This episode of Food Safety Five reads between the lines of the revised Dietary Guidelines for Americans, discussing its use of the term “highly processed foods,” how its definition differs (or does not differ) from the debated “ultra-processed foods” category, and the potential implications for food policy.
USDA-FSIS has reissued its guidance on testing for Listeria species other than Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) food production facilities to reflect expansions made to the agency’s testing method and enforcement actions.
At a January 14 public meeting on strategies to reduce Salmonella in poultry products, USDA-FSIS focused on the importance of tailored strategies, data-driven decisions, and considering the needs of small- and medium-sized establishments. Stakeholders shared their concerns and ideas.
At a public meeting on January 14 held by USDA-FSIS to discuss strategies for reducing salmonellosis attributable to poultry, a Consumer Reports food scientist argued for the agency to return to its now-withdrawn proposed regulatory framework for Salmonella in poultry.
Supported in part by USDA-NIFA, multidisciplinary researchers and Extension professionals from U.S. land-grant institutions have collaborated under the Enhancing Microbial Safety by Risk Analysis project, completing new research, helping inform policy, and providing education and outreach.
In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak to acclaimed food policy journalist Helena Bottemiller Evich about the rise of the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement, the current state of food and nutrition policy under its agenda, and predictions for its future.
According to a report from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for USDA, 20,306 employees left the agency between January and June 2025. This does not include any attrition from the agency’s planned reorganization or the federal government shutdown.
USDA-FSIS has named Robert Bane as the new Deputy Administrator of Field Operations, who will serve alongside Deputy Administrator Dr. Denise Eblen in the Office of the Administrator. FSIS also announced several other appointments in different offices.
A U.S. appeals court has ruled that USDA must amend the Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard to close the loophole that exempts certain “ultra-processed” foods (UPFs) from displaying label disclosures for genetically modified (GM) ingredients. Additionally, the court ruled that QR code-only disclosures are unlawful without explicit on-label statements.
INNEO is a peptide-based antimicrobial processing aid. USDA’s No Objection Letter enables U.S. meat and poultry processors to use INNEO both as a surface treatment and directly within the food matrix of comminuted products.
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