” disclosure, as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).    more...  
• Oct 11, 2018 Article Details State and Local Employment Law Developments A new article published by Faegre Baker Daniels summarizes recent and upcoming state and local employment law developments.    more...  
• Oct 10, 2018 Registration, Housing and Exhibit Sales Now Open for 2019 Annual Meat Conference Registration, housing and exhibit sales are now open for the 2019 Annual Meat Conference (AMC), hosted jointly by the Meat Institute and the Food Marketing Institute.    more...  
• Oct 9, 2018 USTR Details Benefits of U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement for U.S. Agriculture The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) issued a fact sheet detailing the benefits of the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for U.S. agriculture.    more...  
• Oct 8, 2018 Meat Institute Holds Fall Forum, Board of Directors and Annual Meeting; Elects New Officers Meat Institute members convened last week in Washington, DC, for the association’s Fall Forum , Board of Directors Meeting and Annual Meeting. The Fall Forum was held in conjunction with the Canadian Meat Council and ComeCarne Board of Directors meetings.    more...  
• Oct 8, 2018 Meat Institute Submits Comments Regarding Proposed Elimination of Livestock Carcass Marking Requirements The Meat Institute submitted comments to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) in support of the agency’s proposal to remove the requirement for establishments to mark carcasses as “U.S. Inspected and Passed” if they are fabricated in the same establishment.    more...  
• Oct 6, 2018 Meat Institute Submits Comments Regarding 2020 DGAC Nomination Process The Meat Institute submitted comments regarding the recently issued request for nominations for the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC).    more...  
• Oct 5, 2018 North American Meat Institute Elects New Officers at Annual Meeting Washington, DC – The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) elected the six new officers who will guide the organization in the next year. The officers were selected during the Meat Institute’s Annual Meeting, held October 5 in Washington, DC.    more...  
• Sep 12, 2018 Multi-Industry Coalition Urges USTR to Avoid Further Trade Escalation with China The Meat Institute joined 150 organizations in comments submitted to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer expressing opposition to proposed tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports to the U.S., warning against the detrimental impacts of further escalating trade tensions with China.    more...  
• Sep 12, 2018 USDA, HHS Seek DGAC Nominations, Announce DGA Topics and Scientific Questions USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a request for nominations for the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC).    more...  
• Sep 12, 2018 Worker Safety Award Applications Now Open The Meat Institute is now accepting applications for its Worker Safety Awards Program. The application period will close September 28. The awards recognize meat and poultry plants that have achieved high levels of workplace safety performance as part of the industry's continuing effort to reduce...    more...  
• Sep 11, 2018 Meat Institute Signs Multi-association Letter in Support of Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Act The Meat Institute signed a multi-association letter urging the House of Representatives to pass expeditiously the Senate-approved version of the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) Act of 2018.    more...  
• Sep 11, 2018 ILA Approves Contract Extension with USMX The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) last week announced that members unanimously approved a six-year extension of its contract with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX).    more...  
• Sep 10, 2018 USDA, FDA to Hold Joint Public Meeting on the Use of Cell Culture Technology The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will host a joint public meeting October 23-24, 2018, to discuss the use of cell culture technology to develop products derived from livestock and poultry.    more...  
• Sep 10, 2018 New Glass Walls Video Highlights Worker Safety in the Meat and Poultry Industry The Meat Institute released its newest Glass Walls video , "Worker Safety in the Meat and Poultry Industry."    more...  
• Sep 10, 2018 FSIS Issues Notice Requiring Salmonella Testing for Imported Beef Products Sampled for STEC The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) reissued a notice requiring Salmonella analysis for imported beef products sampled for Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli (STEC).    more...  
• Sep 7, 2018 Animal Handling Conference to Offer Session Covering Lessons Learned from Activist Activities Michelle Pardo, partner, Duane Morris LLP, and Cindy Buckmaster, Ph.D., director, Center for Comparative Medicine and associate professor, molecular physiology and biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, will lead a session about current tactics animal welfare activists are using and best...    more...  
• Sep 6, 2018 Animal Handling Conference Attendees Qualify for PAACO Continuing Education Credits Attendees to the Meat Institute's annual Animal Care and Handling Conference for the Food Industry , October 18-19, 2018, in Kansas City, Missouri, qualify for Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization (PAACO) continuing education credits.    more...  
• Sep 6, 2018 Lot and Line Segregation and Product Testing Session to be Held at Listeria Conference Susan Usjak, sanitary design specialist at Maple Leaf Foods, and Matt Henderson, director of food safety at Land O’Frost, Inc., will discuss how to respond in the event a plant tests positive for Listeria monocytogenes at the Meat Institute’s upcoming Advanced Listeria monocytogenes...    more...  
• Sep 5, 2018 Lamb Glass Walls Video Featured on YouTube Homepage The Meat Institute’s Lamb Glass Walls video featuring Temple Grandin was recently highlighted on YouTube’s homepage.    more...  
• Sep 4, 2018 First Farm Bill Conference Meeting Set for September 5; Appropriations Deadline Nearing Congress is back in session today following district and state work periods. The first Farm Bill conference committee meeting will take place this Wednesday, September 5. Nine senators and 47 House lawmakers will participate.    more...  
• Sep 4, 2018 NIFA Seeks Input on Food, Agriculture Priorities The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is requesting input on the emerging needs and opportunities in food and agricultural sciences through the “NIFA Listens: Investing in Science to Transform Lives” initiative.    more...  
• Sep 3, 2018 USDA Announces Details Regarding Program to Assist Farmers, Agricultural Producers Impacted by Trade Retaliation USDA last week announced details about its $12 billion plan to assist farmers and agricultural producers affected by retaliatory trade actions resulting from U.S. tariffs on foreign imports.    more...  
• Sep 3, 2018 APHIS Concurs With OIE BSE Risk Designation for Four Regions The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced that it concurs with the World Organization for Animal Health's (OIE) bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) risk designations for four regions. APHIS recognized Croatia, Poland, Northern Ireland and Scotland as regions of...    more...  
• Aug 30, 2018 Regional Regulatory Reform Roundtables Announced for New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania The Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Advocacy announced it will convene regional regulatory reform roundtables next month in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.    more...  
• Aug 30, 2018 Animal Handling Conference Attendees Qualify for PAACO Continuing Education Credits Attendees to the Meat Institute's annual Animal Care and Handling Conference for the Food Industry , October 18-19, 2018, in Kansas City, Missouri, qualify for Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization (PAACO) continuing education credits.    more...  
• Aug 29, 2018 FDA Issues Guidance Documents on Food Facility Registration The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued two guidance documents to help food facilities meet their registration requirements under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.    more...  
• Aug 28, 2018 Department of Transportation Seeks Comments on Hours-of-Service Regulations The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is requesting public comments to r evise four specific areas of the current hours-of-service (HOS) regulations, which limit the operating hours of commercial truck drivers.    more...  
• Aug 28, 2018 China Tariff Hearings Wrap Up, Additional Tariffs Take Effect The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) last week held hearings on a proposed list of $200 billion in Chinese imports that could face tariffs as high as 25 percent.    more...  
• Aug 24, 2018 FDA Extends Comment Period for Multi-Year Nutrition Innovation Strategy The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) extended the deadline to October 11, 2018, to receive public comments on its Nutrition Innovation Strategy . Comments were originally due August 27.    more...  
• Aug 24, 2018 First Farm Bill Conference Meeting Set for September 5; Appropriations, Farm Bill Discussions Remain Ongoing The first Farm Bill conference committee meeting will take place September 5. Nine senators and 47 House lawmakers will participate.    more...  
• Aug 23, 2018 Hands-on Demonstrations and Best Practice Sessions to be Featured at Listeria Workshop The Meat Institute’s Advanced Listeria monocytogenes Intervention and Control Workshop , October 23-24, 2018, in Kansas City, Missouri, will feature several best practice sessions and hands-on demonstrations.    more...  
• Aug 23, 2018 Trade Data Through June 2018 Now Available The latest Trade and Market Statistics Report released by USDA and compiled by the Meat Institute presenting data through June 30, 2018, is now available.    more...  
• Aug 23, 2018 USDA Requests Comments on New Locations for ERS, NIFA USDA is seeking expressions of interests from state and local governments, industry, academia and other interested parties regarding potential new locations for the Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).    more...  
• Aug 23, 2018 Meat Institute, Memphis Meats Tell White House Both FDA and USDA have Roles in Regulating Cell-based Meat and Poultry Products. The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) and Memphis Meats today co-signed a letter to President Donald Trump asking the Administration to clarify the regulatory framework for cell-based meat and poultry products.    more...  
• Aug 22, 2018 Meat Institute Joins Multi-Association Letter Advocating for a National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program The Meat Institute joined more than 100 organizations representing animal agriculture in urging Senate Farm Bill conferees to fully fund a National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program.    more...  
• Aug 22, 2018 AMS Will Not Proceed With Revisions to Pork Carcass Standards The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will not proceed with proposed revisions to the U.S. Standards for Grades of Pork Carcasses.    more...  
• Aug 22, 2018 USDA Names Dave Tuckwiller Deputy Administrator for Commodity Procurement Program USDA last week named Dave Tuckwiller deputy administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Commodity Procurement Program.    more...  
• Aug 21, 2018 ILA Members to Vote on Contract Next Month Members of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) will vote next month on whether to approve the new six-year contract between ILA and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), according to an update from American Shipper.    more...  
• Aug 21, 2018 More China Tariff Hearings Convene This Week; Additional Tariffs Take Effect The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is holding hearings this week regarding a proposed list of $200 billion in Chinese imports that could face tariffs as high as 25 percent.    more...  
• Aug 21, 2018 Appropriations, Farm Bill Discussions Remain Ongoing as Congress Continues District and State Work Periods The House of Representatives is out of session for a district work period throughout August.    more...  
• Aug 21, 2018 FSIS Extends Comment Period on ‘Product of U.S.A.’ Petition The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) extended the deadline until September 17, 2018, to receive public comments in response to a petition submitted by the Organization for Competitive Markets and the American Grassfed Association requesting the agency change the “Product of U.S.A.”...    more...  
• Aug 20, 2018 IPPE Announces 30 Under 30 Program Details The International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) announced the seventh annual Young Leaders “30 under 30” program, which targets young professionals who would normally not have the financial resources or opportunity to attend IPPE.    more...  
• Aug 19, 2018 U.S., China to Resume Trade Talks The U.S. and China have agreed to hold additional talks in an effort to stem ongoing trade tensions.    more...  
• Aug 17, 2018 FSIS Issues Notice Detailing Adjusted Dollar Limitations for Retail Exemptions The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced updated dollar limitations on the amount of meat and meat food products, poultry and poultry products that retail stores may sell to hotels, restaurants and similar institutions to qualify for exemption from federal inspection requirements.    more...  
• Aug 16, 2018 2019 IPPE Housing Available for NAMI Processor Members Meat Institute processor members can pre-book hotel reservations for the 2019 International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE), February 12-14, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia.    more...  
• Aug 16, 2018 Meat Institute to Hold Animal Welfare Webinar August 29 The Meat Institute, in partnership with Alchemy Systems, will host a webinar, “Keeping Animal Welfare Top of Mind,” August 29 from 12 – 1 p.m. ET.    more...  
• Aug 15, 2018 USTR Finalizes Second Round of China Tariffs Starting August 23, the U.S. will impose additional 25 percent tariffs on approximately $16 billion worth of Chinese imports, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced.    more...  
• Aug 15, 2018 WHO Seeks to Expand International Use of Whole Genome Sequencing The World Health Organization (WHO) published a landscape paper encouraging all countries to review how whole genome sequencing (WGS) can be used to improve their foodborne disease surveillance and response systems.    more...  
• Aug 15, 2018 Meat Institute, Beef Checkoff Release ‘Beef Up the Lunch Box’ Series Ahead of New School Year The Meat Institute, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, unveiled a new “Beef Up the Lunch Box” series of lunch recipes and menus that incorporate prepared beef favorites like summer sausage, roast beef, pastrami and corned beef into nutritious and delicious recipes that kids will eat and enjoy...    more...  
• Aug 14, 2018 AMS Postpones Annual Meeting for Food Contractors and Suppliers The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Commodity Procurement Program postponed the 2018 annual industry meeting for food contractors and suppliers to implement changes that will provide greater opportunities for feedback and discussion of topics affecting the industry and to complete its merger...    more...  
• Aug 14, 2018 GRSB Issues Statement on Antimicrobial Stewardship The Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB), to which the Meat Institute belongs, released a position statement detailing recommendations to help cattle producers and veterinarians maintain herd health and welfare.    more...  
• Aug 13, 2018 AMS to Hold Webinar Detailing Process to Become a Certified USDA Vendor The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Commodity Procurement Program will host two live, interactive webinars in August addressing the process to receive approval to sell to the USDA Foods program.    more...  
• Aug 13, 2018 USDA Proposes Structural Changes to ERS, NIFA Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced additional changes to USDA’s structure as part of the Administration’s ongoing reorganization efforts. USDA will realign the Economic Research Service (ERS), currently housed under the Research, Education and Economics mission area, with the Office...    more...  
• Aug 12, 2018 Trichinella Final Rule Becomes Effective, FSIS Issues Directive for Inspection Personnel The Food Safety and Inspection Service’s (FSIS) final rule eliminating regulatory requirements for the treatment of pork products to destroy trichinae, ending the Trichinella Approved Laboratory Program and consolidating regulations on thermally processed, commercially sterile meat and poultry...    more...  
• Aug 10, 2018 OSHA Extends Compliance Date for Certain Beryllium Standard Requirements The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) extended the compliance date for certain ancillary requirements of the general industry beryllium standard to December 12, 2018.    more...  
• Aug 9, 2018 Industry Best Practices to be Shared at Beef Safety Conference A number of sessions discussing industry best practices will be offered at the Meat Institute's Pathogen Control and Regulatory Compliance in Beef Processing Conference , September 5-6, 2018, in Rosemont, Illinois.    more...  
• Aug 8, 2018 Senate Passes Agricultural Appropriations Bill The Senate last week voted 92-6 in favor of a $154.2 billion spending package that combines four appropriations bills for federal programs in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019. The package includes funding for USDA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).    more...  
• Aug 8, 2018 President Trump Requests Increase in Tariffs on Chinese Imports to U.S., China Promises Retaliation President Donald Trump last week directed his administration to increase proposed tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports to the U.S. from 10 percent to 25 percent.    more...  
• Aug 8, 2018 Poll Shows Few Americans are Vegetarian, Vegan The number of Americans who self-identify as vegetarian or vegan has remained steady over the past 20 years with five percent of Americans identifying as vegetarian and three percent as vegan, according to a recent Gallup poll.    more...  
• Aug 7, 2018 FSIS Issues Export Certification Directive The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a directive instructing inspection program personnel (IPP) about export certification requirements for meat and poultry products.    more...  
• Aug 7, 2018 Senate Votes to Proceed to Farm Bill Conference Committee The Senate last week agreed by voice vote to go to conference with the House of Representatives to negotiate the Farm Bill before the current legislation expires September 30, 2018.    more...  
