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News Articles
May 6, 2013Meat Facebook Page Makes Strong Debut
The new Meat Facebook page officially debuted this week with a press release sent out to stakeholders across industry and the media. The page received more than 2,400 "likes" within the first five days of its promotion. AMI will work on a number of promotional efforts for the page over the...
May 6, 2013Updated Trade and Market Statistics Released
U.S. meat export data now is available through March 2013. U.S. beef exports continue the same trend of lower quantities exported and higher values, reflecting the higher price of beef in the market. Of note are the large volume and value increases to Hong Kong and Taiwan compared to the same...
May 6, 2013Mike Froman Nominated as New USTR
President Obama has nominated Mike Froman to be the next U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). Froman is currently the White House deputy national security adviser for international economic affairs and a former Harvard Law School classmate of President Obama's as well as a former executive at...
May 6, 2013HHS Announces Dietary Reference Intake Review Nomination Process.
In an April 30 Federal Register notice , the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the opportunity to submit information to the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) Subcommittee as it considers updates for nutrients and food components that have previously been considered by the...
May 6, 2013AMI Joins Associations Calling for COOL Delay
In a letter to Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, AMI joined seven other meat, poultry and retail associations requesting that implementation of the proposed country-of-origin labeling (COOL) rule be delayed until WTO determines whether the final rule brings the United States into compliance.
May 6, 2013FSIS Issues Notice on RTE Ingredient Safety.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued Notice 31-13, providing inspection program personnel with instructions for verifying the safety of ingredients added to ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products. The notice follows several RTE meat and poultry product recalls...
May 6, 2013FSIS Issues Allergen Verification and Labeling Notice
In response to an increase in the number of recalls caused by undeclared allergens during the past few years, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is instructing inspection program personnel to begin targeted verification and labeling for the "Big 8" allergens, which account for 90...
May 6, 2013Scuse Named Acting Deputy Ag Secretary
Michael Scuse has been named acting Deputy Secretary of Agriculture effective May 4, replacing Kathleen Merrigan. Scuse has been serving as Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services (FFAS) and as a member of the board of directors of the Commodity Credit Corporation....
May 6, 2013Pathogen Controls in Beef Operations Survey to Begin This Week
Beginning today, May 6, FSIS will conduct a comprehensive survey of inspection program personnel in select beef slaughtering and processing establishments to gather information about the controls and procedures these establishments have in place to address pathogen contamination and ensure that...
May 6, 2013FSIS to Implement Public Health Regulation (PHR) Criterion for Scheduling FSAs
USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proceeding with implementation of the Public Health Regulation (PHR) criteria for prioritizing FSAs starting with the May 2013, scheduling cycle. The agency will post on its Website the list of public health regulations, the same list that was...
Apr 15, 2013AMI Encourages Action on Immigration
AMI joined a large coalition of employer associations and businesses last week to praise efforts by the House of Representatives to formulate a solution to the nation’s immigration problem.
Apr 15, 2013House Committee Approves E-15 Ethanol Bill; Ethanol Phase-out Bill Introduced.
The House Science Committee last week approved H.R. 875, a bill by Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI), which would negate existing Environmental Protection Agency waivers allowing ethanol-blended gasoline for motor vehicles containing up to 15 percent ethanol, commonly known as E-15.
Apr 15, 2013Canadian Ag Minister Registers Disappointment With USDA COOL Proposal
Canadian Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz last week visited Washington where he met with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to signal his nation’s dissatisfaction with USDA’s country-of-origin labeling (COOL) proposal.
Apr 15, 2013New Analysis Shows Overuse of Antibiotics In Humans
A new analysis published as a letter to the New England Journal of Medicine by officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and IMS Health shows that U.S. doctors are prescribing enough antibiotics to treat four out of five Americans every year, and the authors say the...
Apr 15, 2013Longshoreman Approve Master Six-Year Contract.
A new six-year Master Contract, covering some 14,500 waterfront workers belonging to the International Longshoremen's Association, AFL-CIO (ILA) was overwhelmingly approved last week by ILA members The settlement ends protracted, year-long negotiations and should avert port strikes that threaten...
Apr 15, 2013USDA Releases Updated Export Data
U.S. exports continued a 2012 trend of higher value at lower volumes through February 2013. Beef exports managed a 5 percent increase in value despite a small decrease in volume. However, trade barriers resulted in an 82 percent decrease in beef exports to Russia through February, with a...
