USDA Press Release

USDA Recommends Adding Food Safety Items to Your Back-to-School List

August 15, 2022 – On your next back-to-school shopping trip, make sure to include food safety items on your shopping list to keep school lunches safe.

“Every day, parents focus on the health and safety of their children, and this focus includes how they prepare and pack lunches,” said Sandra Eskin, Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “Because children are particularly at risk for serious foodborne illness, food safety must be at the top of the list when preparing lunches for school and field trips.”

World Food Safety Day Spotlights Global Health Threat

June 7, 2022 - Imagine a global sickness that spreads faster than HIV and kills more than malaria.

Foodborne illness impacts global health with over 200 diseases that have a direct link to eating food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances. Each year, 600 million people worldwide get sick from foodborne infections leading to 420,000 deaths, according to the World Health Organization.

Here is another fact: foodborne illness is preventable.

USDA - Bring Food Safety to Your Summer Vacation

May 17, 2022 – As summertime brings families and friends together for outdoor celebrations, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) wants to make sure your summer festivities are food safe. Whether you’re grilling burgers, camping, or having a picnic, everyone should always remember to practice proper handwashing and use a food thermometer.

After observing that consumer behavior in test kitchens revealed that people are skipping basic food safety practices, USDA is concerned that consumers are not doing enough to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

USDA Seeks Nominations for Membership on Food Safety Advisory Committee

December 22, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is soliciting nominations for membership to the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI). USDA expects to appoint committee members in 2022.

USDA Issues Final Pandemic Payments for Timber Harvesters, Haulers

December 3, 2021 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture will begin issuing final pandemic assistance payments to timber harvesters and timber hauling businesses through the Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers (PATHH) program starting next week. In total, $200 million will be provided to loggers and log trucking businesses who experienced a gross revenue loss of at least 10% during the period of Jan. 1 through Dec. 1, 2020, compared to the period of Jan. 1 through Dec.

Keep your Thanksgiving Full of Turkey and Free from Foodborne Illness

November 17, 2021 — Next week, Americans will enjoy Thanksgiving with family and friends. While the COVID-19 pandemic is still top-of-mind, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds us all that it’s also important to keep family and friends safe from foodborne illness this Thanksgiving.

USDA Announces Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers

While the Nacogdoches Service Center is currently closed to visitors because of the pandemic, we continue to work with agricultural producers via phone, email, and other digital tools. Contact us at 936-564-5891 to make an appointment.

Public Health Alert for Frozen Raw Breaded Stuffed Chicken Products

Possible Salmonella Contamination

June 8, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns about illnesses caused by Salmonella Enteritidis that may be associated with frozen, raw, breaded and pre-browned, stuffed chicken products. These items may be labeled "chicken cordon bleu", chicken with “broccoli and cheese”, or "chicken Kiev". This public health alert is being issued to remind consumers about the proper handling and cooking of raw poultry products.

Nestlé Recalls Not-Ready-to-Eat Pepperoni Hot Pockets

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Dec. 11 Deadline Approaching for USDA Program for Farmers, Ranchers Impacted by COVID-19

FSA Staff Standing by to Help

December 7, 2020 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farmers and ranchers to apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) by Dec. 11, 2020. This program provides direct relief to producers facing market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19.

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