• Aug 7, 2018 Chamber of Commerce Projects Cost of Tariff Bailout The total cost of an aid package to provide support to U.S. farmers, producers, manufacturers and others affected by U.S. tariffs and retaliatory measures could reach $39 billion, according to an analysis by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.    more...  
• Aug 6, 2018 FSIS Announces Availability of Updated Meat and Poultry Hazards and Controls Guide The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) released an updated Meat and Poultry Hazards and Controls Guide (Guide) for inspection program personnel and enforcement investigations and analysis officers.    more...  
• Aug 6, 2018 FDA Requests Comments Regarding Survey on the Occurrence of Foodborne Illness Risk Factors The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is requesting comments on a proposed information collection titled "Survey on the Occurrence of Foodborne Illness Risk Factors in Selected Institutional Foodservice and Retail Food Stores Facility Types."    more...  
• Aug 6, 2018 USMEF Analyzes Estimated Losses to U.S. Beef and Pork Industries from Japanese Trade Agreements The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) published a white paper detailing estimated losses to the U.S. beef and pork industries resulting from Japan's implementation of preferential trade agreements with major U.S. competitors.    more...  
• Aug 3, 2018 Industry Best Practices to be Shared at Beef Safety Conference. A number of sessions discussing industry best practices will be offered at the Meat Institute's Pathogen Control and Regulatory Compliance in Beef Processing Conference , September 5-6, 2018, in Rosemont, Illinois.    more...  
• Aug 2, 2018 USTR Holds Public Hearings on Proposed Section 301 Tariff List The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) held public hearings July 24-25 regarding proposed tariffs on approximately $16 billion worth of Chinese imports to the U.S. stemming from its Section 301 investigation into China’s industrial and intellectual property policies.    more...  
• Aug 2, 2018 Registration for Listeria Conference Now Open Registration is now open for the Meat Institute’s Advanced Listeria monocytogenes Intervention and Control Workshop , October 23-24, 2018, in Kansas City, Missouri.    more...  
• Aug 1, 2018 U.S., EU Agree to Halt New Tariffs, Hold Trade Deal Talks President Donald Trump and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker agreed to hold off imposing new tariffs and to launch trade negotiations aimed at reducing industrial tariffs, subsides and non-tariff barriers.    more...  
• Aug 1, 2018 U.S., Mexico Could Reach NAFTA Deal by End of August The U.S. and Mexico last week agreed to accelerate negotiations to revise the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), setting a goal to conclude talks by the end of August.    more...  
• Aug 1, 2018 USDA Requests Membership Applications for National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education and Economics Advisory Board USDA is soliciting nominations to fill vacancies on the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education and Economics Advisory Board and its subcommittees.    more...  
• Aug 1, 2018 FDA Announces New Efforts to Advance Antimicrobial Stewardship in Veterinary Settings The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will soon implement a new five-year blueprint to advance antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary settings in an effort to reduce overuse of antimicrobial drugs and combat the rising threat of resistance, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said in a statement.    more...  
• Jul 31, 2018 FSIS Proposes Amending Official Inspection Legend Requirements for Livestock Carcasses in Certain Circumstances The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to amend the federal meat inspection regulations to eliminate the requirement that livestock carcasses be marked with the official inspection legend at the time of inspection in a slaughter establishment, if the carcasses are to be...    more...  
• Jul 31, 2018 OSHA Issues Proposed Rule to Revise Injury and Illness Reporting Regulation The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a proposed rule that would amend its recordkeeping regulation by rescinding the requirement for establishments with 250 or more employees to electronically submit information from OSHA Forms 300 and 301.    more...  
• Jul 30, 2018 USDA Announces Programs to Assist Farmers, Agricultural Producers Impacted by Trade Retaliation Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue last week announced USDA will provide short-term relief to assist U.S. farmers and agricultural producers affected by retaliatory trade actions resulting from U.S. tariffs on foreign imports.    more...  
• Jul 30, 2018 FSIS Issues Proposed Rule Regarding the Preparation of Uninspected Products Outside Hours of Inspectional Supervision The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to amend the federal meat and poultry products inspection regulations to eliminate prescriptive requirements governing the manufacture of uninspected products, such as pet food, in edible product areas of official establishments.    more...  
• Jul 29, 2018 Barnyard Coalition Calls for USDA Regulation of ‘Cell-Cultured Meat.’ “Cell-cultured protein products that purport to be meat or poultry should be subject to the same comprehensive inspection system that governs other amenable meat and poultry products to ensure they are wholesome and safe for consumption, and to ensure they are labeled and marketed in a manner...    more...  
• Jul 26, 2018 Trade Data Through May 2018 Now Available The latest Trade and Market Statistics Report released by USDA and compiled by the Meat Institute presenting data through May 31, 2018, is now available.    more...  
• Jul 26, 2018 USDA Leadership to Speak at Beef Safety Conference Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Carmen Rottenberg and Assistant Administrator for Policy Roberta Wagnerto will speak about Food Safety and Inspection Service activities and priorities during the Meat Institute's Pathogen Control and Regulatory Compliance in Beef Processing...    more...  
• Jul 25, 2018 KatieRose McCullough Named Foundation’s Senior Science Advisor Meat Institute Director of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs KatieRose McCullough, Ph.D., MPH has been named senior science advisor to the Foundation for Meat and Poultry Research and Education (Foundation).    more...  
• Jul 25, 2018 NHDSC Names Hot Dog Ambassadors As part of its celebration of National Hot Dog Month, the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC) named five regional Hot Dog Ambassadors and several runners-up, dubbed Wiener Warriors, to help lead hot dog celebrations throughout the year. NHDSC crowned Cortney Auter-Wade the Hot Dog...    more...  
• Jul 24, 2018 House Votes to Proceed to Farm Bill Conference Committee The House of Representatives last week voted by unanimous consent to go to conference with the Senate to negotiate the Farm Bill.    more...  
• Jul 24, 2018 House Ways and Means Subcommittee Examines Impact of Tariffs on U.S. Agriculture The House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee last week held a hearing examining the effects of tariffs on U.S. agriculture and rural communities.    more...  
• Jul 24, 2018 Meat Institute Unveils New Resources for Employees Whose Workplaces Restrict Meat Consumption The Meat Institute last week debuted a new website, IChooseMeat.com, to assist those whose offices are restricting access to meat in the workplace. Among the new and humorous resources are helpful lists including “Top Ten Ways to Sneak Meat Into the Office” and “Best Excuses to Get Out of...    more...  
• Jul 23, 2018 Meat Institute’s Annual Hot Dog Lunch Hits Grand Slam on Capitol Hill More than 1,000 lawmakers, congressional staff, meat industry representatives and members of the media last week attended the Meat Institute’s Annual Hot Dog Lunch on Capitol Hill. Former Major League Baseball greats Tim Raines, Bert Campaneris and Lou Piniella were on-site to greet fans and...    more...  
• Jul 23, 2018 FDA to Hold Meeting This Week on Multi-Year Nutrition Innovation Strategy The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will hold a public meeting this Thursday, July 26 to discuss its multi-year nutrition innovation strategy.    more...  
• Jul 23, 2018 Senate to Take up Agricultural Appropriations This Week The Senate tonight will begin debate on a second spending package, which combines four appropriations bills for federal programs in fiscal 2019: agriculture, transportation-HUD, financial services and interior-environment.    more...  
• Jul 23, 2018 Meat Institute Op-ed in The Hill Calls for USDA Regulation of Lab-Grown Meat “Lab-grown” and “cell-cultured” meat should be subject to USDA, not Food and Drug Administration (FDA), regulation, according to an op-ed by Meat Institute President and CEO Barry Carpenter that appeared last week in The Hill.    more...  
• Jul 22, 2018 National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods to Hold Public Meeting The National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (Committee) will hold public meetings of the full Committee and subcommittees August 7-10, 2018, in Washington, DC.    more...  
• Jul 20, 2018 U.S. Files Cases Against Five Trading Partners at WTO The U.S. recently filed five separate trade disputes at the World Trade Organization (WTO) challenging trade partners’ retaliatory measures on U.S. exports.    more...  
• Jul 19, 2018 Japan to Accept U.S. Sheep and Goat Meat Exports The government of Japan finalized technical requirements that will allow U.S. sheep and goat meat exports into the country for the first time in more than 14 years.    more...  
• Jul 19, 2018 Recall Prevention and Planning to be Covered at Beef Safety Conference Kerri Gehring, Ph.D., associate professor at Texas A&M; University and president and CEO of the International HACCP Alliance, will lead a session and panel discussion examining strategic approaches to manage product recalls during the Meat Institute's Pathogen Control and Regulatory Compliance in...    more...  
• Jul 18, 2018 U.S. Proposes Imposing New Tariffs on China The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) last week released a list of $200 billion worth of Chinese imports to the U.S. that could face 10 percent tariffs.    more...  
• Jul 17, 2018 FDA Issues Proposed Rule on Front-of-Pack Calorie Disclosures Used for Vending Machine Labeling Compliance The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing to revise the type size requirements for front-of-pack (FOP) calorie declarations to comply with the vending machine calorie labeling requirements.    more...  
• Jul 17, 2018 EPA, Army Release Supplemental WOTUS Notice The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of the Army (Army) issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking to the July 2017 proposed action to repeal the 2015 definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS).    more...  
• Jul 17, 2018 FSIS Announces Import Library Webpage Updates The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on July 23 will release a new Import Library webpage to improve the current Eligible Countries/Products section of its website.    more...  
• Jul 16, 2018 Meat Institute Provides Comments at FDA Meeting on Cell Cultured Meat Products Meat Institute Director of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Tiffany Lee, DVM, Ph.D., last week provided comments during the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) public meeting convened to discuss foods produced using animal cell culture technology.    more...  
• Jul 16, 2018 Meat Institute Submits Comments Regarding Final Rule Eliminating Trichinae Control Regulations and Associated Compliance Guideline The Meat Institute submitted comments to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) expressing support for the final rule rescinding requirements in the federal meat inspection regulations that prescribe treatments to destroy trichinae in both ready-to-eat (RTE) and not-ready-to-eat (NRTE)...    more...  
• Jun 28, 2018 IPPE Recognized as Fastest-Growing Trade Show by Net Square Feet Trade Show Executive recognized the 2017 International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) as the fastest-growing annual trade show in terms of net square feet of exhibit space.    more...  
• Jun 27, 2018 Meat Institute, USHSLA Sign Multi-association Letter Urging Increased Congressional Oversight in Trade Policy The Meat Institute and U.S. Hide, Skin and Leather Association (USHSLA) signed a multi-association letter that was sent to leaders of the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees to express concern regarding the direction of America’s trade policy.    more...  
• Jun 27, 2018 USMEF Assesses Financial Impact of Mexico Duties on U.S. Pork The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) estimates the U.S. pork industry could lose more than $300 million for the remainder of 2018 and nearly $600 million in next 12 months resulting from a decline in ham primal value caused by Mexican tariffs on U.S. pork products.    more...  
• Jun 26, 2018 FDA Considering Revised Approach to Declaration of Added Sugars The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reviewing more than 3,000 comments in response to its draft guidance regarding the declaration of added sugars on product labels such as pure maple syrup and pure honey.    more...  
• Jun 26, 2018 Ross Testifies About Administration Trade Actions Before Senate Finance Committee Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross last week underscored the Administration’s commitment to bolstering free trade and tempering escalating trade disputes in a hearing before the Senate Finance Committee.    more...  
• Jun 26, 2018 President to Push for Tariffs on Foreign Cars President Donald Trump announced he intends to move ahead with plans to impose 25 percent tariffs on foreign autos ahead of the 2018 midterm elections.    more...  
• Jun 25, 2018 Meat Institute Seeks Member Input on Draft Comments Regarding Proposed Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard The Meat Institute is seeking member insight regarding the Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) proposed rule to establish the National Bioengineered (BE) Food Disclosure Standard mandated by Congress in 2016.    more...  
• Jun 25, 2018 Administration Proposes Creating Federal Food Safety Agency The Trump Administration proposed consolidating federal food safety functions within a single agency housed in USDA.    more...  
• Jun 25, 2018 FDA Releases Draft Guidance on Intentional Adulteration The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued draft guidance regarding mitigation strategies to protect food against intentional adulteration.    more...  
• Jun 25, 2018 California Employers Must Comply With New National Origin Discrimination Regulations Beginning July 1 The law firm Faegre Baker Daniels issued a memo updating California employers about new national origin regulations that become effective July 1.    more...  
• Jun 25, 2018 Houses Passes Farm Bill, Senate Set to Vote This Week The House of Representatives last week passed its version of the 2018 Farm Bill in a 213-211 vote, following defeat of the measure in May. The bill passed only with Republican support, as Democrats opposed the legislation’s stricter work requirements for food stamp recipients.    more...  
• Jun 24, 2018 Meat Institute Seeks Member Feedback Regarding U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef Sustainability Assessment Guides The Meat Institute is soliciting member feedback regarding the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef’s Sustainability Assessment Guide (SAG) Report that provides each supply-chain sector within the U.S. beef value chain with guidelines to improve six high priority indicators developed by the...    more...  
• Jun 21, 2018 Trade Data Through April 2018 Now Available The latest Trade and Market Statistics Report released by USDA and compiled by the Meat Institute presenting data through April 30, 2018, is now available. Beef and pork export volume and value were higher than a year ago, and pork export volume set a new record.    more...  
• Jun 21, 2018 2019 IPPE to be Largest Expo to Date The 2019 International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) has already surpassed 560,000 square feet of exhibit space, and will be the largest in the tradeshow’s history. Ninety-two percent of the show floor has been booked, totaling more than 1,100 exhibitors to date.    more...  
• Jun 20, 2018 Senate Agriculture Committee Advances Farm Bill The Senate Agriculture Committee last week in a 20-1 vote passed its version of the 2018 Farm Bill.    more...  
• Jun 20, 2018 Meat Institute, USHSLA Submit Joint Comments Regarding Branding Requirements for Bovines Imported into the U.S. from Mexico The Meat Institute, U.S. Hide, Skin and Leather Association and Leather Industries of America submitted joint comments to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regarding the proposed rule, “Branding Requirements for Bovines Imported into the United States from Mexico.”    more...  
• Jun 19, 2018 FDA Issues Guidance and Science Review Regarding Dietary Fiber The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued guidance and a supporting science review identifying eight additional non-digestible carbohydrates (NDCs) that the agency will propose adding to the list of NDCs that meet the definition of “dietary fiber” established in the Nutrition Facts label...    more...  
• Jun 19, 2018 FDA Issues Draft Guidance Regarding Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Food for Animals The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued draft guidance for industry #246 entitled “Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Food for Animals: Supply-Chain Program.”    more...  
• Jun 19, 2018 Canada Publishes Final Food Safety Regulations The final Safe Food for Canadians Regulations, which impact food companies that import, export or trade within Canada, were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II. The regulations become effective January 15, 2019.    more...  