Apr 10, 2013PHIS Implementation Completed
USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) completed its roll out of the industry functionality of the Public Health Information System (PHIS) in FSIS-inspected domestic establishments and official import inspection establishments.
Apr 10, 2013FSIS Salmonella Laboratory Method Extended to a 325 gram Sample for Raw Beef Product
USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) laboratories have validated a 325 gram analytical portion option for Salmonella analysis of raw beef. The Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook (MLG) method chapters and associated method flow chart will be posted to the MLG.
Apr 10, 2013FSIS Salmonella Laboratory Method Extended to a 325 gram Sample for Raw Beef Product
USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) laboratories have validated a 325 gram analytical portion option for Salmonella analysis of raw beef. The Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook (MLG) method chapters and associated method flow chart will be posted to the MLG.
Apr 10, 2013March Madness Winner Selected
Hot dog and sausage fans picked the winner in the Hot Dog and Sausage Madness bracket on Facebook.
Apr 10, 2013FSIS Plans Increased Species Testing on Imported Products
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) provided new instructions to import inspection personnel for increased species sampling and testing, in addition to the annual Public Health Information System (PHIS) species sampling.
Apr 10, 2013USTR Seeks Comments on Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Agreement Priorities
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) published in the Federal Register a request for public comments regarding U.S. interests and priorities related to the planned negotiation of a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) agreement.
Apr 10, 2013China, Japan and Korea Hold First Round of FTA Negotiations
Last month, China, Japan and Korea held the first round of trilateral free trade agreement (CJKFTA) negotiations in Seoul, Korea. During the meetings, representatives discussed the basic principles and scope of the negotiations, established working groups and addressed administrative issues.
Mar 18, 2013Notice Issued to Inspectors In Field About Sanitary Dressing at Veal Plants
USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued Notice 20-13, "Increased Verification by Inspection Program Personnel of Sanitary Dressing at Veal Slaughter Establishments." The notice provides guidance to inspectors about verifying the sanitary dressing and process control...
Mar 18, 2013Japan Seeks to Join Trans-Pacific Partnership
Japan last week asked to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations, a move that bodes well for increasing trade between the U.S. and Japan. TPP is a regional trade negotiation that includeseleven nations. Japan's entry is subject to approval by other TPP members. AMI...
Mar 18, 2013East and Gulf Coast Port Workers Reach Agreement
After months of negotiations, representatives from the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Association (USMX) have agreed on a six-year contract for East and Gulf Coast dockworkers.
Mar 18, 2013AMI Foundation to Host Food Safety Assessment Webinar
The AMI Foundation will be hosting a webinar addressing Food Safety Assessments (FSA) and some of the common questions and concerns associated with FSAs
Mar 15, 2013Sequestration Key Topic at House Ag Appropriations Hearing
Budget concerns under sequestration dominated a House Agriculture Appropriations hearing this week, where USDA Under Secretary Elizabeth Hagen, M.D., and Food Safety and Inspection Service Administrator Al Almanza testified before lawmakers and detailed the administration’s plan to furlough meat...
Mar 15, 2013New Video About Corned Beef Released in Time for St. Patrick’s Day
As a tie in for St. Patrick’s Day, AMI released a new video explaining how corned beef is made and detailing its history and link to the Irish. The video, featuring AMI Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Janet Riley, may be viewed here.
Mar 11, 2013AMS Proposes COOL 'Fix' That Makes Labeling Scheme Even More Onerous.
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) last Friday posted for public display a proposed rule that would amend the final rule for mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) for beef, pork, lamb, chicken and goat meat and make current labeling requirement even more costly and onerous.
Mar 11, 2013FDA to Hold Meetings on Veterinary Oversight of Antimicrobial Use in Livestock.
FDA has announced plans for five meetings to provide an opportunity for public dialogue and feedback on challenges faced by the animal agriculture industry and practicing veterinarians as FDA implements its initiative for the judicious use of medically important antimicrobials in medicated feed...
Mar 11, 2013FSIS Approves Additional Ingredients for Use as Antimicrobials.
FSIS is amending the Federal meat and poultry products inspection regulations to allow for the use of sodium benzoate, sodium propionate, and benzoic acid as antimicrobials in certain ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.
Mar 11, 2013Vilsack Tells House Ag Committee That Furloughs Will Happen
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack testified before the House Agriculture Committee last week for three hours and said that under sequestration, he must cut funds from all accounts equally, and that this action likely will require inspector furloughs for "about 11 days" to achieve the $50 million...
Mar 11, 2013China Clarifies Ractopamine-free Certification Requirement.
