Listeria concern triggers veggie recalls in U.S. and Canada

FDA gives $1.5 million to support FSMA education, training, and technical assistance July 28, 2020

The FDA is announcing $1.5 million of continued funding, in the form of cooperative agreements, to the University of Arkansas Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative and the National Farmers Union to enhance food safety under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

Smithfield says not all plant workers can be socially distanced July 24, 2020

According to Reuters, Smithfield Foods has said workers cannot be socially distant in all areas of its plants, in response to U.S. senators who pressed meatpackers on coronavirus outbreaks in slaughterhouses.

USDA provides an update on 2019 Tyson beef plant closure and COVID-19 investigation July 23, 2020

The report, prepared by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service in coordination with the Office of the Chief Economist, summarizes market conditions, fed cattle prices, boxed beef values, and the spread before and after the fire and plant closure at the Tyson Holcomb, Kan., plant, and before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Outbreak investigation of Cyclospora linked to bagged salads June 24, 2020

The FDA, along with the CDC and state and local partners, continue to investigate a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections potentially linked to Aldi, Hy-Vee, and Jewel-Osco grocery store brand “garden salads” containing iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, and carrots.

Organic food sales hit $50 billion in 2019 June 10, 2020

According to the 2020 Organic Industry Survey released by the Organic Trade Association, U.S. organic food sales hit $50.1 billion, up 4.6% from the previous year.