Policy: Page 21


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    Permission granted by Tim Fields
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    US meat exports to China rise as supply falls, analysis shows

    Companies have warned of potential shortages as coronavirus infects workers, but shipments overseas have surged, according to a Reuters analysis.

    By Lillianna Byington • May 12, 2020
  • Cows on a farm
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    "RUDERSBERG" by DORIS META F is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    Opinion

    Pandemic on our plates: The high health risks of industrial animal agriculture

    The way animals are raised for meat, physician Shivam Joshi and Josh Balk of the Humane Society write, the U.S. is engaging in a practice that’s a tinderbox for the next outbreak.

    By Shivam Joshi and Josh Balk • May 11, 2020
  • A person in a grocery store putting items in a smart cart. Explore the Trendline
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    Courtesy of Instacart
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    Trendline

    Top 5 stories from Food Dive

    The food and beverage industry is changing rapidly and the actions companies take this year are likely to play a major role in defining their future. 

    By Food Dive staff
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    U.S. Department of Agriculture. Retrieved from Flickr.
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    As coronavirus spreads in meat plants, nearly 200 USDA inspectors test positive

    Three Food Safety and Inspection Service inspectors have died from the virus. The agency said it has enough face masks to keep personnel supplied for the next few months​.

    By Lillianna Byington • May 11, 2020
  • Agriculture SecretarySonny Perdue visits Triumph Foods pork processing facility April 28, 2017. The facility houses 2,800 employees in St. Joseph, Mo.
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    USDA photo by Preston Keres. (2017). "20170428-OSEC-PJK-1465" [photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
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    Lawsuit about worker conditions at Smithfield plant dismissed

    Since the case was filed, the meat processor has made several changes to its Milan, Missouri location and OSHA has put in place new regulations on how manufacturing facilities should be run.

    By May 6, 2020
  • Spread of foodborne pathogens continues to climb, CDC says

    The 2019 data was collected by a collaboration of government agencies and state health departments from 10 sites covering approximately 15% of the U.S. population.

    By Jessi Devenyns • May 5, 2020
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    The image by BASFPlantScience is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    USDA to purchase $470M in surplus meat, dairy and produce

    After facing criticism that the government's efforts have been slow to help producers during the pandemic, the department said this will allow food to be distributed to communities nationwide.

    By Lillianna Byington • May 5, 2020
  • Several workers in protective gear work on a meat production line with plastic dividers between them.
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    Permission granted by Tyson Foods
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    Tyson CEO says meat supply will increase in back half of year

    When asked if its plants could build back up to pre-coronavirus capacity given operational changes, such as social distancing, that need to be implemented, Noel White said, "The answer would be yes."

    By Emma Cosgrove • May 5, 2020
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    USDA. (2017). Retrieved from Flickr.
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    Why Trump's executive order to keep meat plants open is seen as 'risky'

    The president invoked the Defense Production Act to ease concerns about supply and liability among companies, but the move has drawn mixed reactions and raised questions about worker safety. 

    By Lillianna Byington • May 4, 2020
  • Justice Department approves DFA purchase of Dean Foods' assets

    As a condition of the deal, antitrust officials said the dairy co-op must divest three processing plants to alleviate potential competitive harm.

    By Lillianna Byington • May 4, 2020
  • Blue Bell Creameries ice cream
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    Permission granted by Blue Bell Creameries
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    Blue Bell fined $17.25M for 2015 listeria outbreak

    The ice cream company was sentenced Thursday after pleading guilty in May to distributing adulterated food products.

    By Updated Sept. 18, 2020
  • Several workers in protective gear work on a meat production line with plastic dividers between them.
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    Permission granted by Tyson Foods
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    Trump orders meat plants to remain open despite outbreaks

    As the number of plant closures continue to rise and supply concerns grow, the president invoked the Defense Production Act to keep production running.

