Meat & Poultry

The American Meat Institute Foundation (AMIF) said a study published today in the journal Cancer that links nitrite and nitrate intake from processed meats to a potential increased risk of bladder cancer is the latest example of nutrition whiplash facing consumers. AMIF President James H. Hodges said the study creates needless confusion rather than providing clarity to the complex issue of diet and its effect on health. …

Pork processor Smithfield Foods says Executive Vice President Richard Poulson is retiring next month. …

Missouri Pork Producers Step Up to the Plate While baseball cards have promoted everything from tobacco to bubble gum through the years, Missouri farmers on baseball cards became fan favorites this summer at St. Louis Cardinals games. The project, part of the “Farmers Feed US” campaign, promoted farmers and educated consumers about modern agriculture. …

Pork producers are more committed than ever to demonstrating how much they care about producing safe and nutritious food, the well-being of their animals and protecting the environment. Through some amazing efforts, they have reached another important milestone for the National Pork Board’s Operation Main Street (OMS) program. On Aug. 4, volunteer OMS speakers achieved the Pork Checkoff-funded program’s 4,000th speech. …

Poultry producers face intense price pressure and fierce competition especially with the economic downturn. Your new competitor is farmed fish, Luca Cerani told participants. Meanwhile, input costs wheat, soya are expected to rise. In this context, the challenge for producers and retailers is to differentiate and inject value into a meat that continues to be perceived as a low-value product. …