• Jun 18, 2018 FDA to Host Public Meeting to Discuss Foods Produced Using Animal Cell Culture Technology The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will host a public meeting July 12 to discuss foods produced using animal cell culture technology. The Meat Institute has registered to provide comments.    more...  
• Jun 18, 2018 USDA Seeks Comments on Proposed Rule to Establish National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking public comments regarding the proposed rule to establish the National Bioengineered (BE) Food Disclosure Standard mandated by Congress in 2016.    more...  
• Jun 18, 2018 Meat Institute Participates in CAFÉ Conference Meat Institute Vice President of Public Affairs Eric Mittenthal last week attended the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education (CAFÉ) 14th annual leadership conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.    more...  
• Jun 17, 2018 House to Vote on Two Immigration Bills This Week The House of Representatives this week will vote on a pair of immigration bills in advance of a second vote on the Farm Bill. One measure, Securing America’s Future Act of 2018 (H.R. 4760) introduced by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), would reform the H-2A agricultural guestworker program,...    more...  
• Jun 17, 2018 Session Evaluates Evidence Standards and Impacts of Inclusion of Birth to 24-Months Population in DGA The Foundation for Meat and Poultry Research and Education co-sponsored a session June 11 at the American Society for Nutrition’s Annual Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts that evaluated evidence standards and the impacts of including the birth to 24-months population in the 2020-2025 Dietary...    more...  
• Jun 16, 2018 Meat Institute and Beef Checkoff Host NYC Media Briefing The Meat Institute, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, last week hosted a briefing lunch for media at Michael’s Restaurant in New York City.    more...  
• Jun 15, 2018 U.S. Levies Additional Tariffs on Chinese Goods The Trump administration announced it will impose an additional 25 percent tariff on 818 Chinese imports worth about $34 billion effective July 6. The administration is also proposing tariffs on approximately $16 billion of new products, which it said would undergo further review, including...    more...  
• Jun 14, 2018 Registration Now Open for Beef Safety Conference Registration is now open for the Meat Institute’s Pathogen Control and Regulatory Compliance in Beef Processing Conference , scheduled to take place September 5-6, 2018, in Rosemont, Illinois.    more...  
• Jun 13, 2018 ILA-USMX Reach Tentative Six-Year East Coast, Gulf Coast Agreement The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) last week agreed on a tentative six-year master contract for East and Gulf coast dockworkers.    more...  
• Jun 12, 2018 FSIS Provides Update on PHOs in Meat Products The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced in Notice 31-18 the agency will exercise enforcement discretion in applying a 2015 declaratory order issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) affirming partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) are no longer generally recognized as safe...    more...  
• Jun 12, 2018 FDA Announces New Efforts to Advance Biotechnology Innovation The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced new efforts to advance biotechnology innovation.    more...  
• Jun 11, 2018 Mexico Levies Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Pork Exports Mexico last week levied punitive tariffs on U.S. pork exports in retaliation for duties the U.S. imposed on imported Mexican steel and aluminum.    more...  
• Jun 11, 2018 Meat Institute Partners with Beef Checkoff to Celebrate National Jerky Day National Jerky Day is Tuesday, June 12, and the Meat Institute, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, will engage in several promotions, including sharing a new video highlighting jerky as the perfect gift for men, particularly as Father’s Day approaches.    more...  
• Jun 10, 2018 Senate to Hold Farm Bill Markup This Week The Senate Agriculture Committee this Wednesday, June 13, will markup its version of the 2018 Farm Bill.    more...  
• Jun 9, 2018 Meat Institute Grassroots Letter Opposes Use of Tariffs in Trade Disputes, Cites Risks of Retaliatory Measures from Close Trading Partners The Meat Institute last week sent members a grassroots letter expressing opposition to the use of tariffs as a means of resolving trade disputes.    more...  
• Jun 8, 2018 U.S. District Court Rules against R-CALF and Cattle Producers of Washington in Country-of-Origin Labeling Challenge The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington last week dismissed a lawsuit brought by Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America and Cattle Producers of Washington (plaintiffs).    more...  
• Jun 7, 2018 Meat Institute Updates Animal Welfare Course Library The Meat Institute, working in partnership with Alchemy Systems, updated and expanded its Animal Welfare Course Library based on recent changes to the Institute's Animal Welfare Guidelines.    more...  
• Jun 6, 2018 Meat Institute Staff Attend 2018 World Meat Congress Meat Institute President and CEO Barry Carpenter, Senior Vice President of International Affairs Bill Westman, Director of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Tiffany Lee, Ph.D., DVM and U.S. Hide, Skin and Leather Association President Steve Sothmann last week attended the 2018 World Meat Congress...    more...  
• Jun 6, 2018 Session to Evaluate Evidence Standards and Impacts of Inclusion of Birth to 24-Months Population in DGA The Foundation for Meat and Poultry Research and Education will co-sponsor a session June 11 at the American Society for Nutrition's Annual Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts that will evaluate evidence standards and the impacts of including the birth to 24-months population in the 2020-2025...    more...  
• Jun 6, 2018 'Kid Pleaser' Feature Appearing Nationwide A series of 'Kid Pleaser' recipes and photos released by the Meat Institute, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, has generated 36 print placements and 251 online placements since it was issued May 21, and more placements are appearing daily.    more...  
• Jun 5, 2018 FSIS Publishes Final Rule Eliminating Trichinae Control Regulations The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) rescinded requirements in the federal meat inspection regulations that prescribe treatments to destroy trichinae in both ready-to-eat (RTE) and not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) pork and pork products.    more...  
• Jun 5, 2018 SBA to Hold Teleconference Regarding Proposed Rule to Establish National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard The Small Business Administration (SBA) will host a teleconference June 14, 2018, at 1 p.m. ET, to discuss the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) proposed rule to establish the National Bioengineered (BE) Food Disclosure Standard, which was mandated by Congress in 2016.    more...  
• Jun 5, 2018 U.S. and China Trade Talks End Without Major Progress Negotiators from the U.S. and China reportedly made little progress on a host of trade issues after a series of talks in Beijing this weekend.    more...  
• Jun 4, 2018 Memo Provides FSMA Implementation Updates The law firm Hogan Lovells published a memorandum detailing updates regarding Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) implementation.    more...  
• Jun 4, 2018 Meat Institute Submits Comments to WHO Regarding Draft Guidelines for Saturated and Trans Fat The Meat Institute submitted comments in response to the World Health Organization's (WHO) draft guidelines regarding saturated fatty acid and trans-fatty acid intake for adults and children.    more...  
• Jun 1, 2018 President Trump Imposes Steel and Aluminum Tariffs on Key U.S. Trade Partners; U.S. Pork Exports Among List of Potential Products to Face Retaliatory Measures The Trump administration imposed 25 percent tariffs on steel and 10 percent duties on aluminum imports from three key trading partners - the European Union (EU), Canada and Mexico - after failing to reach deals with them to address national security concerns related to the imports.    more...  
• Jun 1, 2018 Memo Details California Proposition 65 Safe Harbor Warning Changes The law firm Dentons drafted a memo reminding members that new guidance on clear and reasonable warnings for California Proposition 65 chemical exposures becomes effective August 30, 2018.    more...  
• May 31, 2018 U.S. Steel and Aluminum Tariff Exemptions Set to Expire This Week Country-specific exemptions from the U.S.'s worldwide steel and aluminum tariffs are set to expire June 1, unless the Trump administration grants them additional extensions from the duties.    more...  
• May 31, 2018 Meat Institute and Beef Checkoff Unveil 'Kid Pleaser' Recipes The Meat Institute, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, unveiled new kid-friendly recipes that use delicious prepared beef products to encourage children to consume more fruits and vegetables.    more...  
• May 30, 2018 SBA to Hold Teleconference Regarding Proposed Rule to Establish National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard; AMS to Release Informational Webinar The Small Business Administration (SBA) will host a teleconference June 14, 2018, at 1 p.m. ET, to discuss the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) proposed rule to establish the National Bioengineered (BE) Food Disclosure Standard, which was mandated by Congress in 2016.    more...  
• May 30, 2018 Bipartisan Senate Bill Would Provide Exemptions for Livestock Haulers A bipartisan group of senators last week introduced legislation that would exempt livestock haulers from certain "hours of service" (HOS) rules required by the Department of Transportation. The Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act would exempt loading and unloading times from the HOS...    more...  
• May 30, 2018 Meat Institute Provides Overview of Alternative Protein Issue for California Cattlemen's Association Meat Institute Vice President of Public Affairs Eric Mittenthal outlined the latest trends on plant based and cultured meat products for the California Cattlemen's Association annual feeder meeting in San Diego.    more...  
• May 29, 2018 U.S. to Move Ahead with Tariffs on Chinese Goods The Trump administration announced that it will move ahead with plans to impose 25 percent tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese goods containing "industrially significant technology," including those products related to the 'Made in China 2025' program.    more...  
• May 28, 2018 WCRF Report Emphasizes Obesity, Recommends Moderating Consumption of Red Meat and Avoiding Processed Meat The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) last week released its Third Expert Report : Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: A Global Perspective , a 10-year review of research on lifestyle habits and cancer risk, which often targets red and processed meat consumption as a primary risk factor.    more...  
• May 28, 2018 Supreme Court Finds Class Action Waivers Enforceable The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last week that employment agreements in which workers waive their rights to pursue class action claims are legal, rejecting the National Labor Relations Board's position that class waivers violate federal labor law.    more...  
• May 28, 2018 Senate Appropriations Committee Approves Agriculture Spending Bill The Senate Appropriations Committee last week unanimously approved the fiscal year (FY) 2019 spending bill for USDA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The bill would provide $145.1 billion in discretionary and mandatory funding, $6.1 billion above President Donald Trump's budget request...    more...  
• May 25, 2018 House Members Call for End to Thailand's Ban on U.S. Pork A bipartisan group of U.S. House members sent a letter to Virachai Plasai, Thailand's ambassador to the U.S., calling for the removal of restrictions on imports of U.S. farm products, including U.S. pork.    more...  
• May 24, 2018 Hot Dog Month Planning Guide Now Available The 2018 National Hot Dog Month planning guide is now available for download. The guide, developed by the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, has resources and tips on celebrating National Hot Dog Month and National Hot Dog Day for hot dog manufacturers, retailers and enthusiasts.    more...  
• May 23, 2018 NAFTA Ministers Fail to Finalize Agreement as Crucial Deadline Passes Trade ministers from the U.S., Canada and Mexico failed to reach a deal on a modernized North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) ahead of a May 17 deadline imposed by U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI).    more...  
• May 23, 2018 Meat Institute Seeks Member Feedback on WHO’s Draft Guidelines for Saturated and Trans Fat The Meat Institute is soliciting member input regarding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) draft guidelines on saturated fatty acid and trans-fatty acid intake for adults and children.    more...  
• May 23, 2018 Meat Institute and Beef Checkoff Unveil the Foodservice Versions of Popular ‘Beefshi’ Recipes Foodservice versions of the popular Beefshi recipes released in February 2018 were unveiled today by the Meat Institute, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, and may be downloaded from Beefshi.com.    more...  
• May 22, 2018 House Appropriations Committee Advances USDA, FDA Spending Bill The House Appropriations Committee approved the fiscal year (FY) 2019 spending bill for USDA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a 31-20 vote.    more...  
• May 22, 2018 Farm Bill Vote Fails in House The U.S. House of Representatives last week failed to pass the Farm Bill in a 198-213 vote.    more...  
• May 22, 2018 U.S., China Trade Talks Make Progress as Hearing Examining Tariffs Convenes Officials from the U.S. and China made progress last week in negotiations aimed at averting a trade war, after the Trump administration agreed to put a hold on proposed tariffs on up to $150 billion in Chinese products.    more...  
• May 21, 2018 Meat Institute Files Comments Opposing USCA Petition Regarding Labeling of ‘Lab grown’ Meat The Meat Institute filed comments to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) opposing the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association’s (USCA) petition requesting that FSIS exclude from the definition of “beef” and “meat” products not derived directly from animals that have been raised and...    more...  
• May 21, 2018 FDA Extends Compliance Date for Certain Uses of Partially Hydrogenated Oils in Food; Denies Petition for Certain Uses of PHOs The Food and Drug Administration extended until January 1, 2020, the compliance date for certain uses of partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs).    more...  
• May 21, 2018 USDA Announces Proposed Rule to Eliminate Redundant Hog Carcass Cleaning Regulation The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to amend the federal meat inspection regulations to remove a redundant requirement mandating hog slaughter establishments to clean hog carcasses before incising.    more...  
• May 21, 2018 AMS Announces 2018 Rates for Voluntary Meat and Poultry Services The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced the 2018 rates it will charge for voluntary grading, inspection, certification and laboratory services for meat, poultry and shell eggs.    more...  
• May 20, 2018 USDA Finalizes Components of Reorganization Plan USDA issued a final rule that implements components of the department’s reorganization plan announced in 2017.    more...  
• May 18, 2018 FDA Releases FSMA Dashboard The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unveiled a new user-friendly database to help establishments comply with the supply verification requirements in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).    more...  
• May 17, 2018 Trade Data Through March 2018 Now Available The latest Trade and Market Statistics Report released by USDA and compiled by the Meat Institute presenting data through March 31, 2018, is now available.    more...  
• May 17, 2018 Coalition Letter Highlights Concerning Geographic Indications Protections in EU-Mexico Free Trade Agreement The Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN), to which the Meat Institute belongs, expressed concern about new restrictions on the use of common-name food products included in a recently negotiated trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and Mexico.    more...  
• May 16, 2018 Multi-association Letter Urges Against Imposition of Tariffs on China A multi-association letter , signed by the Meat Institute and U.S. Hide, Skin and Leather Association, urges U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and the Trump administration against imposing tariffs on a proposed list of 1,300 Chinese products worth more than $50 billion.    more...  
• May 16, 2018 China Trade Talks Resume in Washington Officials from the U.S. and China will meet this week in Washington, DC for a second round of negotiations to avert a trade war.    more...  
• May 15, 2018 Meat Institute Awarded for Communications Efforts The Meat Institute received two Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) awards , considered among the most prestigious awards in public relations, in recognition of the MyMeatUp app and "Jacksonville Jaguars Bologna Blowout" campaign.    more...  
• May 15, 2018 Secretary Perdue Announces FSIS Key Leadership Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue appointed Carmen Rottenberg administrator of the Food Safety and Inspections Service (FSIS) and Paul Kiecker FSIS deputy administrator.    more...  
• May 15, 2018 New Jersey Expands Workplace Protections for Employees New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed two bills into law that would expand workplace protections for employees.    more...  
• May 15, 2018 House Subcommittee Approves USDA, FDA FY 2019 Spending Bill. The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies last week approved by voice vote the 2019 fiscal year (FY) spending bill for USDA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).    more...  
• May 14, 2018 FDA Finalizes Guidance to Help Food Establishments Meet Menu Labeling Requirements The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final guidance document to further assist restaurants and similar retail food establishments to implement the requirements of the menu labeling final rule.    more...  