    By Lillianna Byington • Updated April 29, 2020
  • Broiler chickens are raised in a chicken house on the Bobby Morgan chicken Farm in Luling, TX on Aug. 23, 2013.
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    Bob Nichols. (2013). "20130822-OC-RBN-2946" [photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
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    2M chickens euthanized as coronavirus shuts down meat processors

    As animals who were raised for the processing plants grow, producers are running out of room to keep them.

    By April 28, 2020
  • Cal-Maine accused of price gouging in Texas lawsuit

    The country's largest egg producer denies the accusation, saying spikes of about 300% came from "unprecedented retail demand."

    By April 27, 2020
  • Virginia governor signs bill to regulate CBD in food

    Despite federal prohibitions, the state's bill is intended to help guide the hemp industry by regulating facility conditions and production requirements.

    By Lillianna Byington • April 21, 2020
  • How the federal $19B coronavirus relief fund can help farmers and food producers

    After weeks of industry groups and companies asking for financial support, the department will purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy and meat to distribute through the nation's food banks.

    By Jessi Devenyns • April 21, 2020
  • Migrant workers harvest corn on Uesugi Farms in Gilroy, CA, on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2013.
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    Bob Nicols, USDA. (2013). "20130828-OC-RBN-3316" [photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
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    Opinion

    COVID-19 and our food system: What we need to do now

    In a world where fear dominates headlines and infects dialogue, Clareo's Scott Bowman writes about three ways to shift from anxiety to action to protect the safety and supply of food.

    By Scott Bowman • April 21, 2020
  • Salmonella bacteria, a common cause of foodborne disease, invade an immune cell.
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    NIAID. (2008). "Salmonella Bacteria" [photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
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    Salmonella vaccine will be commercialized in new partnership

    Kemin and Pacific GeneTech's solution could help producers raise free-from antibiotic flocks and protect consumers from the bacteria that is the leading cause of foodborne illness.

    By Jessi Devenyns • April 17, 2020
  • Crystals of MSG, or monosodium glutamate
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    Permission granted by Ajinomoto
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    Deep Dive

    From the blacklist to the spotlight: How MSG is staging a comeback

    Ever since a 1968 editorial, consumers have shied away from monosodium glutamate, but manufacturers have continued to use it. Now the ingredient is beginning to lose its bad reputation. 

    By April 16, 2020
  • PureCircle files another lawsuit claiming stevia patent infringement

    The company's third patent case since 2017 claims Almendra's Steviarome product has aspects that too closely match its own. 

    By April 16, 2020
  • milk containers at a grocery store
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    "milk" by liz west is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    Virginia milk labeling bill vetoed

    Gov. Ralph Northam wrote restricting the label to products from animals could hinder businesses' ability to thrive and may violate free speech.

    By April 16, 2020
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    Retrieved from Pixabay.
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    Banana exports from the Philippines may drop 40% amid coronavirus

    Quarantine measures are hurting the second largest exporter of the fruit, which accounts for 20% of global banana production and 90% of total exports to Asia.

    By Jessi Devenyns • April 16, 2020
  • Deep Dive

    Antitrust concerns cloud DFA's purchase of Dean Foods' assets

    Although the bankruptcy court approved the sale, it needs the U.S. Department of Justice to sign off. Some are hoping that roadblock will stop the deal.

    By Lillianna Byington • April 16, 2020
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    Darren415/Getty Images
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    Molson Coors expands partnership with Hexo to launch CBD beverages in Colorado

    The new joint venture called Truss CBD USA will be majority owned by the beer giant. The two companies already developed a beverage for Canada. 

    By Lillianna Byington • April 15, 2020
  • Trade group asks government to ensure food workers have protective equipment

    The Consumer Brands Association said some state agencies are confiscating thermometers and face masks meant for industrial use, placing essential employees at risk.

    By Jessi Devenyns • April 15, 2020
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    USDA. (2017). Retrieved from Flickr.
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    More meat plants close as employee coronavirus outbreaks grow

    Cargill, Maple Leaf and Smithfield Foods are the latest companies to suspend production at processing facilities as workers test positive for COVID-19.

    By Jessi Devenyns • Updated April 9, 2020