Last Friday, Chinese food safety officials (AQSIQ) provided some details regarding the recently announced Ractopamine-free certification requirement for all imported meat products.
Mar 11, 2013TPP Task Force Submits Comments for President's Export Council Meeting.
The Food and Agriculture Task Force of the Business Coalition for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which is co-chaired by AMI Vice President of International Trade Bill Westman, submitted comments for the upcoming President's Export Council Meeting with recommendations for the ongoing TPP...
Mar 4, 2013FDA's International Food Safety Capacity-Building Plan Released.
The Food and Drug Administration last week
released an international food safety capacity building plan that outlines a
strategic framework for FDA's international food safety capacity-building activities.
Section 305 of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requires...
Mar 4, 2013FSIS Issues Notice to Field on PHIS Preparations
USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a notice to the field detailing preparation for upcoming industry access to the Public Health Information System. The agency permitted industry PHIS access beginning February 25. The establishment management user guide can be...
Mar 4, 2013AMI Supports Bill to Rescind E15 Waivers
USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a notice to the field detailing preparation for upcoming industry access to the Public Health Information System. The agency permitted industry PHIS access beginning February 25. The establishment management user guide can be found here.
Mar 4, 2013Expanded Public Access to Federally Funded Research Results Ordered By Administration.
A
new memo from the Office of Science and Technology Policy details an
administration plan directing all federal agencies with research budgets of $100 million or more
to develop plants to provide increased public access to research results.
Each agency must submit its...
Mar 4, 2013Japan's Liberal Democratic Party Calls for More Careful Approach to TPP.
Following a U.S. Japan Summit meeting, Japan's Liberal Democratic Party called for what it described as a "more careful approach" toward Japan's participation in the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations. The party's Policy Research Council and Research Commission detailed six...
Feb 6, 2013FSIS to Host Teleconference on "Hold and Test" of Imported Meat Products
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service’s (FSIS) Office of Policy and Program Development will hold a teleconference to discuss the new FSIS policy requiring producers to hold shipments of non-intact raw beef, intact raw beef products intended for non-intact use and all ready-to-eat products...
Feb 1, 2013Federal Court says EPA overestimated Biofuel Production
A federal court sided with the American Petroleum Institute last week ruling that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made unreasonable estimates for the production and use of cellulosic biofuels.
Policymakers who crafted the 2007 Renewable Fuel Standards, which mandates that a certain...
Feb 1, 2013Codex Committee on Food Labeling Meeting Set
USDA's Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety and FDA will hold a public meeting on April 17, 2013 to provide information and receive public comments on agenda items and draft United States positions that will be discussed at the 41st Session of the Codex Committee on Food Labeling (CCFL)...
Feb 1, 2013Bipartisan Group of Senators Releases Immigration Reform Plan
A bipartisan group of eight Senators unveiled a major immigration reform plan this week. In a joint news conference, the senators released a statement of principles for reform that includes legalization of the nation's 11 million undocumented immigrants if they pay back taxes and a fine.
Feb 1, 2013Japan Relaxes BSE-Related Restrictions on U.S. Beef
The U.S. Trade Representative's office announced the implementation date for Japan's new rule relaxing BSE-related restrictions on U.S. beef imports.
Jan 23, 2013Hotel Reservation Deadline is Today for Annual Meat Conference
Today is the final day to make hotel reservations for the 2013 Annual Meat Conference, to be held February 24-26 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
Jan 11, 2013Registration Rate Increases for IPPE Today
The
registration rate will increase from $40 to $60 after Friday, January 11, 2013
for the 2013 International Production & Processing
Expo (IPPE), to be held January 29 - 31, 2013, at the Georgia World Congress
Center, Atlanta, Georgia.
Complimentary
registration for AMI...
Jan 9, 2013IPPE Discounted Hotel Reservation Deadline is Today
The deadline to reserve rooms at a
reduced rate for the 2013 International Production & Processing Expo
(IPPE) is today, Wednesday, January 9, 2013. IPPE will be held
January 29 - 31, 2013, at the Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia.
To make...
Jan 7, 2013Exhibit Spaces Available For AMC Tech Fair and Product Tasting Reception
Exhibition spaces are still available for the popular Product Tasting Reception and Innovative Technology Solutions Exhibit Luncheon, to be featured at the 2013 Annual Meat Conference (AMC), February 24-26, 2013, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
Jan 7, 2013Early Bird Registration Deadline Approaching for Annual Meat Conference
Registration for the 2013 Annual Meat Conference, to be held February 24-26 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee at the early bird rate of $645 ends tomorrow. After tomorrow, registration rates will increase to $745.
