The U.S. Department of Agriculture is proposing to require all makers of raw ground beef products to keep records of the meat’s sources. Retail outlets regularly make ground beef by mixing cuts of beef from various sources. This proposal, if finalized, will require them to keep clear records identifying the source, supplier, and names of all materials used in the preparation of raw ground beef products. This would help USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) when tracing the producer of ground meat linked to a foodborne illness outbreak. “The improved traceback capabilities that would result from this proposal will prevent foodborne illness by allowing FSIS to conduct recalls of potentially contaminated raw ground products in a timelier manner,” said Deputy Under Secretary for Food SafetyBrian Ronholm. “By requiring retail outlets to maintain improved records on sources for ground products, the proposal will enable FSIS to quickly identify likely sources of contaminated product linked to an outbreak.” “FSIS has concluded that record-keeping by retail facilities that grind raw beef to date has not been sufficiently effective,” reads the agency’s statement. “This proposal is in keeping with the agency’s latest efforts to target its food safety prevention tools at areas that will have the most significant public health impact.” FSIS has opened a public comment period on the proposed rule that will end 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register.
The News Desk team at Food Safety News covers breaking developments, regulatory updates, recalls, and key topics shaping food safety today. These articles are produced collaboratively by our editorial staff.
As part of its enforcement activities, the Food and Drug Administration sends warning letters to entities under its jurisdiction. Some letters are not posted for public view until weeks or
The Food and Drug Administration uses import alerts to enforce U.S. food safety regulations for food from foreign countries. The agency updates and modifies the alerts as needed.
Recent
The Belgian food agency’s annual report was released recently and highlighted a fatal E. coli outbreak and revealed food fraud cases.
The Federal Agency for the Safety of the
The proposed 2026 Farm Bill includes several provisions for food safety.
The formal name of the bill is the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. It is a
The CDC is tracking a summer surge of Cyclospora infections. As of its June 18 surveillance update, CDC has logged 145 cases acquired in the United States across 17 states,
As part of its enforcement activities, the Food and Drug Administration sends warning letters to entities under its jurisdiction. Some letters are not posted for public view until weeks or
Frozen blueberries sold at Publix grocery stores have been recalled because of contamination with E. coli O145:H28. Twelve people have fallen ill.
On July 3, Frutas y Hortalizas del
