That's because the business ties between food manufacturers and their retail customers have been considered confidential business information. During recalls, the USDA and FDA get customer lists from food manufacturers so the agencies can verify that the recalls are carried out. That may soon change, given a new law in California and a national proposal that reflects new thinking on the part of meat and poultry regulators but is staunchly opposed by meat processors and food retailers. The...

Canadian Jim-- says he's followed state guidelines since the mad cow incident. An attorney for the state department of agriculture says she knows nothing about *killing the cows--or harrassing Canadian Jim. But blames a local cattle farmer for bringing them to court over it. She admits the state made a mistake in authorizing the Canada branding--but *blames Jim for applying for the brand in the first place. But shortly after he started branding--the USDA put a ban on all 240 cattle....

The risk-based system, which USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service hopes to implement at meat processing plants sometime in late summer, would shift inspection resources away from plants with strong safety records and towards problem areas. USDA's proposed risk-based meat inspection system should not be implemented until a rulemaking process and better data are in place, Rep. It seems to me that USDA currently lacks this data and that moving forward with this system right now would be...

As Congress crafts a new farm bill, laying out federal agriculture policy and spending for the next five years, the so-called specialty crops that Michigan is famous for may finally be getting their due. producers of tart cherries, blueberries, geraniums and 17 other farm products, but they haven't received near the federal assistance that most Midwestern wheat and corn growers get every year. Given the tight federal budget, government largess likely will shrink overall in the new farm...

This is out of step with the USDA's latest annual report on food assistance program trends that shows the need for food stamps, by any name, is only increasing. It reflects a growing awareness that America's most prevalent health problems ---- obesity, diabetes and heart disease ---- are nutrition- and diet-related. Nutritionists and hunger advocates will be less pleased with a provision in President Bush's proposed budget that cuts the program by $540 million over the next five years....

Hearing generates Farm Bill proposals SIOUX CENTER, Iowa -- It wasn't all grain and livestock Monday -- although those were major topics -- as farmers and other ag professionals testified at a public hearing held by 5th District Congressman Steve King and U. Hearing generates Farm Bill proposals SIOUX CENTER, Iowa -- It wasn't all grain and livestock Monday -- although those were major topics -- as farmers and other ag professionals testified at a public hearing held by 5th District...