• May 14, 2018 USDA Announces Proposed Rule to Eliminate Redundant Hog Carcass Cleaning Regulation The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to amend the federal meat inspection regulations to remove a redundant requirement mandating hog slaughter establishments to clean hog carcasses before incising.    more...  
• May 14, 2018 FSIS Issues Notice Regarding Labeling Claims Verification Sampling The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a notice that expands product sampling to include verification of certain labeling claims.    more...  
• May 11, 2018 NAFTA Ministers Fail to Finalize Agreement as Crucial Deadline Looms Trade ministers from the U.S., Canada and Mexico last week failed to reach a deal on a modernized North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) ahead of a May 17 deadline imposed by Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Paul Ryan (R-WI).    more...  
• May 10, 2018 Trump Grants Additional Tariff Relief to Key U.S. Trading Partners President Donald Trump decided to extend by one month a temporary exemption from steel and aluminum tariffs for Canada, Mexico and the European Union.    more...  
• May 10, 2018 New Media MythCrusher on Plant Based and Cultured Products Now Available The Meat Institute developed a new Media MythCrusher focused on addressing much of the misinformation about new plant based and cultured products in the media.    more...  
• May 9, 2018 California Supreme Court Adopts “ABC” Test for Independent Contractor Status Under State Wage Orders The California Supreme Court last week adopted an “ABC” test to determine whether a worker is considered an employee or independent contractor under the state’s Wage Orders, which impose obligations on employee working conditions including minimum wages, hours worked and meal and rest breaks.    more...  
• May 8, 2018 FDA Delays Compliance Dates for Nutrition Labeling Final Rules The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) extended the compliance dates for the final rules updating the nutrition and supplement facts labels and serving size information on food packaging.    more...  
• May 8, 2018 FNS Publishes Rule Regarding Processing of Donated Foods The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published a final rule revising and clarifying requirements for the processing of donated foods.    more...  
• May 8, 2018 Bipartisan Food Waste Caucus Launched Reps. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and David Young (R-IA) formed a bipartisan House Food Waste Caucus to identify ways to reduce food waste across the food supply chain.    more...  
• May 8, 2018 U.S., China Meet to Resolve Trade Disputes Officials from the U.S. and China met last week in Beijing for negotiations to avert a trade war between the world’s two largest economies, as disagreements over critical issues remain.    more...  
• May 7, 2018 President Trump to Nominate Mindy Brashears to be the Next Under Secretary for Food Safety President Donald Trump will nominate Mindy Brashears, Ph.D., to be the next under secretary for food safety at USDA.    more...  
• May 7, 2018 USDA Seeks Comments on Proposed Rule to Establish National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking public comments regarding the proposed rule to establish the National Bioengineered (BE) Food Disclosure Standard mandated by Congress in 2016.    more...  
• May 3, 2018 Meat Institute Awarded for Communications Efforts The Meat Institute received two Hermes Creative Awards from the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals.    more...  
• May 3, 2018 Early Registration Ends Friday for 2018 Center of the Plate Training® Early registration ends this Friday, May 4, for the 2018 Center of the Plate (COP) Training®, scheduled to take place June 5-7, in College Station, Texas.    more...  
• May 2, 2018 New Report Details How Steel and Aluminum Retaliation Impacts American Agricultural Exports A new report from Farmers for Free Trade, a bipartisan campaign to rebuild support for trade at the grassroots level, details the significant impact on U.S. pork and other commodity exports resulting from China's retaliatory measures in response to the Trump Administration's worldwide steel and...    more...  
• May 2, 2018 New Meat MythCrusher Address Misconceptions About Spoilage The Meat Institute and American Meat Science Association released a new Meat Mythcrusher video that addresses one of the ways consumers can help reduce their meat waste - by knowing the signs of spoilage.The video features Texas Tech Assistant Professor Jerrad Legako, Ph.D. who explains how to...    more...  
• May 1, 2018 Meat Institute Testifies at U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission Hearing Meat Institute Senior Vice President of International Affairs Bill Westman last week testified at a U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission hearing focused on China's agricultural policies.    more...  
• May 1, 2018 Perdue Testifies on the State of the Rural Economy Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue last week testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee regarding the state of the rural economy in a hearing that focused heavily on international trade.    more...  
• May 1, 2018 Riley Crushes Meat Myths During Asheville Radio Interview Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Janet Riley on Saturday spent 30 minutes crushing meat myths during an interview with Ingles Markets Dietitian Leah McGrath, RD, on News Radio 570 Asheville, North Carolina.    more...  
• Apr 30, 2018 Meat Institute Submits Comments to Health Canada Regarding Front-of-Package Labeling The Meat Institute submitted comments in response to Health Canada's proposal to add mandatory front-of-package (FOP) labeling on foods high in saturated fat, sugar and sodium.    more...  
• Apr 30, 2018 NAFTA Ministers Make Progress, Negotiations Continue this Week U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Mexican Economy Secretary Ildefonso Guajardo and Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland during meetings last week in Washington, DC reportedly made progress on key issues to modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), but fell short...    more...  
• Apr 26, 2018 U.S., Japan Agree to Start Trade Talks; President Trump Reverses Stance on TPP The U.S. and Japan agreed to start talks on a set of "free, fair and reciprocal trade deals" to promote economic development in the Indo-Pacific, following a meeting last week between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Donald Trump.    more...  
• Apr 26, 2018 NAMI Scholarship Applications Now Available The NAMI Scholarship Foundation is now accepting award applications for the 2018-2019 school year. Eligible sophomores, juniors and seniors attending accredited four-year colleges or universities who are enrolled in an approved animal, meat or food science degree or culinary arts program may...    more...  
• Apr 25, 2018 Asia-Pacific Working Group Letter Addresses U.S. China Trade, CPTPP The Asia-Pacific Working Group of the U.S. Food and Agriculture Dialogue for Trade, to which the Meat Institute belongs, sent a letter to President Donald Trump detailing priorities for U.S.-China trade and underscoring the importance of renewed U.S. engagement in the Comprehensive and...    more...  
• Apr 24, 2018 Industry Connects at Meat Industry Summit; Institute Presents Two Awards More than 300 Meat Institute members and guests gathered in San Antonio, Texas last week for the annual Meat Industry Summit . The Summit featured education sessions covering general business topics, labor and employment issues, regulatory matters and public affairs.    more...  
• Apr 24, 2018 House Agriculture Committee Advances Farm Bill The House Agriculture Committee last week advanced the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (the Farm Bill) along party lines in a 26-20 vote, with all Republican members voting in favor, following a committee markup of the legislation.    more...  
• Apr 23, 2018 Perdue Names Senior Leaders at USDA Agencies Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the selection of senior leaders in several USDA agencies.    more...  
• Apr 23, 2018 Perdue Testifies on FY 2019 Appropriations Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue last week testified before the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee regarding the administration's fiscal year (FY) 2019 budget. The administration is proposing to provide $134 billion to USDA in FY 2019, with $120 billion in mandatory funding and $14...    more...  
• Mar 29, 2018 Trade Data Through January 2018 Now Available The latest Trade and Market Statistics Report released by USDA and compiled by the Meat Institute presenting data through January 31, 2018, is now available .    more...  
• Mar 29, 2018 Meat Summit to Feature Popular Sausage Fest Competition The Meat Institute will once again host its popular Sausage Fest during the Meat Industry Summit, April 16-19, 2018, at La Cantera Resort and Spa in San Antonio, Texas.    more...  
• Mar 28, 2018 Westman, Sothmann Participate in Panel on China Global Television Network Meat Institute Senior Vice President of International Affairs Bill Westman and U.S. Hide, Skin and Leather President Stephen Sothmann discussed the Trump Administration’s worldwide steel and aluminum tariffs and its decision to impose tariffs on up to $50 billion worth of Chinese exports to the...    more...  
• Mar 28, 2018 Register for 2018 Center of the Plate Training® Registration is now open for the 2018 Center of the Plate (COP) Training®, scheduled to take place June 5-7, in College Station, Texas.    more...  
• Mar 28, 2018 Meat Institute Joins Coalition Letter in Support of ARS Funding The Friends of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Coalition, to which the Meat Institute belongs, sent a letter to leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees urging Congress to approve $1.35 billion in discretionary funding for ARS in fiscal year (FY) 2019 and reject the...    more...  
• Mar 27, 2018 Trump Announces Tariffs on China; U.S. Pork Targeted President Donald Trump last week ordered new trade tariffs on up to $50 billion worth of Chinese exports to the U.S. Trump directed the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to propose, within 15 days, a list of Chinese products that will face higher tariffs.    more...  
• Mar 27, 2018 FSIS Delays Implementation of Verification of Revised Appendix A and B The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is providing establishments that use the 1999 versions of Appendix A and B as scientific support for lethality and stabilization procedures one year to review the revised lethality and stabilization guidance issued in 2017 and determine whether they...    more...  
• Mar 27, 2018 President Signs Omnibus Spending Bill Averting Government Shutdown Congress passed and President Donald Trump signed a $1.3 trillion omnibus spending bill to fund the federal government through the remainder of Fiscal Year (FY) 2018, which ends September 30, averting a government shutdown ahead of the March 23 deadline.    more...  
• Mar 26, 2018 Live Animals Processed Under USDA Regulations Do Not Need to Comply with FSVP Regulation The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued guidance explaining the agency intends to exercise enforcement discretion regarding the application of the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) rule to importers of live animals that must be slaughtered and processed at USDA-regulated...    more...  
• Mar 26, 2018 Draft Guidance Clarifies Number of Employees that Constitute a Small Business The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued draft guidance for industry describing how to determine the number of employees for purposes of the “small business” definition in the Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for human and animal...    more...  
• Feb 8, 2018 NAMI to Host Meat Pavilion at NGA Show NAMI will host a Meat Pavilion as part of the 2018 National Grocers Association (NGA) Show, which is scheduled to take place February 11-14, 2018, at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.    more...  
• Feb 7, 2018 Sen. Flake Releases Hold on Doud Nomination Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) removed his nearly three-month hold on Gregg Doud, President Donald Trump's nominee to serve as chief agricultural negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).    more...  
• Feb 6, 2018 FDA Issues Draft Guidance on Public Warning and Notification of Recalls and Announces Move to Expedite Release of Recall Information The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued draft guidance regarding public warning and notification of recalls, and announced steps to release recall information more quickly.    more...  
• Feb 6, 2018 GOP Senators Urge President Trump to Preserve NAFTA Three dozen Republican senators last week wrote to President Donald Trump urging him to modernize and preserve the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).    more...  
• Feb 6, 2018 NAFTA Talks Progressing Slowly As the sixth round of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations concluded last week in Montreal, Canada, trade ministers reported progress had been made on food safety measures, digital trade and telecommunications.    more...  
• Feb 5, 2018 Meat Institute Honors Industry Leaders at Annual Awards Ceremony and Luncheon at 2018 IPPE The Meat Institute honored four industry leaders at its Annual Awards Ceremony and Luncheon and presented worker safety and environmental recognition awards during the 2018 International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Georgia.    more...  
• Feb 5, 2018 USDA Publishes Proposed Rule to Modernize Swine Inspection The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a proposed rule to amend the federal meat inspection regulations to establish the New Swine Slaughter Inspection System (NSIS), a voluntary inspection system for market hog slaughter establishments.    more...  
• Feb 5, 2018 USDA, FDA Announce Formal Agreement to Bolster Collaboration USDA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) formally agreed to make oversight of food more efficient and effective by bolstering coordination between the two agencies. The formal agreement, announced last week, details efforts to increase interagency collaboration, efficiency and...    more...  
• Feb 5, 2018 Trump Signals Possible Return to TPP Addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland last week President Donald Trump signaled he may be willing to reconsider the U.S.'s position in the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP).    more...  
• Jan 26, 2018 IPPE Convenes Next Week The meat and poultry industry will gather next week in Atlanta, Georgia for the 2018 International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE), scheduled to take place January 29 – February 1, at the Georgia World Congress Center.    more...  
• Jan 25, 2018 Carpenter Pens Op-ed Underscoring NAFTA's Benefits, Detailing Modernization Priorities An op-ed by Meat Institute President and CEO Barry Carpenter details the benefits of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) for the U.S. meat industry and underscores the principal regulatory reforms the industry supports in a renegotiated agreement.    more...  
• Jan 24, 2018 USDA Allows Pork Imports from Mexico The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) last week finalized a regulation that will allow all Mexican states to export pork to the U.S., based on a 2016 determination that Mexico is free of Classical Swine Fever (CSF), which was eradicated in the U.S. in the late 1970s.    more...  
• Jan 24, 2018 National Pastrami Day Campaign Gets Strong Results The Meat Institute teamed with the Beef Checkoff to actively promote January 14 as National Pastrami Day. The campaign featured releases to mainstream and industry media outlets, a social media push on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and outreach to social media influencers.    more...  
• Jan 23, 2018 AMS Reopens Comment Period for Proposed Revisions to Pork Carcass Grade Standards The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) reopened the comment period regarding proposed revisions to the U.S. Standards for Grades of Pork Carcasses (pork standards). Public comments are now due March 19, 2018.    more...  
• Jan 23, 2018 Memo Details New Laws Affecting California Employers The law firm Faegre Baker Daniels released a memo summarizing laws enacted in 2017 by the California legislature that affect employers with operations in the state.    more...  
• Jan 23, 2018 NAFTA Round Six Talks Commence The sixth round of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) renegotiation talks commenced this weekend in Montreal, Canada.    more...  
• Jan 22, 2018 USDA Announces Proposed Rule to Modernize Swine Inspection The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to amend the federal meat inspection regulations to establish the New Swine Slaughter Inspection System (NSIS), a voluntary inspection system for market hog slaughter establishments. Market hog slaughter establishments that do not choose...    more...  
• Jan 22, 2018 AMS Proposes to Amend National List The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing to amend the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) to implement recommendations submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture by the National Organic Standards Board.    more...  
• Jan 22, 2018 Senate Votes to End Government Shutdown The Senate earlier today voted 81-18 to move forward on a bill to fund the government through February 8, after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) agreed to continue to negotiate on immigration and spending matters.    more...  
• Jan 19, 2018 FSIS Confirms Inspection During Potential Government Shutdown In a note to industry stakeholders, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)  Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Carmen Rottenberg and  Acting Administrator  Paul Kiecker confirmed that inspection will continue should there be a government shutdown. The full note is...    more...  
• Jan 18, 2018 Trade Data Through November 2017 Now Available The latest Trade and Market Statistics Report released by USDA and compiled by the Meat Institute presenting data through November 30, 2017, is now available. Beef and pork export values were both above 2016 totals.    more...  
• Jan 18, 2018 Meat Institute and Beef Checkoff Sponsor Foodfluence Conference Meat Institute staff was in Lisbon, Portugal over the weekend for Foodfluence, a conference for 32 of the leading nutrition communicators in the US.    more...  
• Jan 18, 2018 Meat Institute and Beef Checkoff Team Up to Promote National Pastrami Day The Meat Institute teamed with the Beef Checkoff to actively promote January 14 as National Pastrami Day.    more...  
