USDA Shares Enrollment of Six Additional States in Its National Milk Testing Strategy for H5N1

USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy Now Accounts for Two-Thirds of the Nation's Dairy Herds

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced an additional six states are enrolling in the National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS). This brings the total number of states testing under NMTS guidelines to 36 since the first round of states joined in early December.

With the enrollment of six additional states, the NMTS will account for bulk milk tank...

Rajbhog Foods Empanada Mislabeling Triggers FSIS Alert

The FSIS has issued a public health alert regarding frozen items labeled as Chicken Curry Empanadas from Rajbhog Foods.

These products may actually contain Apple Cinnamon Empanadas, which include milk, a known allergen. A recall was not initiated because the affected items are no longer available for purchase.

The frozen empanadas were produced on November 14, 2024, and packaged on November 20-21, 2024.

The 9.6 oz packages are in cardboard boxes labeled as "bettergoods TRADITIONALLY CRAFTED Chicken Curry Empanadas," with best-by...

Panera Brands Announces Leadership Change, Appoints Paul Carbone as Interim CEO

Panera Brands, one of the world’s largest fast-casual restaurant platforms and the parent company to Panera Bread and Caribou Coffee, has announced a change in leadership.

José Alberto Dueñas, who served as CEO of Panera Bread for just over a year and a half, is stepping down from his role.

During his tenure, Dueñas earned praise from Board Chair Patrick Grismer for his efforts in revitalizing the company’s menu, improving business margins, and strengthening organizational structure. Grismer noted that Dueñas successfully positioned the...

Americans Turn to Frozen and Dairy Aisles to Keep Resolutions

As millions of Americans begin tackling their New Year's resolutions today, new research reveals the frozen and dairy aisles are becoming important destinations for achieving health, budget and convenience goals. According to a survey commissioned by the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA), 66% of Americans say pre-portioned ingredients help them achieve their health goals, while 75% cite cost savings as a top reason for choosing the frozen and refrigerated aisles - signaling a continued shift in shopping and eating habits...

U.S. Dairy Councils Partner with Tackle Hunger to Provide Dairy Foods to Families in Need

With the continued increase in health disparities directly related to food insecurity in America, regional dairy councils across the nation announce a year-long collaboration with Tackle Hunger, to provide a fundraising opportunity for those who want to help their local food charity gain access to dairy foods like milk, cheese and yogurt. Milk is one of the most requested yet least donated items in food charities due to its perishability and refrigeration needs, but you can help change that with Tackle Hunger's innovative donation map...

Penn State Tests Dairy Herd for Bird Flu in Support of State Surveillance Effort

Animal health experts in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences have announced that — out of an abundance of caution — they will test the University’s dairy herd for highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, under a voluntary state testing program.

The announcement comes amidst an outbreak of bird flu that has affected dairy cattle in more than a dozen states since March. As of July 19, the virus had not been found in Pennsylvania dairy herds, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state animal...

USDA’s APHIS Answers Questions on Detection of HPAI in Dairy Cattle

Following the recent string of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) detections in dairy herds in several states, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the rapidly evolving situation.

As of Apil 3, 2024, six states have confirmed cases of HPAI in domestic livestock. The first confirmation was on March 25 in dairy milking cattle in Texas. Since then, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, Idaho, and Ohio have also reported HPAI in dairy cattle herds.

Below are some of the questions...