Ban salmonella bacteria on meat (Washington Post): Food-safety lawyer Bill Marler petitioned the USDA to label 31 disease-causing strains of salmonella bacteria as adulterants, which would require meat processors to keep them out of meat sold to consumers.
Prairie strips have a place at USDA (Harvest Public Media): A new land stewardship practice is available for land owners who enroll in the Conservation Reserve: planting native grasses and flowers in prairie strips to prevent erosion and runoff and enhance wildlife habitat.
Progress on vaccine bank (USDA): The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service plans to issue contracts for the purchase of $15-$30 million of vaccine against foot-and-mouth disease by this spring, part of plans to set up a vaccine bank to combat virulent animal diseases.
‘Kiwi Queen’ dies at 96 (Los Angeles Times): Frieda Caplan, “the woman who broke the testosterone-doused produce world,” introduced dozens of exotic fruits and vegetables into the American diet, including kiwis, mangoes, starfruit, bean sprouts and habanero peppers.
Pork checkoff board reorganizes (NPC): The National Pork Board, which administers the producer-funded pork checkoff program, announced its first restructuring in nearly 20 years, which includes appointment of a vice president of sustainability.