• Jan 18, 2018 Secretary Perdue Scheduled to Appear at 2018 IPPE Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue is scheduled to be the capstone speaker at the Poultry Market Intelligence Forum , which will take place January 31 at the 2018 International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Georgia.    more...  
• Jan 17, 2018 Meat Institute, CMC File Joint Comments Regarding Enhanced U.S., Canada Regulatory Cooperation The Meat Institute and Canadian Meat Council (CMC) in comments filed to the Government of Canada called for a "do no harm" approach to agricultural trade in ongoing North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations and stressed the importance of addressing regulatory divergences among the...    more...  
• Jan 16, 2018 Meat Institute Grassroots Letter Underscores Support for NAFTA, Doud Confirmation The Meat Institute last week sent members a grassroots letter expressing strong support for the successful renegotiation of a modernized North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and urging the swift Senate confirmation of Gregg Doud as chief agricultural negotiator in the Office of the U.S....    more...  
• Jan 15, 2018 USDA Releases Semiannual Regulatory Agenda USDA published the Fall 2017 Semiannual Regulatory Agenda , which provides summary descriptions of all regulations, deregulatory actions and pending regulatory reviews in USDA agencies, with the exception of routine or repetitive actions.    more...  
• Jan 15, 2018 FSIS Publishes 2018 Rate Changes The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the 2018 rates it will charge meat and poultry establishments, egg products plants and importers and exporters for providing voluntary, overtime and holiday inspection, identification, certification and laboratory services. The rate changes...    more...  
• Dec 14, 2017 NAMI Announces Three Free Education Programs for 2018 IPPE The Meat Institute announced details for three free education sessions at the 2018 International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE), scheduled to take place January 30 - February 1, 2018, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia.    more...  
• Dec 14, 2017 Two Meat Institute Staffers Promoted Meat Institute President and CEO Barry Carpenter today announced that Eric Zito has been promoted to Vice President of Membership and Exposition Services and Michael Schumpp has been promoted to Director of Public Affairs and Member Communications.    more...  
• Dec 13, 2017 Trade Data Through October 2017 Now Available The latest Trade and Market Statistics Report released by USDA and compiled by the Meat Institute presenting data through October 31, 2017, is now available.    more...  
• Dec 13, 2017 Beef Checkoff and NHDSC Bologna Delivery Generates Extensive Media Coverage and Bologna Sales Last week's delivery of beef bologna to the Jacksonville Jaguars was a major media hit as publications around the country picked up the story.    more...  
• Dec 12, 2017 USDA Announces Changes to U.S. Beef Grade Standards The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising the voluntary U.S. Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef.    more...  
• Dec 12, 2017 NAFTA Negotiators Meet in DC for Ongoing Modernization Talks Representatives from the U.S., Canada and Mexico are meeting this week in Washington, DC to continue North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) modernization talks.    more...  
• Dec 11, 2017 FDA Finds Significant Progress in Sales and Distribution Data for Antimicrobials Used in Food-Producing Animals An annual report released by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed for the first time significant declines in both the sale and distribution of antimicrobials for use in food-producing animals in 2016.    more...  
• Dec 11, 2017 Bipartisan Senate Letter Calls for Delayed Implementation of Electronic Logging Devices for Livestock Haulers Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) sent a bipartisan letter to Senate leadership calling for delayed implementation of electronic logging devices (ELDs) for commercial motor vehicles transporting livestock.    more...  
• Nov 29, 2017 NAMI Announces Six Free Education Programs for 2018 IPPE Washington, DC – The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) announced details for six free education sessions at the 2018 International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE), scheduled to take place January 30 - February 1, 2018, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia.    more...  
• Nov 23, 2017 Trade Data Through September 2017 Now Available The latest Trade and Market Statistics Report released by USDA and compiled by the Meat Institute presenting data through September 30, 2017, is now available.    more...  
• Nov 23, 2017 Webinar to Discuss 2018 Meat Industry Outlook The Meat Institute will offer a free webinar December 6, 2017, from 1 to 2 p.m. ET, to highlight trends, opportunities and challenges for the meat and poultry industry in 2018.    more...  
• Nov 22, 2017 Meat Institute, USHSLA Call for Safeguarding Trucking Provisions in Updated NAFTA The Meat Institute and U.S. Hide, Skin and Leather Association (USHSLA) joined 100 other organizations in sending a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer urging him to protect the North American Free Trade Agreement's (NAFTA) cross-border trucking provisions in a renegotiated...    more...  
• Nov 22, 2017 U.S. Farm Exports Hit Third Highest Level on Record U.S. agricultural exports totaled $140.5 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2017, an increase of $10.9 billion from the previous year, representing the third-highest level on record.    more...  
• Nov 22, 2017 Study Reveals Extensive Role of Food and Ag Sectors in Feeding the U.S. Economy A nationwide economic impact study found that more than one-fifth (or 20.4 percent) of the nation's economy is linked, either directly or indirectly, to the food and agriculture sectors and that more than one-fourth of all American jobs (28 percent) are similarly connected.    more...  
• Nov 21, 2017 WOTUS Rule Effective Date Delayed The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) are proposing to delay by two years the effective date of the 2015 Clean Water Rule, also known as the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule, which redefined and expanded the bodies of water subject to federal...    more...  
• Nov 21, 2017 New Report Examines Potential Economic Impact of NAFTA Withdrawal for U.S. Agriculture The U.S. agriculture industry would likely face higher tariffs and reduced market share in Canada and Mexico if the Administration withdraws from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), according to a new Congressional Research Service (CRS) report .    more...  
• Nov 21, 2017 Meat Institute, USHSLA Sign Multi-Association Letter Urging U.S. Governors to Support NAFTA Modernization Efforts The Meat Institute and U.S. Hide, Skin and Leather Association (USHSLA) joined more than 160 organizations in writing America's 50 governors to encourage support for a modernized North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that maintains and strengthens U.S. food and agricultural trade to Canada...    more...  
• Nov 20, 2017 USDA Eliminates GIPSA as Standalone Agency, Moves CODEX Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced USDA is proceeding with plans to move the U.S. Codex Office from the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to the Office of the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs and to merge the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards...    more...  
• Nov 20, 2017 Meat Institute Submits Comments Regarding FDA's Proposed Changes to Track Antimicrobial Sales and Distribution Data The Meat Institute submitted comments in response to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) proposal to use a biomass denominator to adjust annual data regarding the amount of antimicrobials sold or distributed for use in food-producing animals in the U.S.    more...  
• Nov 20, 2017 Meat Institute Submits Comments Regarding Consumer Outreach and Education on the Use of Biotech in Food Production The Meat Institute encouraged USDA, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to coordinate to develop consumer outreach and education initiatives that explain the safety and benefits of biotechnology in food production.    more...  
• Nov 19, 2017 FDA Announces Draft Guidance on Best Practices for Convening a GRAS Panel The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued draft guidance regarding best practices for convening a panel of experts to evaluate whether a substance is "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) under the conditions of its intended use.    more...  
• Nov 18, 2017 Ross Calls Out Agriculture Groups for Vocal Opposition to NAFTA Withdrawal Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross appeared to express frustration with the agriculture industry's vocal opposition to statements by Administration officials that have signaled a potential willingness to withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).    more...  
• Nov 16, 2017 WTO Rules in Favor of U.S. in Beef Dispute with Indonesia The World Trade Organization (WTO) recently ruled in favor of the U.S. in a dispute with Indonesia concerning the country's import requirements for beef and beef products. WTO ruled that all 18 of Indonesia's import measures challenged by the U.S. were inconsistent with its rules and obligations.    more...  
• Nov 15, 2017 New Meat MythCrusher Video Addresses Meat and Cancer Research Myths The Meat Institute and American Meat Science Association released a new Meat MythCrusher that addresses many of the common consumer misconceptions about meat and poultry.    more...  
• Nov 15, 2017 AMS Delays Effective Date of Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Final Rule The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is delaying the effective date of the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices final rule until May 14, 2018.    more...  
• Nov 14, 2017 NIFA to Invest in Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced it is soliciting proposals for research examining the environmental effects of genetically engineered (GE) organisms, including plants, animals, insects and microorganisms.    more...  
• Nov 14, 2017 China's Largest Retailer Pens Deal to Purchase U.S. Beef JD.com, China's largest retailer, signed agreements to purchase approximately $1.2 billion of beef from The Montana Stock Growers Association (MSGA) and pork from Smithfield Foods, Inc. over the next three years.    more...  
• Nov 14, 2017 FDA Releases Draft Menu Labeling Guidance The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a draft guidance document entitled, "Menu Labeling: Supplemental Guidance for Industry."    more...  
• Nov 14, 2017 WHO Calls for Ban on Antibiotic Use for Disease Prevention in Food-Producing Animals The World Health Organization (WHO) released new guidelines concerning antibiotic use in food-producing animals, recommending that farmers and the food industry stop using medically-important antibiotics routinely to promote growth and prevent disease in healthy animals.    more...  
• Nov 14, 2017 Eliminating Animals from U.S. Agriculture Would Yield Significant Nutrient Deficiencies, Have Negligible Impact on GHG Emissions Removing animals from U.S. agriculture would create a food supply incapable of supporting the U.S. population's nutritional requirements, while only reducing total U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by an estimated 2.6 percent, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National...    more...  
• Nov 13, 2017 TPP Agreement Moves Forward Against Backdrop of Trump Asia Visit Representatives from the 11 remaining Trans-Pacific Partnership countries last week announced an agreement to move forward with negotiations on the trade pact, from which the U.S. withdrew in January. Core details of the renamed Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific...    more...  
• Nov 13, 2017 Senate and House Turn Focus to Tax Reform The Senate Finance Committee today will begin consideration of its version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Acts, which, similar to the House's legislation, would reduce the top corporate tax rate from 35 to 20 percent.    more...  
• Nov 13, 2017 Meat Institute Submits Comments Regarding STEC Compliance Guideline for Beef Processing Operations The Meat Institute submitted comments in response to the Food Safety and Inspection Service's (FSIS) compliance guideline that is designed to assist small and very small beef and veal processing establishments in controlling Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli (STEC) in raw non-intact beef products and...    more...  
• Nov 9, 2017 Registration, Exhibit Sales Now Open for 2018 Annual Meat Conference Registration is now open for the 2018 Annual Meat Conference (AMC) hosted jointly by the Foundation for Meat and Poultry Education and Research and the Food Marketing Institute.    more...  
• Nov 8, 2017 DOL Rescinds Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order The Department of Labor (DOL) rescinded its guidance on Executive Order 13673, Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces. President Trump in March signed Public Law No. 115-11, a resolution of disapproval of the rule, which revoked the paycheck transparency component of the regulations that took effect on...    more...  
• Nov 8, 2017 MeatInstitute.org Debuts New Homepage Visitors to the Meat Institute's website www.meatinstitute.org will be greeted by a redesigned homepage.    more...  
• Nov 7, 2017 Meat Institute Submits Comments Regarding Compliance Dates for Nutrition Facts Label Final Rules The Meat Institute submitted comments in response to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) proposed extension to the compliance dates for the Nutrition Facts and Supplement Facts label final rule and the Serving Size final rule .    more...  
• Nov 2, 2017 Senate Confirms Ibach The Senate last week confirmed the nomination of Greg Ibach as undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs at USDA.    more...  
• Nov 2, 2017 Registration, Exhibit Sales Now Open for 2018 Annual Meat Conference Registration is now open for the 2018 Annual Meat Conference (AMC) hosted jointly by the Foundation for Meat and Poultry Education and Research and the Food Marketing Institute.    more...  
• Nov 1, 2017 Meat Institute Releases MyMeatUp 2.0 App The Meat Institute last week unveiled an updated version of its popular MyMeatUp app, the only free app available with a full guide to beef, pork, lamb and veal cuts found in grocery stores.    more...  
• Nov 1, 2017 Codex, GIPSA Reorganization Plans on Hold Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue notified Congress that he will postpone moving the U.S. Codex Office from the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to the Office of the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs and he will delay the proposed merger of the Agricultural...    more...  
• Nov 1, 2017 San Francisco Votes to Require Grocery Stores to Report Antibiotic Use in Livestock The San Francisco Board of Supervisors last week unanimously approved an ordinance that requires large retail grocery stores to report information about the antibiotics that are used in the production of raw meat products sold in their stores.    more...  
• Nov 1, 2017 Meat Institute, USHSLA Sign Multi-Association Letter Urging Commerce Secretary to Preserve Gains for Food, Agriculture Sectors From NAFTA North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) withdrawal would cause immediate, substantial harm to the American food and agriculture industries and to the U.S. economy as a whole ...    more...  
• Oct 25, 2017 AMS Proposes Revised Pork Standards The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking public comment on revisions to the U.S. Standards for Grades of Pork Carcasses (pork standards).    more...  
• Oct 24, 2017 USDA Withdraws GIPSA Rule, Meat Institute Applauds Decision The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) last week withdrew the Interim Final Rule (IFR) regarding the scope of sections 202(a) and (b) of the Packers and Stockyards Act (PSA or the act), and provided notification that the agency will take no further action on the...    more...  
• Oct 24, 2017 Treasury Department Withdraws Estate Tax Valuation Rules The Department of the Treasury (Treasury) formally withdrew proposed regulations regarding valuation of family-controlled businesses for estate and gift tax purposes under Section 2704 of the Internal Revenue Code.    more...  
• Oct 23, 2017 FDA Releases Two Guidance Documents Regarding Preventive Controls for Animal and Human Food Rules The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued two guidance documents intended for facilities that may be subject to the Preventive Controls for Animal Food rule or the Preventive Controls for Human Food rule.    more...  
• Oct 23, 2017 Meat Institute and NHDSC to Celebrate National Bologna Day The Meat Institute and National Hot Dog and Sausage Council are teaming with the Beef Checkoff to promote Tuesday's National Bologna Day.    more...  
• Oct 19, 2017 Meat Institute Seeks Nominations for 2017 Annual Awards The Meat Institute is soliciting nominations for its Annual Awards Program, which recognizes individuals and companies that have made significant contributions to the meat and poultry industry.    more...  
• Oct 18, 2017 Trade Data Through August 2017 Now Available The latest Trade and Market Statistics Report released by USDA and compiled by the Meat Institute presenting data through August 31, 2017, is now available. Beef and pork export values were both above 2016 totals.    more...  
• Oct 18, 2017 Exhibit Sales Now Open for 2018 Annual Meat Conference Exhibit sales are now open for the 2018 Annual Meat Conference (AMC) hosted jointly by the Foundation for Meat and Poultry Education and Research and the Food Marketing Institute.    more...  
• Oct 17, 2017 Meat Institute Submits Comments in Support of Proposed USDA Organizational Changes The Meat Institute submitted comments to USDA in support of proposed organizational changes announced in September that would merge and realign several services and agencies within the department.    more...  
• Oct 17, 2017 Meat Industry Urges Administration to Prioritize Beef Trade During China Visit The Meat Institute, National Cattlemen's Beef Association and U.S. Meat Export Federation jointly requested that the Administration prioritize issues related to expanding market access for U.S. beef during President Donald Trump's upcoming trip to China.    more...  