Jan 3, 2013AMIF Releases 2012 Year in Review
The
American Meat Institute Foundation (AMIF) has released a Year
in Review that details the significant accomplishments of the
organization over the past year. AMIF is a non-profit research, education, and
information foundation established by the American Meat Institute (AMI)....
Dec 19, 2012Coalition Urges President to Prevent East Coast Port Strike
AMI today joined a coalition of meat and poultry industry groups urging President Barack Obama to intervene and prevent a strike at container ports from Maine to Texas...
Dec 18, 2012USDA Offers Temporary Adjustment for School Lunch Program Limits on Meat and Grain
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced additional flexibility to assess the compliance with the standards of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs, citing the operational challenges relating to the limits placed on grains, meat and meat alternatives.
Dec 14, 2012General Sessions Announced for Annual Meat Conference
The general sessions have been announced for the Annual Meat Conference (AMC), to be held February 24-26, 2013, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
Dec 13, 2012FDA Requests Information on Food Allergens
The FDA is seeking comments on initiating a risk assessment for establishing food allergen thresholds and action levels for major food allergens....
Dec 12, 2012Networking Receptions Scheduled for International Production & Processing Expo
In addition to education and exhibits, the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) will feature multiple receptions and networking opportunities for attendees to visit with their colleagues. IPPE takes place January 29-31, 2013, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dec 11, 2012Annual Meat Conference to Feature Comprehensive Education Program
A full slate of education sessions and workshops has been announced for the Annual Meat Conference (AMC), to be held February 24-26, 2013, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
Dec 10, 2012Russia Institutes Restrictions on U.S. Meat Products
Russia will require that any meat coming into its market will should be accompanied by a certificate issued by a government veterinary service indicating the products were "produced without the use of ractopamine...."
Dec 7, 2012Presidential Report Calls for Expanded Ag Research Program
A new report from the Presidential Council on Science and Technology (PCAST) said that the federal government needs to launch a coordinated effort to boost American agriculture science by increasing agricultural research investments by $700 million per year...
Dec 5, 2012USDA to Require HACCP Reassessment for Companies Producing Ground Chicken and Turkey
USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today announcedthat it will require companies producing raw ground chicken and turkey and similar products (including mechanically deboned and mechanically separated poultry) to reassess their Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)...
Dec 3, 2012FSIS Proposes Changes to Meat & Poultry Import Inspection Policies and Procedures
USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS or the agency) has published a proposed rule identifying several changes to the import inspection procedures and requirements as they relate to the agency's Public Health Information System (PHIS)...
Nov 29, 2012New Study: Renewable Fuel Standard Could Cost Chain Restaurants Billions Annually
The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is driving up food prices for consumers and could cost chain restaurants billions annually, according to a new study by Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) for the National Council of Chain Restaurants...
Nov 28, 2012International Meat Expo to Offer Programs and Services for International Attendees
Among the many services for international attendees, IME will offer a simultaneous translation of education sessions covering pressing food safety issues, a breakdown of the latest regulatory developments, an examination of the impact of a food safety event and the latest information on the...
Nov 21, 2012IPPE Announces 2013 Innovators Circle – New Product Showcase
The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) is announcing the 2013 Innovators Circle – New Product Showcase. The Innovators Circle is an opportunity for exhibitors to continuously display new technology and products in a special section of the world’s largest annual production and...
Nov 16, 2012EPA Denies RFS Waiver Requests
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today ruled to deny the requests of several governors for a waiver of the corn-ethanol mandate of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In its denial, the agency said it has not found evidence to support a finding of severe “economic harm” that would...
Nov 15, 2012International Meat Expo to Offer Free Educational Programs to Attendees
The American Meat Institute (AMI) has announced the complete schedule of free education programs at the International Meat Expo (IME). The programs will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of the International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) from...
Nov 13, 2012USDA Releases Updated National Nutrient Database
USDA has released an updated version of its National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 25 which contains data on 8,194 food items and up to 146 food components...
Nov 9, 2012November Crop Report: Corn & Soybean Production Estimates Raised Slightly
USDA has slightly raised corn production estimates by 19 million bushels with a 0.3-bushel increase in the corn yield to 122.3 bushels per acre according to the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) crop report released today....
