Food Safety News has learned that Brian Ronholm has been named acting under secretary for food safety at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Brian Ronholm joined USDA in April 2011 as deputy under secretary for food safety. He previously served as an Agriculture Appropriations associate on the staff of Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), managing issues related to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. There is no official word on who will permanently replace Elisabeth Hagen in the position, but POLITICO reports that Anne MacMillan, USDA’s deputy chief of staff, and Al Almanza, Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) administrator, are at the top of the list of potential nominees. Hagen’s last day in the position was Dec. 13, after “an ambitious three years” as under secretary. She now moves on to consulting firm Deloitte as a food safety senior advisor. It’s unclear when President Obama intends to announce his nomination for the position. Hagen was sworn in as the highest food-safety official in the federal government in August 2010 after the position had been vacant for more than a year. Food safety advocates are hoping her successor is appointed much more quickly.
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.
The number of Listeria infections reached a new high in 2025 in Norway but Salmonella cases fell sharply.
An annual report from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) shows
The number of suspected frauds reported by countries in Europe has passed 200 for the first time this year.
Six alerts mentioned the United States in March including an unauthorized
Canada has announced support for a program designed to strengthen food safety and plant and animal health.
Funding of CAD $500,000 (U.S. $366,000) to the Standards and
As part of its enforcement activities, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration sends warning letters to entities under its jurisdiction. Some letters are not posted for public view until
JCB Flavors LLC of Watertown, WI, is voluntarily recalling select topical seasoning products because of the potential presence of Salmonella.
This recall is being initiated because the affected products were
My Wife’s Slaw is voluntarily recalling its Original and Jalapeno Heat flavored coleslaw sold in 8-ounce and 16-ounce glass mason jars. The products included in this recall are adulterated
Stoltzfus Family Dairy of Vernon Center, NY, is recalling Sour Cream & Onion cheese curds because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
To date, Stoltzfus Family Dairy