• Oct 17, 2017 Meat Institute Releases 2016 Meat and Poultry Facts The 2016 edition of the Meat and Poultry Facts, the livestock and meat industry's leading statistical book, is now available. All Meat Institute members should have received complimentary electronic copies in the mail.    more...  
• Oct 16, 2017 FSIS Solicits Comments on National Chicken Council Petition for Line Speed Waivers The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is accepting comments regarding the National Chicken Council's (NCC) petition to permit waivers from the maximum line speeds prescribed for poultry slaughter establishments operating under the New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS).    more...  
• Oct 13, 2017 Meat Industry Hall of Fame Ceremony Announced The Meat Industry Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner will be held Monday, January 29, 2018, at the Omni Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.    more...  
• Oct 12, 2017 Censky, McKinney Receive Senate Confirmation The Senate last week approved by voice vote the nominations of Stephen Censky for deputy secretary of agriculture and Ted McKinney for undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs.    more...  
• Oct 12, 2017 South Korea Signals Willingness to Amend KORUS The U.S. and South Korea agreed to address implementation issues with, and amendments to, the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) after top trade officials from both countries met last week in Washington, DC.    more...  
• Oct 12, 2017 Meat Institute Seeks Nominations for 2017 Annual Awards The Meat Institute is soliciting nominations for its Annual Awards Program, which recognizes individuals and companies that have made significant contributions to the meat and poultry industry.    more...  
• Oct 11, 2017 Meat Institute Signs Coalition Letter Opposing Efforts to Restrict Common Food Names in Japan and Mexico The Trump Administration should urge the governments of Japan and Mexico against including common food and beverage terms, such as "bologna," in the geographical indications (GIs) lists they are considering for approval with the European Union (EU), according to a multi-association letter signed...    more...  
• Oct 10, 2017 Treasury Department Recommends Withdrawing Estate Tax Valuation Rules The Department of the Treasury (Treasury) last week submitted a report to President Donald Trump formally recommending withdrawal of the proposed regulations under Section 2704 of the Internal Revenue Code regarding family business valuation.    more...  
• Oct 10, 2017 FDA Proposes to Extend Compliance Dates for Nutrition Facts Label Final Rules; Meat Institute Seeks Feedback The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing to extend the compliance dates for the Nutrition Facts and Supplement Facts label final rule and the Serving Size final rule from July 26, 2018, to January 1, 2020, for manufacturers with $10 million or more in annual food sales. Manufacturers...    more...  
• Oct 9, 2017 Meat Institute Calls on Secretary Perdue to Reject Removal of Carrageenan from the National List The Meat Institute urged Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to reject the National Organic Standards Board's (NOSB) recommendation to remove carrageenan from the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) for use in organic foods.    more...  
• Oct 5, 2017 NHDSC Kicks Off Sausage Month Celebrations The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC) is celebrating National Sausage Month this October by launching its fourth annual sausage recipe contest , which seeks sausage recipes that include beer either as an ingredient, as part of the cooking instructions or as a complimentary beverage.    more...  
• Oct 4, 2017 FSIS to Hold Webinars to Discuss Revised Compliance Guideline for Label Approval The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will host webinars October 11 and October 18 at 2 p.m. ET to discuss changes to the revised "Compliance Guideline for Label Approval," which details the types of labels and labeling that must be submitted to FSIS for approval.    more...  
• Oct 4, 2017 ILA, USMX Signal Early Contract Talks The U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), representing employers of the East and Gulf Coast longshore industry, sent a letter to the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) outlining a proposal for a contract extension with the union's more than 65,000 members employed at East and Gulf Coast...    more...  
• Oct 4, 2017 NAFTA Negotiators Conclude Third Round of Talks Representatives from the U.S., Canada and Mexico last week concluded the third round of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations in Ottawa, Canada.    more...  
• Oct 3, 2017 Meat Institute Holds Board of Directors Meeting and Annual Meeting; Elects New Officers Meat Institute board members convened last week in Washington, DC, for the association's Fall Board of Directors meeting and annual meeting.    more...  
• Oct 3, 2017 FDA Proposes to Extend Compliance Dates for Nutrition Facts Label Final Rules The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing to extend the compliance dates for the Nutrition Facts and Supplement Facts label final rule and the Serving Size final rule from July 26, 2018, to January 1, 2020, for manufacturers with $10 million or more in annual food sales.    more...  
• Sep 22, 2017 Deadline Approaching to Apply to Worker Safety Awards The deadline to apply to the Meat Institute's Worker Safety Awards Program is September 29.    more...  
• Sep 22, 2017 Environmental Recognition Awards Applications Now Open Applications for the 2018 Environmental Recognition Awards are now open and are due by October 13, 2017. The awards honor companies that demonstrate a dedication to continuous environmental improvement, as witnessed by the development and implementation of Environmental Management Systems.    more...  
• Sep 21, 2017 Trade Data Through July 2017 Now Available The latest Trade and Market Statistics Report released by USDA and compiled by the Meat Institute presenting data through July 31, 2017, is now available.    more...  
• Sep 21, 2017 Study Finds Livestock Production Improves Global Food Security The Meat Institute actively shared a new study published in Global Food Security, which found animals primarily consume foods not fit for human consumption and meat production requires less cereals than generally reported.    more...  
• Sep 20, 2017 USDA Solicits Input Regarding Proposed Reorganization USDA is inviting public comments through October 7 regarding the recently announced proposed structural realignment of offices within the department.    more...  
• Sep 20, 2017 National Academies Releases Final Report with Recommendations to Redesign DGA Process USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) should redesign the process for updating the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) to improve transparency, promote diversity of expertise and experience, support a deliberative process, foster independence in decision-making and...    more...  
• Sep 19, 2017 Meat Institute Signs Petition Requesting Waiver for Livestock Carriers from Electronic Logging Devices Final Rule The Meat Institute, along with the National Pork Producers Council and other associations, petitioned the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to grant a waiver followed by a limited exemption for livestock haulers from the December 18,...    more...  
• Sep 19, 2017 FSIS to Hold Webinars to Discuss Revised Compliance Guideline for Label Approval The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will host webinars September 21 and September 27 at 2 p.m. ET to discuss changes to the revised "Compliance Guideline for Label Approval," which details the types of labels and labeling that must be submitted to FSIS for approval.    more...  
• Sep 18, 2017 Meat Institute Submits Joint Comments Regarding Appendices A and B Compliance Guides The Meat Institute and National Turkey Federation (NTF) submitted joint comments to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) regarding the documents titled, " Salmonella Compliance Guideline for Small and Very Small Meat and Poultry Establishments that Produce Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Products and...    more...  
• Sep 18, 2017 FSIS Announces First Country Group for PHIS Export Component The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will implement the Public Health Information System (PHIS) Export Component for 19 countries on June 29, 2018. Additional countries will be added incrementally.    more...  
• Sep 18, 2017 Japan to Accept U.S. Beef Products Produced Using Artificial Casings Approved U.S. beef products produced using artificial, natural pork and imported ruminant casings are now eligible for export to Japan.    more...  
• Aug 23, 2017 Registration and Housing Available for 2018 IPPE Registration is now open for the 2018 International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE), scheduled to take place January 30-Feburary 1, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia.    more...  
• Aug 22, 2017 Meat Institute Submits Comments on Proposed Revisions to Beef Grade Standards The Meat Institute submitted comments regarding proposed changes to the U.S. Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef .    more...  
• Aug 22, 2017 Argentina Agrees to Resume U.S. Pork Imports The U.S. and Argentina have agreed to terms that will allow U.S. pork to enter the Argentine market for the first time since 1992.    more...  
• Aug 22, 2017 Meat Institute Joins Smithfield at DC Central Kitchen Donation Event Meat Institute staff was on hand at the DC Central Kitchen where Smithfield Foods donated 80,000 pounds of protein to feed more than 300,000 meals in the Washington, DC region.    more...  
• Aug 22, 2017 NAFTA Negotiations Commence Officials from the U.S., Canada and Mexico last week met in Washington, DC to begin the formal process to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).    more...  
• Aug 21, 2017 Meat Institute Submits Comments to Health Canada Regarding Proposed Dietary Guidelines The Meat Institute submitted comments to Health Canada regarding the agency’s proposed dietary recommendations.    more...  
• Aug 21, 2017 AMS Accepts Meat Institute’s Proposed Changes to FPPS for Animal Handling and Welfare The Agricultural Marketing Service has accepted the Meat Institute’s proposed changes to the agency’s Federal Purchase Program Specification (FPPS) for Animal Handling and Welfare.    more...  
• Aug 21, 2017 FSIS Posts Revised Compliance for Label Approval The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) posted an update to the November 2015, “Compliance Guideline for Label Approval,” which details the types of labels and labeling that are required to be submitted to FSIS for approval, including specific examples of certain special statements and...    more...  
• Aug 9, 2017 ILWU Members Approve Three-Year Contract Extension With PMA Members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), which represents dockworkers at 29 West Coast ports, approved a three-year contract extension with the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA).    more...  
• Aug 8, 2017 USDA Announces New Food Safety Leadership Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue named Carmen Rottenberg as acting deputy under secretary for food safety, succeeding Al Almanza, who retired at the end of July.    more...  
• Jul 28, 2017 Save the Date for the 2018 Meat Industry Summit The Meat Institute will host the 2018 Meat Industry Summit at La Cantera Resort and Spa in San Antonio, Texas, April 17-19.    more...  
• Jul 26, 2017 National Hot Dog Day Generates Extensive Media and Social Media Coverage National Hot Dog Day, July 19, generated extensive media and social media attention around the country.    more...  
• Jul 25, 2017 Meat Institute Annual Hot Dog Lunch Hits Home Run on Capitol Hill More than 1,000 lawmakers, congressional staff, meat industry representatives and members of the media attended NAMI’s Annual Hot Dog Lunch last Wednesday, July 19, on Capitol Hill. Former Major League Baseball greats Jim Palmer and Al Hrabosky and U.S. Olympic softball gold medalist Jennie...    more...  
• Jul 25, 2017 Perdue Names New Leadership for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue appointed three individuals to leadership positions in USDA’s Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services (FNCS).    more...  
• Jul 12, 2017 National Hot Dog Month Takes Center Stage July is National Hot Dog Month and the Meat Institute and National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC) actively encouraged positive coverage of hot dogs at the start of the month and around Independence Day.    more...  
• Jul 12, 2017 Events Mark U.S. Beef’s Return to China Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad formally marked the return of U.S. beef to the Chinese market during events held in Beijing and Shanghai on June 30 and July 1.    more...  
• Jun 28, 2017 New Videos Demonstrate Meat Thermometer Options and Calibration Tips The Meat Institute released two new videos highlighting the importance of correctly using a meat thermometer to ensure that meat products have reached the proper internal temperature during cooking.    more...  
• Jun 27, 2017 Meat Institute Encourages Members to Share Information about Participation in OSHA Inaugural Safe and Sound Week The Meat Institute is encouraging members who participated in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) inaugural Safe + Sound Week, June 12 - 18, to document their activities and experiences by completing a short survey on OSHA's website.    more...  
• Jun 27, 2017 First Shipment of U.S. Beef Arrives in China China processed the first shipment of beef from the U.S. in 14 years on Friday, after the government agreed to resume accepting U.S. beef imports in May.    more...  
• Jun 27, 2017 Registration Now Open for Beef Safety Conference Registration is now open for the Meat Institute's Pathogen Control and Regulatory Compliance in Beef Processing Conference , scheduled to take place September 6-7, 2017, in Rosemont, Illinois.    more...  
• Jun 27, 2017 FSIS Issues Directive Regarding Verification Procedures for Lethality and Stabilization The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a directive providing instructions to inspection program personnel (IPP) for verifying lethality and stabilization processes at establishments that make ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.    more...  
• Jun 21, 2017 Meat Institute Releases Updated Handling Guidelines, Revamps Web Site The 20th Anniversary Edition of the North American Meat Institute's Recommended Animal Handling Guidelines and Audit Guide was released last week for download on the Institute's newly updated and redesigned animal welfare site, AnimalHandling.org.    more...  
• Jun 21, 2017 Registration Now Open for Beef Safety Conference Registration is now open for the Meat Institute's Pathogen Control and Regulatory Compliance in Beef Processing Conference , scheduled to take place September 6-7, 2017, in Rosemont, Illinois.    more...  
• Jun 20, 2017 USDA Proposes Revision to Beef Grade Standards The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing to revise the U.S. Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef to include dentition and documentation of actual age as additional methods of classifying carcass maturity for quality grading.    more...  
• Jun 20, 2017 FDA Delays Rule Requiring New Nutrition Facts Panel on Food The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it intends to extend the compliance dates for the Nutrition Facts and Supplement Facts Label and Serving Size final rules. Manufacturers with $10...    more...  
• Jun 20, 2017 Study Finds Higher Intake of Animal Protein Foods Protects Against Age-Related Muscle Loss Higher intake of animal-protein foods alone, and especially in combination with a physically active lifestyle, is associated with preservation of muscle mass and functional performance in older adults, according to new research published in the Journals of Gerontology.    more...  
• Jun 19, 2017 Ports Coalition Applauds ILWU-PMA Contract Extension Offer; Calls on ILWU Members to Approve Contract The Ports Coalition, to which the Meat Institute and the U.S. Hide, Skin and Leather Association belong, applauded early contract negotiation discussions by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) that have resulted in a three-year contract...    more...  
• May 18, 2017 Register for 2017 Center of the Plate Training® Registration is now open for the 2017 Center of the Plate (COP) Training®, scheduled to take place August 1-3, in College Station, Texas.    more...  
• May 18, 2017 Meat Institute Scholarship Application Deadline Approaching The deadline to apply to the Meat Institute Scholarship Foundation awards is May 30, 2017.    more...  
• May 17, 2017 Lighthizer Confirmed as USTR Robert Lighthizer was confirmed as U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in an 82-14 Senate vote.    more...  
• May 16, 2017 Agreement Restores U.S. Beef Access to China The Trump Administration last week announced it reached an agreement with the Chinese government to allow the import of U.S. beef into China effective July 16, 2017.    more...  
• May 16, 2017 Agriculture Secretary Proposes Creating Under Secretary for Trade Position; Meat Institute Praises Decision Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue issued a report to Congress detailing his proposal to reorganize USDA's international trade functions, including a plan to establish the position of Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, as required by the 2014 Farm Bill. USDA's trade...    more...  
• May 16, 2017 Scott Gottlieb Confirmed as FDA commissioner The U.S. Senate voted 57-42 to confirm Scott Gottlieb as the 23rd Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).    more...  
• May 15, 2017 AMS Publishes Updated User Fees The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced the 2017 rates it will charge for voluntary grading, inspection, certification, auditing and laboratory services for certain agricultural commodities, including meat and poultry.    more...  
• May 12, 2017 IPPE Named Among Fastest Growing Tradeshows Trade Show News Network (TSNN) recognized the International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) among its 25 fastest-growing shows by net-square footage.    more...  