Nov 2, 2012AMI Urges “Single Undertaking” Trade Negotiations with the EU in Comments to USTR
AMI submitted comments to the Office of the United State Trade Representative (USTR) concerning the promotion of U.S. - EU Regulatory Compatibility under the auspices of the joint High Level Working Group on Jobs and Growth, the High Level Regulatory Cooperation Forum and the Transatlantic...
Nov 1, 20122013 IPPE Will Host New Half-Day Conference on Poultry Care and Handling
As part of the 2013 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) education schedule, the American Meat Institute (AMI) and the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPEA) will host a new conference for poultry processors titled Animal Care and Handling – Focus on Poultry on Monday, January 28,...
Oct 26, 2012AMI Announces Agenda for the Meat and Poultry Research Conference
As part of the 2013 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) education schedule, the Meat and Poultry Research Conference will be held on Thursday January 31, 2013 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
Oct 26, 2012HHS and USDA Seek Nominations for 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) jointly with the U.S. Department of Agriculture have posted a notice in the Federal Register seeking nominations for representatives to serve on the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC)...
Oct 25, 2012Deadline Approaches for AMI Award Nominations
The deadline is approaching for
nominations for the American Meat Institute’s (AMI) four awards that will
be presented Wednesday, January 30, 2013, during the International Meat Expo in
Atlanta, Georgia.
The four awards include:
• The Edward C. Jones Community Service...
Oct 25, 2012AMI to Exhibit at PackExpo Next Week in Chicago
The
American Meat Institute (AMI) will exhibit next week at PackExpo, one of the largest
and most comprehensive processing and packaging events featuring innovative
technologies and solutions. The show
will be held October 28-31, 2012 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. ...
Oct 18, 2012AMI Announces Agenda for Recalls and Public Health Investigations Program
The American Meat Institute has published the agenda for the Recalls and Public Health Investigations program scheduled for Monday, January 28, 2013 at the International Meat Expo (IME) at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. IME is part of the International Production and...
Oct 11, 2012AMI Invites Nominations for Four Awards
The American Meat Institute (AMI) today invited nominations for the Institute’s four awards that will be presented Wednesday, January 30, 2013, during the International Meat Expo in Atlanta, Georgia.
Oct 11, 2012International Meat Expo to Feature Comprehensive Education Program
Meat and poultry professionals seeking practical solutions, real world insights and proven “best practices” will benefit from the diverse education opportunities offered January 28 to February 1, 2013 at the International Meat Expo (IME) to be held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
Oct 11, 2012New Crop Report: Corn Production Down From September Forecast
U.S. corn production is forecast at 10.7 billion bushels, down slightly from the September forecast and down 13 percent from 2011 according to a new USDSA crop report out today....
Oct 9, 2012AMI Elects Industry Leaders to Guide Organization in Coming Year
The American Meat Institute (AMI) has elected the six officers who will guide the organization through the next year. The election was held at AMI’s Board of Directors Meeting in Toronto.
Elected to the chairmanship for 2012-2013 is Nick Meriggioli, EVP, Kraft Foods Group & President,...
Sep 28, 2012Tour of Meat Processing Facility at the 2013 International Meat Expo
As part of the International Production and Processing Expo, attendees will be able to register for a tour of a meat processing facility and learn from first-hand experience at Birchwood Foods in Norcross, Georgia.
Sep 28, 2012AMI To Host Annual Meeting October 5
The American Meat Institute (AMI) will hold its Annual Meeting Friday, October 5 at 11:15 a.m. at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto...
Sep 26, 2012IPPE Introduces “30 Under 30” Program
Sponsors of the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) announced a new Young Leaders “30 under 30” Program, targeting young professionals who normally would not have the financial resources or opportunity to attend the IPPE.
Aug 28, 2012Listeria Workshop Hotel Cutoff Approaching
Sunday, September 2 is the final day to receive special group rates for the Advanced Listeria monocytogenes Intervention and Control Workshop.
Aug 28, 2012Texas and Virginia Become Seventh and Eighth States to Request RFS Waiver
Texas Governor Rick Perry and Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell have joined several other governors around the country urging EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to use her existing waiver authority as soon as possible to adjust the corn-ethanol mandate for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). They are...
Aug 21, 2012Georgia and New Mexico Become Fifth and Sixth States to Request RFS Waiver
Georgia Governor Nathan Deal and New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez today urged EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to use her existing waiver authority as soon as possible to adjust the corn-ethanol mandate for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), becoming the fifth and sixth governors to make such a...
Aug 20, 2012Major Media Outlets Join Push for RFS Waiver
Newspapers nationwide joined in the call for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to grant waivers of the Renewable Fuel Standard’s ethanol mandate....
