Usda - Articles - Page 3 | Food Engineering

MSU researcher receives $769K grant to develop rapid test for foodborne pathogens

The project is a partnership between MSU and Tuskegee University

June 2, 2022

A Michigan State University-led research team has received a $769,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to develop a rapid biosensor test for foodborne pathogens.

Agricultural Research

Protein found in fungus bypasses plant defenses

Knowledge of SsPINE1 could help researchers develop new, more precise system of control measures for the Sclerotinia sclerotiorum fungus

April 25, 2022

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) reports that a protein which allows the fungus that causes white mold stem rot in more than 600 plant species to overcome plant defenses has been identified by a team of USDA ARS and Washington State University scientists.

USDA's NIFA invests more than $10 million

Money goes to food safety outreach, training and education

October 4, 2021

USDA's NIFA announced an investment of $10 million for 21 grants to develop and implement food safety and Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)-related training, education, extension outreach and technical assistance for food processors and farmers with small to mid-size operations.

Regulatory Watch

USDA releases plan to decrease Salmonella in meat, poultry, eggs

The plan outlines efforts to reduce pathogen contamination and Salmonella infections associated with FSIS-regulated products

Sharon Spielman

October 13, 2020

The USDA releases a plan to reduce Salmonella infections from meat, poultry and eggs.

Regulatory Watch

AMS proposes amending USDA organic regulations

Changes would strengthen oversight of organic agricultural products

Sharon Spielman

September 18, 2020

Proposed amendments are intended to protect integrity in the organic supply chain and build consumer and industry trust in the USDA organic label.

Regulatory Watch

FDA, USDA issue recommendations for PPE shortage during COVID-19 pandemic

Sharon Spielman

July 13, 2020

The FDA and USDA have released recommendations to help address shortages of personal protective equipment, cloth face coverings, disinfectants and sanitation supplies in the food and agriculture industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Regulatory Watch

Proposed rule to increase onion assessment rate

Sharon Spielman

May 4, 2020

The USDA has issued a proposed rule which would increase the assessment rate from $0.10 per 50-pound bag or equivalent of Walla Walla sweet onions handled to $0.15 per 50-pound bag or equivalent of Walla Walla sweet onions handled for the 2020 and subsequent fiscal periods.

Manufacturing News

Bill would allow the FDA access to CAFOs

Wayne Labs

February 11, 2020

In an effort to allow FDA to sample water, soil and environmental conditions on USDA-regulated concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), New York Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand introduced a bill that would provide the FDA authority to conduct microbial sampling on CAFOs as necessary for a foodborne illness outbreak investigation, determine the outbreak’s root cause or address other public health needs.

Regulatory Watch

Decreased assessment rate proposed for tart Michigan cherries

January 6, 2020

A proposed rule issued by AMS would implement a recommendation from the Cherry Industry Administrative Board to decrease the assessment rate established for 2019-20 and subsequent fiscal years.