The latest U. S. salmonella outbreak could spur food safety reform in the U. S. Congress, but the process will be slow and consumers will remain at risk until the shattered regulatory regime can be fixed. “Congress is poised to take early action on food safety legislation,” said Caroline Smith DeWall, a director of food
Salmonella outbreak may spur U. S. food safety
USDA needs to improve slaughter inspection: report
The U. S. meat inspection system has flaws that may create food safety risks, although the problems that forced a California packer to conduct the largest meat recall ever are not widespread, according to a federal review. The audit by USDA’s inspector general came after a videotape released Jan. 30 showed Hallmark/Westland Meat Co. workers
As ethanol shipments grow, safety remains a concern
Surging U. S. ethanol production may force the industry to step up transport safety measures in the face of growing concern that communities are ill prepared to deal with the volatile, flammable liquid. Despite efforts to work with shippers to make sure cars are safely loaded and emergency responders know what to do if an
USDA chief predicts lower inputs by spring
U. S. farmers have not seen their input costs decline significantly despite the recent drop in energy prices, Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer said Nov. 18, but he remained confident conditions would improve before growers plant their 2009 crops. Prices for corn, soybeans, wheat and other crops have dropped after setting record highs earlier this year.
U. S. brings in new rules for livestock manure
Large U. S. livestock operations that discharge manure laced with phosphorus, nitrogen and other chemicals that seeps into waterways must apply for a federal permit, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency said Oct. 31. The EPA said farmers will have the decision whether to obtain a permit under the Clean Water Act if they expect
Farm gate prices drop, but not food prices
U. S. food prices are still headed for their largest increase in two decades this year despite the recent slide in oil and grain markets, the U. S. Agriculture Department said Oct. 18. In its monthly report, USDA did not change its forecast for food prices, which are expected to surge by 5.5 per cent
BSE ban cost U. S. $11B in exports
U. S. ranchers and processors lost almost $11 billion in revenue between 2004 and 2007 after major importers barred U. S. beef following the discovery of BSE in the United States, according to a government report issued Oct. 7. The International Trade Commission said trade restrictions put in place because of mad cow disease cost
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