Aug 20, 2012EPA Opens Comment Period on RFS Waiver
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a Federal Register notice opening a 30 day comment period on requests from the Governors of Arkansas and North Carolina to waive the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requirements....
Aug 16, 2012USDA/NIFA Updates Request for Applications of Food Safety Challenge Area
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) recently announced modifications to the June 25 Food Safety Challenge Area request for applications (RFA) under the agency’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative. The 2012 and 2013 RFAs have been combined and funding amounts...
Aug 15, 2012Arkansas and North Carolina Governors Join Growing Chorus Calling for RFS Waiver
Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe and North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue have become the third and fourth governors to urge EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to use her existing waiver authority as soon as possible to adjust the corn-ethanol mandate for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)....
Aug 15, 2012FSIS Begins Hazard Analysis Verification Roll Out
USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has published Directive 5000.6 Performance of the Hazard Analysis Verification (HAV) Task...
Aug 2, 2012Registration Now Open for the 2013 International Meat Expo
Registration is now open for the 2013 International Meat Expo, part of the International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE), January 29-31, 2013, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta...
Jul 25, 2012Taiwan Lawmakers Vote In Support of MRLs for Ractopamine
Following the Codex Commission’s recent adoption of maximum residue levels (MRLs) of ractopamine, Taiwanese lawmakers voted in support of three amendments that now clear the way for the government to adopt MRLs for ractopamine in beef...
Jul 20, 20122012 Annual Hot Dog Lunch Photos Viewable Online
Photos of the American Meat Institute's Annual Hot Dog Lunch, held Wednesday, July 18, 2012, on Capitol Hill, are now viewable online on AMI’s Facebook page...
Jul 18, 2012AMI Celebrates Hot Dog Day With Annual Lunch on Capitol Hill
Today more than 1,000 Capitol Hill lawmakers, staff, meat industry representatives and members of the media filled the Rayburn House Office Building Courtyard to celebrate July as National Hot Dog Month at the American Meat Institute (AMI) Annual Hot Dog Lunch on Capitol Hill...
Jul 6, 2012Codex Commission Adopts Ractopamine Maximum Residue Levels for Beef and Pork
The Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) has voted to adopt maximum residue levels (MRLs) of ractopamine, a feed ingredient that improves meat metabolism and protein synthesis, for beef and pork muscle, fat, liver and kidney....
Jul 3, 2012FSIS Announces New Approach for Residue Testing
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) yesterday announced a new approach to testing for chemical residues in meat, poultry and egg products...
May 22, 2012USDA Launches Web-Based Label Approval System
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has launched a new web-based label approval system ...
May 10, 2012Sonny Ramaswamy, Ph.D., Appointed Director of NIFA
Sonny Ramaswamy, Ph.D., has been appointed director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). ...
May 2, 2012AMI Presents Annual Industry Awards At Expo
The American Meat Institute today announced the winners of its annual awards. The awards were presented during a special ceremony ...
Apr 27, 2012FSIS Issues Notice on FSIS Verification Testing for Non-O157 STECs
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued Notice 29-12: FSIS Verification Testing for Non-O157 Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli Under MT60, MT52, AND MT53 Sampling Programs. ...
Apr 25, 2012FSIS Announces Availability of Residue Compliance Guide
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today announced the availability of a residue compliance guide ...
Apr 17, 2012NLRB Posting Rule Delayed Again
The United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit today granted an emergency motion for an injunction against the National Labor Relations Board ...
Apr 13, 2012AMI Expo Announces Meat Tech Sessions
The 2012 AMI Expo, to be held May 1-3 at the Dallas Convention Center, will feature an impressive lineup of Meat Tech sessions. ...
Mar 5, 2012USDA to Hold Meeting on School Lunch Ground Beef Safety
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) will hold a meeting ...
Mar 2, 2012AMI Urges Congress To Reject User Fees
The American Meat Institute joined more than 45 agriculture and food industry organizations in calling on Congress ...
Feb 17, 2012Register for AMI Expo at Annual Meat Conference for Chance to Win $100
Attendees of next week’s Annual Meat Conference (AMC) who register for AMI Expo on-site at AMC will be eligible for a chance to win a $100 gift card from AMI. Staff will be on site during the Product Tasting Reception and Tech Fair to answer questions, promote the new co-location and help...
