By Jamie Martin
At the opening of the newly modernized Midwestern Food Safety Laboratory, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins unveiled a comprehensive plan to strengthen the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) efforts to ensure safe, wholesome meat, poultry, and egg products. This plan is aimed at reducing foodborne illnesses and improving the nation’s food supply security.
One key component of the plan involves enhanced microbiological testing, particularly for Listeria. FSIS has significantly increased its testing efforts, with over 23,000 Listeria samples tested in 2025, marking a substantial increase from last year. The new laboratory in Normandy, Missouri, will help analyze foodborne pathogens and chemical residues, improving the FSIS laboratory system.
FSIS is also launching a weekly questionnaire for inspectors to monitor and collect data on potential food safety issues at ready-to-eat establishments. The collected data will allow inspectors to identify risks early and address them effectively.
Secretary Rollins emphasized the need for a new strategy to address Salmonella in poultry products. FSIS will focus on finding a more effective approach to protect public health while minimizing unnecessary regulatory burdens on small producers.
To further support food safety, the USDA is providing an additional $14.5 million in funding to help states with meat and poultry inspection programs, ensuring that small processors can continue to produce safe food.
FSIS is also stepping up enforcement, taking 103 enforcement actions in 2025 to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. These actions are a part of USDA’s commitment to protecting consumers and maintaining the safety of the nation’s food system.
Secretary Rollins’ plan strengthens collaboration with stakeholders and enhances the ability of the USDA to keep American food safe, marking a significant step forward in public health and food safety management.
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Categories: National