The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) issued compliance guidelines for a systematic approach to humane handling of livestock on Wednesday. A systematic approach is a comprehensive method of evaluating how livestock enter and move through an establishment and focuses on treating livestock so as to minimize excitement, discomfort, and accidental injury. While it’s not a regulatory requirement, FSIS believes that it is the best way to comply with Humane Methods of Slaughter Act, the Federal Meat Inspection Act, and federal regulations on humane handling of livestock. This new guidance was developed to address humane handling incidents noted in a May 2013 report by the USDA Office of Inspector General (OIG). The audit found that FSIS enforcement policies don’t keep pig slaughter plants from repeatedly violating the Federal Meat Inspection Act. In addition, the report cited 10 instances of “egregious violations” of humane handling regulations where inspectors did not issue suspensions. “We have taken significant measures over the last few years to strengthen our ability to enforce humane handling laws at livestock slaughter facilities nationwide,” said FSIS Administrator Al Almanza in a statement Wednesday. “The guidance is one example of our commitment to the humane treatment of animals. We continue to implement improvements so that we have the best system possible.” FSIS reports that, as of this year, half of slaughter facilities have adopted a systematic approach to humane handling, a goal laid out in the agency’s 2011-2016 strategic plan.
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.
Example E. coli and Salmonella outbreaks are included in a review by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) of health risks that could occur in the next few years.
The
A leading academic has warned that any plans for UK regulators to help industry grow could end up repeating past mistakes and impacting public health.
As part of modernization plans,
The rate of poultry flocks positive for Campylobacter in Norway went up in 2025 to almost 5 percent.
Overall, 99 broiler flocks tested positive for Campylobacter among all flocks slaughtered
Certain Five Star Shellfish Inc. brand oysters are being recalled in Canada because of contamination with Salmonella.
The recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency test results.
There have
Total Nutrition Inc. of Deer Park, NY, has expanded a recall to now include TNVitamins 100% Organic Moringa 1,200 mg Capsules and 100% Organic Moringa Powder following a supplier-
Bear Stewart LLC of Chicago, IL, is recalling a single lot of Bakr Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Ready To Bake Cookie Dough pouches because they may contain undeclared soy.
People
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
