Sep 04 From eggs to trees, USDA’s promotional programs have courted controversy By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press WASHINGTON — The slogans are familiar: "The Incredible Edible Egg," ''Pork: The Other White Meat," and "Got Milk?" They've all been part of promotional campaigns overseen by the Agriculture Department and paid for by the industries that vote to organize… Continue reading
May 14 USDA develops first government label for GMO-free products By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press WASHINGTON — The Agriculture Department has developed the first government certification and labeling for foods that are free of genetically modified ingredients. Continue reading
May 13 USDA to require safety labels on mechanically tenderized beef By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press The government will soon require labels on packages of beef tenderized by machines so shoppers know to cook it thoroughly. Continue reading
Mar 20 States to test ways to get food stamp recipients back to work By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press WASHINGTON — Ten states will test new ways to get food stamp recipients back to work, using Agriculture Department grants aimed at helping some of the 46 million Americans who receive benefits move off the rolls. Continue reading
Jan 08 5 things to know about upcoming U.S. dietary guidelines By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press You've heard it before: Eat fewer calories, more fruits and more vegetables. Those recurring themes as well as some new advice about sugar, salt, meat and caffeine could be part of the government's upcoming dietary guidelines for healthy eating. Continue reading
Oct 26 More than 31,000 pounds of chicken products recalled By Rialda Zukic Pennsylvania-based food company Murry Inc. recalled on Saturday more than 31,000 pounds of breaded chicken products that were shipped to retail stores nationwide, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service reported. Continue reading
Oct 21 Is that lavender soap really ‘organic’? By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press According to the Organic Trade Association, sales of those nonfood organic products were about $2.8 billion last year, a small share of the overall organic market but growing rapidly. Among the most popular items: household cleaners, cosmetics, gardening products, clothing,… Continue reading
Sep 18 USDA approves new genetically modified corn, soybean seeds By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press WASHINGTON — The Agriculture Department has approved the use of genetically modified corn and soybean seeds that are resistant to a popular weed killer. Continue reading
Aug 29 Using tip from social media, USDA seizes 1,200 illegal giant snails By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press The giant African snail damages buildings, destroys crops and can cause meningitis in humans. But some people still want to collect, and even eat, the slimy invaders. The Agriculture Department is trying to stop them. Since June, department authorities have… Continue reading
Jul 31 Obama overhauls poultry inspections for the first time in decades By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press The Obama administration is overhauling poultry plant inspections for the first time in more than 50 years, a move it says could result in 5,000 fewer foodborne illnesses each year. Continue reading