• May 11, 2017 NHDSC Releases New Hot Dog Month Planning Guide The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC) released a new National Hot Dog Month Planning Guide that features ideas to celebrate National Hot Dog Month in July and National Hot Dog Day, which will take place July 19, 2017. The guide includes...    more...  
• May 11, 2017 Register for 2017 Center of the Plate Training® Registration is now open for the 2017 Center of the Plate (COP) Training®, scheduled to take place August 1-3, in College Station, Texas.    more...  
• May 10, 2017 U.S. Food and Agriculture Dialogue for Trade Congratulates Secretary Perdue, Affirms Support for NAFTA The U.S. Food and Agriculture Dialogue for Trade (the Trade Dialogue), which the Meat Institute co-chairs, sent a congratulatory letter to Secretary Sonny Perdue in recognition of his recent bipartisan Senate confirmation.    more...  
• May 10, 2017 First Exports of U.S. Beef Arrive in Brazil The first shipment of fresh U.S. beef arrived in Brazil following a 13-year ban on U.S. beef exports. Brazil closed its market to imports of U.S. fresh beef in 2003 over concerns about bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).    more...  
• May 9, 2017 DA Extends Compliance Date for Menu Labeling Rule The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) extended the compliance date for the menu labeling final rule by slightly more than one year, from May 5, 2017, to May 7, 2018.    more...  
• May 9, 2017 FSIS Instructs Inspectors to Survey Establishments Making Antibiotic, Hormone and Soy Claims The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a notice instructing inspectors in establishments producing raw ground beef products, raw chicken parts and ready-to-eat (RTE) products to collect data on the use of certain raising and other claims as part of a larger effort to develop and...    more...  
• May 9, 2017 Trade Data Through March 2017 Now Available The latest Trade and Market Statistics Report released by USDA and compiled by the Meat Institute presenting data through March 31, 2017, is now available.    more...  
• May 8, 2017 Trump Signs Two Executive Orders on Trade President Donald Trump last week signed two executive orders (EO) on trade. The first EO directs a review of all existing trade agreements and the second establishes an Office of Trade and Manufacturing.    more...  
• Apr 27, 2017 DA Recognizes Australia as Having a Comparable Food Safety System to the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now recognizes Australia as having a food safety system comparable to the U.S. The decision, which was formalized in an agreement between FDA and the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (ADAWR), represents the third time that FDA has...    more...  
• Apr 27, 2017 FSIS Issues Instructions to IPP Regarding Completion of Labeling Claims Questionnaire The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a notice instructing inspection program personnel (IPP) in establishments that produce raw ground beef products, raw chicken parts and ready-to-eat (RTE) products to complete the “Labeling Claims Questionnaire” in the Public Health...    more...  
• Apr 27, 2017 Meat Institute Announces New Pork Book, Playing Cards The Meat Institute and Urner Barry unveiled The Pork Book: Fundamentals of the Pork Trade from Farm to Table .    more...  
• Apr 19, 2017 U.S. Beef Gains Increased Market Access to Thailand U.S. boneless and bone-in beef cuts from cattle of all ages are now eligible for export to Thailand, provided that the cattle are processed on or after April 1, 2017.    more...  
• Apr 18, 2017 USDA Delays Effective Date of GIPSA Interim Final Rule; Meat Institute Welcomes News The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) delayed the effective date of the Scope of Sections 202(a) and (b) of the Packers and Stockyards Act Interim Final Rule (IFR) until October 19, 2017.    more...  
• Apr 18, 2017 FDA Issues Waivers from Requirements of the Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food Rule A memorandum developed by the law firm Hogan Lovells details changes outlined in a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notice that provides three types of waivers from the requirements of the Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food rule.    more...  
• Apr 13, 2017 U.S. Poultry Exports Gain Increased Access to Guatemala The U.S. and Guatemala reached an agreement that will eliminate Guatemala's tariffs on U.S. fresh and frozen poultry exports four-and-a-half years earlier than planned.    more...  
• Apr 12, 2017 President Trump Signs Resolution Invalidating OSHA Volks Rule President Donald Trump last week signed H.J. Resolution 83 finalizing the Congressional Review Act (CRA) process to nullify an Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) rule, "Clarification of Employer's Continuing Obligation to Make and Maintain Accurate Records of Each Recordable...    more...  
• Apr 12, 2017 Pork 101 Course Announced The American Meat Science Association (AMSA) will host a Pork 101 course May 23-25, 2017, at Texas A&M; University, in College Station, Texas.    more...  
• Apr 12, 2017 Meat Institute to Co-sponsor Aggie Processed Meat Technology School NAMI, Southwest Meat Association and Texas Association of Meat Processors are partnering with Texas A&M; University Department of Animal Science and Texas A&M; AgriLife Extension program to host the 2017 Aggie Processed Meat Technology School , scheduled to take place April 19-21, 2017, in College...    more...  
• Apr 12, 2017 NHDSC Baseball Survey Generates Significant Media Attention The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council's (NHDSC) annual hot dog and sausage baseball survey was picked up widely in the media last week with attention continuing to come in.    more...  
• Apr 11, 2017 Industry Connects at Meat Industry Summit Nearly 300 Meat Institute members and guests gathered in San Diego, California last week for the annual Meat Industry Summit.    more...  
• Apr 11, 2017 Video Explains Import Verification Responsibilities of Organic Handlers and Certifiers The National Organic Program (NOP) published a video detailing the responsibilities of organic handlers when verifying that organic imports comply with U.S. standards.    more...  
• Apr 11, 2017 Trade Data Through February 2017 Now Available The latest Trade and Market Statistics Report released by USDA and compiled by the Meat Institute presenting data through February 28, 2017, is now available.    more...  
• Apr 11, 2017 New IPPE Housing Vendor Announced International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) show organizers announced that Experient will be the new official housing vendor for the 2018 Expo , January 30 - February 1, 2018, in Atlanta, Georgia.    more...  
• Mar 22, 2017 Monthly Humane Handling Robust Systematic Approach Verification to Begin April 1 The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that on April 1, 2017, it will begin implementing Notice 04 -17, Assessment and Verification Reviews of an Official Livestock Establishment's Robust Systematic Approach Plan for Humane Handling and Slaughter .    more...  
• Mar 22, 2017 Senate Finance Committee Holds Hearing for USTR Nominee The Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on President Donald Trump's nomination of Robert Lighthizer to serve as the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). During the hearing, Lighthizer stressed his support for deploying tools to hold China and other trading partners accountable for alleged trade...    more...  
• Mar 22, 2017 Article Highlights Trends in Global Trade of U.S. Meat All meat sectors - beef, pork, lamb and poultry - are increasingly affected by the trade of each meat, according to an article in Drovers Cattle Network.    more...  
• Mar 21, 2017 Meat Institute Submits Comments on Proposal to Establish Targeted Durations for Use of Medically Important Antimicrobials The Meat Institute submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding its proposal to establish appropriately targeted durations of therapeutic use of medically important antimicrobials administered in the feed or water of food-producing animals.    more...  
• Mar 21, 2017 White House Budget Proposes Cuts to USDA The White House released its annual budget , which proposes cutting USDA funding by $4.7 billion to $17.9 billion.    more...  
• Mar 21, 2017 Meat Institute Seeks Member Input Regarding FNS Proposed Rule on Donated Foods The Meat Institute is soliciting member input on the Food and Nutrition Service's (FNS) proposed rule to revise and clarify requirements for the processing of donated foods.    more...  
• Mar 21, 2017 FSIS Increases Beef Import Inspection from Some Countries The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a notice instructing inspection program personnel (IPP) at official import inspection establishments regarding sampling procedures for raw beef product when an E. coli O157:H7 MT51 type of inspection (TOI) is assigned at an Increased Level of...    more...  
• Mar 20, 2017 FSIS Revises Directive on Substances Used in Meat, Poultry and Egg Production The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a revised directive updating the list of safe and suitable ingredients used in the production of meat, poultry and egg products.    more...  
• Mar 17, 2017 Meat Institute to Co-sponsor Aggie Processed Meat Technology School NAMI, Southwest Meat Association and Texas Association of Meat Processors are partnering with Texas A&M; University Department of Animal Science and Texas A&M; AgriLife Extension program to host the 2017 Aggie Processed Meat Technology School, scheduled to take place April 19-21, 2017, in College...    more...  
• Mar 16, 2017 Trade Data Through January 2017 Now Available The latest Trade and Market Statistics Report released by USDA and compiled by the Meat Institute presenting data through January 31, 2017, is now available.    more...  
• Mar 16, 2017 Members Encouraged to Showcase Products During Annual SausageFest Competition The annual SausageFest competition will take place at the Meat Industry Summit, April 5, 2017, at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, California.    more...  
• Mar 15, 2017 CCFN Urges Trump Administration to Escalate Opposition to Geographical Indications Policies The Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN), to which NAMI belongs, testified before the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to encourage the Trump Administration to aggressively oppose geographical indications (GI) policies designed to help European farmers, food producers and others...    more...  
• Mar 14, 2017 Gottlieb Nominated to Lead FDA President Donald Trump nominated Scott Gottlieb, a practicing physician and resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, to serve as the 23 rd commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Gottlieb previously served as FDA’s deputy commissioner for medical and scientific...    more...  
• Mar 14, 2017 Meat Institute Submits Comments Regarding ‘Best if Used By’ Label The Meat Institute submitted comments regarding the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) guidance document aimed at reducing food waste by encouraging food manufacturers and retailers that apply product dating to use a “best if used by” date label, instead of “sell by” and “best...    more...  
• Mar 14, 2017 Congress Repeals Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Regulations The U.S. Senate last week voted in favor of House Joint Resolution 37 (H.J. Res. 37), which would repeal the regulations established by the Obama Administration’s July 31, 2014, Executive Order on Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces. Specifically, H.J. Res. 37, would revoke the paycheck transparency...    more...  
• Mar 13, 2017 Hot Dog Madness Kicks Off The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC) launched its fifth annual Hot Dog Madness Bracket to determine the Major League Baseball team that offers the best hot dogs and sausages at the concession stand.    more...  
• Mar 8, 2017 Sponsorships Available for Meat Industry Summit; Members Encouraged to Showcase Products During Annual SausageFest Competition Sponsorship opportunities are available for Meat Institute members at the upcoming Meat Industry Summit, April 4-6, 2017, at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, California.    more...  
• Mar 7, 2017 Executive Order Initiates Process to Repeal WOTUS Rule President Donald Trump last week signed an Executive Order (EO) directing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to conduct a formal review of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, which redefined and expanded the bodies of water subject to...    more...  
• Mar 7, 2017 USTR Releases President Trump's 2017 Trade Policy Agenda The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) last week released President Trump's 2017 Trade Policy Agenda , as required by Congress.    more...  
• Mar 7, 2017 Early Registration and Housing Deadline Extended for Meat Industry Summit The early registration and housing deadline has been extended until March 10 for the upcoming Meat Industry Summit, April 4-6, 2017, at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, California.    more...  
• Mar 6, 2017 OFCCP Revises Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) recently revised the provision requiring all federal contractors to incorporate the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision in employee manuals and handbooks, and post it for applicants and employees.    more...  
• Mar 2, 2017 Meat Institute Announces General Session Speakers for Upcoming Industry Summit The Meat Institute announced general session speakers for its upcoming Meat Industry Summit, April 4-6, 2017, at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, California.    more...  
• Mar 2, 2017 Meat Institute Urges Creation of Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs The Meat Institute signed a multi-association letter to President Donald Trump urging that the Secretary of Agriculture establish an office of the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at USDA, as required by the 2014 Farm Bill.    more...  
• Mar 2, 2017 Meat Institute Donates More Than 7,000 Pounds of Product at AMC The Meat Institute donated 7,205 pounds of meat products to the North Texas Food Bank following the 2017 Annual Meat Conference (AMC), February 19-21, in Dallas, Texas.    more...  
• Mar 1, 2017 FSIS Extends Comment Period for Proposed Revisions to Nutrition Fact Panel for Meat and Poultry Products The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) extended the public comment period by 30 days to April 19, 2017, for a proposed rule that would amend the nutrition labeling regulations for meat and poultry products to align them with the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) final nutrition...    more...  
• Mar 1, 2017 San Francisco Grants One-Year Waiver for Meat Tray Requirements The San Francisco Department of Environment, authorized by the Food Service and Packaging Waste Reduction Ordinance, granted a one-year waiver allowing the continued sale and distribution to consumers, until July 1, 2018, of raw or butchered meat or fish packaged in trays made with polystyrene...    more...  
• Feb 23, 2017 AMS Extends Comment Period for Proposed Rule and Draft Guidance The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is extending the comment period for the Sunset 2017 Amendments to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) proposed rule by 30 days to April 19, 2017, and the comment period for the draft guidance titled, " Calculating the...    more...  
• Feb 22, 2017 Registration Now Open for 2017 Meat Industry Summit Registration is open for the annual Meat Industry Summit , April 4-6, 2017, at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, California. The new Summit will be the Meat Institute's only annual conference, combining programming from the former Meat Industry Management and Outlook conferences.    more...  
• Feb 22, 2017 Twelfth Annual Power of Meat Study Reveals Deflation is Changing Retail Meat Purchases The Foundation for Meat and Poultry Research and Education and the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) today released the 12th annual Power of Meat Study, finding that price relief is driving a greater willingness for experimentation and premium product meat purchases among consumers.    more...  
• Feb 22, 2017 FDA Announces Public Meeting on Use of the Term 'Healthy' in Food Labeling The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will hold a public meeting March 9, 2017, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., in Rockville, Maryland, to hear comments regarding the use of the term "healthy" in the labeling of human food products.    more...  
• Feb 16, 2017 Coalition for Fair Port Practices Urges Action on Detention-Demurrage FMC Petition The Coalition for Fair Port Practices, to which the Meat Institute and the U.S. Hide, Skin and Leather Association belong, is urging member companies to support its petition for rulemaking before the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) regarding detention and demurrage practices for cargo moving...    more...  
• Feb 15, 2017 2016 Year End Trade Data Now Available The latest Trade and Market Statistics Report released by USDA and compiled by the Meat Institute presenting data through December 31, 2016, is now available. Beef and pork export values were both above 2015 totals.    more...  
• Feb 15, 2017 Registration for Listeria Conference Now Open Registration is now open for the Meat Institute's Advanced Listeria monocytogenes Intervention and Control Workshop, April 20-21, 2017, in Kansas City, Missouri.    more...  
• Feb 14, 2017 FSIS to Hold a Webinar on Exports in PHIS The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will hold a webinar February 14, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., in Washington, D.C. to discuss the new export component in the Public Health Information System (PHIS), which will be implemented in June 2017.    more...  
• Feb 14, 2017 Senate Agriculture Committee to Hold Field Hearings on New Farm Bill The Senate Agriculture Committee will hold its first in a series of field hearings to discuss the 2018 Farm Bill on February 23, 2017, at the McCain Auditorium at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas.    more...  
• Feb 14, 2017 Meat Institute Joins Food and Agriculture Groups in Letter Highlighting Importance of Trade with Asia The Meat Institute joined 87 food and agriculture groups in a letter to President Trump highlighting the importance of trade with countries in the Asia-Pacific region and the industry's interest in working with the administration to build strong trade relationships with the world's largest market...    more...  