Feb 15, 2012New Fact Sheet Clarifies Meat Consumption Data, Details Rising Demand
A new fact sheet prepared by University of Missouri-Columbia (UMC) Agricultural Economist Ron Plain, PhD examines 2011 data related to U.S. meat and poultry consumption and demand. Data from recent years show that U.S. per capita meat and poultry consumption has declined, but...
Feb 8, 2012UAE Lifts Import Restrictions on U.S. Beef
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has lifted its age-based import restrictions on U.S. beef and eliminated the Export Verification Program requirement. ...
Jan 26, 2012USDA Revises School Meal Guidelines
For the first time in 15 years, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued new school meal guidelines...
Jan 26, 2012FSIS Reissues Notices On RTE Operations
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued Notice 07-12, Intensified Verification Testing and 'For Cause' Food Safety Assessments in Response to Ready-To-Eat (RTE) Testing Results. ...
Jan 25, 2012AMI Joins 85 Other Organizations to Oppose Trade Reorganization Proposal
The American Meat Institute has joined 85 other small, medium and large enterprises representing a wide segment of the business and agricultural communities engaged in international trade and investment...
Jan 20, 2012FSIS Proposes Modernization Of Poultry Inspection System
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing a modernization of young chicken and turkey slaughter inspection...
Jan 6, 2012Register Today for Annual Meet Conference and Save $100
Registration for the 2012 Annual Meat Conference, to be held February 19-21 at the Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando, Fla., at the early bird rate of $595 ends today...
Jan 5, 2012FSIS Updates List of Safe and Suitable Ingredients
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued Directive 7120.1, Revision 10: Safe and Suitable Ingredients Used in the Production of Meat, Poultry and Egg Products...
Dec 29, 2011FSIS Issues Notices on RLm Sampling Procedures
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued Notice 79-11: Compositing of Environmental Samples Collected During Routine Listeria monocytogenes (RLm) Sampling. ...
Nov 21, 2011Cost of Classic Thanksgiving Dinner Up 13 Percent
The retail cost of menu items for a classic Thanksgiving dinner, including turkey, stuffing, cranberries, pumpkin pie and all the basic trimmings, increased about 13 percent this year ...
Nov 10, 2011U.S. Corn Yield Projections Lowest Since 2003, Says USDA
Corn production for 2011-12 is forecast at 146.7 bushels per acre, the lowest since 2003-04, according to this month's United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimate (WASDE) report. ...
Nov 8, 2011FSIS Issues Directive on Verifying Sanitary Dressing and Process Control Procedures
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued Directive 6410.1, Revision 1: Verifying Sanitary Dressing and Process Control Procedures by Off-line Inspection Program Personnel (IPP) in Slaughter Operations of Cattle of any Age. ...
Nov 2, 2011AMI Foundation October Newsletter Available Online
The October 2011 edition of American Meat Institute Foundation News, a quarterly update on research, education and information, is now available. ...
Oct 21, 2011Mexico Lifts Tariffs on Pork and Other Products
Mexico has lifted tariffs on pork and other products now that the long-stalled pilot cross-border trucking program is under way. ...
Oct 12, 2011AMI Requests Extension of Comment Period on FSIS Non-O157 STEC Declaration
The American Meat Institute (AMI) joined seven other industry associations in requesting an extension of the comment period regarding the Food Safety and Inspection Service's (FSIS) recent Federal Register publication ...
Oct 11, 2011Agencies Announce a Joint Public Meeting on Approaches to Reduce Sodium Consumption
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), and Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) will hold a joint meeting ...
Oct 4, 20112012 AMI Expo to Feature Popular Meat Tech Presentations
Meat Tech, a popular series of exhibitor presentations, will return to the show floor AMI Meat, Poultry & Seafood Industry Convention and Exposition, May 1-3, 2012 ...
Sep 6, 2011Eligible Foreign Establishment Lists Revised
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has recently updated its Eligible Foreign Establishment List for the following countries ...
Aug 25, 2011AMI Calls for Continued Support of U.S. Codex
AMI joined other members of the Food Industry Codex Coalition (FICC) in commending the U.S. Codex on its leadership and calling for continued support of organization. ...
Aug 16, 2011Livestock Producers Urge President Obama to Stop GIPSA Rule
"Mr. President, America needs jobs. The GIPSA rule would kill them," stated the Iowa Cattlemen's Association, National Cattlemen's Beef Association and National Pork Producers Council ..."
Jul 29, 20112011 Annual Hot Dog Lunch Photos Viewable Online
Photos of the American Meat Institute's Annual Hot Dog Lunch, held Wednesday, July 27, 2011, on Capitol Hill, are now viewable online. ...
