USDA

USDA Seeks Comments on the Labeling of Meat and Poultry Products Derived from Animal Cells

September 2, 2021 USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) published today an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) to solicit comments and information regarding the labeling of meat and poultry products made using cultured cells derived from animals under FSIS jurisdiction. FSIS will use these comments to inform future regulatory requirements for the labeling of such food products. …

USDA Establishes Dairy Donation Program

August 25, 2021 USDA AMS

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh today announced the establishment of a $400 million Dairy Donation Program (DDP) on a call with Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow. The DDP, established by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) in accordance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, aims to facilitate timely dairy product donations while reducing food waste. …

APHIS Amends Import Requirements for Citrus from Australia

August 24, 2021 USDA APHIS

Effective immediately, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is revising the entry requirements for citrus fruit from the Districts of Riverina and Sunraysia in Australia. This revision is necessary because both Riverina and Sunraysia no longer meet the requirements to be considered fruit fly free areas for Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni or QFF …

USDA Announces Improvements to the Dairy Safety Net and New Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program

August 19, 2021 USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the details of the Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program as part of meetings with farmers and a tour of farms with Senator Leahy. In June, Secretary Vilsack committed to providing additional pandemic assistance for dairy farmers in an exchange at a hearing with Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Leahy. …

Statement from Michael Dykes, D.V.M., IDFA President and CEO, on USDA Update to the SNAP Thrifty Food Plan

August 17, 2021 International Dairy Foods Association

Thrifty Food Plan, which will increase the average SNAP benefit by $36.24 per person, per month, or $1.19 per day, according to USDA.” …