• Feb 7, 2017 IPPE Draws More Than 31,000 People to Atlanta The meat and poultry industry last week gathered in Atlanta, Georgia for the fifth International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE), which attracted nearly 1,300 exhibitors and more than 31,000 industry professionals from more than 100 countries.    more...  
• Feb 7, 2017 Preliminary Data Indicates Trade Growth in 2016 A new analysis from the Economic Research Service (ERS) indicates that 2016 marked an improvement in meat and poultry export and import levels compared to 2015.    more...  
• Jan 26, 2017 Perdue Named Agriculture Secretary; Meat Institute Welcomes Choice President Donald Trump nominated former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to be the next Agriculture Secretary. Perdue served two terms as governor, from 2003 to 2011, and was an original member of Trump's agricultural advisory team. Prior to serving as governor, Perdue spent 11 years in the Georgia...    more...  
• Jan 26, 2017 IPPE Convenes Next Week The meat and poultry industry will gather next week in Atlanta, Georgia for the 2017 International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE), scheduled to take place January 30 - February 2, at the Georgia World Congress Center.    more...  
• Jan 25, 2017 FSIS Proposes Revisions to Nutritional Fact Panel for Meat and Poultry Products The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to amend the nutrition labeling regulations for meat and poultry products to align them with the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) final nutrition regulations, which were published on May 27, 2016.    more...  
• Jan 24, 2017 White House Orders Regulatory Freeze White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus issued a memorandum Friday directing all executive departments and agencies to freeze new and pending regulations to allow time for review by President Trump's new administration.    more...  
• Jan 19, 2017 FSIS Issues Notice on Slaughter, Humane Handling The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a notice providing instructions to Public Health Veterinarians (PHVs), inspection program personnel (IPP) and District Veterinary Medical Specialists (DVMSs) regarding humane handling and slaughter.    more...  
• Jan 19, 2017 FDA Releases Revised Draft Guidance for Control of Listeria in RTE Foods The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the availability of a revised draft guidance for industry entitled "Control of Listeria monocytogenes in Ready-To-Eat (RTE) Foods."    more...  
• Jan 19, 2017 FSIS Revises Directive on Substances Used in Meat, Poultry and Egg Production The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a revised directive updating the list of safe and suitable ingredients used in the production of meat, poultry and egg products.    more...  
• Jan 19, 2017 Regulatory Staff Available to Meet With Members at IPPE Meat Institute regulatory staff will be available to meet with members on Wednesday, February 1, 2017, in the membership booth at the 2017 International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Georgia.    more...  
• Jan 19, 2017 Trade Data Through November Now Available The latest Trade and Market Statistics Report, released by USDA and compiled by the Meat Institute presenting data through November 2016, is now available.    more...  
• Jan 19, 2017 Meat Institute Releases Details for Four Free Education Programs at 2017 IPPE The Meat Institute announced details for four free education programs at the 2017 International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE), scheduled to take place January 31 - February 2, 2017, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia.    more...  
• Jan 18, 2017 Meat Institute Calls for Trade-Focused Listening Session With Trump Transition Team The Meat Institute and North American Export Grain Association sent a letter to Alan Cobb, national engagement director for President-Elect Donald Trump, requesting the transition team's participation in a trade-focused listening session to discuss several high-priority, near-term trade-related...    more...  
• Jan 6, 2017 NAMI to Host Meat Pavilion at NGA Show NAMI will host a Meat Pavilion as part of the 2017 National Grocers Association (NGA) Show, which is scheduled to take place February 12-15, 2017, at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.    more...  
• Jan 5, 2017 Meat Institute to Honor Industry Leaders at IPPE NAMI will honor industry leaders at its Annual Awards Ceremony and Luncheon during the 2017 International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Georgia.    more...  
• Jan 4, 2017 Meat Institute Hires Two New Regulatory and Scientific Staff Members Tiffany Lee, D.V.M., and KatieRose McCullough, Ph.D., joined the Meat Institute's regulatory and scientific affairs staff as directors of regulatory and scientific affairs.    more...  
• Jan 4, 2017 FDA Extends Compliance Date for Final Menu Labeling Rule The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) extended the compliance date for the final rule requiring disclosure of certain nutrition information for standard menu items in restaurants and retail food establishments to align it with the rule's enforcement date.    more...  
• Jan 4, 2017 FDA Extends Comment Period to Redefine 'Healthy' Claim for Food Labeling The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is extending the comment period for a docket to receive information and comments on the use of the term "healthy" in the labeling of human food products. Comments are due by April 26, 2017.    more...  
• Jan 4, 2017 Meat News Network YouTube Channel Surpasses Three Million Views Meat Institute videos have now been viewed more than three million times on YouTube.    more...  
• Jan 4, 2017 Obama Administration Takes Action to Address European Union's 'Unfair' Trade Practices Against U.S. Beef Industry The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is taking initial action to reinstate more than $100 million in tariffs on European Union (EU) products exported to the U.S., in response to the EU's violation of the duty-free beef quota established to compensate the U.S. for losses arising from...    more...  
• Dec 22, 2016 USDA Revises Guidance on Date Labeling to Reduce Food Waste The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued new guidance aimed at reducing food waste by encouraging food manufacturers and retailers that apply product dating to use a "best if used by" date label, instead of "sell by" and "best by" dates.    more...  
• Dec 22, 2016 Meat Institute to Host Mythcrushers Workshop at IPPE The Meat Institute will host " Get the Facts With Meat Mythcrushers " February 1, 2017, as part of its education programming at the International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Georgia.    more...  
• Dec 21, 2016 Uniform Compliance Date for Food Labeling Regulations Released The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is establishing January 1, 2020, as the uniform compliance date for new meat and poultry product labeling regulations that are issued between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2018.    more...  
• Dec 21, 2016 Health Canada Announces New Nutrition Labeling Rules Health Canada released its final amendments to Canada's Nutrition Labeling requirements in Canada Gazette Part II .    more...  
• Dec 21, 2016 FDA Finalizes FSMA Third-Party Certification User Fee Program The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule to establish a user-fee program for a voluntary accreditation program under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).    more...  
• Dec 9, 2016 Meat Institute Shares Details About Complimentary Education Sessions at IPPE The Meat Institute has confirmed speakers and agendas for four of the 11 education sessions it will sponsor at the 2017 International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE), the world's largest annual meat, poultry and feed industry trade show, scheduled for January 31 - February 2, 2017, at the...    more...  
• Dec 8, 2016 BMJ Stands by Teicholz Critique of DGAC Methods Following a formal post-publication review , the BMJ (formerly British Medical Journal) decided against retracting Big Fat Surprise author Nina Teicholz's critical assessment of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) process published last year.    more...  
• Dec 8, 2016 Meat Consumption Critical for Good Health, Development Meat consumption helps build muscle protein and protects against muscle loss in the elderly, according to research published in the Journal of Animal Science.    more...  
• Dec 8, 2016 Meat Institute Promotes Beef Book Playing Cards Ahead of Holiday Shopping Rush The Meat Institute sent letters and sample decks of the Beef Book Playing Cards to editors at more than 45 publications, including GQ, Men's Health, Woman's Day, BuzzFeed and Food & Wine Magazine, to earn the cards a spot in some of this year's most prominent holiday gift guides.    more...  
• Dec 7, 2016 FSIS Proposes Revisions to Nutrition Facts Label for Meat and Poultry Products The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued an advance copy of a proposed rule to amend the nutrition labeling requirements for meat and poultry products and align them, to the extent possible, with the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) revised Nutrition Facts label .    more...  
• Dec 7, 2016 FDA Publishes Biennial Uniform Compliance Date for Food Labeling Regulations Issued in 2017-2018 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) established January 1, 2020, as the uniform compliance date for food labeling regulations that are issued in calendar years 2017 and 2018.    more...  
• Dec 7, 2016 World Beef Exports, Trade Projected to Grow in 2017 Beef production and consumption among major beef countries is expected to grow in 2017, according to estimates from the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). In addition to the U.S., where beef production and consumption are increasing, beef production is expected to rise in Brazil, China, India...    more...  
• Dec 6, 2016 Meat Institute Submits Comments on Long-Term Sodium Guidance The Meat Institute last week submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding its draft guidance, " Voluntary Sodium Reduction Goals: Target Mean and Upper Bound Concentrations for Sodium in Commercially Processed, Packaged and Prepared Foods ."    more...  
• Dec 6, 2016 FSIS Extends Comment Period Regarding Proposal to Hold Truckers, Others Responsible for Inhumane Treatment at Plants The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) extended the comment period to January 24, 2017, concerning a proposed policy change, Inhumane Handling of Livestock in Connection with Slaughter by Persons Not Employed by the Official Establishment , which would hold livestock owners, transporters,...    more...  
• Dec 6, 2016 FDA to Align Menu Labeling Compliance Date With Enforcement Date The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it will soon publish a final rule to formally extend to May 5, 2017, the compliance date for the agency's 2014 menu labeling regulation , which requires disclosure of certain nutrition information for standard menu items in certain chain...    more...  
• Nov 23, 2016 2014 NARMS Integrated Report Released The National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) published the 2014 Integrated Report (IR). NARMS is a surveillance program conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food Safety and Inspection Service, the Food and Drug Administration and state and local...    more...  
• Nov 23, 2016 Food Safety Survey Shows Consumer Knowledge Up, Still Room to Grow The Food and Drug Administration and the Food Safety and Inspection Service released results from the 2016 annual Food Safety Survey, which aims to gauge and track the public's understanding of proper food safety handling techniques.    more...  
• Nov 22, 2016 California Committee Votes Against Listing Nitrite in Combination With Amines or Amides as Carcinogen California's Carcinogen Identification Committee (CIC), which advises and assists the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), last week voted unanimously not to list "nitrites in combination with amines and/or amides" as a carcinogen under the state's Proposition 65 labeling law.    more...  
• Nov 22, 2016 USDA Seeks Nominations to National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection USDA is soliciting nominations for membership on the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI). USDA is soliciting nominations for seven available positions.    more...  
• Nov 22, 2016 New York Times Editorial Board Urges TPP Passage The New York Times editorial board penned an op-ed encouraging ratification of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement.    more...  
• Nov 22, 2016 Staff, Meat Institute Members Honored on National Provisioner's Future Icons List NAMI Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Janet Riley was named to National Provisioner's 25 Future Icons List , which honors a select group of individuals who the magazine expects will shape the meat and poultry industry over the next two decades.    more...  
• Nov 16, 2016 FDA Releases Final Guidance for Voluntary Qualified Importer Program The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued final guidance for industry for a voluntary, fee-based program to allow the expedited review and importation of foods into the U.S. from importers with a proven track record of food safety and security.    more...  
• Nov 16, 2016 Meat Institute Urges Congress to Pass TPP; Analysts See Dim Prospects for Ratification Meat Institute President and CEO Barry Carpenter today urged Congress to approve the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement.    more...  
• Nov 16, 2016 Registration for Worker Safety Conference Now Open Registration is now open for NAMI's Worker Safety Conference for the Meat and Poultry Industry , January 30-31, 2017, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia.    more...  
• Nov 15, 2016 FSIS Issues Nutrition Facts Label Compliance The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued an advance copy of a Federal Register notice allowing establishments to use the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) revised Nutrition Facts label while FSIS undergoes the rulemaking process to update the Nutrition Facts label format for meat...    more...  
• Nov 15, 2016 Trade Data Through September Now Available The latest Trade and Market Statistics Report, released by USDA and compiled by the Meat Institute presenting data through September 2016, is now available.    more...  
• Nov 15, 2016 Article Examines Red Meat and Heart Health Consuming a moderate amount of red meat can be part of an overall heart-healthy diet, according to an article in U.S. News and World Report.    more...  
• Nov 10, 2016 Registration Now Open for 2017 Environmental Conference Registration is now open for NAMI's Environmental Conference for the Meat and Poultry Industry, January 30-31, 2017, at the Georgia World Congress Center, in Atlanta, Georgia.    more...  
• Nov 10, 2016 Meat Institute to Host Meat Counter at IPPE The Meat Institute membership booth will once again feature its popular Meat Counter at the 2017 International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE), January 31-February 2, 2017, in Atlanta, Georgia.    more...  
• Nov 9, 2016 White House Study Examines Failure of TPP Passage on U.S. Businesses The White House Council of Economic Advisers last week released a study warning Congress about the dangers of failing to pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement, stating that millions of U.S. jobs could be at risk if the competing Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership...    more...  
• Nov 9, 2016 Health Canada to Update Country's Food Guide Health Canada has initiated a consultation process to revise Canada's Food Guide, which was last updated in 2007 and provides dietary recommendations to help Canadians make food choices.    more...  
• Nov 8, 2016 New BLS Data Show Meat and Poultry Industry Sustains Progress in Enhancing Worker Safety New Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) incidence rates for non-fatal occupational injuries show sustained progress in meat and poultry industry workplace safety in 2015. Meat packing, processing and poultry industry results improved from both 2014 and 2013 levels, reaching a new, all-time industry...    more...  
• Nov 8, 2016 FSIS Releases 2017-2021 Strategic Plan The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) last week released its Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-2021 Strategic Plan , which will guide the agency's work over the next five years. The plan is focused on achieving three broad goals: preventing foodborne illness and protecting public health; modernizing...    more...  
• Nov 8, 2016 FDA Issues Draft Guidance on FSMA Written Disclosure Statements The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published draft guidance regarding written disclosure statements required by four of the seven major Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) final rules.    more...  
• Nov 2, 2016 Meat Institute Submits Comments on Proposed Changes to Beef Carcass Grading Standards The Meat Institute submitted comments to the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) in response to the agency's proposal to amend beef standards to include dentition and documentation of the age as an additional determination of maturity grouping for official quality grading of beef carcasses.    more...  
• Nov 2, 2016 Meat Institute Urges Vietnam to Reconsider Establishing Zero Tolerance Levels on Veterinary Drugs The Meat Institute joined other livestock industry organizations in urging Vietnam to apply science-based standards when establishing veterinary drug maximum residue limits (MRLs).    more...  
• Nov 1, 2016 FSIS Publishes New Policy to Hold Truckers, Others Responsible for Inhumane Treatment at Plants The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) published a new policy, Inhumane Handling of Livestock in Connection with Slaughter by Persons Not Employed by the Official Establishment, which would hold livestock owners, transporters, haulers and other persons not employed by the official...    more...  
• Nov 1, 2016 Op-Ed Highlights Economic Benefits of Trade, Urges TPP Passage Michael Ducker, president and chief executive officer of FedEx Freight and chairman of the Executive Committee of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, penned an op-ed touting the benefits of trade for the U.S. economy.    more...  
• Nov 1, 2016 Meat Institute Grassroots Efforts Growing Steadily The Meat Institute's grassroots political efforts are heating up as more than 65 Members of Congress have received letters in support of House and Senate bills that would prohibit the Department of Treasury from implementing changes to the tax code on estate and gift tax valuation discounts that...    more...  
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