This century’s most deadly outbreak of foodborne illness came out of the state of Georgia while secretary of
Continue Reading When food safety crisis hit, Perdue had to prepare for next one
Secretary of Agriculture
Secretary of Agriculture choice not as difficult as farm policy
When the bitter cold began spreading over rural America last month, the parlor guessing game around many a wood stove was guessing who President-elect Donald J. Trump would name as secretary of agriculture. But the…
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Food safety expertise could trump ho-hum ag appointment
One of the nation’s past top food safety officials might be named Secretary of Agriculture by President-elect Donald J. Trump.
Cuban-born Texan Professor Elsa Murano, who served as U.S. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food…
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Appeal could put Secretary of Agriculture in courthouse door
For the first time since the U.S. Department of Justice increased filing criminal charges for food safety violations, it may get its wings clipped just a bit by a challenge to district court jurisdiction in…
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Halal appeals get meaty; federal court jurisdiction challenged
When it went through the trial court, the case just seemed like a switch-a-roo scheme that got busted. But now, a consolidated appeal with oral arguments planned is sparking broader interest because it’s become a…
Continue Reading Halal appeals get meaty; federal court jurisdiction challenged
A question of the Secretary of Agriculture’s jurisdiction
After an Iowa jury found the founder of Midamar Corp. guilty of a scheme to falsify documents behind certain Halal beef shipments several years ago, others involved “plead out.” But Midamar and Jalel Aossey, who…
Continue Reading A question of the Secretary of Agriculture’s jurisdiction
A Look Back at Food Safety During Obama’s First Six Years
Since the Obama administration took over the executive branch more than six years ago, foodborne illnesses from meat, poultry and eggs — products regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture — has been falling. In…
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Secretary Vilsack Says Another Option Needed for Unwanted Horses
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack told reporters Wednesday Congress should come up with a better solution for handling unwanted horses than slaughtering the animals for meat for human consumption. His comments came as USDA’s…
Continue Reading Secretary Vilsack Says Another Option Needed for Unwanted Horses
Letter From The Editor: Predictions Anyone?
Twenty-nine men and one woman have served as Secretary of Agriculture since the office was created when the U.S. Department of Agriculture achieved cabinet-level status in 1889. With the especially close Nov. 5 general election…
Continue Reading Letter From The Editor: Predictions Anyone?