Jul 27, 2011AMI's Annual Hot Dog Lunch Hits Home Run on Capitol Hill
More than 1,000 Capitol Hill lawmakers, staff, meat industry representatives and members of the media today convened at the Rayburn House Office Building Courtyard ...
Jul 19, 2011FSIS Launches Food Safety Smartphone Application
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has launched a web-based smartphone application that instantly answers food safety questions ...
Jun 28, 2011FSIS Issues Directive on Food Defense Procedures
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued Directive 5240.1, Revision 7: Food Defense Verification Procedures and National Terrorism Advisory System Alert (NTAS) Response for the Office of Field Operations. ...
Jun 16, 2011House Spending Measure Halts 'GIPSA Rule'
House lawmakers today approved an agriculture funding bill that would prevent the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Jun 10, 2011Hot Dog Photo Contest Deadline June 17
The deadline for entering the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council photo contest is fast approaching. ...
Jun 9, 2011FSIS Quarterly Newsletter for Small Plants Now Available
The latest edition of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Small Plant News, a quarterly newsletter written for small and very small establishments, is now available. ...
May 17, 2011AMI Announces New, Improved Exhibit Hours for 2012 Expo
AMI announced today a new show pattern for the 2012 International Meat, Poultry & Seafood Convention and Exposition, to be held April 30-May 3, 2012 ...
May 16, 2011Hotel Reservation Deadline for Listeria Workshop Extended
The discounted hotel reservation deadline has been extended for those wishing to attend the AMI Foundation Advanced Listeria monocytogenes Intervention and Control Workshop ...
May 10, 2011AMIF Releases Request for Pre-Proposals
The American Meat Institute Foundation (AMIF) today released its 2011-2012 request for pre-proposals (RFP). ...
May 6, 2011Restaurants Picking Up on 'Local' Trend
The "local" claim on U.S. restaurant menus has grown by 13 percent in the past year, according a recent survey by Mintel Foodservice. ...
May 5, 2011AMI Urges Swift Congressional Approval of Pending FTAs
Citing "significant new market access opportunities for the foods we produce," the American Meat Institute (AMI) and more than a dozen food manufacturing associations urged ...
May 3, 2011AMI Launches Campaign to Combat Top Meat Myths
AMI, in conjunction with the American Meat Science Association (AMSA), today launched its "Meat MythCrushers" campaign in an effort to reconnect Americans to modern food production ...
Mar 30, 2011Hotels Still Accepting Reservations for AMI Expo
While the official housing deadline has passed, two hotels are still taking reservations for the 2011 AMI Meat, Poultry & Seafood Convention ...
Mar 30, 2011Gregory Parham, DVM, Appointed APHIS Administrator
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has appointed Gregory Parham, DVM, as administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). ...
Mar 29, 2011AMI Expo Partners with International Dairy Show
The American Meat Institute (AMI) announced today a promotional partnership with The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) to cross endorse associations' trade shows. ...
Mar 18, 2011Tickets to CMMA/AMI Cocktail Party Now Available Online
Those wishing to attend the Chicago Midwest Meat Association (CMMA)-AMI cocktail party during the 2011 Meat, Poultry & Seafood Industry Convention and Exposition ...
Mar 16, 2011Federal Appellate Court Rules Against Provision in EPA Regulation
In a unanimous decision handed down yesterday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit ruled that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exceeded its statutory authority ...
Mar 9, 2011New EU Food Labeling Rules Move Forward
The European Union (EU) Council of Agriculture Ministers recently adopted a common position on its draft regulation on new food labeling rules. ...
Mar 3, 2011Priority Period for 2012 AMI Expo Ends March 4
The priority period for space selection at the 2012 AMI International Meat, Poultry & Seafood Industry Convention and Exposition ends March 4. ...
Mar 3, 2011Obama: Mexican Trucking Deal Reached
President Barack Obama announced today that a deal has been reached in the longstanding dispute over cross-border trucking. ...
Feb 25, 2011AMI Spring Expo Features Full Slate of Networking Events
The 2011 Meat, Poultry & Seafood Industry Convention and Exposition, April 13-16, 2011, at McCormick Place, Chicago, Ill., will feature a full slate of networking events ...
Feb 22, 2011AMI to Host Supplier Briefing on AMI 2012 Expo
AMI will host an informational webinar on Wednesday, February 23, 2011, from 3 to 4 p.m. EDT about exhibit sales and the priority period space assignment ...
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